Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • 500 Days in Office: Sanwo-Olu to Review Scorecards of His Greater Lagos Agenda

    500 Days in Office: Sanwo-Olu to Review Scorecards of His Greater Lagos Agenda

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is set to mark his 500 days in office.

    To commemorate his 500 days in office, Sanwo-Olu would, on October 20, deliver a State of the State Address at a Press Conference at the Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The governor is expected to use the occasion to review the “Greater Lagos” journey and tender his scorecards to Lagosians. He would review the journey and offer Lagosians a peep into the future of the administration.

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    It would be recalled that the Sanwo-Olu administration hit 500 days in office on October 10.

    Sanwo-Olu would speak on the achievements of his administration, guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda, a six-pillar development strategy propelling the “Greater Lagos” journey.

    The past 500 days have been eventful and challenging – no thanks to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its lethal effects.

    Sanwo-Olu rallied Lagosians to battle the pandemic, even as he continued to deliver on his electoral promises.

    Despite COVID-19 and its attendant challenges, the Sanwo-Olu administration has continued to deliver on its electoral promises, focusing on human and infrastructural development.

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    The governor, in a statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, would speak on the state’s economy, his administration’s wonderful moves in education, health, transportation, poverty alleviation and employment as well as in other sectors.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Hamzat Visits Site of Baruwa Gas Explosion, Reaffirms Govt’s Position on Business Protocols

    Hamzat Visits Site of Baruwa Gas Explosion, Reaffirms Govt’s Position on Business Protocols

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has carried out an on-the-spot assessment to the site of gas explosion which occurred in Baruwa area of the state on Thursday.

    Speaking at the site of the incident, Hamzat said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government would not tolerate any form of carelessness, which could jeopardise the health and safety of the people.

    He called on business owners and entrepreneurs in Lagos State to always be responsible and mindful of the safety of others while siting their businesses to prevent loss of lives and property.

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    According to him, “We are not saying that people should not do business but you must not do it to the detriment of other people. It is okay to have a business but you cannot do that at the risk of people’s lives.”

    While describing the incident as very sad and unfortunate, the deputy governor disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu administration would ensure those in the hospital get the best treatment, just as he commiserated with the families of the deceased.

    He said the Sanwo-Olu administration would leave no stone unturned in its efforts at getting to the root cause of the explosion, adding that anyone who violates protocol in siting gas stations would be prosecuted.

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    “There are protocols to be followed in doing things. As a government we have to make sure that those protocols are followed and in cases where the protocols are not followed, people are prosecuted to the full extent of the law in order to serve as an example,” he said.

    Hamzat was accompanied on the visit by Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, and the Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Femi Oke-Osanyintolu.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu’s Govt Rallies Support for Epileptic Patients

    Sanwo-Olu’s Govt Rallies Support for Epileptic Patients

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has charged the general public to give necessary support to persons suffering from epilepsy and desist from the act of discriminating against people with hereditary medical conditions, especially diseases that are not self-imposed.

    Sanwo-Olu, who stated this through Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu, explained that people with epileptic diseases suffer much stigma and discrimination, hence the need for a change of mindset towards them.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu

    The commissioner made the call while declaring open a virtual training programme organised by the ministry for social workers and caregivers themed: “Sensitisation and Training the Trainers on Epilepsy and Its Management.”

    Dawodu said it’s a well-known fact that epilepsy is like any other hereditary disease that affects people of all ages, noting that it’s not infectious but called for a stop to the stigmatisation and discrimination against victims of the terrible ailment.

    He noted that the virtual training was designed to create awareness and also train social workers and caregivers on how to handle people suffering from epilepsy, adding that this was necessary because of their huge roles in managing and caring for sufferers.

    Dawodu, therefore, urged the participants to make judicious use of the training opportunity, describing the facilitators selected for the programme as specialists in their field with years of experience about the disease.

    In her contribution at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Yewande Falugba, stated that the awareness programme was to further enhance the knowledge of social workers and caregivers for proper handling of epileptic cases.

    Affirming that the wellbeing of citizens is vital for improved productivity, Falugba maintained that the virtual training programme would be rewarding to participants as seasoned experts in the field of neuropsychology discussed important issues about epilepsy.

    Also speaking at the training programme, a leading Consultant Neurologist in the state, Seyi Roberts, applauded Lagos State Government for its efforts in creating awareness about the disease, noting that it would go a long way in erasing all erroneous beliefs and misconceptions people have about the disease.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Mary Special Needs Foundation, Adedoyin Oseni, expressed optimism that participants would benefit from the experience garnered by her organisation through its dedication to creating awareness on the causes, prevention and management of epilepsy, among others.

    Idowu Showunmi

  • Lagos Organises ‘Independence Watermania’ to Reward Boat Passengers

    Lagos Organises ‘Independence Watermania’ to Reward Boat Passengers

    [File Photo] R-L: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Managing Director/CEO, Lagos Ferry Services (Lagferry), Abdoulbaq Balogun; Commissioner for Transport, Frederic Oladeinde and Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Jaji during the launch of Lagferry Operations, Mobile App and new Boats at Badore Ferry Terminal, Ajah, earlier in the year.
    In commemorating Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has concluded plans to reward passengers, organise boat cruise and tours to landmark places in the Centre of Excellence.

    Disclosing this on Monday, the Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, said the Sanwo-Olu administration would be celebrating Nigeria at 60 by appreciating Lagosians who have embraced water transportation as a reliable alternative to road transportation.

    He also announced a 60 per cent payable rate on all boat trips from September 30 to October 2 with the opportunity for passengers to win various prizes through a raffle draw.

    The managing director added that a boat cruise has been organised for October 3 on its MV Adimu Orisa, in addition to a tour of historic and landmark places on October 1 (Independence Day) scheduled for the general public from Mile 2 to Badagry.

    Ladi-Balogun explained that prospective tourists would have the opportunity to visit the First Storey Building in Nigeria, Point of No Return and Slave Barracoon, among others in Badagry.

    On the Falomo to Epe Boat Tour, he noted that interested passengers would visit the Ancient Aiyetoro Market, Chief Oluwo Fish Market, LASU Epe Campus and Epe Resort.

    LAGFERRY boss added that other planned routes for the day include Igbogbo-Bayeku Local Development Council Area, Ikorodu to Badore Ajah, Ilaje Bariga to Victoria Island to Falomo Ikoyi to CMS/Marina and Ebute Ero in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

    According to him, “As Nigerians, we have every cause to celebrate our diversity and unity every October 1 and Lagos, being the Centre of Excellence with the largest concentration of all ethnic groups in the country, has a pivotal role to play to sustain unity. This is why we intend to celebrate independence by showcasing our history, culture and heritage.”

    While assuring Lagosians of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to continuously place a priority on waterways safety, Ladi-Balogun said all passengers of LAGFERRY are fully insured while the boats are safe with strict adherence to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols and other regulations.

    “As part of our safety regulations, it is compulsory for all boat passengers to wear life jackets before boarding, washing of hands with water and use of sanitisers, temperature check, maintaining physical distance between clients and operating within regulated hours.

    “It must also be noted that all the boats are equipped with modern technology and onboard entertainment,” he explained.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu Identifies Real Estate Business as Key Factor of Lagos Economy

    Sanwo-Olu Identifies Real Estate Business as Key Factor of Lagos Economy

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has identified real estate business as a key sector that has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the state’s economy, saying his administration could not afford to miss this opportunity.

    Speaking at the maiden Policy Roundtable Dialogue with the theme: “International Best Practice on Real Estate Regulations,” organised by Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), Sanwo-Olu charged property developers, investors, real estate lawyers and practitioners to work with his administration to create a home ownership model that would help the state government address the deficits observed in housing market in Lagos State.

    The governor raised concern over the huge gap observed in the provision of mass housing to large number of residents, describing the situation as unacceptable. He said Lagos State Government was ready to bridge the gap by partnering the private sector and working with stakeholders to ensure people have access to viable home services.

    Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration had started to identify big players in the real estate sector that would partner with the government to raise housing stock of in the state. He said the government was ready to provide enabling environment for the investors to put their finances in creation of viable housing market for residents.

    According to him, “Public Private Partnership is one of the options we are exploring to realise our objectives of providing viable housing scheme for our citizens. We are at the edge of identifying real big players in the real estate sector to see how well we can leapfrog housing stock in our state. The government is ready to provide enabling environment and remove the bottlenecks that may impede this opportunity.

    “The housing stock deficit that we have in Lagos is not acceptable, but we all know the government cannot provide everything. We certainly need to explore opportunities in private investment to ensure we realise our objective.

    “Real estate business has the potential of contributing 25 per cent growth to the State’s economy and we cannot let this opportunity pass by.”

    Sanwo-Olu said part of the efforts being made by the government to raise the investment level of real estate business is to improve the turnaround time on land transactions. He said the state government had started improvement work on its Geographic Information System (GIS) platform to enable real estate investors have real time information on status of property they are investing in.

    The governor harped on lack of accurate data on real estate investment in the state, pledging that the state would be working with the practitioners to create workable database that would help investors and government. He added that his administration would introduce legislations that would help curb bad behaviors among tenants and property owners.

    He disclosed that his administration would be launching a N5 billion seed capital through Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to support businesses that want to provide succour to citizens in different areas.

    In his remarks, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, assured the stakeholders that the current administration was ready to regulate business and protect the citizens from abuse and fraudulent transactions.

    Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the incumbent administration would not fail in its social responsibility to the people and investors.

    She said: “The reason for the emphasis on registration with the Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers is to provide protection to citizens from imposters, fraudsters and reduce sharp practices associated with some unauthorised individuals who are not registered members of any professional association in Lagos and the country at large.

    “I urge all stakeholders to join hands with the state government to eliminate dubious individuals in the Real Estate industry and deal with them in accordance with relevant laws of the state.

    “This way, the integrity of the business will be restored and international investment will increase. LASRERA portal will provide local and foreign investors with the relevant data analytics for market transparency and intelligence that will help the growth and development of the real estate sector.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Judiciary: Sanwo-Olu Reiterates Commitment Towards Quick Dispensation of Justice

    Lagos Judiciary: Sanwo-Olu Reiterates Commitment Towards Quick Dispensation of Justice

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday reiterates that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development.

    This was said by Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at a church service marking the New Legal Year Service of the Lagos State Judiciary held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

    Lagos State First Lady Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at a church service marking the New Legal Year Service of the Lagos State Judiciary, September 22, 2020.

    Mrs Sanwo-Olu in a statement said: “Mr Governor seized the opportunity of the service to congratulate His Lordship, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba and the entire member of the Judicial arm on the successful completion of the 2019/2020 legal year inspite of challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The Governor recognises that fairness and justice is the foundation for peace, stability, growth and development, and this is why he reiterated the commitment of his administration towards providing the right atmosphere for quick dispensation of justice”, First Lady Sanwo-Olu said.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu, Cinema Owners to Work Together to Protect Creative Industry

    Sanwo-Olu, Cinema Owners to Work Together to Protect Creative Industry

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and other key stakeholders in the Nigerian film sector Wednesday met virtually and agreed to work collaboratively to protect the creative industry.

    The meeting, which was moderated by filmmaker and television host, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly called Mo Abudu, provided a veritable avenue for the governor and the stakeholders in the creative industry to rob minds together for the prosperity of the industry.

    CEAN representatives during the meeting expressed concerns about their sector, appealing to the governor to reopen the cinemas and open up the sector for business.

    They promised to adhere strictly to the laid down Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety guidelines.

    Speaking on behalf of the association, Moses Babatope expressed the desire of cinema owners to reopen for business.

    According to him, “We are ready to reopen our cinemas any time today or tomorrow. Cinemas outside Lagos are already opened and they are complying with all the necessary protocols.

    “We understand that your office is being careful about health and safety of Lagosians, but we also assure you that these are top considerations for us too.”

    The association also requested the Sanwo-Olu administration to set up a film office whose function would include liaising with foreign investors while also serving as a major hub for the film industry in Lagos.

    A film maker and one of the participants at the meeting, Omoni Oboli appealed to the governor for tax waivers, saying no one in the film industry has earned a revenue in the past six months.

    “Mr. Governor, we want you to help us with some tax break. As you may be aware sir, none of us has earned any revenue in the past six months. We want you to use your good office to help our industry,” she said.

    In his response, Sanwo-Olu assured the film industry experts of his administration’s readiness to protect their interest, saying he’s a new convert having seen the level of creativity and economic importance of the sector.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to work collaboratively with the creative industry, adding that his government would do all that is possible to ensure that the sector thrives in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government is mindful of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on the entertainment industry particularly the cinema sector, promising to work with the association to achieve a win-win situation.

    He said: “We would work collaboratively with your industry. I am aware of the enormous challenges you face especially in this period of COVID-19 pandemic. But as you know, we have to do what is right to protect the lives and property of millions of Lagosians.”

    Sanwo-Olu promised to look into all the requests made and return to them in due course.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu Announces Resumption Dates for Academic Session in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu Announces Resumption Dates for Academic Session in Lagos

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has announced dates for the resumption of public and private schools after the closure, resulting from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic a few months ago.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Sunday by Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, explained that his administration is adopting a phased approach to the reopening of public schools in Lagos State in order to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    The statement said the present set of JS3 and SS2 students in public schools in the state would resume classes from September 21, so as to allow JS3 students who are already in an exit-class to revise and prepare adequately for their forthcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by the Lagos State Examination Board and scheduled to hold between October 6 and 12.

    The commissioner added that the resumption would also afford the present SS2 students the opportunity to prepare effectively for their transition to SS3.

    Regarding the resumption of private primary and secondary schools in the state, the statement said the schools are permitted to resume from September 21, reaffirming the need for school owners to institute all necessary safety protocols as well as resume in phases similar to the plans for public schools.

    “Phased opening includes strategies for staggered resumption in the mornings, classes on alternate days during the week and teaching through various distance learning methods.

    “Schools must also comply with safety protocols and hygiene guidelines as instructed by Lagos State Government, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), which will also continue to monitor and evaluate Schools’ preparedness,” Adefisayo said.

    She emphasised that pre-primary classes in both public and private schools would remain closed until further announcements are made, reiterating that the pandemic still exists, urging all stakeholders to prioritise the safety of the children, teachers and parents as well as the whole community.

    She added that the scheduled dates and venues for the Entrance Examination into Lagos State Model Colleges would soon be announced by Lagos State Examination Board.

    Assuring parents that announcements relating to the resumption of other classes would be made as soon as the government is certain of safety, Adefisayo disclosed that the students belonging to the yet-to-resume classes in public schools would continue their lessons on the various distance learning platforms created by the state government.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • To Curb Menace of Human Trafficking & Irregular Migration, Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Task Force

    To Curb Menace of Human Trafficking & Irregular Migration, Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Task Force

    Worried by the menace of human trafficking, which has become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them and selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and modern day slavery, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday inaugurated a Task Force on Human Trafficking to curb the scourge in the state.

    The governor also charged members of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking to come up with brilliant ideas, innovations and policies that would assist the state government in curbing the menace.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the task force at Lagos House in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged all members of the task force to see their appointment as a call to service.

    According to him, “The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many global inequalities and plunged many economies like ours into recession, leaving millions of people at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriages and other crimes.

    “What this implies is that the pandemic has created more economic difficulties for many especially women, young ladies and children who are the most vulnerable and might become exposed to the perils of human trafficking in a bid to seek better lives.

    “In view of this, I strongly believe that this initiative of constituting Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking could not have come at a better time than now when it is needed more than ever that we put human dignity and human rights at the forefront and governments across all levels need to join hands and make collaborative efforts to put an end to the scourge of human trafficking.

    “The government and people of Lagos State understand the value of partnership as an inestimable tool in combating the transnational organised crime of human trafficking and as a result, we use this opportunity to assure you of our unwavering support, collaboration and strong partnership in providing all that is needed to ensure we bring an end to the menace of human trafficking in our society.

    “Everyday, in every country of the world, at least a person is reported as a victim of human trafficking while several other cases go either unnoticed or unreported. The menace of human trafficking has not only become a sad reality, it has also sadly become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them, selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and also until very recently into modern day slavery.

    “Unfortunately, human trafficking has now become that bitter bile that is not felt by the victims alone, but rather affects humanity in general as it encroaches on our right and dignity as a people.

    “For years, local and international media have been awash with horrifying stories of people especially Nigerian women and girls who have been trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation, and also of migrants trapped in Libya in slavery-like conditions or dying as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea.

    “These stories however, sadly reflect the large and increasing problem of human trafficking within and from Nigeria in recent years and also gives certain credibility to the recent statistics by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of potential sex trafficking victims arriving Europe by sea, with most of them arriving from Nigeria.”

    Sanwo-Olu, who noted that the situation of human trafficking has become a nightmare, commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their relentless efforts in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.

    He also appreciated NAPTIP for the ways they have been rendering assistance to human trafficking victims that are being rehabilitated.

    “I must applaud you for this brilliant idea of re-constituting Lagos State Working Groups on Human Trafficking into State Task Forces that will be equipped with the requisite skills and technical support to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate our government’s policies and programmes aimed at countering the terrible scourge of human trafficking,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, said the problem of human trafficking and irregular migration have become a great national concern, especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries, apart from the hundreds that continue to die in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

    “Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking has a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitisation at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcements.

    “This requires strong political will and budgetary provisions on the part of the srate government, in addition to the commitment of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders,” she said.

    Okah-Donli also commended Sanwo-Olu and members of his cabinet for partnering with NAPTIP to stem the tide of the twin evils of human trafficking and irregular migration in Lagos State and Nigeria.

    She said: “Lagos State has in the past supported the operations of Lagos Zonal Command of NAPTIP and I would like to appeal for stronger collaborations and support to enable the agency achieve its mandate in Lagos, which unarguably is the commercial business capital of Nigeria.”

    In her remarks, the Counter Trafficking Officer of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bertha Kaluocha Ngurulu, described migration as not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed and therefore promised continued partnership with federal and state governments in facilitating humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

    She disclosed that IOM since 2011 has been providing support to Nigerian government in areas of migration and development as well as facilitating migration, regulating migration and forced migration, assisted voluntary return of both irregular and regular migrants in need of protection.

    Responding,Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who is also the Chairman of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking, assured Sanwo-Olu and NAPTIP that his team would work tirelessly to fight the pandemic and ensure that people feel the impact of the task force in the state.

    The inauguration of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking was attended by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, among other government officials.

    Among the member of the task force, which is made up of officials from security agencies, government agencies and civil society and community-based groups are: Co-chairman, Daniel Atokolo (NAPTIP); Olufusayo Adejoke Alabi (Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation); Oladotun Odubona and Ighodalo Margaret (Police); Toyin Odusanya (Citizens Right); Patricia Ebegbulem (Bakhita Safe House); Adegboyega Bajulaiye (Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LSNC); Iyabo Ogundiran (Legal Hub on Anti-Trafficking); John Deborah Chigozie (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC); and Ogunluyi Titilope (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA).

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Sanwo-Olu Promises Better Service Delivery, Inspects Lagos Revenue House & Multi-agency Building

    Sanwo-Olu Promises Better Service Delivery, Inspects Lagos Revenue House & Multi-agency Building

    In line with his administration’s determination to ensure prompt completion of the projects conceived by Lagos State Government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inspected the progress of work at Lagos Revenue House and Multi-agency Building at Alausa, assuring that the projects would be delivered by December 2020.

    Speaking during an unscheduled visit to the two iconic structures, the governor expressed his administration’s determination to reduce the cost of governance and promote inter-communication among agencies through provision of sustainable office infrastructure for its workforce.

    Sanwo-Olu explained that the projects were conceived by the state government out of the twin desire to scale down the incidental costs of premises rentals and accommodate most parastatals of the state within the vicinity of Lagos State’s secretariat.

    The governor noted the need to accommodate the phased delivery of the projects so as to meet the delivery by December 2020.

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    “I have inspected the progress of work at Lagos Revenue House and Multi-agency Building at Alausa.

    “These public buildings will create a better work environment for our workers and enhance workplace productivity when completed.

    “We have an end-of-year completion target and this inspection is in line with our commitment to ensure prompt completion of government projects.

    “The goal is to accommodate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within the vicinity of the state’s secretariat for better service delivery,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He urged the contractor handing the projects to ensure an early completion of the infrastructure.

    The governor was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Oduyoye, and Lagos State Commissioner for Budget, Samuel Egube, among other top government officials.

    Lagos Revenue House (formerly Elephant House) building consists of four wings of seven floors, including a wing of eight floors, while the Multi-agency Building has a multi-storey structure, consisting of three blocks on a total area of site of 2.01 hectares.

    Lagos Revenue House is located at the Central Business District Ikeja. When completed, it’s proposed to accommodate all government agencies involved with revenue generations in the state.

    The project comprises four wings – A, B, C and D, with three of the wings consisting of seven floors and D with eight floors. Some of the facilities provided in the building are borehole water, storage tank, water treatment plant, central sewage treatment plants and pumping machines.

    Other ancillary facilities include: four gate houses, a generator house, a central open courtyard, four lifts, offices, toilets and other conveniences.

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    On the other hand, the Multi-agency Building comprises two blocks (A and C) of five floors and one Block B of eight floors with Pent House on each of the last floors for conference and meeting spaces.

    The ground and first floors are designed to accommodate car parks, while the second to seventh floors are designed as office accommodation.

    Others features include in the project are: two elevators per block, canteen and kitchens for each block, conveniences, central air conditioning systems and tamp concrete finishes for the carport, among others.

    Photos:

    Idowu Sowunmi