PRESS RELEASE
- Office cleaner, clerks among recipients*
- ‘We’ll continue to reward loyalty, dedication to excellence’ – Governor
Activities marking the Year 2023 Lagos State Public Service Week came to the highest point on Wednesday, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu rewarding 10 outstanding civil servants with grand prizes at the end of the weeklong event.
The prize winners – five each in both junior and senior cadres – were picked by a raffle draw openly held at a special luncheon organised at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.
A total of 156 outstanding officers, adjudged to have fulfilled the requirements for the Public Service Award, were recommended for recognition out of which 10 public officers emerged as winners. The nominations cut across the mainstream service, 89 MDAs, and Local Government Service.
An office cleaner and two clerical staff in Grade Levels 2, 4 and 5 were among the five finalists in the junior cadre who won the Governor’s N5 million cash prize.
Five other winners in the senior cadre went home with a brand new Geely Mikano saloon car.
Introduced 22 years ago, the Public Service Week was the fourth edition to be held under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The Governor said his administration sustained the tradition of marking public service week in fulfillment of his promise to reward and celebrate excellent performance, stressing that the awards served as motivation and encouragement for the employees in the State’s workforce to continue putting in their best efforts in the service of Lagosians.
Sanwo-Olu said the recognition underscored staff’s commitment in ensuring the successful implementation of his Government’s policies and programmes, which, he said, were aimed at elevating the living conditions of the people, while creating a conducive environment for investment, job and wealth creation.
He said: “I am delighted to acknowledge the high level of dedication, commitment and professionalism that the workforce in the Lagos State Public Service has continued to demonstrate and which have been a major factor in our achievements. Our civil servants have continuously lived up to the reputation and expectation of the quality of human resource required by a modern, vibrant, progressive and cosmopolitan city such as Lagos.
“This luncheon is a special recognition undertaken by our administration to acknowledge the contributions of civil servants in ensuring the successful implementation of our policies and programmes, which are aimed at elevating the living conditions of our people and also creating a conducive environment for investment, job and wealth creation.
“We have always shown commitment towards improving and prioritising the welfare of our workforce for increased productivity. We remain committed to this ideal, especially in the face of the current economic hardship being experienced as a result of the difficult but inevitable measures being implemented by the Federal Government to reposition our economy on a path of sustainable growth and development.”
Sanwo-Olu assured the State’s employees that the palliative measures rolled out by his Government towards cushioning the current hardship would not be discontinued until stability returned to the economy.
The Governor promised that the interventions being implemented to reduce the hardship would make workers’ living conditions better, urging the civil servants to continue to give in their best to the service of the State.
He congratulated the prize recipients for their loyalty and dedication to work, noting that the reward was to motivate them for more work.
“Our administration will continue to rely on the dedication, commitment and loyalty of the State workforce to deliver on our mandate which is to significantly surpass our achievements in our first tenure,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the Public Service Week was a special occasion that offered workers in all cadres a privilege to wine and dine with the Governor.
The Week, Muri-Okunola said, featured various outreach programmes, including free blood pressure test and free screening for life-threatening diseases, such as cervical, breast and prostate cancer, diabetes and hepatitis.
There was also special Jumat and Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Services, Walk for Fitness, visitation to charity organisations, Long Service Merit Award and a show tagged “Alausa Got Talent Series V”.
The HOS said: “I use this occasion to re-assure Mr. Governor of the continued total commitment and dedication of the entire Lagos State Public Service to effective and timely service delivery and efficient implementation of policies and programmes of the Government towards the realisation of the ‘THEMES Plus’ Agenda and collective dream of a Greater Lagos Rising.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
16 AUGUST 2023
Ganduje, Basiru are the final piece in jigsaw puzzle, says Omo-Agege
Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said the newly elected national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru who also emerged national secretary are to key to the success of the bold reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the buy-in of the National Assembly.
Being a democratic dispensation, Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, said Ganduje and Basiru have the task of ensuring that federal lawmakers and indeed all party faithful endorse and support President Tinubu in his bid to chart a fresh course for the economy.
“Just as Nigerians rightly put their faith in President Tinubu to right the ship of state, the emergence of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru as national chairman and secretary respectively of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle on a productive and progressive team Nigeria needs to return to the path of growth”, the former Deputy Senate President said in congratulating the two new national officers.
“Dr. Ganduje’s broad national outlook and dispassionate perception of issues made him have the remarkable record of being the first and only governor to win a second term in Kano State. He is an achiever.
“As for Senator Basiru, I worked closely with him in the 9th session of the National Assembly where he was the Senate spokesman. He is very diligent and straightforward.
“With both of them running the APC, the path to a stable polity is now assured. When the party is in trusted hands and there is a robust and cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive branch, the reform agenda of President Tinubu will be successful”, Omo-Agege said in his congratulatory message signed by Sunny Areh, his media adviser.
Dr. Ganduje, a two-term former governor of Kano, on Thursday emerged national chairman of APC alongside Sen. Basiru who was elected the new national secretary. Basiru was the spokesman of the Senate in the 9th session of the National Assembly.
They were officially ratified to replace the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, at the National Executive Council meeting attended by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
You were made to midwife a new era in Delta State, Omo-Agege eulogises Sobotie on his birthday
The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Elder Omeni Sobotie, has been described as a man ordained to midwife leadership change to usher the state away from the years of locust under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a goodwill message to mark his birthday, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, governorship candidate of the APC in the last gubernatorial election state, said Elder Sobotie’s connection with the masses and his commitment to the enthronement of a responsible and responsive leadership the people can hold to account has put the fight on an inexorable path to seeing the light day.
According to a press release issued by Omo-Agege’s media adviser, Sunny Areh, Elder Sobotie was described as a leader that does not compromise the basic principles he has espoused in his political life – seeking the best for the people.
Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy Senate President, appreciated Sobotie’s role in fostering unity among party faithful and providing cohesive and sustainable leadership, all of which were responsible for the resounding victories of the APC at the polls.
“Don Sobo, as he is widely know, has been a dogged and determined politician whose interests are always tailored towards the common good of all. His political sagacity is unenviable and worthy to be emulated for its finesse.
“You have always held aloft the virtues of fairness, accountability to the people and fear of God in all your dealings. You are a fantastic man manager and leader. As you mark your birthday today, I pray God continues to use you to change the fortunes of our people for the better. May He bless you with excellent health and reinforce in you the spirit of service to the people”, the former Deputy Senate President stated.
Sunny Areh
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
- The Secretary
Presidential Election Tribunal
Court of Appeal Complex
Abuja
Dear Justices,
THE 2023 NIGERIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND THE JUDICIARY
We, the Board of Trustees of Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA),
write to express our concern and voice our observations regarding the
awaited decisions of the Presidential Election Tribunal.
Over the past four weeks and in pursuit of our missions and objectives,
a Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA) delegation embarked on
extensive discussions with Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora over
promoting democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
One major issue that has emerged as a matter of utmost national
importance not only to Nigerians, but to all Africans and friends of
Africa, is the 2023 Nigeria Presidential Election and consequent judicial
process.
The results from Nigeria’s general elections have come under
international scrutiny as courts considered several petitions.
We strongly believe and the judges know, that, in the history of
Nigeria, no other election tribunal has raised the consciousness of
Nigerians more than the 2023 presidential election which they are
currently presiding over.
Arising from our discussions with Nigerians from diverse backgrounds is
the concern that the Judiciary needs to be cautious because if their
verdict fails to satisfy the requirements of justice it may detonate the
youth’s simmering anger and set the country ablaze.
The Judiciary is the only institution that has all that it takes to save
this country from the threat of implosion. All eyes have been on the
Judiciary because of Nigeria’s respect for the law.
It does not mean that the members of the Presidential Election Tribunal
are in a better position in this case to tell Nigerians the person who
won the presidential election. Nigerians do not wait for any court to
tell them the winner of any election. It is the electorate that should
tell the court because they know more than the court whom they voted to
be their president.
Since it is the prerogative of the court to ensure that truth and
justice prevail in any election dispute, the court has been given enough
evidence to pronounce the real winner of the 2023 presidential election.
We deplore the threat by a candidate in the elections against the
Judiciary that if he is removed for not measuring up to the demands of
the electoral laws of the land there will be chaos and anarchy in the
country. On the contrary, what is likely to cause chaos and anarchy is
any attempt to pervert the course of justice and the will of the people.
The outlook for the Judiciary in 2023 is a tricky one. There have been
moments in Nigeria’s history when the Judiciary distinguished itself as
a bastion of our democracy and cherished rule of law principles.
Opinions are however, bound to be divided, as to whether the recent
outlook of that institution inspires similar hope at this time. What is
clear is that we might have just come to one of such critical junctures
in our history again, and the enormous role of the Judiciary in shaping
it, should not be lost on it.
The Judiciary should therefore be bold and issue a just and fair
decision, without fear or favor, affection, or ill will. The Honourable
Justices must issue their judicial pronouncement in the spirit of Fīat
jūstitia ruat cælum “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
Yours faithfully,
Uche Martins
President, Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA)
Cc:
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)
- The President of the Court of Appeal
- The National Judicial Council
—————————-
*About Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA)*
DIASPORA ACTION FOR DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (DADA) is a Pan African
Organization established as a vehicle to mobilize all African Diaspora
across the world outside the African continent, to organize and deploy
people of African descent, their competencies, resources, and social
capital to redeem the African homeland from its state of
underdevelopment. We facilitate, promote, and support the advancement of
democracy that delivers good governance on the African continent, by
leveraging the African Diaspora across the world, employing their
creativity and resources to regenerate African civilization and
modernization. Nigeria is the largest African country and the largest
black nation. One out of four black persons is a Nigerian, and so Nigeria
is central to DADA operations, visions, and missions because a stable
and democratic Nigeria is central to the emancipation of the African
continent and the entire black race.
Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194.
henryebi@yahoo.com
To:henryebi@yahoo.com
Fri, Aug 18 at 1:51 AM
The Secretary
Presidential Election Tribunal
Court of Appeal Complex
Abuja
Dear Justices,
THE 2023 NIGERIA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND THE JUDICIARY
We, the Board of Trustees of Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA),
write to express our concern and voice our observations regarding the
awaited decisions of the Presidential Election Tribunal.
Over the past four weeks and in pursuit of our missions and objectives,
a Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA) delegation embarked on
extensive discussions with Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora over
promoting democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
One major issue that has emerged as a matter of utmost national
importance not only to Nigerians, but to all Africans and friends of
Africa, is the 2023 Nigeria Presidential Election and consequent judicial
process.
The results from Nigeria’s general elections have come under
international scrutiny as courts considered several petitions.
We strongly believe and the judges know, that, in the history of
Nigeria, no other election tribunal has raised the consciousness of
Nigerians more than the 2023 presidential election which they are
currently presiding over.
Arising from our discussions with Nigerians from diverse backgrounds is
the concern that the Judiciary needs to be cautious because if their
verdict fails to satisfy the requirements of justice it may detonate the
youth’s simmering anger and set the country ablaze.
The Judiciary is the only institution that has all that it takes to save
this country from the threat of implosion. All eyes have been on the
Judiciary because of Nigeria’s respect for the law.
It does not mean that the members of the Presidential Election Tribunal
are in a better position in this case to tell Nigerians the person who
won the presidential election. Nigerians do not wait for any court to
tell them the winner of any election. It is the electorate that should
tell the court because they know more than the court whom they voted to
be their president.
Since it is the prerogative of the court to ensure that truth and
justice prevail in any election dispute, the court has been given enough
evidence to pronounce the real winner of the 2023 presidential election.
We deplore the threat by a candidate in the elections against the
Judiciary that if he is removed for not measuring up to the demands of
the electoral laws of the land there will be chaos and anarchy in the
country. On the contrary, what is likely to cause chaos and anarchy is
any attempt to pervert the course of justice and the will of the people.
The outlook for the Judiciary in 2023 is a tricky one. There have been
moments in Nigeria’s history when the Judiciary distinguished itself as
a bastion of our democracy and cherished rule of law principles.
Opinions are however, bound to be divided, as to whether the recent
outlook of that institution inspires similar hope at this time. What is
clear is that we might have just come to one of such critical junctures
in our history again, and the enormous role of the Judiciary in shaping
it, should not be lost on it.
The Judiciary should therefore be bold and issue a just and fair
decision, without fear or favor, affection, or ill will. The Honourable
Justices must issue their judicial pronouncement in the spirit of Fīat
jūstitia ruat cælum “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
Yours faithfully,
Uche Martins
President, Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA)
Cc:
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)
- The President of the Court of Appeal
- The National Judicial Council
—————————-
*About Diaspora Action for Democracy in Africa (DADA)*
DIASPORA ACTION FOR DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA (DADA) is a Pan African
Organization established as a vehicle to mobilize all African Diaspora
across the world outside the African continent, to organize and deploy
people of African descent, their competencies, resources, and social
capital to redeem the African homeland from its state of
underdevelopment. We facilitate, promote, and support the advancement of
democracy that delivers good governance on the African continent, by
leveraging the African Diaspora across the world, employing their
creativity and resources to regenerate African civilization and
modernization. Nigeria is the largest African country and the largest
black nation. One out of four black persons is a Nigerian, and so Nigeria
is central to DADA operations, visions, and missions because a stable
and democratic Nigeria is central to the emancipation of the African
continent and the entire black race.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU APPROVES ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CNG INITIATIVE; TARGETS NATIONWIDE ADOPTION WITH WORKSHOPS FOR SMOOTH TRANSITION TO CNG-FUELLED VEHICLES
In furtherance of his commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs, President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).
This transformative initiative is poised to revolutionize the transportation landscape in the country, targeting over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles, while simultaneously bolstering in-country manufacturing, local assembly and expansive job creation in line with the presidential directive.
The landmark initiative, which comprises of a Comprehensive Adoption Strategy, will include the following: Empowering Workshops Programme w/ Nationwide Network of Workshops, Local Assembly and Job Creation as key points of emphasis with an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs in order to significantly reduce transit costs for the general populace in the immediate term.
Furthermore, in line with the PCNGI’s determination to ensure a seamless integration of CNG utility within the current midstream and downstream energy value chain to support its sustainability, the PCNGI will facilitate the provision of workshops across all geopolitical zones and states with essential kits and comprehensive training for newly employed staff, thus creating new opportunities for technical skill development and employment for Nigerians.
The new nationwide network of workshops, to be established through the initiative, would ensure widespread access and demand side utilization of CNG technology and CNG-related expertise, thereby facilitating smoother transitions for vehicle owners at the wider benefit of the Nigerian economy.
Under the aegis of the PCNGI, the following strategic objectives will be achieved:
— The development of new stakeholder-operated Intrastate Mass Transit systems built on CNG.
— Support for states to onboard new CNG buses as part of their Intrastate Mass Transit network (wholesale conversion, retro-fitting and new purchase).
— The deployment of CNG buses through existing Private Mass Transit operators, including new financing programmes for operators through an innovative asset finance programme.
— Incentivize investors to invest in CNG processing, distribution and utilization by providing incentives for enhanced investment and partnership.
— Deliver training and technology transfer to support the After-Sales Services and maintenance sub-industry to create sustainable jobs.
President Tinubu’s focus on assembling CNG-enabled vehicles within the country will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and bolster the nation’s automotive manufacturing capabilities.
The launch of this initiative also underscores this administration’s commitment to fostering a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy security through the utilization of domestic natural gas resources.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 18, 2023
