. As Duke, Gana flag off Rivers State’s 11th and 12the flyovers
There were palpable excitement in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital last week during the flag off of the 11th and 12th flyovers in the City to be constructed by Nigeria’s cutting edge and leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Appreciating Julius Berger’s premium quality project antecedents during the flag off of the 11th flyover at Rumuokwuta/Rumuola junction, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, the State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said the company has stood by the State Government and its efforts at developing lasting infrastructures, adding, “that is why we trust that Julius Berger will again deliver on this flyover in due time.” Governor Wike added that the foregoing explained why his administration has made every effort to make available needed funds to complete projects as every project started by his administration must be completed before he leaves office next year. “We do not want any case of abandoned project by the time we leave office next year,” he further said. Continuing, Wike said, “…I have released the money for the compensation of every property that will be affected here,”
In his remarks at the event, representative of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Executive Director, Tobias Meletschus, expressed “management’s appreciation for the trust and confidence reposed in the company by the Rivers State Government.” He added that the company is ever aware of the high expectations of the Government and good people of Rivers state on the ability of Julius Berger to deliver the flyover on schedule, adding, “We have never failed you and we will not fail you on this too.”
Former Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Donald Duke who officially flagged off the flyover praised the “synergistic effects of the relationship between the State Government and Julius Berger Plc”, adding that, “it is worth emulating by others who want to develop.”
Speaking to technical specificities of the project, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dakorinama George-Kelly, explained that the 11th flyover is 1007.5 meters long, stretching from the Ebony junction on Rumola road to the Seventh Day Adventist church on Ikwerre road.
At the flag off of the 12th flyover also known as the Ada George Location flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state next day, Governor Wike said the project is scheduled to be completed within 10 months adding that payment for work done will not be a problem. He said, “anybody who has used this area will know very well that it has been horrible. Some of us, coming from where we are living to the airport, each time we get to this area, the kind of traffic here is unprecedented. We therefore decided to see how we can decongest the traffic situation that has negatively affected the economic activities in this area.” Wike also said “… I have released the funds for the compensation of properties that are affected here.”
According to former Information minister, Professor Jerry Gana who flagged off the Ada George Location flyover, “…the Governor, the Government, the people of Rivers state and the contractor have done well in agreeing to build enduring economic infrastructures for this state. I commend you.”
At the event, Julius Berger’s Executive Director Corporate Development, Tobias Meletschus, again assured the Government and people of Rivers State of “the usual Julius Berger standard job delivery, and on schedule, too.”
Also accompanying Mr. Tobias Meletscus on the Julius Berger delegation to the ceremonies in Port Harcourt were Project Manager, Engr. Terna, Contract Manager, Barr. (Mrs) Efe Awure, Project Coordinator South south/South east Chief Sam Ngbor, and Special Projects Manager, Engr. Rimon Marisho, amongst others.
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH SEGUN ODEGBAMI AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari shares in the joy of the occasion as Nigeria’s iconic football star, sports administrator and broadcaster, Chief Olusegun Odegbami, turns 70, August 27, 2022, congratulating the former national team player and his family for many years of service to the nation and humanity.
President Buhari rejoices with Chief Odegbami for a distinguished career in sports, with eight years as a national team player, 1974-1982, earning the respect of team players and fans, at home and across Africa, particularly for his dazzling skills and accuracy in scoring for which he was nicknamed “Mathematical Odegbami’’.
The President notes the versatility of the former skipper of the Green Eagles, who also served as adviser to the technical crew of national teams, inspired many athletes to stardom, and positioned himself for successes in writing, publishing, acting, broadcasting and farming.
As the respected footballer turns a septuagenarian, President Buhari believes his experience, leadership skills and network of friends across many fields and places remain relevant for growing the country.
President Buhari prays for longer life, good health and prosperity for Chief Odegbami and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 27, 2022
$23m Abacha loot: SERAP writes Buhari, seeks ‘copy of agreement with US’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to provide our organization with a copy of the agreement the Federal Government recently signed with the United States for the repatriation of $23 million stolen by late General Sani Abacha.”
The United States government had last week signed an agreement with the Federal Government to repatriate $23 million Abacha loot to Nigeria.
In the letter dated 27 August 2022 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “By the combined reading of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s international obligations, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the agreement on the $23 million Abacha loot.”
SERAP said, “Providing us with a copy of the agreement with the US, and publishing the agreement would allow Nigerians to scrutinise it, and to monitor the spending of the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot to ensure that the money is not mismanaged, diverted or stolen.”
SERAP expressed “concern that the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot is vulnerable to corruption and mismanagement. Substantial part of the estimated $5 billion returned Abacha loot since 1999 may have been diverted, re-stolen or mismanaged, and in any case remain unaccounted for.”
The letter, read in part: “The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“Your government has a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how any repatriated stolen funds are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
“SERAP also urges you to provide details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not mismanaged, diverted or re-stolen.”
“We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Publishing a copy of the agreement signed with the US would also promote transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds. Nigerians are entitled to their constitutionally and internationally recognized human right to information.”
“Publishing a copy of the agreement would ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of repatriated loot.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including to a copy of the agreement on the repatriated $23 million Abacha loot.”
“According to our information, the US government recently signed an agreement with the Federal Government to repatriate $23 million Abacha loot to Nigeria.”
“The agreement was signed on behalf of your government by Mr Abubakar Malami. This repatriation brings the total amount of funds repatriated in the Abacha case by the US to more than $334.7 million.”
The letter was copied to Mr Abubakar Malami.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
28/8/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES FORMER GOVERNOR OF ADAMAWA STATE, MURTALA NYAKO, AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, on his 80th birthday, rejoicing with the ex-Chief of Naval Staff, who distinguished himself in leadership as a military officer, democrat, farmer, and entrepreneur.
The President notes the dedication and commitment of the political leader, who also served as military Governor of Niger State, willingly accepting responsibilities that call for nation building, especially in people and community development.
As the former Governor turns 80, the President extols his courage, sacrifice and selflessness, preferring to put the people first in public policy, and working hard to ensure a better life for many.
President Buhari commends Nyako’s visionary investment in agriculture, culminating in a conglomerate that exports products, and provides employment opportunities and mentorship for many.
The President prays that the Almighty God will bless and keep the former Chief of Naval Staff and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 27, 2022
SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES 250-SEATER LECTURE HALL AT LASUED, APPLAUDS OTO-AWORI MONARCH FOR GESTURE
- Governor approves construction of 750-seater theatre, buses, free Internet for Education varsity
- ‘Why I donated project to school’
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, inaugurated a 250-seater lecture hall donated by Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom, Oba Josiah Ilemobade Aina, to the newly upgraded Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) in Ijanikin, Badagry Division.
The Governor was in the Oto-Awori Kingdom to felicitate with the monarch on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary. The lecture hall was donated by the monarch to mark the anniversary.
The king’s gesture, Sanwo-Olu said, is worthy of emulation, noting that the facility would be complementary to those being built on the campus by the State Government, as part of the projects initiated after the school was upgraded from College of Education to a university by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Governor, at the event, explained why the school, alongside Lagos State Polytechnic, was elevated to degree-awarding institutions.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, as a big city with a high population of young people, was being underserved by one university, necessitating the need to raise the standards of LASPOTECH and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, elevating them to raise human capital.
He said: “Education and technology have been the key parts of our deliverables. This objective can only be achieved when we have standard tertiary institutions offering competitive opportunities to raise human capital. The late Alhaji Lateef Jakande gave us Lagos State University over 40 years ago. Why should we not build more on this solid foundation? As big as Lagos is, with a huge population, having one State university does not befit us.
“Lagos cabinet, with the approval of the House of Assembly and NUC, set up two more universities to complement LASU and we got the approvals to establish the schools at the same time. This dream has come true and Oto-Awori Kingdom is a beneficiary. The gesture of Oto-Awori king to support our efforts to improve access to education with the donation of a lecture hall is an act that is worthy of emulation.”
Sanwo-Olu said he had approved the construction of a 750-seater Lecture Theater on LASUED campus, just as he directed procurement of two high-capacity buses for students to aid their mobility to and from the campus.
The Governor additionally offered free campus-wide high-speed Internet for research work and other academic usage.
Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to appeal to towns locked in communal crisis in the area, urging them to embrace peace. The Governor cautioned all parties against destruction of properties and public facilities, stressing that development would only happen in an atmosphere of peace.
The Governor congratulated Oba Aina for the milestones the kingdom attained during his reign, describing the monarch as “man of peace”.
“Kabiesi has not only invited us to celebrate with him on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary, he has also challenged all of us in giving back to our communities. His gesture is worthy of emulation and this makes him a man of his words. This is why I personally come here to identify with him and the entire Oto-Awori Kingdom in the Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The monarch said his gesture to support the Government’s intervention in education was borne out of his pledge to assist indigent people surmounting impediment preventing them from going to school.
Oba Aina recalled he could not finish his academic programme at an Ondo university because of N6,000 fee. He promised to embark on more education-focused projects to support Government’s efforts.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
28 AUGUST 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU URGES YOUTH TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE FUTURE
- Governor says Nigerians should unite, shun division
- Clergy appeals to FG, ASUU to call off Union strike
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, described Nigerian youth as the future of the World and urged them to take charge of the future, today.
He admonished the youth to participate actively in different activities that are geared toward nation-building, saying leadership is not only achieved when people are elected as governors or president but from various roles assigned wherever they find themselves such as in the church.
The Governor added that serving in the house of God is a good foundation for greater career service.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this during the Year 2022 Children and Youth Harvest Thanksgiving of the Our Saviour’s Church, Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Marina, Lagos, with the theme “Harvest of Restoration and Divine Satisfaction.”
He said: “What the church stands for is to give you (youths) the foundation and space for you to be able to do those things you want to do and fly to whatever height. Because indeed, you are not just the future of the nation, you are indeed the future of the world and the future is now. And so you need to be partaker of it and take full charge of it.”
Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, who were Parents of the Day for the Harvest Programme, also urged Nigerians to unite, shun division and make the right choices to create a tomorrow that everybody will be proud of.
He said his government will continue to be responsible and responsive to the people of Lagos State, adding that his administration will ensure development in every part of Lagos State in line with the Greater Lagos Development agenda.
He said: “Let us hold ourselves together. Whatever is dividing us as a country are the little things that can also unite us as a country. Let us make the right choices. Let us create a tomorrow that all of them can be proud of.
“We have that responsibility to continue to make this place (Lagos) safe. We have that responsibility to continue to make sure that we will not divide ourselves. We will continue to create opportunities for every one of our citizens. And we will continue to make it home to all for as long as they want to be peaceful and law-abiding.”
Speaking earlier, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church, TBS, The Ven. Ife Okupevi, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) by speaking to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Education and other stakeholders for quick resolution between the Federal Government and ASUU to end the union strike that has grounded tertiary education for many months.
Ven Okupevi also praised the Babajide Sanwo-Olu for taking necessary action against COVID-19 and the security being enjoyed in Lagos State, as well provision of infrastructures in different parts of the State.
In his sermon, the Preacher, The Revd Emmanuel Mordi, urged Christians to use their resources for God and urged those in positions of authority to be merciful to the people and ensure justice.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
28 AUGUST 2022
Okowa deplores delay in Leisure Park, Film Village completion
Delta Governor, Sen (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday deplored the delay in the completion of Leisure Park and Film Village projects being constructed by the state government in Asaba, saying it was unacceptable.
He directed the contractor to ensure that all outstanding work was completed for the inauguration of the projects at the end of October, and assured that every necessary provision would be made to meet the deadline.
Okowa stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after inspecting the projects, and announced that the facilities would be commercialised to ensure their sustainability.
He explained that the government would not be in a position to manage the projects but would hand it over to the private sector for proper management.
According to him, there is an improvement from the last time we came here but I must also say that we are behind time for which I am not happy and I have made that known to both the consultant and the contractor.
“We are going to work around it and make sure that in the next two months, October ending precisely, the place will be fully ready.
“On the other hand, the place is not somewhere that the state government can run by itself; it’s going to be commercially run by those who already have insight and experience in the business.
“I believe we are going to get greater service and functionality to the communities around and to all visitors, if it’s commercially run.
“There are three aspects of the whole place, the Leisure Park, the film village and the Zoo; all will be run commercially.
“I was informed that over 70 per cent of the animals that would come in, cannot come in now until there is a final finish to the areas.
“We saw the lion and some other things and we are hoping that in the next one month it would be handled because we are going to look for alternative quick funding for them,” he said.
On the Film Village, Okowa said tbat the state, as a movie hub in the country, was already partnering Nollywood, adding “in fact, it’s our conversation with them that resulted to this and strategically located because it is just located by the Leisure Park itself.
“It provides the needed environment for them to function properly and it’s going to be a place for all the actors and actresses in this country.
“They will wish to come in here because this is the first of its kind we have in the country as at today.”
Presidential candidates violated electoral law at NBA Conference – Kingsley Wali
The Convener of Unity House Foundation (UHF), a good governance and social justice advocacy group, Kingsley Wenenda Wali, has chastised the presidential candidates for the 2023 polls present at the 2022 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), for turning the venue of the event into a campaign ground, in contravention of the electoral law.
Wali, a Port Harcourt-based businessman, said it was extremely appalling and nauseating to see people who are seeking to lead the country openly campaigning in such a gathering watched by the whole world, when the electoral umpire has not blown the whistle for the commencement of electioneering campaigns, as required by the laws of the land.
Speaking in an interview, the UHF Convener, disclosed that the group was working towards embarking on a crusade for violence-free campaigns ahead of the 2023 general election.
His words: “Let me start by saying that the Unity House Foundation which I am a member of, will from the second week of September, embark on a campaign for a violence-free electioneering in both the campaigns and the election proper. We intend to engage the public and the political class on the need to be civil, the need to focus on what the issues are and the need for them to be law-abiding too. But I won’t fail at this point to mention that I’m a bit disappointed with the fact those who intend to lead Nigeria have started their campaign by breaking the laws of the land. A man who is lawless is unlikely to offer quality service to the people. If you don’t have regard for the laws of the land, I don’t know how to expect that you are going to obey the law or you are not going to circumvent the law or even suppress the law of the land when you become President, Governor or whatever. INEC has not lifted the ban on campaign based on the electoral law. The ban on campaign will be lifted on the 28th of September. But those who are pretending to be leaders or those who want to get into power to lead Nigeria have started very badly by disobeying the laws of the land. I was very disgusted when I saw politicians openly violating the electoral law by campaigning for votes at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference. It was as disgusting, as irritating and as despicable as you can imagine, that some people who are going to be the number-one defender of the laws of the land if elected President are violating the laws of the land by openly campaigning for votes very much against the law that is governing the electoral process.”
Continuing, he added: “It is an indication of the kind of characters that want to lead the country. If you cannot obey the laws of the land, how do I believe that you can hold the laws of this country in trust for the Nigerian people. So, these are the kinds of things that scare me. If you cannot obey the laws of the land and you say you want to be a president and you started by flouting the laws and guidelines for the electoral process, why should I trust you with power? And it wasn’t something that was done in some inconsequential gathering, but such a platform where the international community were watching and you saw people recklessly campaigning for votes when the ban on campaigns has not been lifted.”
PRESS RELEASE
GROUNDWATER: LASWARCO PRESENTS ABSTRACTION, WATER TREATMENT PLANT CERTIFICATION TO EKO HOTELS
…As Hotel Owners Association Backs LASG’s Regulation Of Water Sector
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on Thursday presented Abstraction License, Borehole Permit and Water Treatment Plant Certification for the year 2022 to Eko Hotels and Suites Limited having fully complied with regulatory provisions on abstraction, borehole and water treatment plant certification.
The Commission, in its regulatory role, issues drilling licenses to commercial borehole/water well drillers, rig owners and practitioners water abstraction licenses as a form of regulation for groundwater management, especially considering the environmental impacts and health of residents.
Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju who presented the license and permits to the management of the hotel at the Commission’s head office in Alausa, said the development followed the willful compliance of the service provider to water governance laws, adding that the water being produced by the hotel is fit for human consumption.
“The official presentation of regulatory licenses and permit to Eko Hotels and Suites Limited is in recognition of the regulatory compliance of the state’s guidelines on the regulation of groundwater and delivery of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services.
“The management of the hotel has clearly demonstrated that it remains resolute in complying with the state’s regulatory guidelines by obtaining the necessary permits and licenses as required by law. Today’s presentation is, therefore, apt to serve as an award and acknowledgment of compliance and to incentivize other players in the sector,” Adepoju said.
She said the present administration under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive, while also ensuring that operators in the WASH sector continue to comply with regulatory guidelines to safeguard the health of residents and secure the environment.
“You will recall as COVID-19 palliative to cushion its effect on businesses, Mr. Governor, in his magnanimity, approved a waiver of all charges up to December 2019 and a concession of 75 percent per liter on water abstraction charge, as well as a significant reduction for commercial/industrial borehole permits,” she said.
Responding, the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Eko Hotels & Suites Limited, Chief Samuel Alabi said the resistance put up by some stakeholders against regulatory efforts of the state government was due to ignorance, saying the government cannot but regulate the sector in the best interest of all.
Alabi, who is also the President of Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos State (comprising affiliate bodies of All Hoteliers Association and Association of Fast Food and Confectioners of Nigerian), as well as a member of the Governing Council of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), said his organization was fully in support of the regulatory initiatives of the state government for the WASH Sector as championed by LASWARCO.
“Many people are not aware of the enormous responsibility placed on the government. It will be an act of irresponsibility for a government anywhere in the world to fold its arms and say I don’t care about the quality of water people are drinking. That will be an act of irresponsibility.
“If the government is irresponsible, the consequences of an unregulated water regime will reflect directly on an increase in the health budget. It is, therefore, compulsory for a responsible government to regulate water abstraction, production, and even distribution. It is in this regard that our company recognizes and stands firmly with the regulatory efforts of Mr. Governor as represented by the able and dynamic Executive Secretary of LASWARCO,” Alabi said.
He also encouraged the state government to come up with more programs on knowledge sharing and advocacy to educate industry players and the general public on water regulation and other WASH laws for proper understanding and buy-in of the stakeholders.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU DONATES TWO HIGH-CAPACITY BUSES, FAST-SPEED INTERNET TO STUDENTS OF NEWLY UPGRADED LAGOS VARSITY
…Approves construction of 5,800-capacity hostel on LASUSTECH campus
…‘You are a listening leader’ – excited students tell Governor for granting their requests
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s visit to the Ikorodu campus of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) on Wednesday took members of the academic community by surprise, but the campus was agog with excitement, as students trooped out to give the Governor a rousing welcome.
Sanwo-Olu was on the campus for an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Central Administrative Office and ancillary buildings, which are parts of the requirements for the smooth transition and operation of the university.
It should be recalled that the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) was, early this year, upgraded to a University of Science and Technology, alongside Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education in Ijanikin, which transited to a University of Education.
Both schools met the requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to assume full status of degree-awarding institutions.
Students led by their leaders formed rings round Sanwo-Olu’s convoy, chanting various ‘Aluta’ slogans to receive the Governor and his entourage, including the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab.
Sanwo-Olu proceeded to the construction site to inspect the level of work on the university Senate Chamber and administrative office buildings, confirming the projects were at about 70 per cent completion.
The Governor disclosed that the State Government had signed the contract for the construction of a 5,800-capacity hall of residence through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The move, Sanwo-Olu said, is to make the new university an on-campus institution.
He said: “We are happy that Lagos State University of Science and Technology has taken on a life of its own. The project has left the drawing board to gradually become reality we can all behold. When these buildings are completed, we will be starting another construction of a 750-capacity Lecture Theatre.
“We will also be replicating the same model we have in Lagos State University (LASU) to ensure the new university becomes an on-campus accommodation school. We have already awarded a contract for development of 5,800-capacity accommodation for students through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.”
Students presented a branded portrait to Sanwo-Olu in a show of appreciation for the upgrade of the polytechnic to a degree-awarding institution, while also presenting fresh requests for which they sought Governor’s assistance.
Students’ Union Government (SUG) president, Aderemi Balogun, appealed to Sanwo-Olu for a bus scheme that would ensure seamless transport of students from Isolo campus of the school to Ikorodu campus and back. The union leader also pleaded with the Governor to clear the air on proposed fees for the new university.
Responding, the Governor donated two high-capacity buses to the SUG to aid students’ mobility to and from the two campuses. The announcement was greeted with spontaneous jubilation, as the students chorused: “You are a leader…may God preserve our Governor and strengthen him to do more.”
Sanwo-Olu cleared the air on the rumoured fee – said to be around N200,000 – to be paid by students as a result of the school’s upgrade. The Governor emphasised there had been no memo either from the school management or the State Government announcing any fee, calming the students and assuring them that his Government would not burden them unnecessarily.
The Governor also promised extensive renovation of the Students’ Union building as requested by the students, while promising to work with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to upgrade the school’s sporting complex to a full-fledged stadium.
Sanwo-Olu said: “On the school fee, there is no truth in the rumour making the rounds. The information is speculative. The university management has not mentioned to me that this is the amount of fee they want to charge students coming for degree programmes. The information is not true. Let it happen first and allow me to take charge. No fee has been announced.
“On your request for a befitting SUG building. You need to be patient with me. We will first renovate the current students’ arcade but we will take time to develop a purpose-built edifice for your SUG activities. You also want a stadium; I will work with the Office of SDGs to the President and see how we can build a sporting complex in this university.”
Before leaving the campus, the Governor gave the students an unsolicited gift: provision of free campus-wide high-speed Internet for their research work and other academic usage.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 AUGUST 2022
PRESS RELEASE
FOOD SECURITY: SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF BIGGEST LOGISTICS HUB IN EPE
- ‘Lagos Reducing Vulnerability to Food Shortages’ – Agric Commissioner
Lagos State has flagged off the construction of what will be the largest Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park in sub-Saharan Africa.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, performed the sod turning at the site of the facility being built on 1.2 million square metres of land in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe.
Establishment of the food park is a component of an audacious five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Road Map (2021–2025) launched last year by the Sanwo-Olu administration to enhance food sufficiency in Lagos.
When completed, the central food and logistics hub is expected to create direct wealth for more than five million traders in the agricultural value chain, while guaranteeing uninterrupted food supplies to more than 10 million Lagosians, at least 90 days, in a period of scarcity.
The hub will have storage facilities for more than 1,500 trucks that will daily service the needs of thousands of operators within food value chain throughout the year, while large commercial transactions would be processed in the facility.
Besides, Sanwo-Olu visited the site of the State-owned Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu-Ereyun, where the Governor inspected the level of construction work on the project.
Transactions on food items in Lagos are estimated to be N5 trillion yearly, just as farmers daily lose 40 per cent of produce worth millions due to lack of post-harvest storage system.
Sanwo-Olu said the central food hub would guarantee greater returns for farmers and investors in the agro-allied sector, as the facility would cut out several layers of middlemen and facilitate improved access to modern processing and packaging services.
The Governor said market matrix generated from the facility would help the Government generate useful data for public planning and for the use of private sector players to project investment.
He said: “Today’s flag-off of the Food Security Systems and Central Logistics Park is proof of our administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of stakeholders in the Agri-space and giving hope to the people through improved quality of life. I make bold to say this is one of the most important interventions in agricultural sector that Nigeria has ever seen. The fact that this project is taking off in Lagos, the fastest-
growing sub-national entity, means that it is bound to have significant national, regional, and continental impact.
“This hub will provide a better buying experience for consumers, help achieve a reduction in logistics costs, while guaranteeing the standardisation of quantity and quality for agricultural products. It also will improve productivity, guarantee greater returns for farmers, by cutting out several layers of middlemen. It will facilitate improved access to modern processing and packaging services for farmers and generate useful data for the use of government agencies, private sector players, and multilateral agencies.”
Sanwo-Olu said the choice of the location for the project was strategic, given its easy access and proximity to agrarian settlements. He said the State had secured a well thought out funding scheme to kick off the project, which he promised will be delivered in last quarter of 2024.
Lagos agricultural road map, the Governor said, sought to take full advantage of all value chains in which the State has competitive and comparative advantages, with a view to scale up self-sufficiency in food production from 18 to 40 per cent.
The Governor said the hub, when completed, would add to the catalogue of life-changing projects sited within Epe Division, which include 32-metric tons per hour Rice Mill in Imota, Agbowa-Ikosi Timberville, and Ketu-Ereyun Psychiatric Hospital, among others.
“The development of this all-important Central Logistics Hub will be achieved through a collaboration between the State Government and the private sector and will be implemented through a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-and-Transfer model. At every step of the way, we will be counting on the contributions of the private sector, in terms of financing and technical advisory and support,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, said the current global food shortages were parts of the harsh consequences of climate change and global warming, which, he said, had led to economic instability in some countries.
The Commissioner stressed that a continuous disruption in food distribution sequence could portend catastrophic consequences on security of the people, pointing out that Lagos initiated the agricultural plan to protect its residents from the effects of food shortages. The only way forward, she said, is to build a resilience that will protect Lagos.
“Upon completion, the Central Food and Logistics Park will unleash the potential in both the upstream and downstream of agricultural sector. This project will further reaffirm the leadership of Lagos as the first destination for agricultural produce along the West African corridor,” Olusanya said.
The project partner, Origin Group, assured the first phase of the project, which requires building storage facilities, would be delivered in the next seven months.
The hub will be operated on off-grid power source of 900 megawatts, and is expected to provide 16,000 direct jobs.
Amenities that will come to the facility include aggregation facilities, administrative offices, trading area, packaging facilities, processing facilities, cold chain/dry goods services, and logistics services.
Others are trailer park, water treatment plant, health centre, fuel station, fire station, abattoir and lairage.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
24 AUGUST 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS GOV ZULUM ON HIS BIRTHDAY, COMMENDS HIS ZEAL, SPIRIT AND ENERGY
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday greeted Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State and prayed for his long life.
In a birthday message, President Buhari expressed his admiration for Zulum’s “public spiritedness, energy and zeal” in tackling ongoing situation in Borno State, describing him as “a reliable partner in the effort to return peace, normalcy and development to the Northeast.
“Zulum is serving the nation in an outstanding manner; his passion for peace as the foundation of development inspires many. He is a model for others to copy. We pray for his long life,” remarked the President.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 26, 2022
