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Politics

Shun ethnicity, religious bigotry, Sanwo-Olu tells Nigerians

 

Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso; former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Deputy Governor of Lagos State and representative of the Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Managing Director, Freedom Online, Mr Gabriel Akinadewo, during the Freedom Online 3rd Annual Lecture with the theme – Nigeria: Foundation, Fundamentals, Future, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday

 

Lecture
By Oluwatope Lawanson/Florence Onuegbu
Lagos, Feb. 25, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to shun ethnicity and religious bigotry to accelerate national development.

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday at the 3rd Annual Lecture of Freedom Online with the theme, “Nigeria: Foundation, Fundamental, Future,” held in Ikeja, Lagos.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that no nation would develop on the basis of religion and ethnic animosity.

According to Sanwo-Olu, “we should stop using ethnicity and religion to divide ourselves, no nation in history has developed on the basis of religion and ethnic animosity.”

He said that it was imperative for the country to evolve, face issues and find solutions to the challenges presently bedeviling the nation as the country had what it takes to tackle them all.

While urging citizens to come together to do the right thing, he advised all to invest in the country in order to develop its economy and provide more employment.

He noted that Nigerians should be ambitious, set target and aim at achieving their goals.

He frowned at the overdependence on federal allocation, noting that states should be allowed to manage their resources as they deemed fit.

He urged state governments to create incentives, attract investments, set taxes and contribute from the internal revenues into the pool for the federal government.

The governor also frowned at the over concentration of power at the centre and stressed the need for states’ independence.

“States should be in control of their oil, power, transportation and security.

“We must support government in terms of agricultural revolution in order to sustain our economy.

“States should be free to control drilling of oil and mining of solid minerals and pay the required axes and royalties to the federation account.

“There is no reason why states cannot generate and distribute electricity and license same, within their geographical limits, thereby making necessary returns to the federation account,” he said

In his remarks, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun, called for patronage of Nigerian made goods and services.

He said that government should ensure there was no room for capital flight.

“Those who have money should invest in the economy of the country, we must discourage capital flights and make legislation that would enforce all to invest in the economy,” he said

Commenting on insecurity, the former governor said that crime is localised, therefore, policing should not be left in the hands of the federal government.

“The state government should be empowered to do more in securing lives and property of the people.

“Therefore, I support regional policing,” Daniel said

Also speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, urged government to localise security.

Amaechi, who was represented by Mr Sam Nwakohu, called for dialogue among stakeholders on local policing.

“Government should localise security to ensure safety of lives and property because at end of the day, this is paramount to all,” he said

Amaechi, urged state governments to generate their own revenue and not depend solely on federal allocation.

He said that local governments should be allowed to function effectively as they are closer to the grassroots.

“Governors should allow local governments work effectively without interference.

“They should be strengthened to work and their allocations should be given to them as and when due,” he said (NAN)

LAW/FON/BOLA/WOJ

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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Wale Ojetimi

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Politics

Falana accuses corrupt political elites as fueling religious intolerance

Falana accuses corrupt political elites as fueling religious intolerance

Religion

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, Feb. 22, 2020 (NAN) Frontline social crusader and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) on Saturday alleged that some corrupt political elites are responsible for the spate of religious intolerance in the country.

Falana made the accusation in his speech at the 5th UFUK Dialogue International Conference on Love and Tolerance held in Lagos.

The theme of the Conference is `Countering Violent Extremism for Peaceful Co-existence.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UFUK Dialogue is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded to promote dialogue, culture of co-existence and mutual understanding.

The NGO also has the mandate to establish a common platform aimed at information and opinion exchange.

It also focuses on dialogue and peace activities in academic and intellectual levels among different members of the society.

Falana said that some corrupt political office holders were the ones pitching the citizens against themselves as a cover up to their corrupt practices so as to get an alibi.

“There are evidences that corrupt political office holders are the one’s fueling religious intolerance in the country just to cover up for their sins against humanity.

“The political leaders are not sincere with stopping all these vices because that is a way to distract the people from their corrupt cases while the people are battling, engaging themselves.

“As a person, people often ask me why I am standing in for a Muslim and the answer they get is that I don’t know anyone.

“I am  defending all the oppressed irrespective of religious affiliation. However our own leaders are busy spreading falsehoods about religion,” he noted.

Falana said that the two main religions in Nigeria have things in common, hence there should not be division for peaceful co-existence.

“There are many things the two religions have in common, one is that they believe that there is one God above all, they both fast and other similarities.

“There is no need not to live peacefully among ourselves if we believe in one supreme God. We should love ourselves because God is love, this is important for us to know.

“I have been in the position to advise some rich people to invest in education and establishment of industries because that is the way to go to get our youths engaged,” Falana said.

The president of UFUK Dialogue foundation and the convener of the conference, Mr Kamil Kemanci in his presentation titled “Interreligious Dialogue: If not; what else?,  said that peace remained a necessity.

“UFUK dialogue serves to stand by societal peace, love, tolerance, and compassion in support of human dignity and the greater good of humanity.

“Dialogue and peace has always been and still remains a need, a necessity, and a must for us to have a healthy and more productive society.

“The work for peace needs a dimension that goes beyond any ideology, political system, above any religious movements or religious authority.

“The most important factor in the creation and promotion of a sustainable peace is the realisation of good governance while promoting justice through increased transparency, accountability, and the rule of law and strengthening of democracy.

“As sustainable development goal number 16 promotes, without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law we cannot hope for sustainable development in a world that is increasingly divided, “he said.

Kemanci said that violence worldwide was on the rise and becoming increasingly complex and multidimensional, adding that almost half the worlds people had been affected by political violence in recent years.

“Contrary to, especially all this so-called religion-based hostility, I believe that religions and cultures have strong messages that can contribute to the solutions to these problems, because religions and cultures are certainly a source of peace and well-being.

“Religious and cultural leaders have a special responsibility to join hands with fellow Nigerians to save our world from the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.

“Religious and cultural leaders can start a strong effective collaboration of state authorities, religious leaders, and civil society actors to organise community-wide efforts to address all factors that aid violent extremism.

“Violence and terrorist recruitment within communities must be fought and countered by working with local communities to set up the necessary framework for identifying at-risk youth,” he said.

Mr Andy Nkemneme who represented the Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (IPCR), Abuja, Dr Bakut Bakut said that structural deficit was responsible for extremism.

“Structural deficit is responsible for religious extremism in Nigeria because people desire to get justice which they are being denied.

“If we are talking about peace, we are talking about justice and if people cannot get justice they will complain.

“When there is poverty, people will be aggrieved and will take up arms at slightest provocation against one another looking for justice.

“Our security outfit alone cannot stop violence, and that is the reason we have agencies such as IPCR to deal with the soft issues such as creating enlightenment for the public,” he said.

NAN reports that panelists at the conference include Prof. Olalekan Sumi-Amidu, Dr Saheed Timeyin, Prof. Lai Olurode, Prof. Alexander Bamigbola, Dr Scott Alexander, Dr Folashade Toyin-Kehinde among others (NAN)

LAW/MZA

edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Maharazu Ahmed

Politics

LASG reiterates commitment to prioritise welfare of traditional rulers

 

Anniversary
By Oluwatope Lawanson/Idris Olukoya

Lagos, Feb. 22, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to prioritise the welfare of traditional rulers in the state.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the 20th coronation anniversary of Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun in Epe on Saturday.

While congratulating the Oloja of Epeland, he said that his ascension to the throne in 1999 came at the rebirth of democracy had in the country.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that as a custodian of culture and tradition, Obas were entrusted with the well-being of their subjects.

He said that Oloja’s commitment for socio-economic deveIopment of the Epe was a testament to his status as a first class monarch who had earned the love of the people of his people.

“Government will continue to support traditional rulers; we understand their importance as they are closer to the people.

“The traditional institution is one that the Lagos State government will not ignore because of their role in governance,” he said

He described Animashaun as a man that had attracted so much deveIopment to Epe land and Lagos generally.

Sanwo-Olu wished the Oba more fruitful and peaceful years on the throne.

Also speaking, Lagos lawmaker, Segun Olulade, urged traditional rulers to work closely with government and security agencies as they were closer to the people at the grassroots.

“I support the development for government to provide welfare package for traditional rulers in order to ensure adequate security at the grassroot,” he said.

Olulade commended the initiative of “Amotekun” as a means of community policing to ensure security at the grassroots.

Speaking at the event, Oba Animashaun called on government to look into the welfare of traditional rulers because they were the intermediaries between government and the people.

He also urged private investors to invest more in the state, especially Epe, in order to boost the economy of the area.

He commended Lagos State government for its various infrastructural developments and urged it to put more effort in alleviating the suffering of the masses.

Animashaun was presented with the staff of office as the Oloja of Epe land on Feb. 19, 2000.

The News Agency of Nigera (NAN) reports that the anniversary, which was filled with lots of glamour and cultural display to the delight of guests, was witnessed by royal fathers, political stalwarts and business tycoons who came to felicitate with the Epe monarch. (NAN)

LAW/SIO/WOJ
Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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Politics

Nigeria needs robust legislation to reap ICT benefits — Sanwo-Olu

 

 

 

 

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, presenting a souvenir to the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Senator Yakubu Oseni in Ikeja on Thursday

 

Technology
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, Feb. 20, 2020 (NAN) The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday called on the Senate to introduce robust legislation that would help Nigeria reap the benefits derivable from the digital revolution.

Sanwo-olu made the call while receiving members of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime who paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

Representing the governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, described the absence of appropriate legislation as the bane of international company setting up shop in Nigeria.

The governor said such legislation would enable ICT firms to set up international data centre in Nigeria thereby attracting immense benefit of creating jobs.

He also urged the Senate Committee to prevail on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to develop telecom infrastructure in rural areas.

According to him, Nigeria is home to the highest number of technology start-ups in Africa as many young Nigerians are doing great things that legislation will greatly enhance.

“We in Lagos clearly understood the need for science and technology; that is why we set up a full fledge Ministry in Y2002.

“We brought in knowledgeable people to establish and run it from the US and a supporting ICT masterplan has been put in place by the state.

“Also, Lagos is developing a 3000km fibre optic duct that can be leased to private sector to forestall indiscriminate building of infrastructure by private people,” he said.

He said the state was working on ‘’Digital Photoing’’ for the police to free up space occupied by vehicles kept around their premises as evidence.

He added that there was a need to review the court proceeding and allow electronic evidences.

Sanwo-Olu said state government was positively disposed to the plans to host a conference on ICT and Cybercrime planned by the Committee.
Earlier, the Leader of the delegation and Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Sen. Yakubu Oseni, said that government was concerned about the the threat of Cybercrime, especially as Nigeria had weak systems epitomised by the country’s bottom position in capacity index.

Oseni said the outlook for Nigeria in the digital space necessitated the articulation and rapid development in digital technology.

The senator urged state governments to embrace the use of technology as well as participate in the training programme for indigenes that the committee was planning.

He said that the committee was organising an international stakeholders conference in June to identify gaps inherent in the system and generate appropriate synergy in the relationships of stakeholders.

Oseni said the conference was planned with a view to ensuring consistency and complementarity, and articulating a structured approach to resolving Nigeria’s digital technology shortfalls and cybersecurity challenges.

Present at the courtesy visit were Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Jaji, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Hakeem Fahm and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Odejayi.(NAN)
LAW/WOJ
Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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Politics

LASG assures business community of security, investment friendly policies

 

 

 

 

 

 

LASG assures business community of security, investment friendly policies

Policies
By Oluwatope Lawanson/Mercy Omoike

Lagos, Feb. 20, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has promised the security of lives and property as well as the provision of investment friendly policies to the business community.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu gave the pledge at the interactive meeting with the Lagos Business Community towards making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy in Alausa, Lagos.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that the meeting would avail the government firsthand information about the concerns, issues and ways government and the business community can partner to foster better relationship.

Sanwo-Olu said there was need to aggressively transform the state to modern economic standard and also meet the yearning and aspirations of stakeholders in the state.

He noted that T.H.E.M.E.S, an acronym for his administration’s six strategic development agenda had been properly articulated to ensure that every strata of the society was properly accommodated with main objective of maximising the state socio- economic potentials.

“We will continue to provide necessary promotional tools and support that will translate into greater opportunities with the aim of ensuring sustainable socio- economic development in the state.

“I assure that engagement with critical stakeholders, partnership with the private sector, provision of investment friendly policies, security of lives and property will be our priority,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor urged the business community to continue to believe in its administration and take advantage of policies within the framework of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda so as to move the state forward.

Earlier, in her address of welcome, Dr Lola Akande, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives commended the business community for their relentless efforts in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the sector as regards doing business.

She said the meeting would avail the government firsthand information on issues and concerns that affect the sector.

“There is no doubt that internal and external policies impact on the economic growth pattern of the state, hence the need for continuous dialogue between the state and the business community.

“Today’s gathering is therefore an indication of our openness to collaborate and dialogue in a manner that would drive sustainable development in making Lagos a 21st century Economy.

“I want to assure you all that our doors are open for partnership and collaboration that will be of immense of benefits to the state,” she said.

In his Goodwill message, Mr Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, said that government would continue to support, make provisions for laws that were investment friendly in order to move the state to the next level.

He assured continuous support of policies that would favour the business community and the state towards making Lagos a 21st century Economy.

“Let me state that the support of the business community is highly solicited to enable the state move in the direction of a smart city we are yearning to attain,” Okanlawon said. (NAN)
LAW/DMO/COO/EAL
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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

Economy

LASG promises to ease ways of doing business

LASG promises to ease ways of doing business

 

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr Lola Akande

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Mercy Omoike
Lagos, Feb. 20, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Thursday promised to ease the way of doing business in the state through exploration of opportunities that would enhance synergy  between it and the business community.

The state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr Lola Akande, gave the assurance at a meeting with the Lagos business community in Alausa, Ikeja.

The meeting had the theme: “Lagos Business Community: Toward Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy”.

Akande said that the meeting was an opportunity to dialogue with the business community and generate useful ideas.

“Let us know what they feel about new policies and if they have suggestions.

“We want to know how convenient it is for them.

“I believe the way of doing business in the state is much better than it used to be because of so many things the government has put in place,” the commissioner said.

Akande said that  Lagos State remained an investment hub owing to its growing population and efforts to ensure security of lives and property.

“We have a lot of constructions going on; once there is a network of good roads,  prices of goods will come down and foreign investors will want to come in.

“Lagos State has the market for any business, we have the population as people troop into the state every second, this means we have markets.

“Lagos is an investment hub; security-wise, we are okay, considering the security outfit in place. l assure you we are relatively secure,” Akande said.

The President of the  Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs Toki Mabogunje, called for an understanding on common issues between the business community and state government.

“We want to achieve some understanding on common issues that concern the organised private sector.

“It is important for government to explain to us steps it has taken to resolve some of these issues and to consider LCCI’ s solution around these issues,” she said.

She urged the government to reconsider multiple taxation and tackle traffic congestion.

According to her, the two issues hinder smooth running of business in the state.

“This makes it difficult for LCCI to attract investors to the state.

“I hope that government will put into consideration all the issues and proffer  solutions fast in order not to scare away investors,” Mabogunje said.

The LCCI president also urged the government to focus more on  infrastructure  development and carry LCCI’ along in its  policies. (NAN)

LAW/DMO/EOB/IGO
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Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

 

 

 

 

Politics

Prioritise education, research & innovation, stakeholders urge FG

 

Prioritise education, research & innovation, leaders urge FG

Demand

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Funmi Gboteku

Lagos, Feb. 19, 2020 (NAN) Prominent Nigerians across business, politics and academic spectrum have urged government to prioritise education, research and innovation for younger generation to turn the country from a consuming entity to a producing nation.

They made the call at the maiden Goke Omisore Annual Lecture organised by a Yoruba Intelligentsia group, ‘Voice of Reason’ (VOR), on Wednesday at Muson Centre, Lagos.

The stakeholders, who lamented the low quality of education in Nigeria, said that until government placed premium on education, research and innovation, Nigeria’s competitiveness in the 22st century would remain a pipedream.

Prof. James Fabunmi, in a lecture titled: “Building a Knowledge Based Society,” argued that without promoting a knowledge-based economy and society, poverty, hunger, starvation and economic degradation would continue to pervade Nigeria.

Fabunmi, a Professor of Aerospace Engineering from University of Maryland, USA and Chief Executive Officer of American Defence Corporation, said: “In a knowledge based society, wealth is created by engaging human knowledge for value addition and delivery of services.

“Compare two economies – in one the raw materials are exported with no added value, while needed manufactured goods are imported.

“Thus it is buying high, selling low, which leads to loss of wealth.

“Whereas if human knowledge were used to add value to natural resources before being exported, we would be selling high and buying low, leading to gain of wealth.

“As a matter of fact, there are nation-states with little or no natural resources, yet they thrive because they managed to develop an economy that relies exclusively on value addition based application of human knowledge,” Fabunmi said.

The don said Nigeria, for no justification, was selling her natural resources low and buying finished products high.

He demanded for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s education and political structure to end poverty in the country.

In his contribution, Afenifere Chieftain and Elder Statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo said at 92, he was concerned about the future of Nigeria because the country had leadership problems.

He charged the younger generation to take their destiny into their hands and build a society that would make them proud among their fellow young people in the global economy.

The chairman of the occasion, Aare Afe Babalola, said the country was building a den of underdevelopment if those saddled with the responsibility of political leadership continue to pay lip service to funding of quality education, research and development.

Represented by Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Kunle Olowu, Babalola said the country was going nowhere developmentally if education was not considered as a catalyst to development.

“As a university administrator, I can say a lot on the education system of Nigeria.

“If we do not fund education and promote research and innovation, we go nowhere.

“I appeal to the elites to consider one fact: If American elites behave like Nigerian elites, would there be an American university for them to take their children to?

“For the sake of our grand children, let us build an economy and country that encourages innovations and research,” he said.

The panellists, led by former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, unanimously posited that Nigeria was not encouraging a knowledge that is research and innovation-driven.

Ibidapo-Obe urged the federal government and state governors to fund research and innovation so that Nigerian graduates could compete with their colleagues globally.

Other panelists included former Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Prof. Kayode Makinde, United Nation trained Developmental Economist, Mr Bolaji Ogunseye and Social Entrepreneur, Mrs Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji

In her contribution, Akerele-Ogunsiji, a social enterprenuers and human development expert, urged Nigerian students to challenge the older generation to demand for a better Nigeria.

She stressed that the elites were only willing to leave the stage for their children currently being raised in Harvard, Oxford, and Buckingham to take over.

She said Nigeria had been so backward that while the leadership were fighting a supremacy battle over Amotekun, other countries, including Ghana, were already fighting security quagmires with drones, satellites and robotics.

“Our governors are fighting the Presidency over Amotekun when countries of the world, including neighbouring Ghana, are already using drones, robotics and other technology borne out of research to fight against security quagmires.

“In Nigeria, a graduate of Mechanical Engineering would call an illiterate auto-mechanic to fix his faulty car.

“Most graduates of Electrical Engineering in Nigeria cannot repair damaged bulbs. They need local electricians to do it for them.

“Our computer science graduates in Nigeria cannot type on Microsoft word. It is that bad.

“The political elites in Nigeria love our backwardness because if Nigeria is developed, their wealth and hegemony will reduce.

“We should invest on innovation and research. Education is the only weapon we can use to amazingly wage war against hunger, insecurity, unemployment.

“Facebook is a mere application but today, it is one of the richest companies in the world. That is what research and innovation can do for a nation,” she said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of VOR, Mr Femi Adegoke, said the event was put together to extol the virtues of it’s founder, Goke Omisore.

“Omisore used his lifetime to fight for the restructuring of Nigeria but never got his desire.

“While we consistently push toward a restructured Nigeria, we need to let the government and relevant stakeholders understand that this is the era of ideas, innovations, creativity and digital communications.

“Therefore, there is need to fund research and innovations in this country if not, danger looms.

“We put this event together to free up the creative energies of the people of Nigeria, especially the younger generation, and domesticate responsibility and accountability.

“We want a Nigeria where people, through innovations, can creatively compete with global economies against the current trend of consuming without building,” Adegoke said.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was represented byJoe Igbokwe, his Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources and the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Ifedayo Abegunde.

Other dignitaries at the lecture included Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo, President-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, former governorship candidate of PDP in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, former Works Minister, Chief Segun Ogunlewe and the Patriarch of Omisore Dynasty of Ile/Ife, Chief Ezekiel Omisore.

Others included VOR members are Lanre Towry-Cowker, Otunba Deji Osibogun, Dr Ladi Awosika, Dr Ebun Sonaiya, ex-Chairman of Nigerian-Danish Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief Olufemi Kufo, Dr Seyi Roberts, Dr Leke Oshuniyi and Otunba Remi Abdul, amongst others.

Also present were student Union leader from tertiary institutions in South-West geopolitical zone.(NAN)

LAW/FOG/WOJ

Edited by Wale Ojetimi

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Politics

Lagos Deputy Governor reiterates importance of traditional rulers in national development

 

L-R Prof. Oladele Orimogunje, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat

 

Anniversary

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Epe, (Lagos) Feb. 18, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reiterated the immense role played by traditional rulers in the economic development of the country.

The Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said this in Epe at the 20th coronation anniversary of the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun.

Hamzat said that traditional rulers played useful roles in brokering peace between the people and the state, enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing an institutional safety.

He described the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people as phenomenal and urged traditional rulers to form partnership with government in order to meet the needs and aspirations of the people.

Prof. Oladele Orimogunje, in a lecture titled: “The Role of Obas in National and Local Economic Development,” said the development of every community was paramount to the traditional rulers in Yoruba land.

Stressing the importance of traditional rulers, Orimogunje noted that they were in charge of different festivals through which the indigenous religions and traditions were preserved.

“The traditional rulers can also help in advancing economy in their domains,” Orimogunje said.

On security of lives and property of the people, the don said that traditional rulers were in the best position to organise indigenous security architecture.

Orimogunje noted that kings in various communities also recognize members of their communities who were conversant and versed in indigenous knowledge on the use of herbs.

Earlier, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Naforija of Epe and Chairman of the occasion, urged traditional rulers not to relent in performing their duties of ensuring peace and progress in their communities.

Ogunlaja implored the citizens to always perform their civic responsibilities which included maintaining of law and order. (NAN)

LAW/ORO/WOJ

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Edited by Razak Owolabi/Wale Ojetimi

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08033965737

Education

We ‘ve plan to develop education in Lagos State- Lawmaker

 

Education

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, Feb. 18, 2020 (NAN) Mr Oluyinka Ogundimu, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, on Tuesday said the state had embarked on a plan to rejig the education to meet the 21st century demands.

Ogundimu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the induction workshop for the newly employed secondary school teachers in the state.

NAN reports that Lagos State Government had recruited 1,000 teachers into the civil service with a view to improve on the educational system through the Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology (THEME) agenda.

Ogundimu told NAN that the THEME agenda was sacrosanct to the legislative arm, hence, it would continue to give adequate attention to the needs of education in the state.

“Our plans for education is not different from the agenda of the party. There is a promise to improve on what we met on ground in educational development.

“Our plans is to make sure that we recruit more teachers and the recruitment of the one thousand teachers is one of the plans that we have among others.

“We also plan to renovate the existing schools which we have budgeted for, and we also plan to build more schools to complement those that we have on ground.

“We also saw the need to train and re-train our teachers so that they will meet the present demands of the 21st century; all these have been budgeted for in the 2020 Appropriation Acts,’’ he said.

Ogundimu said apart from recruiting new teachers, the legislative arm was also looking at ways in which the welfare of those in service would be improved on.

“As part of our oversight functions, we also want to see that the welfare of teachers and not only the teachers, but the civil service is well improved upon.

“For the newly recruited teachers, we will make sure that they settle down quickly to their respective posts because their welfare is paramount in our minds,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Mrs Toyin Awosuyi, had urged the new teachers to be ready to learn from those ahead of them.

“The newly recruited teachers need to project themselves in a manner of being a 21st century manner because they will be teaching 21st century children.

“Our teachers must be smart and that is why we are giving them the necessary trainings,’’ she said.

Also, Mr Olawale Alawiye-King,     Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), said that the one week training for the newly recruited teachers was to acquaint them with the right skills needed.

“The first process is to absorb them after which comes the need to make them globally competitive, to equip them with the right set of skills through training, because that is where the world is going.

“I also want to appeal to them to strengthen the education ecosystem by reaching out to the world through partnerships and the needed skills to survive.

“The training is one of the processes newly introduced by the state government to ensure that our teachers are efficient and effective,’’ he said. (NAN)
LAW/GOK
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Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

 

Education

Lagos inducts 1,000 secondary school teachers

 

 

Lagos inducts 1,000 secondary school teachers

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, Feb. 18, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Tuesday inducted 1,000 newly employed secondary school teachers to boost education standarg in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the induction ceremony followed a one-week training for the newly recruited teachers, conducted by the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, tasked all newly-inducted secondary school teachers to be obedient, hardworking, focused and serious with their job.

Hamzat, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs Yetunde Odejayi, advised the teachers to be good ambassadors of the teaching profession.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of TESCOM, Mrs Toyin Awosuyi, said that the recruitment of the teachers was in line with the agenda of the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to improve education in the state.

“While we are recruiting the teachers, we did not know any one of them, the recruitment process was open to all without discrimination and we are happy to have achieved that.

“It was after the recruitment that we noticed that most of those qualified after the selection process were non-indigenes of the state and that clearly shows that we are not bias.

“The recruitment of the teachers was in line with the THEME agenda of Gov. Sanwo-Olu who is always ready to accede to our request at any given time.

“Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been of immense support to the educational development in Lagos State, so also is our Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, he is also ever ready to help the teachers in particular,’’ she said.

Awosuyi said that the recruitment of teachers into the state civil service was on merit and not by `godfatherism,’ adding that the state would continue to give adequate support to education.

“I want to state clearly that the teachers recruited by Lagos State are all on merit, we did not cut corners and the process was fair enough for all the applicants.

“The essence of the training was to get the teachers acquainted with the civil service rules and regulation of the state. We are on the threshold of building a better education for Nigeria,’’ she said.

Mrs Elizabeth Ariyo, Chairman of TESCOM,  says that Lagos is building a 21st century set of teachers and teaching aids for the country.

“What we are doing now is to build the 21st century teachers for the country through training and re-training. We are set to always make the education system better for all.

“This set of newly recruited teachers are well equipped for the 21st century challenges and we will continue in that manner to further enhance the capacity of our teaching.

“I want to advise the teachers to be alive to their duties because they now have what it takes to be successful.

“Lagos State provides opportunities for all and I am waiting for the time when some of them will rise to become permanent Secretaries in the state,’’ she said.

NAN reports that the induction workshop for the newly employed teachers was handled by Petros Consulting, an education consult firm. (NAN)

LAW/VIV/WOJ

Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Wale Ojetimi

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