Obasa @52: Photos As Lagos Speaker Celebrates With School Kids

Yomi Durojaye 

- warns students against social vices

- Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday celebrated with children from various schools in the State as part of activities to mark his 52nd birthday which comes up on November 11.

Aminat Alege, victim of shot teargas canister, gets N5m

Dr. Obasa, who gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos and students in the six districts of the state with cash rewards, urged the children to abstain from social vices as such could redirect their purposes in life.

At the event which was held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, the Speaker said he loves celebrating his birthday with school children as a way to motivate them and make them serious with their studies.

"We want you to develop that confidence, that dream that you will become something tomorrow. This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today.

"Therefore, you must be hardworking. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now.

"I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at one sitting. You don't have to feel oppressed because you're not in a private school. That's why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you're truly our future.

"You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education. I want a situation where in the future, you would remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others.

"Please, I beg you. Never give in to crime. For the girls, do not be corrupted or influenced negatively. Don't be enticed with money. Be upright and adopt morality," the Speaker advised.

AMINAT ALEGE: 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT SHOT IN EYE GETS N5M

One of the highlights of the event was the award of N5 million to Aminat Alege, the student who was mistakenly hit in the eye by a teargas canister shot by a policeman on February 9, 2024.

The money was contributed by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly as part of efforts to help the victim's family mitigate the educational challenge she may have faced since the incident.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues during the presentation of a cheque to Aminat's parents, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, (Eti-Osa II), said Speaker Obasa had been disturbed since the incident happened to the student of the Adams Yakubu Memorial school Agege.

He said the lawmakers decided to assist after watching Aminat's parents appeal for assistance from the public.

"There was a programme where the parents cried out for assistance. So we at the Lagos State House of Assembly have contributed the sum of N5 million. We have also offered a scholarship for the young lady so that she can continue her education," he said.

The lawmakers further donated 15 computer sets to three schools, Oyewole Primary School, Thomas Aquinas school and Royal Apple School.

2 STUDENTS WIN SCHOLARSHIPS

For winning in a current affairs question-and-answer session, two students at the event won scholarships by the chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Babatunde Johnson.

Ishola Moyinoluwa of Ikeja Junior High School and Isiaka Bashar Ayomiposi of Eko Junior College were among the students who participated in the competition.

While Moyinoluwa came first, Ayomiposi came second during the competition.

Commending Obasa, Mr. Johnson, noted God's mercies on the Speaker who he described as "a leader that has paid his dues."

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, said Obasa had become a pride to the people of Agege because of the massive infrastructural development the Speaker has attracted to the area.

Speaking for the educational sector, Tutor-General Adekanye Oladele, commended the Speaker for always uplifting education in the state.

She promised that the students would continue to make the state proud

Eromosele Ebhomele II 

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Drama As Bus Driver Sets Himself, LASTMA Officials Ablaze

Yomi Durojaye 

A shocking incident unfolded in Lagos on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when a commercial bus driver, attempting to avoid arrest for a traffic violation, set himself and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) officials ablaze in the Mile 2 area, News360 Nigeria reports.

Drama As Bus Driver Sets Himself, LASTMA Officials Ablaze

The incident, which has sent shockwaves across Lagos, occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in the Cele inward Mile-2 area where the driver had been pulled over for violating traffic regulations.

In a video circulating on social media sighted by News360 Nigeria, a yellow-coloured 14-passenger city bus was parked almost in the middle of the road with at least 8 traffic officers clustered in front of it while involved in an argument with the driver.

In a twinkle of an eye, fire erupted and caught the traffic managers unaware. Not all of them were lucky to escape unhurt.

A man suspected to be the driver is caught in the fire too. He runs into the middle of the road, struggling to pull off his white singlet. In the process, he is almost hit by a petrol tanker.

Adebayo Taofiq, the director of the public affairs and enlightenment department at LASTMA, confirmed the incident in a statement.

The statement reads; “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.

“This shocking event transpired today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials. The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.

“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.”

LASTMA added that the injured officer was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment,” the agency stated.

Commercial bus drivers are not new to clashes with LASTMA and the Lagos state traffic officials.

In 2022, A commercial vehicle driver himself ablaze in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos, to protest the seizure of his bus by officials of the LASTMA.

Two LASTMA officials were said to have dragged him out of the vehicle and started the ignition for onward movement to their base at Oshodi.

As they were about to move, the driver, according to eyewitnesses, poured fuel on his body and struck a stick of matches.

While efforts were on to put out the fire, other commercial bus drivers and conductors, including passers-by, started hauling stones at the LASTMA officials, a development that degenerated into a fight between the officials and hoodlums.

New Education Minister Lowers Admission Age to 16, Introduces Reforms for Practical Learning

Yomi Durojaye 

In a sweeping announcement, Nigeria’s new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has lowered the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions from 18 years to 16 years. Speaking at his inaugural press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa explained that this decision revises the previous policy and allows flexibility for exceptionally gifted students who may qualify even earlier. 

Dr. Alausa

Dr. Alausa also emphasized a focus on practical learning, with plans to make 80% of Nigeria’s educational curriculum practical-based and 20% theoretical, beginning from basic to tertiary education levels. "This approach will better prepare students for real-world skills," he stated, marking a shift towards hands-on education in Nigeria’s academic institutions.

Additionally, the minister confirmed the ban on certificates from certain foreign tertiary institutions in Benin Republic and Togo, asserting the measure is aimed at curbing the issue of fake certifications within Nigeria. "This policy is set in stone to protect the integrity of genuine certificates," he said.

Further reforms include nutritional programs to enhance student health, and collaborations with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to offer conditional cash transfers as incentives for basic education enrollment, aiming to reduce the country’s out-of-school population.

In a bid to promote food security, Alausa announced that universities of agriculture will be encouraged to own and operate large farms, which he sees as a step toward practical agricultural education and sustainable food production in the country.

These measures, alongside a strengthened admissions system with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and other educational stakeholders, signal a new direction under Dr. Alausa's leadership.

LASG LAUNCHES WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE TO EMPOWER FEMALE FARMERS, COMBAT POVERTY

Yomi Durojaye 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has launched the groundbreaking Women in Agriculture Cooperative, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering women in agriculture while addressing poverty across the state.

 LASG LAUNCHES WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE TO EMPOWER FEMALE FARMERS, COMBAT POVERTY

The Ministry also inaugurated new Exco Members for the Cooperative which represents a pivotal commitment by the State Government to equip women with the tools, training, and financial resources necessary to succeed in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada celebrated the occasion, acknowledging the essential role of women in the agricultural industry. 

She said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our unwavering commitment to empower women and harness their potential for the betterment of our society.

"Through this cooperative, we are creating a strong support system that offers training, access to agricultural resources, financial literacy programmes, and market linkages tailored specifically for women. We will unlock opportunities that allow women to not only produce food for their families but also generate income and uplift their communities", the Commissioner added.

Speaking further during the event held on Thursday at the Women Development Centre, Agege, the Commissioner stated that the cooperative will catalyse female-led initiatives in agriculture with dedicated programmes designed to increase productivity, foster financial independence, and enhance the welfare of families across Lagos State. 

According to her, participants will benefit from skills development in sustainable farming practices, access to market opportunities, and a platform for community and government support.

Hon. Dada described the initiative as a movement representing the collective vision of empowered women driving economic growth and strengthening communities across the state. 

She expressed her gratitude to stakeholders and organisations that have been instrumental in bringing the initiative to life, reinforcing that “empowered women lead to strong families, prosperous communities, and a thriving economy.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo recognised the collaborative efforts of Governor   Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led administration, government officials, community leaders, and key partners who have contributed to the cooperative’s development. 

“This cooperative is not just an organisation; it is a community built on collaboration, empowerment, and support. Together, we can transform lives, uplift families, and change the narrative of women in agriculture in Lagos State”, she emphasised.

Earlier, the President of WAPA Women in Agriculture Cooperative, Mrs. Bola Oguntuga lauded the Lagos State Government for initiatives and policies geared towards the economic development and freedom of women in the state.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG