2024 Community Day: Lagos State Office of Rural Development Holds Health Walk

Yomi Durojaye 

The Office of Rural Development, today hosted a Health Walk Exercise to commemorate the 2024 Annual Community Day Celebration.

2024 Community Day: Lagos State Office of Rural Development Holds Health Walk

Led by Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development; Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary; and Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, the event aimed to promote physical activity, community engagement, and overall well-being.

The Health Walk Exercise, which is part of a series of activities lined up for the Annual Community Day Celebration, is intended to encourage participants to adopt healthy lifestyles and to engage in regular physical activity, fostering community spirit and social interaction amongst participants.

 This year’s edition of the Annual Community Day Celebration is scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Police College Parade Ground, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State.

BSEWN 12.0: Nigerian Youths Must Prioritise Nation-Building, Security

  AgegePulse Magazine 

BSEWN 12.0: Nigerian Youths Must Prioritise Nation-Building, Security

A Non-Government Organisations (NGO), The Success Ambassadors Foundation in conjunction with Future Matters Concept has said that young Nigerians must prioritise nation-building and security more than ever before.

The NGO and other stakeholders made this remark at the 12th Annual Edition of the Beyond Secondary Education, What's Next? BSEWN held in Lagos, with the theme: “Resilience to Achieve Excellence”

The NGO creates a platform to engage school children after leaving secondary school and before getting admission into colleges, polytechnics and Universities.

Describing the period after secondary education as critical and challenging, Mr Adewale Adeleye, the Convener of BSEWN, said that young Nigerians in this group must live in the consciousness that they were needed for nation-building and security.

Adeleye, who is also on the platform of Future Matters Concepts and the Success Ambassadors Foundation said that the conference was designed to inspire senior high school students to add value to society.

The convener said: “We lost so many school children at this period, and no one seems to account for them again a few years after secondary education.

“They face the world with huge uncertainties. The concern for this set of students is the reason for an NGO like this.

“We gather to explore ideas, share experiences, and ignite the passions that will guide them into your next chapter.

“We must all show interest in the affairs of young people. Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians, poised about nation building must show concern for them.”

He said that the initiative birthed in 2012 with few participants had imparted a great number of students and young people.

According to him, the concept aims at inspiring excellent attitude towards academic pursuit, providing adequate information on career choices, leadership and entrepreneurship, digital skills.

Adeleye added that it was also to address issues of substance abuse, sexual reproductive health and vices amongst the young people, and to equip them for greater exploits.

“This conference is not just about academic excellence; it is about developing resilience, embracing change, and equipping young Nigerians with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of life beyond these walls,” he said

Speaking, a constitutional lawyer and public affairs analyst, Mr Jide Ologun, who alluded to Biblical Joseph, noted that every youth must aspire to success in spite of all odds and opposition.

Ologun, also the Pastor in Charge, of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Living Faith Parish, Ikeja, said that God had created opportunities for everyone to succeed in life and that it was left to individuals to strategise.

Ologun, a former Chairman, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State Chapter, said: “As much as possible, you can develop yourself to add value to society.

“You need to make your contributions to the security of this nation. If you are not resilient, you will give up on the way because the journey to success in life is not an easy one.”

Urging Nigerian youths to take responsibility for their lives, Ologun advised them to be determined and concentrate on studying while also running away from bad influences and distractions.

Also, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi ,the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Saheed Oriade Saheed Ademola  said that the nation needed the youth to get better.

Stating that good leaders needed education to communicate effectively, the chairman advised youths to think outside the box, allow good mentorship and learn from experiences.

Another speaker, Amb. Farida Adewumi, Founder and Global President of Farida Charity Foundation urged participants to discover their purpose for living and choose a career in the same direction without giving up.

The Chairman, Lagos State Taskforce , CSP Adetayo Akerele; Medical Director /Chief Executive Officer, HVAC, Engr Franklin Olatunji; Director PCEO TVC, Mrs. Kemi Shonubi and Rev Damilola Paul Samson  shared experiences on the path to greatness, obstacles faced, and how they emerged stronger.

“They shared their stories of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence with no fewer than 150 students drawn from various schools.

Participants were exposed to conversations around some topical issues including “Taking Responsibility for your life Make an informed decision and “Leadership Skills Needed to Achieve Excellence”.

Others are: “Following Your Passion Towards Excellence, and “Digital Skills for Future Careers” among others by various speakers.

The event featured awards presentations to some personalities and organizations who are contributing towards young people's academic advancement; the chairman of Ninolowo Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Oladapo Azeez Yusuf  leader of Orile Agege LCDA legislative arm, Hon Wale Fayemi ; Hon. Wale Ahmed ; AKEM Foundation and others were recognized.

Under the Chief Host, Orile Agege LCDA Chair Johnson Babatunde 

Apart from the Insight, the participants were presented with a certificate of participation to boost their profile in the near future

MInistry of Local Government Donates Food and Essential Items to Orphanages

Yomi Durojaye 

(Middle Red cap)Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Babatunde Durojaiye flanked by other official and Orphanage home staff

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development on Monday, 18th November 2024, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Babatunde Durojaiye visited two care centres for the underprivileged children. The delegation donated food and other essential supplies in commemoration of the 2024 Community Day celebration, scheduled for Thursday, 21st November 2024.

In his statement during the visit, Mr. Durojaiye highlighted the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting children with special needs.

 “This visit underscores the government’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable members of society and reflects our shared responsibility as a community to provide care and support for all,” the statement read.

The visit also set the tone for the forthcoming Annual Community Day Celebration, which promotes unity, compassion, and development across all sectors of the community. Mr. Durojaiye emphasized, “This initiative exemplifies the Lagos State Government’s commitment to social responsibility and aligns with its broader objective of creating an inclusive and thriving society where no one is left behind.”

The delegation commenced their outreach at the House of Chloe Orphanage in Ikorodu, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and children. 

During the visit, Mr. Durojaiye presented an array of gift packages, including non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other essential supplies. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing community welfare and emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, particularly children in need.

The delegation then proceeded to the Ketu Special Children Centre in Sabo, where they were equally received with warmth and appreciation. Food items, clothing, and educational materials were distributed to the children as part of the Ministry’s ongoing support for their welfare and development.

The management teams of both care centres expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry and commended the Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration for its continued dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable groups across the state.

This initiative highlights the Ministry’s resolve to foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion, reinforcing the government’s commitment to uplifting underserved communities as part of its social development agenda.

Credit: Community Eye.

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 

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