Ondo Bans Unions'/Associations' Activities Over Public Exploitation | AgegePulse Magazine

By Ayodele Ifasakin

 

Rotimi Akeredolu

The Ondo State Government has taken measures to protect residents in the state amid soaring costs and incessant increases in prices of goods and services by artisans including farm produce and food items.

 

In this regard, the state government has barred all Trading Unions and Associations under the umbrella of Ondo State United Artisan Group, from fixing and enforcing uniform prices of goods and services being sold/rendered by their members and non-members.

 

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said the decision was taken in the overall socio-economic interest of the people of the State. 

 

The statement:

 

"Government had before now, watched with discomfort and dismay, the economic suffocation of the people with unimaginable increases in prices of goods and services in markets, shops and other sales outlets across the state.

 

"Even without due regard for market forces, it is obvious that associations and unions are largely behind this unwholesome act. 

 

"The state government has decided to act decisively even as the public deserves protection from this undesirable exploitation under some guises. 

 

"Therefore, fixing market prices and imposing fixed exorbitant prices on the people under the guise of association or union must be stopped forthwith.

 

"Accordingly, as part of the measures, Individuals, Artisans, Traders and providers of services as well as farmers are henceforth allowed to operate, sell their produce and render any service in any part of the state as they may deem profitable, based on the principle of demand and supply and prevailing market forces. This is just as membership of associations and unions remains voluntary as provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

 

"Consequently, Government's right to regulate the activities of Trading Associations and Artisan groups has to be invoked in the interest of residents. Therefore, on no account should any Union/Association fix or enforce prices of goods and services. 

 

"Similarly, there shall be no sale of tickets to Artisans/Traders by any Association/Union without due approval of the state Government through the Internal Revenue Service”.

"All concerned are, therefore, advised to adhere strictly to this directive as any person or group found to be flouting it will be made to face the full weight of the extant laws. 

"It is to be noted too that this directive takes effect from TODAY in all markets and sales outlets across the 18 LGAs of the state".

Education: We'Re Going To Make Public Schools in Orile Agege A Model For Others - Hon. JS Babatunde | AgegePulse Magazine

...Promises To Deliver More In His Vision To Modern Orile Agege LCDA.

By Ayodele Ifasakin

JS Babatunde 

“To whom much is given, much is expected” you all have placed your trust in me, I promise never to let you down.

The Executive Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson  Babatunde has reassured the good people of Orile Agege of his commitment towards the modernisation of the LCDA.

Mr. Project disclosed this in a media broadcast share to newsmen in Orile Agege LCDA in Lagos.

"I thank you all for giving me the opportunity to steer the ship of this great LCDA once again as you all have come en masse to vote me back to the office as the Council Mayor in order to consolidate on what we have achieved so far. Seeking re-election back to the office I promise to do more and better in this new dispensation if re-elected. since you have made that possible for I will not disappoint you.

"In this new dispensation, we are looking forward to improving the lifestyle of the people through meaningful empowerment as we have done earlier in our previous administration where over 500 residents were beneficiaries of N100,000 each in our quarterly empowerment program.

"Widows and the less privileged were also not left out as we engage in the Monthly Distribution of Food Items in order to ease hunger among them. We also bought 19 Mini busses (korope) for unemployed youth who were selected systematically across the 6 wards of the LCDA. As a Government, we are consolidating on what we have achieved so far on empowerment and we promise to do more. 

We are going on a pace that will be higher than that of our first term on Road and Infrastructure where we embarked on so many Construction and Rehabilitation of Toads and Drainages within the LCDA in order to make life much easier for the people of this LCDA.

"Upon resumption, in office, we will not rest on our oars but be too swift to action by completing our Ongoing Projects and embark on New Projects which will be ready for commission before our first 100 days in office. We will be commissioning not less than 12 projects across all sectors in our first 100 days.

"On Education, we are going to make schools in this LCDA a model for others to follow as it’s our responsibility to ensure pupils have a conducive place to learn. In our first term in office, we embark on the transformation of dilapidated schools within the LCDA such as the Rehabilitation of Zion African Church Primary School, Ideal Primary School, 1 Block of 4 Classrooms at Girls High School, 1 Block of 6 Classrooms at Government Comprehensive Junior College. We also have ongoing projects at Oyewole Primary School Complex, State High School Oyewole.

"My appreciation goes to residents and indigenes of Orile Agege for making us have a peaceful reign in our first term in office and also relying on your unflinching support in the days ahead by ensuring you pay all taxes and levies as at when due because we are going to make judicious use of your money for the development of Orile Agege and also detest the vandalization of public properties". Said, the council Mayor.

Agege LG Holds First Procurement Committee Retreat

...As Lagos Procurement Boss Commends Egunjobi

AgegePulse Magazine

In ensuring the Council develop a value for money and Transparency system in delivering quality public infrastructure to the people of Agege, LGA, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi's led administration yesterday held first procurement planning committee retreat in Agege.

The event was held at Dami Event Centre, Lagos Street, Akilo, Agege, Lagos.

The Council Procurement Officer, Mr. S.O. Tiamiyu, in a welcome address, stated that it is imperative for every local government to have what is called "Needs Assessment" that would ensure a prudent spending of a Council funds at all times.

He said that, the objective of procurement planning retreat " is to enable the Local Government plan the projects and services it intends to render to its citizenry with the view to deliver the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, which this administration policy is premised on".
"This is first and unprecedented in the history of the Council". Tiamiyu said.

Guest Speaker, General Manager, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, LSPPA, Mr. Onafowote Fatai Idowu, ably represented by Mr. Subair Akintunde, Head Monitoring, Enforcement & Compliance Public Procurement Agency, commended Egunjobi's led administration over the level of projects implementation delivered so far by the council.

He urged the council management to key into the system of Lagos State PPA law and Local Government guidelines to ensure "Value For Money" of Government funds. Adding that public procurement system would enable a level playing ground for contractors to bid for government jobs with quality service delivery.

In a remark, the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi stated that, "an effective and efficient procurement planning will enables the procuring entity and its staff to work smoothly to achieve the organizational goals with the right quantity and quality of input in place and at the right price".

He added that "Needs Assessment and Best Value for Money will always come first in the course of delivering infrastructural development to the grassroots and people of Agege".

Egunjobi commended the initiative of the procurement officer and promised to make it an annual event as a platform to dissect the need assessment and prioritize the council's projects and services in every fiscal year.

Resumption Date: LASG to sanction erring schools

Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the Superintendent of the Education Sector, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule has reiterated the need for all schools in the State, both private and public, to comply with the School Calendar jointly agreed upon and resume on the 10th of September, 2018.

Speaking at the Education Sectoral meeting on Thursday, Adebule frowned at a situation in which some private schools open a week before or after the agreed date and warned that any school found in breach of the rules will be sanctioned appropriately.

While looking forward to welcoming students, pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff back to school for the Y2018/19 academic session, she said the adoption of a uniform calendar makes for proper planning and ensuring that pupils and students attend school for the number of days required in the term.

The Deputy Governor commended teachers for working tirelessly to prepare the children for leadership, adding that the State Government will rededicate herself to their training, welfare and reward for excellence.

She advised children in the State, whether in public or private schools to devote more time to their studies; shun all vices including internet fraud, hooliganism, rape, examination malpractice, alcoholism and drug abuse.

Adebule also promised that the government of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will continue to do everything possible to improve service delivery in the public schools and ensure that private schools also deliver quality services to pupils and students

SIEGE AT SARAKI’S RESIDENCE STAGE-MANAGED, SAYS JIMOH MOSHOOD

Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says the siege at the residence of Senate President Bukola Saraki was “stage-managed for public sentiments”.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Moshood said the force had no hand in the incident.
In the early hours of Tuesday, some police vehicles and officers were seen stationed at the entrance of the senate president’s residence in Abuja.

Footage which emerged online also suggested that the officers were trying to block his convoy from leaving the area, although Saraki later made it to the national assembly.

The incident generated widespread criticisms of the force, with some Nigerians describing it as a “clampdown on the nation’s democracy”.
But speaking on the programme, Moshood said there was no official command for a deployment of police officers to the senate president’s house.

“We have the responsibility to protect him so we can’t block him. If we were expecting him at 8am, why should we block him?” he said.

He said over 140 security personnel of the police are attached to the national assembly “and about 40 are attached to the senate president, including other units”.
“So what happened yesterday was not a blockade by the security personnel from the force. The personnel seen in the footage are those attached (to) the convoy of the senate president and to his residence. Those you see are those attached to him,” Moshood said.

“The IGP has directed an investigation into the incident. The ADC has been invited, he should be with the principal all the time. So if he is not aware of the whereabouts, we want to know why. Why should we go and block an empty house?

“The video footage was circulated in the media to embarrass us. These are leaders of the legislature who we have the responsibility to protect. So we should allow the investigation to be completed before we give you the outcome of investigation.”
Saraki is being investigated for his alleged connection with suspects arrested over the Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara.

-Cable

We're happy with the success of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week - Mrs Egunjobi

AgegePulse Magazine


Wife of the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mrs Ramat Egunjobi is elated about the success recorded in the just concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week organised by the council.

Mrs Egunjobi said judging by the evaluation reports received from healthcare workers across the Public Health Centres in Agege, it was proven beyond doubt that Agege mothers are passionate about the well being of their infants and foetus.

"We are happy with the way our mothers took advantage of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week. We had positive reports that they cooperated with our healthcare givers who moved round the communities to administer vaccination on our infant children."

"Also, reports from all our Public Health Centers showed that nursing mothers trooped out enmass to receive medical attention from the health workers.

"I can assure you that the well being of everybody in Agege is on top of many dividends of democracy that the leadership of Agege LGA has in plan. With your support and prayers, it would be a success story in the end." Mrs Egunjobi concluded.

Earlier, while declaring the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week open, the Executive Chairman of Agege LGA, Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi reiterated that one of the cardinal objectives of his administration is to provide qualitative health care delivery services to all constituents in Agege Local Government.

Egunjobi said the MNCH week was designed to provide preventive, promotive and protective health interventions which include Ante-natal care services for pregnant women, provision of insecticidal nets, deworming of children, provision of family planning services and Cancer screening services. Thereby, reducing the burden of diseases, maternal and childhood mortality.

J.S Babatunde Flags Off Pediatrics Care Week

In a bid to address the issue of inadequate health care attention for children and pregnant women under his jurisdiction, the Executive Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA, Mr. Johnson Sunday Babatunde has began the second phase of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week.

The initiative which is regarded as first of its kind in the LCDA attracted infants, nursing mothers and pregnant women across the council.

As a clear sign that the well being and survival of the weak vessels is paramount to the Chairman, the initiative is already being twice within four months of his assumption into office.

J.S Babatunde, Vice- Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akanni-Pedro, Secretary to the LCDA, Mr James  Agboola, Supervisors, several health workers and other dignitaries across the area thronged Odunmbaku Public Health Centre in Orile - Agege LCDA yesterday to declare the one-week-long and all-encompassing pediatrics care exercise open.

It started with demonstration of Hand Washing by Environmental Health Officers to mothers before the Wife of the Executive Chairman, Mrs Mojisola Babatunde administered Vitamin-A on the children. Subsequently, mosquito nets and hygiene packs were given to the women.

Agege Pulse learnt that within the one week duration of this programme, pregnant women, nursing mothers and their babies will get attention in different areas ranging from  Malnutrition Screening, Deworming Exercise, Polio Immunization, IPT for malaria in Pregnancy and Family Planning.

Also,  it was gathered that the exercise will be carried out in all the four (4) Primary Health Centers in Orile - Agege, Lagos State.

Speaking at the flag off, Mr Babatunde urged mothers to give utmost attention to immunizing their children in order to prevent life threatening diseases adding that it's imperative for pregnant mothers to take adequate care of themselves and their unborn babies.

Lagos begins safety audit in schools - AgegePulse

...safety of school children is of great importance - Hon. Hakeem Dickson

The Lagos State Government, through the State Safety Commission, has commenced safety compliance audit/inspection of all public and private schools in line with the policy of the Ambode-led administration to entrench the culture of safety standard across the State.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony, the Director-General, of the Commission, Hon. Hakeem Dickson disclosed that the State Government will ensure that the environment where children spend a greater part of their day is free of hazards.

He reiterated that the safety of school children is of great importance to the state government most especially in the light of the activities of kidnappers in some quarters across Lagos hinterlands.

In his words, "The essence of the audit is to ascertain that safety measures are installed in these schools to safeguard the students and the teachers as well. This is because the present administration is concerned about the overall safety of school children in the state".

Some of the schools visited are Ipakodo Junior and Senior Grammar School, Majidun Junior and Senior, Goshen College, Government Junior and Senior College, Ikorodu, Yintab College, Ayangburen Junior and Senior College, Oriwu Senior College, United Junior High School, Oriwu Junior College, Oriwu Senior College, Maps College amongst others.

The safety audit team is expected to visit private and public schools across the state, without prior notice, to identify hazards in the schools and report to the appropriate quarters for prompt action.

Cancer and HIV/AIDs awareness: LASG seeks private sector partnership

The Lagos State Government has identified the need to explore the private sector involvement in its drive to increase public awareness on Cancer and HIV/AIDs as part of efforts to stem the spread of the deadly diseases.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said that there is a need for the Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations to continually support and partner with government in the area of research and public education of these common diseases in the society.

Speaking at an awareness outreach on Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening and HIV Testing and Counseling for Youth in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of the State, Akinbile-Yussuf added that the obligation of raising awareness about the potential killer diseases should be collectively pursued and not to be left to government alone.

She lamented that presently, there are no sufficient awareness and knowledge on the causes of breast cancer among young people, stressing that the level of awareness about the signs to look out for when undergoing breast cancer examination should be improved upon.

She said although the state government is aware of the heavy burden the diseases places on victims, the increment in awareness at all public and professional places will go a long way in reducing the spread with the assistance of other health intervention programmes in the state.

She added that research from the private sector will assist the government make adequate provision particularly on breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns and also make some informed decisions.

The Commissioner urged youths and residents of the area to utilize the free screening, testing and counseling made available for them by the State government

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola appealed to Lagosians to show affection to friends and relatives who are affected by any of the diseases, saying the diseases could be life-threatening at some stages.

He said the screening is in continuation of the global wakeup call for everyone to embrace seeking medical assistance when necessary.

Muri-Okunola advised the people to avail themselves with good health through eating a balanced diet; regular exercise and early detection to reduce chances of being infected with cancer, urging them to also raise awareness in their environments.

The Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Seriki Muritala who spoke on HIV prevention and care enjoined patients of the disease not to lose hope but should seek counseling from certified counselors in all government-owned hospitals in the state.

Gov. Ambode Charges Corporate Bodies on CSR - AgegePulse

...Launches Community Needs Assessment Report

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has charged corporate bodies in the state to urgently support the effort of the government by engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, to develop grassroots communities in the state.

Speaking at the Inaugural CSR Lagos Business Luncheon on Matching 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Budgets to the Needs of Lagos State Communities, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday, Ambode said the population of Lagos had been increasing on daily basis, hence the need for the private sector to support the efforts of the government through CSR.

The challenge has increased over the years because of recession in the economy which has stretched the resources of the government to cater for the weak and the old, he said, adding that the people at the grassroots had risen to the challenges of their environment by engaging in self-help projects.

Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Tunji Bello said the state had now reached a time when non-state actors must play more role in supporting the self-help projects and programmes of the communities.

The 24 million people who inhabit Lagos State today, including the corporate players must see Lagos as one big family where the rich help the poor and where each is his brother’s keeper, he said.

The governor said he looked forward to serious partnership between the private sector and the government in the next 24 months in the areas of needs assessment of the communities which cut across drainage rehabilitations, roads, electricity, pipe borne water, among others.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communications, Kehinde Bamigbetan said right from the onset, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had made it clear that he would embark on inclusive governance that would give power to the people at the grassroots for even development of communities.

He said this mission had manifested in the empowerment of the communities as community leaders were being carried along on projects awarded by the government in the various communities, adding that during the construction of the 114 roads, community leaders were allowed to play active part in the process.

Bamigbetan stated that apart of government’s efforts to reposition the grassroots, it had come to a point where CSR was greatly needed as government could not do all alone and needed the partnership of the private sector through CSR.

The special adviser emphasized that CSR would enable communities tackle their problems which had been spelt out in the needs assessment, saying that corporate bodies could include CSR in their budgets for 2018.

Launching the Community Needs Assessment Report 2017, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs,  Fola Padonu disclosed that 16 items were identified in the needs assessment, which he said. Included drainages, electricity, roads, community halls, public toilets, motor parks, among others.

He said the private sector could partner with government in five selected needs such as drainages, roads, electricity, pipe borne water and grading of roads, adding that the private sector must assist the government to revamp the five areas as government could not provide them alone as they were capital intensive.

Speaking, Deputy Consulate General, Peoples Republic of China, Guan Zhongpi, said the Chinese government had been partnering with Lagos in the area of CSR and that more attention would be given to the needs of the communities next year.

He said the Consulate had previously implemented more than 10 CSR projects in Lagos, such as donating equipment to schools, sinking of boreholes at the Lagos University, among others.

Present at the event were representatives from Dangote Groups, Chevron, Heritage Bank and several others which promised to partner with government in the area of CSR next year.
      
Debo Adeniji

NIGERIA A NATION WITH PLENTY OF HOPE

AgegePulse

Nigeria marked its 57th independence anniversary recently. A casual glance at  the nation’s 57 years journey shows both betrayal of expectations of greatness and the irony of the nation. Despite the abundance of human and material resources, Nigeria remains an undeveloped country with clearly more than half of its population living below poverty line. It is also plagued by myriads of problems which continue to undermine its potentials.

Against this background, this essay examines the major problems embattling the nation at 57 whilst proffering lasting and workable solutions to those problems. This paper posits that the problems of the nation are multifaceted and any solution must be holistic and durable for it to yield maximum benefit. It is argued that hopes of development and greatness are not lost provided the nation steers its ship back on the right track. Highlight below is the problems and solution to move the country forward to a greater level.

PROBLEMS
High Chief  Owolabi Salis said, ‘it is only the full understanding of the root causes of the problem we face today as a nation that will afford us the chances of discerning what solutions are possible, which can work and which cannot’. The problems besetting Nigeria today are many but the most critical ones are highlighted below.

The basic problem crippling the progress of the nation is failure of leadership (Achebe: 1984) Related to this is the problem of bad followership. Another core problem facing the nation is insecurity – insecurity of lives and property. Disunity also hinders Nigeria’s progress. There is also no doubt whatsoever that corruption is a major impediment to the nation’s success.

Other problems include poverty, unemployment, criminality, ethnic distrust, politicised judiciary, electoral fraud, religious tension, lack of basic amenities of life, epileptic power supply, poor infrastructure, pathetic education system, political crisis, commercialisation of public or government office, resource allocation, failed institutions (political, educational, economic etc), environmental degradation, spread of drastic disease, chronic frustration of citizens, collapse of national ideals and social values, a culture of impunity, widespread celebration of mediocrity, indiscipline and irresponsibility.

SOLUTIONS
The first solution is social transformation and value reorientation. We must work towards establishing a society where people are judged not by their family background, ethnic or religious affiliation, but by merit and character and a society where people imbibe ideals of fairness, justice and honesty.

Secondly, we must ensure enthronement of Good leadership. According to High Chief Barrister Owolabi Salis “There is urgent need for a new generation of leaders that would clear the cobwebs of decadence and political scavengers. This new generation of leaders must take our dear country to its manifest destiny”.

Also, government must ensure provision of basic amenities of life such as food, clothing, water, road, power, education and employment. It must also ensure improvement in the standard of living.
Other recommendations include an independent and honest press, independent judiciary, strict enforcement of laws, accountability in public office, and policies implementation. Finally, we must uproot the tree of disunity and sow the seeds of unity.

CONCLUSION
At 57th Nigeria is far from its destiny. There is an overwhelming disparity between expectation and reality. Rectifying the anomalies is a joint task incumbent on all stakeholders not just the government. Therefore, all hands must be on deck!

Long life the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

High Chief Barrister Owolabi Salis Fakunmoju

LASG Set To Proffer Lasting Solution To Incessant Flooding on Akilo Road, Agege

Lagos State Government has embarked on clearing of silts and reconstruction of drainages at Akilo Road, Agege to tackle incessant flooding ravaging the area.

Over the years, residents and commuters along popular Akilo Road, Agege are often thrown into distress due to constant flooding whenever it rains.

Moreover, there has been several efforts on the part of the community to address the cause of the flooding but the unruly dumping of wastes into gutter from different parts of Ogba Ijaye and Agege has continued to block drainages on Akilo Road.

However, the state government in its efforts to ensure a flood free state swiftly responded to complaints of the residents as Lagos State Public Works Corporation have began the clearing of silts and reconstruction of drainages on the road.

The exercise which began last week is still in progress due to the length of Akilo road.

When Agegepulse visited the site, one of the LSPWC supervisors, Mr. Taiwo Akintokun explained that apart from clearing the silt, the agency will also dig the drainages deeper and wider adding that the drainages will be channelled to a bigger drainage on ACME Road for easy flow of water.

Maintain high standard of professional competence, integrity, Ambode tasks new judges

 Maintain high standard of professional competence, integrity, Ambode tasks new judges

….As Lagos CJ seeks appointment of more judges for State

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday swore in three new judges into the State Judiciary, with a charge on them to maintain a high standard of professional competence and integrity to be able to dispense justice to all manners of people without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

The new judges are former Director of the State’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Idowu Alakija; former Chief Registrar, High Court of Lagos State, Olugbemiga Ogundare; and former Deputy Registrar of the Court, Serifat Solebo.

Speaking at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House in Ikeja, venue of the ceremony, Governor Ambode said the swearing in of the judges, which was the first of his administration, signified another milestone in his commitment to enhance the quality of life of the people through a justice administration system that is just and fair.

He said over the years, the State Judiciary, apart from being the busiest and most vibrant in the country, had established a reputation for itself as a trail blazer in the entire federation with intellectual judicial pronouncements that have stood the test of time at appellate courts, hence the new judges must also contribute positively to the advancement of administration of justice.

The Governor added that the niche which the State Judiciary had carved for itself over the years was achieved through various reforms that were initiated and faithfully implemented by succeeding leaderships of the State Judiciary in partnership with Executive and Legislature, and pledged that his administration would initiate key reforms in the sector especially in areas of infrastructure, technology, people and processes and improved welfare for the judiciary.

He said the reforms would be based on the recommendations of the recently held Justice Summit by the State’s Ministry of Justice which brought together several stakeholders in the justice sector.

He said: “I congratulate the newly appointed judges for being
adjudged fit and proper persons to be on the respected higher bench of the busiest and most vibrant State judiciary in the country.

“In the end, we hope to bequeath a more vibrant and qualitative judiciary and justice sector fit for the 21st century and beyond. It is also my hope that with the caliber and qualities of these new learned personalities, our bench will be further enriched to effectively discharge its constitutional functions and deliver hope and justice to our people.

“My lords, may I remind you that by these appointments, your conducts and carriage will become subject of public scrutiny. You must therefore maintain a high standard of professional competence and integrity to be able to dispense justice to all manners of people without fear or favour, affection or ill will,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade thanked Governor Ambode for approving the exercise that led to the appointment of the judges, as well as other stakeholders who contributed in the painstaking appointment process.

Besides, the CJ also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to approve the appointment of more judges for Lagos State Judiciary, being the busiest in the country.
“On the average, a judge in Lagos has over 500 to 600 cases in his or her docket. I was talking with the Chief Judge of Ekiti State the other time and I was told that the whole of the Judiciary of the State has just 400 cases. So, I like to renew my call to the CJN to approve more judges for us and I also urge Governor Ambode to approve another appointment process,” Justice Atilade said.

She also urged the newly appointed judges to embrace hard work and dispense justice without fear or favour.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Justice Alakija thanked Governor Ambode for their appointments, and pledged that they would carry out their duties diligently and abide by the code of conduct.

56th Independence Anniversary:

The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 3, as Public Holiday to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido and issued to Vang

uard Thursday in Abuja.

“The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates Nigerians at home and abroad on the commemoration of this year’s independence anniversary and assures them that Government is working assiduously to put in place various palliative measures to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.

“The Minister enjoins all Nigerians to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed determination to build a strong, virile and united country in line with the dream of the country’s founding fathers”, the statement added.