TGPS Lagos EDD1, Barr. Solarin Presents Mobile Phone Gifts To Winners Of Essay Competition

Agege Pulse Magazine

The Lagos State Education District 1 Tutor - General/Permanent Secretary,  Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin has congratulated and presented mobile phone devices to the students, winners in both senior and Junior Category of an Essay Competition on the topic: "POST COVID-19 AND EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Traditional Learning or E - Learning" as a further commitment to marking the Y2020 Children's Day Celebration.

The TGPS while presenting the mobile phone packages to the students winners in company of their Principals and teachers on Monday August 10, 2020, in the Conference Room at the District Headquarters, also disclosed that henceforth, the Essay Competition would be organized and held twice in a term and six times in a session to further encourage and develop healthy competitions amongst the students.

She averred that such essay competitions would further develop,  broaden, sharpen and strengthen students instincts, abilities, knowledge and skills required to excel in their academic performances with prospects for greater heights in the future for the upliftment of the society at large.

According to her, she made the choice of the mobile phone devices in relation to the digital age, as the reward for the students outstanding performances in order to enhance their learning and equip them better for the future.

She therefore urged the students winners to inform their fellow students and friends of the gift packages they won in order to motivate them and be earger to participate, pointing out that from now on, such a reward package would be attached to the winning essay  in the subsequent competitions which would be organized by the District. 

Barrister Solarin who also appreciated the principals, teachers and indeed all education stakeholders for their unflinching efforts and support to the students all the time. She further encouraged them not to relent on their oars, adding that such brilliant manifestations was part of their joy in life.

She particularly commended and referenced a student of Fagba Junior Grammar School, Iju, Master Ishaku Jethro who won the first position Prize of the Y2020 Lagos State Schools Governor's Quiz Competition (Junior Category), for his consistency of remarkable accomplishments. 

His counterpart, also a student Fagba Junior Grammar School, Iju, Miss Ukwabdichima Chisom also came first in the Governor's Quiz Competition.

The six students who were honoured and recipients of the mobile phone devices are: Ajifowowe Ajoke from Ijaiye - Ojokoro Senior High School, Aje Dorcas Adehunoluwakiye from Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran and Quoyum Samotu from Isefun Community Senior Secondary School.

Others include: Ajayi Treasure Eyitayo from Ijaiye - Ojokoro Junior High School, Ogunbode Omolola from Sasa Community Junior High School and Ishaku Jethro from Fagba Junior Grammar School.

Responding on the behalf of the students winners, Miss Ajifowowe Ajoke from Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School expressed appreciation to the TGPS, principals and teachers for the gifts, their commitments and encouragement to their overall development. She pledged to put more efforts to sustain the achievements.

Present at the event: the Director, CS&T, Mrs. Mary Oyetunde, Director, Schools Administration, Mr. Oluyemi Adesina, Mrs. Omoaka Lucy, the Principal, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs. Adesanmi Olajumoke, the Principal, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mrs Farimoyo Agnes Omolade and the Principal, Isefun Community Senior Secondary School, Mr. Sowemimo O.O.

Also, the Vice Principals,

 (Administration and Academics) Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs Adepegba Efuntunde and Mrs. Bankole Toyin Olusola and the HOD, Language Department, Sasa Community Junior High School, Mrs. Otomewo Florence Misan.

Others include the English Language Teacher, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mrs Otubu - Odufejo Adebukola, the Counsellor, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mr Adesanya Taiwo Atanda, the teacher, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs Ayeni Funmilola Monisola and the teacher, Lagos State Model Senior College, Mrs Savage Gbemisola and members of staff from CS&T Department respectively.

Adaranijo Fulfils Promises, Builds 3 Blocks of 9 Classrooms For School Puiplis In Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

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...Named Building after Obasa Over Excellent Legislative Job

AgegePulse Magazine

Former House of Representative member representing Agege Federal Constituency between year 2015 to 2019,  Hon Taofeek Adaranijo Mhr has yesterday fulfiled his promises by completing his constituency projects meant for its constituents.

According to him, the inauguration of 2 Blocks of 6 Classrooms to Ore-Ofe Primary School, and a block of 3 Classrooms at Oyewole Primary School was named after the Lagos Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Late Chief Suleiman Adaranijo and others are part of his constituency projects while in office.

"The projects had been awarded two years ago and were completed few months ago  the inauguration was delayed till today due to Covid-19 Lockdown.

"These constituency projects make it 5th school buildings facilitated to Agege within the space of four years as your humble representative at the 8th Assembly of House of Representatives".

"The future of nation through our children should be paramount to us in any capacities we are call to serve, through education  we owe them solid educational foundation by providing them with the basic facilities for qualitative learning.

"Hence, I was inspired to facilitate these projects to support our children amongst other projects  as a Member, committee of works at the 8th House of Representatives".

Adaranijo further stated that the "Projects such as these will afford our children opportunity to continue learning in conducive classrooms for proper assimilation of studies. It will also aim at reducing the numbers of pupils in classrooms for better and efficient performance".

Its important to note that this school project is to also complement the giant strides of the Lagos state Government in education sector - since the administration of Former Lagos State Governor, Our National Leader, All progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, down to the present Administration Led by His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, with the support of Lagos state House of Assembly, under the speakership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

This explains the unveiling of other constituency projects which I was able to bring to our people here in Agege.

These include donation of Eight (8) boreholes in various wards in Agege such as Provision of Motorized Borehole with 4 overhead plastic Tanks at Ogunnaike Community, Papa Asafa; Solar powered Water point at MajaroAjegunle, others at Akinlabi Street, Magbon Agbotikuyo; AP Agege by Akerele Area; Ago Ebira, Idi Mongoro; Itogbe Street; Lateef Street by Olowo-okere and Olabua Compound, Orile Agege.

Streets Light Projects were also donated to Alaagba Community Development Area; Shiaba; Ifeloju street, Oko-oba and Olabua Community Development Area

Donation of Electricity Transformer to Alaagba Community Development Area.

All the above projects were facilitated from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development  as a member of Agriculture and Rural Development committee.

Todays school inauguration is another dividend of progressiveness for our people who have children in our various public schools, which lots of us here also attended.

The three schools building we are inaugurating today shall be dedicated as follow:

Ore-Ofe Primary School complex shall be dedicated to Rt Hon.(Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker, Lagos state House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of State Assemblies Speakers, Nigeria - For his laudable contributions towards growth and development of Agege and Lagos as a whole, as a legislator per excellence in this state of excellence. 

 In addition, the Oyewole primary school project shall be dedicated to the late father of our leader, High Chief Safari Adaranijo in memory of late Chief Sulaimon Adaranijo, the first Ekerin of Orile Agege, who happened to be my Grand Father.

You would recall that previous school projects both at Moses Orimolade primary school and Anwarul-Islam primary school were dedicated to Olu of Agege, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Oyedeji K. Isiba and Alaige of Orile Agege, Oba Hakeem Agbedeyi separately.

"I am hopeful that our people will make the utmost use of all these amenities to deliver the most anticipated better community of our dream. 

"At this juncture, I owe a deep appreciation to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Our own, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other notable leaders for your presence at this occasion  not forgetting your unflinching support for me so far.

Speaking at the event, the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa who's also the special guest that unveiled the projects, lauded the former Council chair, Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo to deemed it fit in completing a pending constituency projects despite not part of the current 9th Assembly.

Obasa while appreciating and commending Adaranijo for naming the new blocks of classrooms in his name, urged other stakeholders to invest in education sector by giving back to their community.

Present at the event, APC Leader and Member of GAC, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Safari Adaranijo, Elder Ajide, Chief Bisi Odeomu, the twin Council Chairmen, Agege and Orile Agege, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Hon. Johnson Babatunde, Vice Chairman, Agege LG, Prince Abiodun Ogunji, the two Council leaders, SLGs, Commissioner 1, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Richard Akin Oshungboye, SUBEB Chairman, Wahab Alawiye King, ably represented Hon. Sherifat Adedoyin, Agege LGEA ES, Hon. Great Majiyagbe Agege, Orile Agege APC Party Leaders and ward Chairmen.

Others include: Alaige of Orile Agege, HRM, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi, First Agege Council Chairman, Alhaji Owolabi Dada, Iyaloja General Agege and Orile Agege, NUT Chairman, Chairman Ass. Of HeadTeachers, Agege Chapter, CDC Chairman Orile Agege, Iyaloja General, Agege, Orile Agege, Councilors and other stakeholders.

Lagos Council Chair Bags Leadership Award, Commended for Combating Crime, Corruption | AgegePulse Magazine

...Receives NSCDC Commandant 

The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu received a  Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at his Durosimi Secretariat of the council, as the Assistant Commander lauded the Mayor for his efforts in using his office to support security operatives in Somolu to combat crime.

The Commander in charge of NSCDC covering Ikeja, Somolu, Kosofe and Ikorodu areas, M.J. Adewale ( an Assistant Commandant) said Somolu was known to be an area where security operatives were usually over worked in terms of combating crime but that it's no longer business as usual as criminals no longer have a place to hide as the Mayor of Somolu, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu is giving much support and cooperation to  security operatives within Somolu.

While addressing the newsmen at the Chairman's office, the Commander urged the people of Somolu  to cooperate more with the Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu led administration of Somolu Local Government and the security operatives in Somolu. She said everyone should be security conscious, vigilant,  prompt and precise in giving out informations to the security operatives to help their community. 

The Mayor of Somolu also added more feathers to his cap of achievement  as he was awarded  prestigiously by the "Fight Against Corruption Organization" (FACO) and Mega Impact magazine. 

While FACO awarded the Mayor with Distinguished Leadership Award, Mega Impact Magazine awarded him as 2020 Pillar of Asiwaju Lagos Mega Youth Festival. While the Mayor was receiving the FACO award, Apex APC leaders in Somolu, Mr. Lai Giwa (Council Manager), Mr. Leke Odunfa (Information Officer) were also with the Executive Chairman  at the award ceremony, Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya (Chief Press Secretary) read out the citation of the Mayor's  biography.

The Dr. Francis Shopekan led Fight Against Corruption Organization (FACO) said "FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION ORGANISATION hereby present to you HON. ABDUL HAMED SALAWU, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF SOMOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT". A PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AWARD. "The award is based on your integrity, hardwork, honesty and undeniable impact in various offices and capacity where you have served, now as Executive Chairman, Somolu Local Government, the innovation and transformation you brought Somolu Local Government since you assumed office". 

The statement reads further that "Your immense contribution to the development of Lagos State Government and particularly in the Covid-19 pandemic in your local government. Your leadership skill over the years that has distinguish you and brought you to this level, your track record of success and achievement that cannot be over emphasize, your proven integrity, your credibility, your discipline, your efficiency, your compassionate heart, your selfless effort to humanity and your love of God".

The Bola Olabisi led Mega Impact Award said the award presented to the Mayor of Somolu is as a result of his unrelenting support for grassroot development in Lagos State. Inscription on the award states "As a result of your outstanding contributions to the youth development initiative in Lagos State and a symbol of the progressive ideology of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu".

The two awards just added to the numerous awards received by Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu since he assumed office in July 2017, including the "Best Local Government Chairman" award received at the Nigerian Merit Award House in Abuja in 2018.

M.J. Adewale (Assistant Commandant & Area Commander, Lagos East) was with K.O. Bashar (Somolu Divisional Officer), E.I. Aloba (21C Divisional Officer), K. Ogunbajo (Intelligent Officer) and L. Agboola (Provost). Mr. Olakunle Mumuni-Eshilokun (Procurement Officer), Mr. Muftau Oyefolu (Clerk of Somolu Legislative Arm), Mr. Leke Odunfa (Information Officer) and Mrs. Oluremi Adedayo (Peace and Security Officer) were all also present at the security reception.

LASG Demolishes Illegal Shanties, Kiosks In Agege | AgegePulse Magazine

 PRESS RELEASE

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) yesterday demolished over 150 illegal shanties, kiosks and shop extension around Arewa Community Central Mosque popularly called (Masalashi Alhaja) in Agege area of Lagos.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, stated that the demolition exercise became imperative following the degradation of the environment by miscreants and illegal traders in the area, particularly within the vicinity of the mosque.

The Chairman disclosed that relevant stakeholders, including Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogon Kadai, the Sarki of Agege, were notified before the demolition of the illegal shanties and kiosks took place.

According to him "The Mosque had been sealed for over four months due to the attack on officials of the Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce by some worshippers while enforcing the lockdown directives by the State and Federal Government". 

AgegePulse learnt that "The area has since become eyesore and security threat to residents including members of the public as the entire area including the surroundings of the mosque had been occupied by miscreants and illegal traders", he added.

CSP Egbeyemi, however, assured members of the public that it is the responsibility of the Agency to enforce both the Lagos State Environmental Law and Lagos State Traffic Reform Law of 2018 inline with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the present administration.

 

 

LASG EMPOWERS 1,100 VULNERABLE WOMEN, RESIDENTS WITH WORKING TOOLS |AgegePulse Magazine

 

Lagos State Government today provided economic support in the form of working tools to 1,100 vulnerable women and residents, who have been affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to get them back on their feet to provide for their families.

Speaking today at the Y2020 Mega Empowerment Programme held at the Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Centre, Isheri, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the programme is a significant step forward as the current administration continues to deliver palliatives for the economic empowerment of the most vulnerable and indigent residents across the five administrative divisions of the State.

The Governor said, “We shall be distributing economic and material inputs including sewing machines, pepper grinders, pop-corn machines, hairdryers, barbing sets, generators and other essentials to support 1,100 vulnerable women and indigent residents”.

“These items will enable the beneficiaries leverage on the various skills acquired and other vocational training support which has been offered to guide them in the transition period of post-COVID-19 pandemic towards adjusting to life in a new 'normal' situation”, he said.

Sanwo-Olu stated further that the government would continue to support the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund so that it can be more impactful, especially in alleviating the effects of poverty through the provision of critical financial and other support that will enable a significant number of the youths, including unemployed graduates, vulnerable women and pensioners fulfil their entrepreneurial dreams.

Emphasising that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will continue to receive support from the State, Sanwo-Olu gave assurance the skills acquisition centres will always be enhanced to meet the yearnings of the target population.

In his words: “We will also not relent in developing strategies that will ensure the economic empowerment and social integration of our people into the wealth basket. I enjoin you all to continue to support our administration by complying with established safety protocols, even as we gradually lift social restrictions that have altered the way we have been living in the last few months.”

The Governor, therefore, commended Lagosians for their resilience and fighting spirit in joining the State government in its quest at containing the spread and fatality of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada disclosed that 17,752 persons have so far benefitted from the empowerment programme since the inception of the Governor Babajide-led administration in Lagos State.

She stated that the programme was in fulfilment of the promise by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the maiden edition of the empowerment programme to make it a continuous one in order to meet the 20,000 target of the administration.

Dada restated the government's belief that women empowerment is a crucial pillar of sustainable development and poverty alleviation, hence all efforts are geared towards accelerating the economic empowerment of women in Lagos. 

She added that the Ministry will continue to initiate and sustain programmes and activities within its ministerial mandate to raise the living standard of women and all others in the State.

#ForAGreaterLagos

LAGOS CITIZENS DESERVE MORE FEDERAL REPRESENTATION - SANWO-OLU | AgegePulse Magazine

 

 

… Governor Meets State’s Federal Character Commissioner, Calls For Redress

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed displeasure over the low quota reserved for the State’s indigenes in the employment scheme of the Federal Government’s organisations operating in the State.

 

The Governor vowed that his administration would be making necessary moves to address the inadequacy, which, he said, offended the spirit of fairness, equity and federating balance.

 

Sanwo-Olu spoke against the backdrop of low representation of Lagos indigenes in federally controlled public institutions when he received the Honorable Commissioner representing Lagos State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, in a courtesy visit, on Wednesday, at the State House in Marina.

 

The Governor wondered why Lagos - the nation’s commercial and economic nerve centre - should be short-changed in the distribution of public service employment and political representation in Federal Government’s institutions, departments and parastatals that are based in the State, stressing that the inadequacy must prick the conscience of the FCC leadership.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State needed all the help it could get from the Commission to reverse the lopsidedness and imbalance, which, he said, has mounted pressure on the Government resources and limited citizens’ potentials.

 

He said: “It is a shame that Lagos, which is Nigeria’s economic and industrial nerve centre, and which has the largest population has been short-changed in this national commission. The popular narrative about Lagos is that, people think we are okay in terms of resources and infrastructure. They think we have been taken care of. This is not the case. 

 

“Lagos is accommodating to all but the resources available is not enough to cater for all. The challenges facing us are enormous. Our citizens need to be given their proper space in line with the spirit of fairness and the mandate of the Federal Character Commission.

 

Sanwo-Olu said he was particularly excited by the nomination of Bawa-Allah as Lagos representative in the Commission, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari was buoyed by sense of fairness and equity for considering it necessary to reconstitute the Commission.

 

He pointed out that Bawa-Allah’s appointment was timely and came at a period the State was making efforts to bridge the deficit in its federal representation. Sanwo-Olu pledged the State Government’s readiness to work with the Commissioner to realise the goal of upscaling Lagos’ representation.

 

The Governor said: “With your calibre and the knowledge of these shortcomings, we are expecting that this unfair narrative will turn around for good for the State. Not only will we be working closely with you as our representative in the Commission, we will take up the charge and ensure what is deserving of us is taken up. We will be giving you all the support required to settle and work to achieve your goals.”

 

Responding, Bawa-Allah pledged to work with the Governor to reverse the inequitable action against the State.

 

The Commissioner said he was shocked, upon assumption of office, to discover indigenes of Lagos only made up 11 per cent of the 10,000 employees on Grade Levels 1 to 6 working across over 120 federal organisations operating in Lagos.

 

He added that Lagos representation in the federal system was not in the statutory 2.5 per cent, a problem, he said, was caused by a period of sour relationship between the State and the Government at the centre.

 

He said: “While we cannot turn back the hands of time, I believe it is time to get cracking and address the issue. I stand in focus, courage, tenacity and optimism. I am determined to work hard with the confidence of the Governor and stakeholders in order to get what is due to our State. I seek effective synergy and collaboration with the Government of Lagos, our representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives to achieve these goals.”

International Youth Day: Ex-Council Boss, Gbenga Abiola Urges Youths On Single Ideology | AgegePulse Magazine

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The ex-Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government, Hon. Olugbenga Abiola has today lends his voice as world celebrate International Youth Day worldwide.

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

The youngest council boss in Lagos history, Hon. Abiola who is fondly called Agbelebu has urged the youth to come together in  one voice with a unified bankable ideology that would ensure quality representation at all opportunities available to them locally and globally.

The ever promising youths ambassador, Gbenga Abiola's message reads:

"My Message is simple and clear. 

"A day and time when youth representatives, organizations, structures and associations will come together for a common vision, goal , purpose and definition. Then, we can as one body sell to the decision makers and leaders an ideology that can affect that average youth financially, materially , economically, socially and most importantly psychologically. 

"A day when every Nigerian youth will speak the same language from different tribes and organization. A day when the vision of youth activism will be returned to its original drive to speak, fight and account on behalf of the weak and defenseless youth. 

"I crave for a day when a young, vibrant youth with ideas and talent can walk into the bank and easily secure a soft loan to drive a small business and grow it to become an employer of labour , a day when the less privileged youth can secure study loans, a day when farm lands can be given for free , a day when the the disabled youths can be placed on monthly stipends, a day when scholarships will be for the very many who deserves it. 

"I pray and seek for a voice spoken in one accord to erase and dislodge the gun power in front of us where over tens of decades have come by with all tertiary institutions producing a chunk of graduate in hundreds of thousands to join the already congested labour market. 

We can as one under clog of voices bring forth initiatives that can create a workable ideology for the average Nigerian youth. Together we can make it work ... Together it will surely work. 

 Greatest Nigerian Youths!! Youth organizations, youth association , youth structures , youth councils, someday soon we can all stand tall and have ONE YOUTH FORUM with a single ideology., Comrade Gbenga Abiola Concluded.

Governor's Quiz: Lagos SUBEB Chairman Congratulates Winners, Ahmed Primary School, Agege, Others | AgegePulse

 

The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, has congratulated primary school pupils who excelled at the Grand Finale of the 2020 Governor's Quiz Competition held virtually.

The competition, which was part of efforts by the state government to keep pupils engaged and alert at home while schools remain closed, recorded participation from schools across the 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) within the state.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony to the winners of the Year's competition, Hon. Alawiye-King applauded the winning pupils who displayed brilliance and strength to make their schools proud. The champion school, Ahmad Primary School, Agege which topped with 14 points was represented by the duo of Ibrahim Wiquyat and Haruna Aishat. The runner-up school, Oke Ishegun Primary School, Alimosho, which had 10 points was represented by Junita Lafua and Adeniran Mary, while Mafoluku Nur/Primary School, Oshodi-Isolo which came third with 8 points was represented by Okikiola Idowu Dorcas and Jimoh Maryam Opeyemi. 

The Chairman also commended the Lagos State Ministry of Education ably led by Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo for putting together such a laudable programme despite the harsh new normal.

Fanfare as Sanwo-Olu Commissions 13.6KM Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor | AgegePulse Magazine

 

...Unveils 500 Mass Transit Buses, Launches Smart Ticketing System

…’It’s Another Promise Fulfilled’ - Gov

All activities literally stood still in Oshodi and Abule Egba axis on Tuesday, for the formal commissioning of the Oshodi-Abule Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ecstatic crowd of residents filed along the route to welcome the Governor, who rode in a BRT bus to formally flag off the 13.68 kilometre-long corridor for public use.

The BRT project was handled and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) - an agency of the State’s Ministry of Transportation.

The Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi. The route is also a gateway to neighbouring Ogun State and Republic of Benin.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a major milestone” in the implementation of his administration’s reform agenda in public transport system, pointing out that the handover of the BRT infrastructure was another promise fulfilled by his administration.

He said the transportation asset would create a new travel experience for residents of Alimosho and Oshodi, stressing that the project was specifically designed to improve journey time for commuters, thereby scaling up productivity and life expectancy in the State.

He said: “A little over a year ago, we pledged to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation system which is the very first of our six-point development agenda encapsulated as Project T.H.E.M.E.S. We made the pledge knowing that the people are the main reason we have been entrusted with the management of our commonwealth.

“Today, we are here to formally flag-off a very important public transport infrastructure – the Oshodi–Abule Egba BRT corridor - which officially launches the commencement of transport operation along the BRT corridor. We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses which will be immediately deployed for public use. This event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of our pledge.

“This project is very significant because of its immense benefits to Lagosians in the different communities it straddles and to visitors to our state. This new BRT corridor will bring great relief to over 60,000 commuters who will use this facility daily. Travel time, which is estimated at an average of two hours during peak periods, will be significantly reduced to an average of 30 minutes. This will improve the health of our people, engender a safer environment, and increase the value of socio-economic activities in the State.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s reform efforts were geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the State through seamless travel and creating smart mobility model that’ll result into a congestion-free State. He reiterated that his Government remained committed to bringing problem-solving interventions across all modes of transportation sector in Lagos.

To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Governor launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid Cowry card.

The e-ticketing mechanism has modern functionalities which simplify the process of bus booking and ticket purchase. It introduces simple solutions that guarantee seamless cash and wireless payment for passengers at designated booths.

The Cowry card will enable passengers to proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction.

Sanwo-Olu said: “With the e-ticketing system, we envisage the use of a single card on buses and ferries and later upscale to the railways system when passenger operations commence in 2022. The system promotes a cashless ecosystem, aids personal budgeting and planning and commuters can easily top up.”

The Governor disclosed that the State Government would be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards to residents free of charge.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government was on the verge of complementing Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor with rail project to aid mass mobility.

He hailed LAMATA for supervising the project construction and bringing it to reality, while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the State Government in its drive to deliver efficient transport system.

He said: “Our administration is very passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around this beautiful State which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transport system that works for you.

“I would like to congratulate Lagosians on the successful completion of this project in spite of the challenges thrown up by its implementation. I would also like to commend Lagosians for the pains they had to endure while the construction of this important transport project lasted.”

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the project as “great progress” in the public transport system, noting that the BRT route was important to the State’s strategic transportation master plan.

Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the commencement of BRT operations along the corridor would reduce travel time for commuters by 35 per cent, while also enhancing socio-economic development.

She said: “The frequency of the BRT operation along this route will enhance public transport accessibility by up to 25 per cent, while the provision of dedicated lane will enhance reliability on the public transportation by 30 per cent. The project has been designed to integrate the proposed Red Line Rail Mass Transit project as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s transportation blueprint.”

The new BRT corridor is a median running route with 14 drop-off terminals along the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, which terminates at Katangua Bus Station. Each terminal has well ventilated foyer where passengers can sit and wait for buses.

The route was designed with 11 pedestrian bridges, traffic safety measures and street lighting.Fanfare as Sanwo-Olu Commissions 13.6KM Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor 

...Unveils 500 Mass Transit Buses, Launches Smart Ticketing System

…’It’s Another Promise Fulfilled’ - Gov

All activities literally stood still in Oshodi and Abule Egba axis on Tuesday, for the formal commissioning of the Oshodi-Abule Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ecstatic crowd of residents filed along the route to welcome the Governor, who rode in a BRT bus to formally flag off the 13.68 kilometre-long corridor for public use.

The BRT project was handled and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) - an agency of the State’s Ministry of Transportation.

The Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi. The route is also a gateway to neighbouring Ogun State and Republic of Benin.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a major milestone” in the implementation of his administration’s reform agenda in public transport system, pointing out that the handover of the BRT infrastructure was another promise fulfilled by his administration.

He said the transportation asset would create a new travel experience for residents of Alimosho and Oshodi, stressing that the project was specifically designed to improve journey time for commuters, thereby scaling up productivity and life expectancy in the State.

He said: “A little over a year ago, we pledged to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation system which is the very first of our six-point development agenda encapsulated as Project T.H.E.M.E.S. We made the pledge knowing that the people are the main reason we have been entrusted with the management of our commonwealth.

“Today, we are here to formally flag-off a very important public transport infrastructure – the Oshodi–Abule Egba BRT corridor - which officially launches the commencement of transport operation along the BRT corridor. We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses which will be immediately deployed for public use. This event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of our pledge.

“This project is very significant because of its immense benefits to Lagosians in the different communities it straddles and to visitors to our state. This new BRT corridor will bring great relief to over 60,000 commuters who will use this facility daily. Travel time, which is estimated at an average of two hours during peak periods, will be significantly reduced to an average of 30 minutes. This will improve the health of our people, engender a safer environment, and increase the value of socio-economic activities in the State.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s reform efforts were geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the State through seamless travel and creating smart mobility model that’ll result into a congestion-free State. He reiterated that his Government remained committed to bringing problem-solving interventions across all modes of transportation sector in Lagos.

To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Governor launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid Cowry card.

The e-ticketing mechanism has modern functionalities which simplify the process of bus booking and ticket purchase. It introduces simple solutions that guarantee seamless cash and wireless payment for passengers at designated booths.

The Cowry card will enable passengers to proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction.

Sanwo-Olu said: “With the e-ticketing system, we envisage the use of a single card on buses and ferries and later upscale to the railways system when passenger operations commence in 2022. The system promotes a cashless ecosystem, aids personal budgeting and planning and commuters can easily top up.”

The Governor disclosed that the State Government would be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards to residents free of charge.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government was on the verge of complementing Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor with rail project to aid mass mobility.

He hailed LAMATA for supervising the project construction and bringing it to reality, while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the State Government in its drive to deliver efficient transport system.

He said: “Our administration is very passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around this beautiful State which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transport system that works for you.

“I would like to congratulate Lagosians on the successful completion of this project in spite of the challenges thrown up by its implementation. I would also like to commend Lagosians for the pains they had to endure while the construction of this important transport project lasted.”

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the project as “great progress” in the public transport system, noting that the BRT route was important to the State’s strategic transportation master plan.

Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the commencement of BRT operations along the corridor would reduce travel time for commuters by 35 per cent, while also enhancing socio-economic development.

She said: “The frequency of the BRT operation along this route will enhance public transport accessibility by up to 25 per cent, while the provision of dedicated lane will enhance reliability on the public transportation by 30 per cent. The project has been designed to integrate the proposed Red Line Rail Mass Transit project as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s transportation blueprint.”

The new BRT corridor is a median running route with 14 drop-off terminals along the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, which terminates at Katangua Bus Station. Each terminal has well ventilated foyer where passengers can sit and wait for buses.

The route was designed with 11 pedestrian bridges, traffic safety measures and street lighting.

APAPA GRIDLOCK: Lagos Donates Land for Trailer Park, as Sanwo-Olu Inspects Road Projects

  

•We’ll Restore Life Back To Apapa, Gov Vows

•Govt To Eject Illegal Settlers Under Iganmu Intersection 

AgegePulse Magazine

The disturbing gridlock created along Apapa corridor in Lagos State by heavy-duty trucks clogging the major highways may soon fade away, if the actions being taken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu fully materialise.

The Governor, on Sunday, set out on a five-hour tour of projects and infrastructure being developed on the Apapa corridor to ease traffic congestion in the area.

A poser raised by the Governor on why container-laden trucks usually disregard the State’s traffic laws and park on roads generated heated arguments among terminal operators, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA).

In the ensuing blame game, Sanwo-Olu expressed disapproval of the truck drivers’ action and the failure of the NPA to enforce extant regulations preventing trucks not yet approved for loading to park indiscriminately on the highways.

The Governor stressed the need to overhaul the terminal system at the ports, noting that there was no reason for the trucks to park on the highways if their dedicated terminals were operational. 

He disclosed that the State Government had made a request to the Federal Government to prevail on the concessionaire that will be operating the 700-truck capacity Lilypond Terminal at Apapa to open the facility for use without further delay.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that the State Government had donated additional 30 hectares of land in Ijora area as part of the solutions initiated to address the problem, noting that the land would expand the holding capacity of the Lilypond terminal.

He said: “Today, I have taken time to personally inspect some projects being developed both by the Federal and State governments to improve traffic around Constain, Iganmu, Apapa and Mile 2 areas. The projects are initiated specifically to address the chaos created mainly by indiscriminate parking of trailers along the routes. Already, there is an ongoing rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge, where a stretch has completely been scarified.

“There is also a Lilypond Terminal, a major holding bay for heavy-duty trucks, which has not been operated after it was transferred to a concessionaire. We are aware that the concessionaire is meant to complete an agreement with NPA on the transfer of the facility. But, while this is being done, the Lagos Government has donated 30 hectares of land in Ijora to raise the capacity of the Lilypond Terminal. 

“These steps will be part of the solution of taking the trucks off the Apapa highways. When the rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge is completed in another four months, there will be improvement in journey time towards Apapa. We will also be having meeting with various stakeholders operating at the port, including the truck owners. The system needs a total overhaul. We need to agree and formalise the matrix of the trucks’ movement in and out of the port.”

The Governor also decried the failure of the truck drivers to make use of over 30 holding bays around the port area, including the 320-capacity Tin Can Transit Park. 

He pointed out that the gridlock created by the indiscriminate parking of trailers had impacted negatively on the businesses environment on the axis, stressing that the menace had endangered the lives of people living on the corridor.

Sanwo-Olu observed that the volume of maritime business being carried out in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports had outgrown their capacities. He said the State Government had started building another port in Lekki in collaboration with the NPA to serve as alternative and ease the pressure on the two ports in Apapa. 

The Governor admitted the Apapa needed a complete regeneration. The Government, he said, has responded the challenge with the re-construction work currently going on in the area. 

He said: “We need to set out our activities in a methodical order and see how we redevelop Apapa. There is a massive road construction that is going on in Apapa and the work is extensive. We are using concrete for roads that are being rebuilt. Liverpool and Creek roads have already been completed. By October, all the road network leading in and out of the port area would been opened up for public use. 

“My message to our citizens residing and working on this corridor is that, we have assessed the issues and we will be meeting with various operators and stakeholders. We will fashion out how we will all work collaboratively to bring about an efficient system that will deliver permanent solution and diffuse the gridlock. This, we hope, will bring life back to Apapa.”

The Governor moved to inspect a failed section of Mile 2 Interchange along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, where the State Government cleared 70 trucks of waste materials from the road drainage. 

Sanwo-Olu promised that repair work would commence on Monday, but said the appealed to residents to desist from clogging the drainage with waste.

At the Costain Bridge being constructed by the Federal Government, the Governor said there would re-adjustment of the turning radius to alleviate the difficulty being experienced by motorists in negotiating the descending point of the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu also stopped at Iganmu intersection in Apapa-Iganmu area, where illegal settlements are springing up and encroaching the right-of-way of the Blue Line Rail project. 

The Governor gave the slum occupants one month to remove their shanties and vacate the space. 

He said: “The mess created under the Iganmu intersection has encroached the right-of-way of our rail project. In the next one month, we will be taking a decisive action to eject those creating illegal settlements under the bridge. We will give them notice of eviction and we will clean up the place. Once it is cleaned up, we will hand over the space to corporate organisations to restore the aesthetic of the environment.”

The Governor also inspected the on-going repair work on the failed section of Eko Bridge. The repair is expected to complete by the end of September.

Fatai Ayoola rewards winners of AJIF online essay competition | AgegePulse Magazine

The Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola’s led administration in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) has redeemed the pledge of N250,000 to winners of the online essay competition, organized for secondary school students in the LGA.

The council Chairman made the cash presentation to the trio of Uzoma Israel from Ajeromi-Ifelodun Senior High school, Saidat Anifowoshe from Temidire Senior High school and Ofaboh Gift from Odufunke college, at office of the executive chairman recently.

While speaking during the presentation of cash prizes to the online essay winners, Hon Ayoola said his administration felt the need to keep teenagers busy through essay writing during this lockdown.

He added: “We wanted them to get closer to their books, do research and proffer solutions to the impact of COVID-19.”

It would be recalled that Hon. Ayoola has promised the winners a laptop each, and that the teenagers would be integrated into AJIF Ambassadors, a group that is geared towards changing the behavioural and mental attitude of teenagers towards greatness in Ajegunle.

The essay competition according to organisers of the event, had challenged teenagers across the LGA to proffer solutions by ‘Identifying the pitfalls on the education system in Ajegunle’ as a result of the negative impact of COVID-19.

The cash prize was shared in the various categories of N150,000 for the first position, N70,000 for second prize winner, N50,000 for third place and other participants sharing the remaining cash as consolation prizes.

Lagospanorama.com

Keke Senior Grammar School, Fagba Junior, Win Y2020 Governor's Quiz Competition in Lagos

...As Ahmed Primary School, Others Make Agege Proud

AgegePulse Magazine

                           

Keke Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos has emerged the best Senior Secondary School in the year 2020 Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz competition with 14 points.

Announcing the result at the grand finale of the competition that was held virtually, the quiz Master, Mr. Olusegun Adedeji declared Keke Senior High School, Agege winner with 14 points, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu got 12 points to clinch the second position while Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon came third with 10 points.

In the junior category, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Fagba took the first position with 18 points, Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon second position and Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School, Bariga came third positions with 16 and 12 points respectively.

For the Primary Schools’ category, Ahmed Primary School, Agege came first with 14 points, Oke Ishagun Primary School, Alimosho and Mafoluku Nur/Primary School, Oshodi-Isolo emerged second and third positions with 10 and 8 points respectively.

Speaking at the grand finale of the competition held on Friday for Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the state Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo revealed that this year’s competition held virtually is in line with efforts by the State Government towards engaging the students while at home.  

Adefisayo spoke on the need to conduct an assessment on the children and get a feedback on what they have learnt in the past few months through the Radio, Television and On-line programmes in which the Government has invested.

In her words, “In any good educational system, you don’t only test knowledge by written or summative examinations, there are so many other means such as test, quizzes, panel discussions, project work, among others, which will develop the students for the task ahead.”  

The Commissioner averred that the Governor’s Quiz competition became necessary not only to checkmate the students, but to also ensure that they are on top of their studies, adding that this competition will give them a wider scope in their core subjects and general studies.

She reiterated the Education and Technology Agenda of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressing optimism that the children will be confident towards operating technological devices from the comfort of their homes to attend virtual academic programmes that will enhance learning outcomes.

According to the Commissioner, the quiz competition is expected to focus on the three domains of education, which are; psychomotor, cognitive and affective domain. 

The virtual competition is a creative and innovative idea of the Ministry, the pandemic has created various means of proffering solutions to challenges”. 

While congratulating the participants and winners, stating that the State Government is indeed proud of them, thereby wishing them all the best in their endeavors.

Speaking earlier in an address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja said that the highly competitive Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz Competition is an annual event designed to develop the mind of the pupils by creating healthy rivalry among school children and has over the years produced many very brilliant students who have gone ahead to study various courses of choice in the Higher Institutions of Learning.

Mrs. Adeleja expressed that the adoption of virtual competition is as a result of the “New Normal” adding that pandemic has fast-tracked the technological development of day-to-day affairs.

She noted that, “The government was happy with the overt display of knowledge by our amiable children in all facets of life, science & technology, art & craft etc. The improvement recorded in external examinations and achievements in many competitions both at home and abroad are encouraging”. 

The Permanent Secretary advised all children in the State to devote more time to their academic pursuit in order to attain excellence and be reliable keepers of tomorrow. She urged the students to see the competition as an avenue to upscale their knowledge and key into the technological vision of the Governor for a Greater Lagos.

She observed that the quality of Quiz competition has been growing as it progresses opining that, “The standard of questions that are posted to the pupils/students and the ease with which they answer them is a testimony to the quality of education that we provide in the State”.

The grand finale of the competition had Shodiya Ayomide and Nwoke Emeka representing Keke Senior High School, Agege, Ajeniya Abdulquadri and Akande Winifred representing Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu while Alabi Emmanuel and Akintunde Joseph representing Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon.

In the junior category, Ishaku Jethro and Owolabi Grace representing Fagba Junior Grammar School, Ashaka Kehinde and Humpe Christiwedo representing Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon while Modupe Esther and Okebola Treasure representing Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School, Bariga.

For the Primary Schools’ category, Ibrahim Wiquyat and Haruna Aishat representing Ahmad Primary School, Agege, Junita Lafua and Adeniran Mary of Oke Ishegun Primary School, Alimosho while Okikiola Idowu and Jimoh Mariam representing Mafoluku Nur/Primary School Oshodi-Isolo.

The winners/ participants of the competition were virtually presented with trophies, plaques and gift items such as Laptops, Android Phones, Tablets, School Materials among others.

By Kayode Abayomi

How I Battled, Killed Covid-19 By Gboyega Akosile | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Dr.  Gboyega Akosile,  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lagos State 

Thank God I am back at my duty post! I returned to work today, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 after several weeks away, battling the monstrous Coronavirus.

It began with a feverish condition on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. I usually don't joke with my health so I stopped at a pharmacy on my way home, got an anti malaria drug with some paracetamol and I used it as recommended.

I must state here that I have never completed a full dose of any malaria treatment or drugs before getting back on my feet in my adult life, never! In fact, you would have to remind me sometimes before taking my drugs because I would have felt well after taking the second dose. This time, I completed the malaria medicine yet there was no improvement. By Thursday (July 2) evening and Friday (July 3) morning, my health condition had started to deteriorate. The feelings gradually moved from headaches to severe body pains and cold. Same day, I had a responsibility to organize a media briefing for my boss. I didn't raise the alarm just yet because everybody was wary of everyone else, especially if you showed any signs of illness. But the truth is I was sick, terribly sick. 

I told my wife on Thursday evening that there was a need for us to get tested for COVID-19. I convinced her that we needed to clear all doubts. She understood clearly, knowing it may not be out of place that I had been exposed to the virus, especially now that Lagos was experiencing rise in community spread.

We drove straight to the Yaba Infectious Diseases Hospital on Friday morning and in less than an hour; the very efficient Lagos health workers in charge of sample collection and testing attended us to. 

Although he was not ill and showed no signs of COVID-19, I encouraged my driver to join us for the test. We left for Marina to continue with the day’s official activities. While Mr. Governor was briefing and responding to questions from journalists, I stood there on the beautifully tendered State House lawn shaking from within. I could feel that my legs were wobbling from inside my bone marrow. Not even the beauty of the grass, which I usually admire, could calm the way I felt.

I remember how much I tried to keep more than two metres away from some colleagues who had come to me for some clarifications on issues or points raised by Mr. Governor. Since I was not sure of my status, I needed to take responsibility by ensuring that nothing was discharged into the atmosphere from my side. 

I waited till the end of the press conference, managed to move towards my boss but ensured that I didn't move close to him. In that socially distanced position, I informed him of my state of health and his response was direct, "have you gone for another test?" He asked because he had mandated his entire close aides to go for COVID-19 test on two or three occasions. He has also done the test repeatedly, just for everyone to feel safe around the office. I answered him in the affirmative, "yes sir, I just did this morning. Results should be out on Sunday." He then said I should go home for a couple of days. I thanked him and I left the State House.

No sooner had I left the State House than the real symptoms started in fearful proportion. To be honest, I was scared. I had never felt that way before in my entire life. Driving from Marina to Ikeja felt like travelling from Lagos to New York. The vibrations and other bodily pains I experienced that day can't be described here. I rolled from one end of the vehicle to another. All I remember was my driver's voice, saying "epele sir (sorry sir)". It was excruciating! By the time we got home, my eyes had turned red, with the retinal looking the other way. My wife took over immediately as the resident nurse. She was scared too but she summoned the courage and took charge. She insisted we went to the hospital. We did. I told the doctor that I had gone for COVID-19 test but he said he would place me on another round of malaria treatment. 

 

I took some shots that evening, repeated them on Saturday morning and evening. I went again on Sunday morning but there was no remarkable improvement. By Sunday evening, our COVID-19 test results were sent to me via email. My worst fear stared at me in the face; we all tested positive for Coronavirus - my wife, driver and I. I immediately called my driver to inform him. Clearly he was asymptomatic because as at that time and up till the time of writing this piece, he had no symptoms. Life has been normal for him. Nonetheless, I insisted that he should self-isolate at home for 14 days and not go about infecting other people.

I duly informed my principal and then called my direct boss, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who immediately made arrangements for my treatment. The doctors called in and asked that we isolate at home. They tutored me on all the protocols, most of them I was already familiar with, having been part of the communication team on Lagos State Government's response to COVID-19.

Case management started and in two days, I had lost my sense of smell, taste and every symptom that comes with COVID-19 had fully manifested in me. Trust me, it was not a particularly pleasant experience.

In eight to nine days of medication, the initial pains and discomfort started to disappear. I began to experience a new lease of life. My SPO2, which is a small device used in checking the flow of oxygen in a patient’s system was back to normal. BP was good and body temperature returned to normal. This time, I could attend to work related issues. I started working from home.

 

Recall that three of us tested positive and one was asymptomatic. My wife too showed some symptoms from Monday, July 5, so she was placed on same medication. While I improved, her condition took a downward turn; her oxygen level was below the acceptable limit of 95! At first, it fluctuated between 90 and 94; sometimes it would hit 95 so I was hopeful. Her Blood Pressure was also irregular. The value was inconsistent; sometimes good, at another time bad. 

 

On Tuesday, July 14, her SPO2 went down to 88! That was when it dawned on everyone that she had to be evacuated to an isolation centre. She was taken to the Onikan centre, where she received some of the best treatment that COVID-19 patients in the United States of America are looking for. I don’t get scared easily by anything or situation. This time, I was very scared. I thought the worst phase of my life had come when after three days of her admission, she had not responded well to the treatment. She neither called home nor picked her phone. Everyone was worried.

 

Thanks to the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Health, the health workers; doctors, nurses and drivers, among others who ensured that my wife, like all the other patients that were brought in under very terrible conditions returned home with joy.

 

After spending five days, we started to connect again via video calls.

 

Since I was not in the isolation centre, the closest was when I took her birthday cake there for a symbolic celebration; I could only rely on her experience, which she described as wholesome.

 

I decided to touch on my wife’s experience to draw attention to the fact that people do not necessarily die of COVID-19. You lose people to complications from underlining ailments. Unknown to us, my wife had a silent case of pneumonia and had some blood clot related issues. And since she had not fallen sick, these conditions never manifested in any form. Everyone in the house appeared healthy and truly so until the COVID-19 incident.

 

It is very important to conduct comprehensive medical checks, even if it is once in a year. If we had known this earlier, perhaps our experience would have been less traumatic when COVID-19 came calling.

 

Without sounding immodest, Lagos State Government is a model State on the COVID-19 response in Africa. Special thanks to Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who built excess capacity in readiness for the pandemic. This has helped the State to manage the effects of the pandemic since it broke out. 

 

COVID-19 is not a hoax, it’s very real. Use your face mask  wash your hands regularly, use sanitizer and please keep to the social distance protocols.

 

Now I am back on the beat, what have I missed?

Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor.

Nigerians are not banned from visiting Dubai- Official says | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Nigerians are not banned from visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contrary to earlier reports, an official from the Dubai tourism has stated.

Stella Fubara-Obinwa, its Director Africa, International Operations, made this known during a webinar organized by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), themed “Tourism Business Opportunities in Face of New Normal.”

Fubara-Obinwa said there was never a time, nor was there any publication, which reported that Nigerians had been banned from visiting the UAE.

“I challenge people to show me any publication from the United Arab Emirates which states that Nigerians had been banned from the country.

“This is fake news and am not happy with the development from the Nigeria travel agents.

“Nigeria is very important to Dubai; Nigeria has the highest number of travellers to Dubai, out of the 41 sub-Sahara countries.

“As a matter of fact, Dubai is ready to accommodate visitors, likewise every hospitality business, while we adhere to the new COVID-19 restrictions,” she said.

Fubara-Obinwa said Dubai had been opened to tourists from July 7, adding that safety measures had been put in place across all hospitality and tourism outfits.

She noted that Dubai was recently recognized as a safe destination by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

According to her, in Dubai now, a tourist is expected to have a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at any accredited laboratory in their countries, 96 hours before embarking on a trip to Dubai.

She explained that this would make travellers ascertain their COVID-19 status prior to their journey to Dubai to guide against spreading the virus.

TheNation Newspaper

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu Reverses Ambode's 2018 Land Use Charge | AgegePulse

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reversed the amendment of the Land Use Charge effected by the administration of his predecessor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in 2018.

Specifically, the government cancelled the 2018 land use charge and reverted to pre-2018 land use charges.

The decision was announced today at an ongoing press briefing by Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo.

The government also waived penalties for land use charge for 2017, 2018 and 2019, which according to the Commissioner translates to a loss of revenue amounting to N5.6bn.

The 2018 amendment had generated hue and cry from residents and business owners who considered it to be outrageous.

According to Olowo, “In 2018, there was an increase in Land Use Charge rate as well as the method of valuation of properties, this shock had a sporadic increase in Land Use Charge payable by property owners.

“In view of the aforementioned, the current administration decided to review the Land Use Charge law by reversing the rate of Land Use Charge to pre-2018 while upholding the 2018 method of valuation.

"Penalties for Land Use Charge for Year 2017,2018 and 2019 have also been waived. This translates to N5,752,168,411.03 potential revenue waived by the State.

"In additional to the re- introduction of the 15% early payment discount, an additional Covid 19 incentive of 10% will be granted on the total amount payable. This makes the total discount for early payment 25% if payment is made before due date

"The penalty for obstruction of officials and damage to property identification plague has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000

The penalty for inciting a person to refuse to pay LUC has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000.

"The 2020 LUC Law introduced a 10% and 20% special relief for Vacant properties and Open empty land, respectively."

SCHOOL RESUMPTION: Lagos Perm. Sec, TGPS EDD1 Agege, others Monitor Level of Compliance | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Following the resumption of terminal class students in Lagos State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, her Education District 1 Agege, counterpart, Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin, school principals, teachers and some stakeholders in the education sector embarked on monitoring of the compliance level to COVID-19 protocols already instituted in schools across the State. 

AgegePulse learnt that the inspection team led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the schools visited and the comportment of the students to all safety guidelines and protocols.

Speaking at one of the schools visited, Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that the State Government had earlier organised a training session tagged: "Scenario Planning" to prepare teachers ahead of resumption and enlighten them on psychological and physical issues concerning both teachers and students. 

According to her, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, also had a virtual meeting with school managers to discuss all the protocols and facilities the school management required ahead of resumption as far back as July. 

She disclosed that the schools have been fumigated and the environment kept clean, saying that "We have distributed facemasks for use by the students. As a matter of fact, all the schools have more than enough facemasks and sanitisers to cater to the needs of the students as well as hand washing basins. 

The Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Mrs. Margaret Titilayo Solarin, said that the monitoring exercise had been ongoing before the decision to reopen schools, stressing that several consultative fora had been held to strategise the resumption modalities. 

She informed that apart from the preparedness on the part of the government and the teachers, the students have also been enlightened about physical distancing rules and other precautionary protocols that will make their stay in the school safe. 

She challenged parents to also join hands with the government to instill the consciousness of abiding by the safety rules and COVID-19 protocols in the mind of the students even while at home. 

As a way of ensuring compliance, Mrs. Solarin revealed that the schools have adopted the slogan "No Mask, No Entry", in addition to subjecting the students to temperature checks before entering the school premises. 

Other schools visited included State Senior High School, Oyewole, Agege; Oke-Odo Senior High School, Alimosho; Unity Senior College, Oke-Odo, Alimosho; Abesan Senior High School, Abesan and Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, Abesan.

Group In Agege Campaigns Against Rape, Child Abuse In Lagos| AgegePulse Magazine

A progressives Youth in Agege,  Dopemu-Agege Youths Wing recently embarked on aggressive campaign against Rape, Child Abuse, Gender Based Violence and other domestic violence.

According to Dopemu-Agege Youths, the initiative was pertinent to raise awareness about rape and sex abuses in the state, “sexual violence is a menace that affects everybody emotionally and psychologically and a Walk Against Rape is an avenue to say NO to the menace in our communities".

Walk Against Rape is an opportunity for Lagosians to come together and raise awareness on sexual assault. Statistics shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 11 men will be raped in their lifetime and it is estimated that less than 20% of rape cases are reported to the police. The silence and stigmatization of rape victims in our society make rape victims feel dejected and neglected.

AgegePulse Magazine learnt that the main aim of Dopemu-Agege Youth Wing is to empower the victims, their friends, families and supporters to break the silence by staging a walk against rape together on the streets in order to send signal to the perpetrators that Lagos State frowns and condemns in totality any act of sexual harassment on our girl-child.

We have our aims and objectives as highlighted below:

Raising awareness in Agege/Orile Agege on the need to curb any form of sexual violence.

Providing a space for the victims of sexual violence to preach love to them that they are not neglected and we care for them.

Educating communities about the means available to seek a redress and rehabilitation if anybody is assaulted asexually.

As Dopemu-Agege Youth Wing, we believe that no single individual, organization, foundation or business man can stop the epidemic of sexual assault alone but by collective responsibility we can stop the menace.

Speak out and you shall be heard. We say NO to rape and any form of sexual harassment

Super Eagles Star Signs 2 Years Deal With Dynamo | AgegePulse Magazine

...Qualifies Team for Europe Competition

The Ace Super Eagles Star, Sylvester Emeka Igbonu Sly, yesterday successfully sealed a 2 years permanent contract with Russian Giant Team, Dynamo Moscow.

The Agege born attacking striker has been able to gain the interest of the team Dynamo after helping the club to secure European slot, currently sitting comfortably in 6th position with 41points in the log table.

Sylvester SlyTata who revealed the contract extension to AgegePulse Magazine through a media chat, says: 

"Permanent deal in Dynamo Moscow sealed, Let me start by thanking Dynamo Moscow for believing in me and for giving me another 2years opportunity to deliver my professionalism in football, my 1st year in Dynamo Moscow was great even though we have ups and downs but at the end of the season we can be pleased with where we end up for the qualification for European".

Now I have another 2 years with the team who have shown me nothing but love since my arrival here, I look forward to many great things, we are going to achieve together in future, let me use this opportunity to appreciate Almighty God for giving me strength and injury free season, I also extend my gratitude to FC UFA who brought me from Demark to Russia, my 4 years in Ufa was amazing and promising.

"I had a lot of fun and I will always remember my time there, thanks to the coaches, players, staff, President and most especially the fans of the club for our time spent together".

"It's indeed remarkable and memorable". Igbonu concluded.

Conditional Cash Transfer Kicks Off in Lagos | AgegePulse Magazine

... Beneficiaries Receive N10,000 For The Month Of May And June

Following the enrolment of eligible residents of the State for the first phase of the Cash Transfer initiative of the Federal Government, each of the beneficiary households of the Conditional Cash Transfer policy, which kicked off in April this year, received the sum of  N10,000 for the months of May and June 2020.

The conditional Cash Transfer policy, an initiative of the Federal Government to the most vulnerable and indigent of the society was officially flagged off in Lagos today at Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State.

The initiative, which will be administered through the designated household caregiver, who will in turn utilise the money for the better living of the household, was flagged off by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke and top federal government functionaries.

The Commissioner lauded the efforts of the Federal Government, through the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, for their support in the establishment of the cash transfer unit in Lagos State while also expressing her gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and enormous support in making the implementation a success.

Arobieke noted that the process of enrolment of beneficiary households commenced in April 2020 with the most vulnerable, aged and indigent citizens identified.

"It is of the essence to mention that the process of enrolment of about 8,147 households captured by the State Cash Transfer Office was approved by the Governor and commenced in the month of April to fast-track a conditional Cash transfer to beneficiary households in order to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable", Arobieke explained.

While noting that the beneficiaries were painstakingly selected by the Cash Transfer Office in six pilot Local Government Areas and validated through the issuance of identification cards in order to partake in the exercise, the Commissioner appealed to those that have not registered to key into the programme in order to benefit from the palliative measures.

"I will like to appeal to Lagosians that this is a continuous exercise and in case you are yet to be captured in this batch, there are more opportunities that would be cascaded to the rest of the Local Government Areas in the State”, she said.

The National Programme Coordinator of the Scheme, Dr. Temitope Shinkaye, who was represented by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah at the event, stated that the programme focuses mainly on the poor and vulnerable in the country as identified through a combination of geographic and community-based targeting mechanism.

He stated that the programme facilitates the transfer of N5000 per month to the identified beneficiaries, noting that payment is made every two months to eligible households selected from the national social register while the programme also offers capacity building to beneficiaries for empowerment on self reliance.

Abdullahi disclosed that beneficiaries are also trained on life skills and micro-business development in order to engage in viable business activities that will sustain them in future.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment in registering vulnerable households in the State, stressing that it has helped to incorporate them into the Federal Government National Social Register for the vulnerable.

The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Oluseyi Valentino expressed gratitude to the State Government for choosing the Local Government as the flag-off point for the initiative.

He expressed his appreciation to the Federal and State Governments for the laudable initiative, expressing confidence that it will help to alleviate the suffering of the poor and most vulnerable.

The Household Uplifting Programme (HUP), otherwise known as Conditioner Cash Transfer, was introduced in 2016 as one of the four social investment programmes anchored by the Federal Government to tackle poverty and hunger, focusing on a more equitable distribution of resources to the vulnerable population, including the aged and physically challenged.

Education: Sen. Tinubu Praises Sanwo-Olu on Education Reform, as Lawmaker Donates 10,000 Dictionaries to Lagos Schools

 AgegePulse Magazine

•Governor: ‘New Era Project Has Left Lasting Footprints In Lagos’

The Spelling Bee Competition held yearly for secondary school pupils across Lagos State has left lasting legacy and positive footprints on education in the State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Wednesday.

The Governor said the competition, since inception in 2000, had promoted access to quality learning which offered secondary school pupils from humble backgrounds an opportunity to be on the same education pedestal with their mates from rich homes. 

He said the English language competition had come of age, transforming lives through revolutionary changes it brought to public speaking and vocabulary spelling.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the official handover of 10,000 units of Spelling Bee dictionaries freely distributed to public schools across the State by New Era Foundation - the organiser of the Spelling Bee Contest.

The Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is the pet project of the former First Lady of the State, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who is now a third-term lawmaker representing Lagos Central in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

The Governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, personally took delivery of the education materials from Sen. Tinubu at an event held at the State House in Alausa.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The story of the New Era Foundation has been revolutionary in the education sector since its inception. I have personally been part of the New Era Foundation family for decades and I’m opportune to witness how this simple seed germinated to transform the lives of young people through education and value reorientation.

“The Foundation has trained and mentored several young people who have excelled excellently in various fields of knowledge. There have been several First Class graduates that have been produced from this simple intervention of the Spelling Bee Competition, giving them opportunity to showcase their knowledge in different parts of the world. 

“Through this project, many young people from various humble backgrounds have had opportunity to transform their lives and business environment. We will continue to appreciate the progress this novel idea that our mother has brought to us in education in the last 20 years.”

Sanwo-Olu described the Senator as “a caring mother” in Lagos education family, reiterating his administration’s commitment to working with the Foundation to further initiate actions that will help the Government to solve challenges bedeviling education in the State.

He said the State Government would continue to create development opportunities for public school pupils, adding that public speaking and diction tasks would be bolstered across schools to imbue confidence in students in Government schools.

Sanwo-Olu praised the former First Lady for the donation of the dictionaries, saying English learning remained a strong tool that could define what students become in future.

He said: “The donation is simple but historic. This is another demonstration of Sen. Tinubu’s love for our children and education system. We will see the footprints of this intervention both in primary and secondary schools, because English learning is a strong tool that can define what students become in future.”

Sen. Tinubu gave a pass mark to the Sanwo-Olu administration on teachers’ training and retraining, saying the effort had improved the delivery of quality education in Lagos.

The lawmaker said the Spelling Bee contest was not the Foundation’s only intervention initiated in education in Lagos. She said the NGO had supported Lagos Government in school renovation, and provision of learning materials and laboratory equipment.

She said: “I must commend the administration under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the stride achieved in education within a short period. It is worthy of mention that the training and retraining of teachers has boosted morale and improve service delivery. This effort and many other interventions by successive administrations have improved academic rating of our public schools.”

Sen. Tinubu urged the Government to beam a special focus on education to prevent the Coronavirus pandemic to erode the progress recorded since 1999. 

The timing of the dictionaries’ donation, the lawmaker said, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Foundation and the Spelling Bee Competition, pointing out that the NGO has been nurturing young people to lead social change and achieve their potential through targeted education and leisure activities.

She said: “Today, we are donating 10,000 copies of the Spelling Bee Dictionary to the State Government. The dictionary contains all words used in the Spelling Bee competition from its inception to date. It is our hope that it will help improve vocabularies and dictions of the public school children.”

Sen. Tinubu urged wealthy citizens and corporate organisation to partner with the Government to ensure essential requirements needed in the education sector are provided, stressing that the responsibility of educating the society must not be left to the Government alone.

Miss Boluwatife Tijani, a student of Vetland Senior Grammar School in Agege, expressed words of appreciation to Senator Tinubu on behalf of the public school children in the State.

The dictionaries comprise words being used in primary and secondary classes.

Other top Government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, and chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, among others.