APC crisis: Buhari orders Osinbajo to intervene | AgegePulse Magazine VP meets Ministers Malami, Keyamo, Fashola, Lai Mohammed

By  Ayodele Ifasakin 

• Tension in states as congresses take off •Party threatens sanctions for parallel congress

 

L-R: Buhari, Buni, Osinbajo 

Worried by the impact of the judgment of the Supreme Court on the fate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to meet with all ministers who are lawyers in his cabinet.

The move was meant to douse the tension sparked by the minority ruling of the apex court on the legality of actions taken by the party’s Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), headed by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.

But many of the state chapters of the party were still in the grip of tension last night as they prepared for the ward congresses today.

At least one state, Kwara, may hold parallel congresses despite threat yesterday by the CECPC to sanction any one organising a parallel congress.

Sequel to Buhari’s directive, Osinbajo summoned a session with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), Works Minister Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Information and Culture Minister  Lai Mohammed.

The session debated the status of the CECPC chairman and whether the party should proceed with the ward congresses beginning today.

Buhari was awaiting a feedback from the Vice President to enable him give a clear directive.

A reliable source said the majority of participants at yesterday’s session “spoke in the right direction and supported the suspension of the congresses in order to avoid any consequence on the party’s fortunes in 2023.

“They also favoured a proposal to ask Buni to step aside in the light of the judgment.

“But Malami at the meeting said there won’t be any legal or constitutional obstacles if Buni leads the caretaker committee to conduct the congresses. 

They were of the strong opinion that the judgment does not affect the status of Buni or APC.

“Those concerned also pleaded that Buni should not be disgraced out of his seat. They demanded an ingenuous way of resolving the aftermath of the judgment of the Supreme Court.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The VP is expected to get back to the President on the aggregate opinion of the meeting. 

Although the President mandated him to take appropriate decision, he will still defer to the number one leader.”

The President was yet to take his final decision at press time.

It was also gathered that there had been no communication between the Vice President and Buni on the next step by the party.

However, Buni, in a statement through his Director-General for Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, insisted that the Ward Congresses would   go ahead.

He pleaded with APC members nationwide to be peaceful during the congresses.

He asked members to “place the party and members interest above personal interests” and warned that the APC would “not hesitate to take decisive measures against anyone who deliberately sabotages the congresses.”

“We have come a long way repositioning the party. We have reconciled many groups and individuals. We must not allow personal interests in this election to divide us and draw us back,” he said.

Organise parallel congress, get sanctioned, CECPC warns

The Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in a similar warning, said the party would sanction any individual or group that holds a parallel congress.

Akpanudoedehe reminded all party members and stakeholders of the National Executive Council (NEC) resolution of 8th December 2020, which he claimed subsists and extends to the conduct of party members during the congresses.

He said: “For purposes of clarity, may I re-state the relevant point in the resolution to wit: All pending litigations instituted by members against the party should be withdrawn forthwith, and going forward, no member should institute matters against the party without exhausting the internal mechanism for conflict resolution as enshrined in the party’s constitution.

“Consequent upon the above, party members should please note that:

“(i) All activities that may be carried out by persons to put the party and its officers in a bad light before, during and after the congresses should be jettisoned.

“(ii) All activities or processes leading up to the congresses and thereafter which do not have the approval of the CECPC are exercises in futility. This is to say that: any purported; parallel congress, a parallel party organ, and or parallel party office, is, to say the least, a nullity.

“These divisive activities will not be tolerated.

“(iii) For the avoidance of doubt, the party shall deploy the full weight of the law as stipulated in section 21(D) of our party’s Constitution on anyone who perpetrates such unlawful Act(s) and also on their sponsors.

“All persons who are affected by Article 31 of our Constitution should apply for waivers as stipulated under sub. Section 3 of the said Article 31, is also clearly spelt out in the “Special provisions” of our guidelines.”

Also yesterday, member of the CECPC, Prof. Mamman Tahir, at a press conference at the party’s national secretariat, told newsmen of the resolve of the committee to go ahead with the exercise, having obtained the approval of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

He said the party relied on the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for guidance and it was convinced that the party was doing the right thing.

His words: “I am here to reconfirm that our Congresses are on course to hold tomorrow and this Committee is working closely with the Attorney-General of the Federation. And he has offered advice that we are on good ground and we are comfortable with that position. So our programmes will continue to roll on in the normal course of things.

“So we want to assure teeming members of the APC across the country to come out and elect officers at the ward level. This party believes so much in grassroots politics, grassroots democracy; that is the strength of the party.

 

“So we encourage all members to come out tomorrow and elect leaders of their choice at that level before we move to the next stage of our democratisation process and constitution of the leadership of the party.

“This is in a nutshell the message from the party and the Secretariat. That the court hasn’t made any pronouncement or any judgement that undermines our position. And you don’t go into speculating what the courts will do in the future. So, we’re comfortable with our position.”

It was also learnt that governors elected on the platform of the APC held an emergency meeting in Abuja on Thursday night to review the situation, and proceeded to endorse the position of the CECPC

The meeting, which took place at the Asokoro residence of one of the governors, also resolved to call for a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) as soon as the President returns from his UK trip.

Kwara APC set for parallel congress on Saturday

Loyalists of Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed in the Kwara State chapter of the party said yesterday that they had secured nomination forms for all its aspirants in the state.

The caretaker legal adviser of the party in the state, Barrister Ladi Mustapha, told reporters in Ilorin that the Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa-led faction was prepared for the congresses provided every other thing remains constant.

He said the Bashir Bolarinwa Omolaja-led executive of the party had notified relevant agencies as required by the Electoral Act 2006 (As Amended).

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court ruling on Jegede Vs. Rotimi Akeredolu Governorship election should be bold enough on the wall of justice that Hon. Bashir Ọmọlaja Bolarinwa’s chairmanship is as solid, in law, as the Rock of Gibraltar,” he said.

Court stops APC congresses in Imo

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday warned the APC to desist from proceeding with today’s ward congresses in Imo State pending the hearing of a suit filed by Okey Anyikwa, APC Chairman in Ideato South Local Government Area.

The Applicant had approached the Court for an injunction restraining the APC from going ahead with the congresses because of the judgment of the Appeal Court that upheld the tenure of the State EXCO elected in 2018.

Justice Valentine Oriji threatened to invalidate the outcome of congresses should the party disregard the position of the Court.

Oriji ordered that all actions regarding the APC congresses in the state should be stayed, pending the hearing of the application slated for August 10.

Ward congress in open contest, says Uzodinma

But Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State said the congresses would be based on the party’s guidelines that make the process an open contest.

He said the exercise should be devoid of writing and submission of list of favoured members by party leaders.

He said that the congress must be that of the people and for the people and that the least that can be tolerated is affirmation of preferred candidates by the people in line with the APC guidelines.

The governor spoke on Friday at the Government House Owerri during a stakeholders meeting of leaders of the party drawn from the 27 LGAs of the state.

He seized the opportunity to congratulate the APC leaders for their solidarity and show of interest in the affairs of the party so far, thanking all for the successes recorded in the past one year and the synergy and harmonious relationship currently being experienced in the party.

Governor Uzodimma informed that the APC in Imo State today represents a new order of inclusiveness, poised to work together to win all elections in the state.

APC sues for peaceful congress in Lagos

Ahead of the ward congresses, the national leadership of the APC yesterday implored leaders and members to cooperate with one another to ensure a peaceful congress in Lagos State.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting organised by the APC National Committee on Ward Congress for Lagos State with party leaders in Ikeja yesterday, the committee chairman, Dr. Bashiru Ruwangodiya, said the congresses would be done in line with the guidelines set by APC Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) for election of 26 ward executives in each of the 377 wards in Lagos State.

Party executives who are expected to emerge through the ward congresses in the 377 wards in Lagos on Saturday are: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Legal Adviser, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Youth Leader, Women Leader and Auditor, among others.

Ruwangodiya said  the the mode of electing the party executives at ward level is either through consensus or election as stipulated by the party’s constitution, adding that the winner would be determined by simple majority of votes cast.

However, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said the party had agreed on a consensus arrangement for its ward executives.

Oladejo said the consensus arrangement was agreed at the stakeholders meetings held in all the 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

According to him, stakeholders in each of the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs agreed on consensus arrangement to produce ward executives in order to engender unity.

“The meeting was sequel to the directive of the National Caretaker Committee to bring all party leaders and members together to rub minds on the forthcoming congresses towards achieving cohesion and acceptable consensus.

“The various meetings agreed on the desirability of a consensus arrangement that will consider all interests and unite the party as we count down to the next national elections,” Oladejo said.

The spokesman said that stakeholders admonished all members to participate actively in the congresses and uphold party discipline at all times.

Oladejo said the event at various council areas gave the newly elected local government chairmen, vice-chairmen and councilors opportunity to express their commitment and appreciation to the party for the mandate to serve the people.

APC youths protest in Osun over consensus congress

Scores of APC members in Osun State under the aegis of Youth Wings yesterday protested against the arrangement for today’s ward congresses. The protesters claimed they had no access to nomination forms for the various elective offices.

The protesters moved from Aregbe junction at about 4 pm to Ogo-Oluwa area with placards and banners, chanting democracy songs. The protest led to a gridlock on the road.

Some of the placards carried inscriptions such as: “We say no to consensus”; “We want free and fair congress”; “We say no to imposition”; and “We say no to party members’ harassment”.

We were not hijacked – Chairman Osun APC Congress Committee

The Chairman of APC, Osun State Congress Committee, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye yesterday denied a rumour that he and other committee members were kidnapped by bandits or hijacked by some people in the state.

Elegbeleye during a meeting with Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and other party leaders in the state ahead of the ward congresses said logistics forced them to arrive the state late.

“The idea that Osun Committee members have been kidnapped is a lie. I have not been kidnapped by any bandit. We are just arriving in your state. Nobody kidnapped us,” he said.

Governor Oyetola stressed that the congresses should not be used to create problems in the party and that is why the National Secretariat advised the way of consensus.

Earlier, the APC Caretaker Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun explained that “as recommended by the National Secretariat we have adopted consensus in Osun for the purpose of the smooth running of the party.

 

“Things have been properly done. Our homework has been done properly. Our fathers and leaders have scrutinised the 332 wards that we have in Osun.

“We have concluded the exercise that will lead us to a very good congress tomorrow. The state government has provided adequate security across the state. We are peace-loving.”

Consensus list ready in Ondo

The list of party ward executives to be affirmed during the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State is ready.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other stakeholders of the Ondo APC had agreed to conduct the congresses using the consensus method.

The purpose was to avoid rancorous elections that might lead to litigations and factions.

It was gathered that the Ondo APC also set up committees to look into complaints of some members that they were not carried along in compiling the list.

Acting Chairman of Ondo APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said the ward congresses would be conducted in a family way.

Adetimehin said leaders of the party want to remain united after the congresses.

He said the Supreme Court ruling affirming the election of Governor Akeredolu has further united the party.

Abe asks loyalists to boycott ward congress

A former Senator representing Rivers South East, Mr. Magnus Abe, yesterday asked his loyalists in the party to boycott the congresses in the interest of peace and tranquility.

Abe is currently locked in a battle for the soul of the party in the state with Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

Addressing his supporters in Port Harcout ahead of the congress, Abe said that all efforts to restore peace within the party in the state had failed.

He appealed to them to bury the hatchet and allow peace to prevail during the exercise while he continues to engage the national leadership of the party on settling the issues.

Amaechi loyalists accuse Abe of trying to stop congresses

The Rotimi Amaechi faction of the APC in the state yesterday accused the faction led by Senator Abe of plotting to stop the congresses of the party in the state through a court order.

The APC faction, through its spokesman, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, claimed that at about 4 pm yesterday, members of Abe’s Unity House in the company of their lawyers were spotted at the premises of the Judiciary in furtherance of the plot.

Nwuke said: “We have learnt that at about 4pm today, Friday, 30th July, 2021, Senator Abe’s lawyers were filing papers to stop the APC from going along with its planned congress as approved by the National Secretariat.

“We have further learnt that the Chief Judge of the State who was still within the court premises may any moment from now assign the matter to a judge who would be expected to issue a restraining order.

“We are not surprised by the existence of the plot which was put to the test before the 2019 elections by Senator Magnus Abe and his external collaborators.

“It has become necessary to inform members of the public, including our teeming supporters, of the existence of the plot that is being hatched to obstruct the conduct of the congress.

“It is quite clear by now that each time the APC plans to deepen its internal democracy through processes that would enable members test their popularity, certain paper tigers in our midst who lack active grassroots support connive with their friends in the other party to file frivolous cases.

“In the meantime, we urge our members to remain calm. We wish to assure the people of Rivers State, particularly our supporters, that no matter how long it takes to obtain justice, our party shall secure legal reliefs, which would guarantee the right of our members to pursue their legitimate aspirations. This is our promise.”

Group begs ex-senate president, Nnamani, to save Enugu APC

A group in Enugu State, APC Grassroots Vanguards, yesterday appealed to former Senate president, Dr. Ken Nnamani, to use his position to save the party from collapse in the state.

The group, which said it was not satisfied with the situation of things in the party in the state, appealed to Nnamani to ensure “a total shift to more result oriented individuals who are willing to pay the supreme price of not compromising the party faithful’s aspirations”.

Chairman of the group, Hon Nsude Oguejiofor, said: “It’s time to say no to impositions and planting of fake people as APC leaders who are APC in the morning but PDP during the night. We’re optimistic that a new dawn will be here in Enugu APC and with the team on board, including the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama our leader, the ugly rhetoric in the activities of the party will be a thing of the past”.

Akwa Ibom APC elders kick against consensus

Elders of the APC in Akwa Ibom State kicked against consensus arrangement for the planned congresses.

The APC elders said the consensus arrangement was unpopular and not in the best interest of the party.

They said only an elective congress would unite and strengthen the party ahead of the 2023 elections in the state.

In a communique at the end of a meeting in Uyo, the APC Elders accused the Acting National Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, of manipulating the activities of the party in the state for his own personal benefit.

It is impossible for PDP to disqualify APC’s presidential candidate in 2023, says Omo-Agege

Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, insisted yesterday that it is impossible for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other political party to get the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) disqualified in 2023.

The Deputy Senate President, in his second statement on the implication of the minority ruling of the Supreme Court on the status of the APC CECPC chair, asked those canvassing that the ward congresses of the APC be postponed in view of the ruling to “eschew mischievous behaviours and deliberate attempts at misinterpreting and misrepresenting the law to satisfy an egocentric agenda.”

“It is elementary knowledge that complaints touching on the nomination or election of leaders of a political party or issues as to membership of a political party are matters exclusively within the internal affairs of a political party and are not justiciable,” he said.

Omo-Agege added: “The Supreme Court in the case of UFOMBA V. INEC & ORS (2017) LPELR-42079 (SC), Pp. 46-48, paras. D-B, clearly held thus:

‘…The issue now is, are claims against the nomination of members or leaders of the political party justifiable? My simple answer to that question is a capital NO. The law is trite that Courts jurisdiction is ousted in matters dealing with internal affairs or resolution of a political party regarding nomination or leadership of that political party as in this instant case…’

“How the process of electing the leaders or Executives of the APC on Saturday, 31st day of July, 2021, can be relied upon by the PDP or any other opposition party, to disqualify our candidates in 2023, is what beats my imagination.

“Assuming but not conceding, that the grievances (if any) arising from the Congresses would amount or qualify as a pre-election dispute and assuming the PDP or any other opposition  party has the right to challenge the outcome of the Congresses, such a right of action will not last in perpetuity. “

S/Court ruling has invalidated existence of APC, says PDP

Weighing in on the controversy yesterday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the ruling of the Supreme Court had technically invalidated the existence of the APC as one of the political parties in Nigeria.

Spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, told reporters in Abuja that by virtue of the ruling, the APC now lacks the statutory structure to operate as a political party in the country.

Ologbondiyan said the pronouncement of the Supreme Court “clearly pointed to the nullity of APC’s subsistence and activities as a political party for having a sitting governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, as its Chairman, in total violation of section 183 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the provisions of Article 17(4) of the APC constitution.

“A further interpretation of the pronouncement of the Supreme Court showed that all activities of the APC under Mai Mala Buni, including nomination of candidates for elections, agreements, official decision reached, establishment of committees for statutory activities as well as its planned ward, local government and states congresses now hang loosely on the threat of invalidity.

“The fate of the APC as a defunct party is already sealed and the party cannot come out of this self-inflicted quagmire even if it engages in the drama of appointing a new National Chairman in place of Mai Mala Buni.

“This is because the APC has become statutorily vacuous, without a valid National Working Committee, without a valid National Executive Committee (NEC) and without a valid Board of Trustees (BoT) to legally initiate or carry out any official function, including convoking any platform for the administration of the party. It is end of the road for the APC.

“In this regard, the PDP counsels all aspirants for the planned APC ward, local government and state congresses as well as the national convention to note that the APC is now in a state of ‘let the buyer beware’.

“Such intending aspirants should be cautious of putting their precious time and resources in a damaged vehicle that has come to the end of an ill-fated journey.”

The Nation

Lady Makes A Portrait Of Ooni Of Ife Using Water Sachets, Presents It To Him | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Adejoke lasisi

A Nigerian lady identified as Adejoke Lasisi wow the Ooni of Ife on ….. as she present to him a portrait of the king made with “Pure Water” sachets, WonderTV Media reports.

The young lady who is famous for “recycling sachets” said when she heard she was going to be honoured by the Ooni as one of the South-West MSME Ambassadors, she started thinking of what she could present to the King as a gift in a show of gratitude.

After a long thought, she consulted her team and they all came up with different ideas, she ordered for the leftover sachets in the stores to be brought which were used to make the portrait of the king and their artist came up with an idea of using straws as beads and they made use of them.

The young lady stated that the Ooni of Ife couldn’t believe a portrait of him could be made with “pure water” sachets and straws.

“Kabiyesi kept touching the straws and he couldn’t believe this portrait of him was made from the woven pure water sachets waste and the straws as beads”, the lady said.

Abiyamo

LG Poll: LASIEC Picks August 7, For Councillorship Rerun Election in Agege LG | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin

Following the inconclusiveness of the last Saturday councillorship that happened in Ward F, Agege, The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has said, that there will be a Re-Run of the Councillorship election in Ward F between the All Progressives Congress Party and Peoples Democratic Party Councillorship Candidates on the 7th of August, 2021

Recall, This was as a result of the tie between the two Candidates where no winner was declared at the last concluded Lagos LG Polls.

AgegePulse gathered that, the requirements for a candidate to be returned as a winner were not met due to the tie between the Candidates according to Lasiec Collation Officer.

Aransi Ola Yussuf, Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 784 Votes while Sakiru Motunrakin Akinwande, also polled 784 Votes in last election.

This election becomes necessary when the first election fails to produce a clear winner for the position of the Councillor. This will only involve just the two leading contenders.

According to electoral rules, a re-run will be so declared to have a clear winner that will represent the good People of Ward F at the Agege Local Government Legislative Chamber Agege Legislative Council

The question now is will the rerun give a record breaking chance to the PDP Candidate or will it be all APC affairs in the 9th Agege Legislative council

How Hushpuppi Allegedly Bribed Nigerian Police Chief Abba Kyari To Arrest A Fellow Yahoo Boy In Nigeria Says United States Department of Justice | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Hushpuppi 

Six Indicted in International Scheme to Defraud Qatari School Founder and then Launder over $1 Million in Illicit Proceeds

Nigerian National Known as ‘Hushpuppi’ Admits Money Laundering in School Financing Scam and Additional Cyber and Business Email Compromise Schemes

            LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment unsealed this week alleges an elaborate scheme to steal more than $1.1 million from a businessperson attempting to finance the construction of a school for children in Qatar – and the subsequent laundering of illicit proceeds through bank accounts around the world.

            The three-count indictment returned on April 29 and unsealed Monday charges three U.S.-based defendants who were arrested last week – as well as three defendants believed to be in Africa – with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.

            The criminal complaint that initiated the prosecution in February was also unsealed Monday, revealing that Ramon Olorunwa Abbas – also known by his social media handle of “Ray Hushpuppi” – was initially charged in this case. Court documents ordered unsealed today show that Abbas, a 37-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty on April 20. A version of Abbas’ plea agreement filed late Tuesday outlines his role in the school-finance scheme, as well as several other cyber and business email compromise schemes that cumulatively caused more than $24 million in losses.

            “The defendants allegedly faked the financing of a Qatari school by playing the roles of bank officials and creating a bogus website in a scheme that also bribed a foreign official to keep the elaborate pretense going after the victim was tipped off,” said Acting United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison. “Mr. Abbas, who played a significant role in the scheme, funded his luxurious lifestyle by laundering illicit proceeds generated by con artists who use increasingly sophisticated means. In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will identify and prosecute perpetrators of business email compromise scams, which is a massive and growing international crime problem.”

            “Mr. Abbas, among the most high-profile money launderers in the world, has admitted to his significant role in perpetrating global BEC fraud, a scheme currently plaguing Americans,” said Kristi K. Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “His celebrity status and ability to make connections seeped into legitimate organizations and led to several spin-off schemes in the U.S. and abroad. Today’s announcement deals a crucial blow to this international network and hopefully serves as a warning to potential victims targeted with this type of theft.”

            According to the indictment, Abbas allegedly conspired with Abdulrahman Imraan Juma, a.k.a. “Abdul,” 28, of Kenya, and Kelly Chibuzo Vincent, 40, of Nigeria, to defraud the Qatari businessperson by claiming to be consultants and bankers who could facilitate a loan to finance construction of the planned school. Juma allegedly posed as a facilitator and consultant for the illusory bank loans, while Abbas played the role of “Malik,” a Wells Fargo banker in New York, according to court documents. Vincent, in turn, allegedly provided support for the false narratives fed to the victim by, among other things, creating bogus documents and arranging for the creation of a fake bank website and phone banking line.

            Yusuf Adekinka Anifowoshe, a.k.a. “AJ,” 26, of Brooklyn, New York, allegedly played a role in the fraud, assisting Abbas with a call to the victim posing as “Malik.” Special agents with the FBI arrested Anifowoshe in New York on July 22.

The conspirators allegedly defrauded the victim out of more than $1.1 million.

            The proceeds of the fraud allegedly were laundered in several ways. According to the indictment, Abbas was assisted in laundering the proceeds of the fraud by Rukayat Motunraya Fashola, a.k.a. “Morayo,” 28, of Valley Stream, New York, and Bolatito Tawakalitu Agbabiaka, a.k.a. “Bolamide,” 34, of Linden, New Jersey. These two defendants also were arrested on July 22 by FBI agents.

            Approximately $230,000 of the stolen funds allegedly were used to purchase a Richard Mille RM11-03 watch, which was hand delivered to Abbas in Dubai and subsequently appeared in Hushpuppi’s social media posts. Other illicit proceeds from the scheme were allegedly converted into cashier’s checks, including $50,000 in checks that were used by Abbas and a co-conspirator to fraudulently acquire a St. Christopher and Nevis citizenship, as well as a passport for Abbas obtained by creating a false marriage certificate and then bribing a government official in St. Kitts.

            Court documents outline a dispute among members of the conspiracy, which allegedly prompted Vincent to contact the victim and claim that Abbas and Juma were engaged in fraud. After this contact, Abbas allegedly arranged to have Vincent jailed in Nigeria by Abba Alhaji Kyari, 46, of Nigeria. According to the affidavit, Kyari is a highly decorated deputy commissioner of the Nigeria Police Force who is alleged to have arranged for Vincent to be arrested and jailed at Abbas’ behest, and then sent Abbas photographs of Vincent after his arrest. Kyari also allegedly sent Abbas bank account details for an account into which Abbas could deposit payment for Vincent’s arrest and imprisonment.

            Anifowoshe, Fashola and Agbabiaka were arrested in New York and New Jersey on July 22, and they are expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles in August. All three are currently free on bond.

            A criminal complaint and an indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

            Both conspiracy counts alleged in the indictment carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison term.

            The FBI is investigating this matter as part of Operation Top Dog. The FBI thanks the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Police Department for their substantial assistance in this matter. The FBI also thanks the Kenyan Office of Attorney General, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations for their substantial assistance.

            This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter.

Abiyamo

SANWO-OLU COMPENSATES FAMILIES OF DECEASED SECURITY PERSONNEL WITH N30m | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, has again, reaffirmed his pledge to always give wholesome support to the security agencies as he today, in his government's trademark tradition, handed out, three (3), individual beneficiary cheques of ten million naira (10,000,000.00), each to the bereaved families comprising two (2) RRS and one (1) task force operative at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, the Governor, emphatized with the affected families, describing the monetary support as a token and the government's efforts at comforting affected families, maintaining that, no amount of financial gift  can make up for the lost lives and the gallantry of the fallen Patriots.

The Governor, through the chief of staff commended and appreciated the gallantry of the deceased operatives, reassuring the families and Lagos residents of the government's decisiveness to always work for the good and wellbeing of the masses.

The three (3) beneficiary families include those of late Insptr. Ajibola Gafari,  PC Olufemi Richards of Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and ASP Omisore Oluwashina Olamide of Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement Unit).

Speaking on behalf of the three (3) beneficiary families, a son of one of the deceased, Olufemi Odeniyi, expressed profuse thanks to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the cushion and lifeline, while wishing everyone present and the government greater success and impact in the lives of Lagosians.

Igboho: Buratai Meets Benin Republic President| AgegePulse Magazine

By Ayodele Ifasakin

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has met with the President of the French-speaking West African nation, Patrice Talon.

R: Buratai with Benin President, Talon

Buratai met with the Beninese President on Tuesday during the official presentation of his letter of credence.

Also, the Ambassador of Germany to Benin Republic, Michael Derus; as well as those of Ghana, Gabon, and Norway also presented their letters of credence to Talon.

Buratai (R) presents his letter of credence to Talon (L)

Buratai’s meeting with the Beninese President occurred amid the planned extradition of wanted Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in Cotonou on July 19, 2021 while he tried to catch a flight to Germany.

A member of Igboho’s legal team, Pelumi Olajengbesi, had said Buratai asked for the extradition of Igboho to the headquarters of the Department of State Services in Abuja, Nigeria but Benin Republic disappointed him.

Buratai, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff between July 2015 and January 2021, was deployed as Nigeria’s envoy in the Benin Republic in June 2021.

Before then, the Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had presented Buratai’s nomination to the Senate and the upper chamber of the National Assembly had confirmed the ex-COAS’ nomination despite public outcry of some crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Nigerian Army under Buratai’s leadership.

In a statement, the Beninese Government said Talon granted audience to each of the new ambassadors and discussed with them on the revitalisation and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between these different countries and Benin.

Talon was also said to have received a brief update on the state of cooperation between Benin, Nigeria and the other countries.

“The President of the Republic also took the opportunity to invite the new Ambassadors to work more on consolidating and strengthening the warm relations that already exist between their countries and Benin,” the statement added.

It was, however, not clear whether or not Buratai discussed Igboho’s extradition with the Beninese President.

Igboho, an arrowhead of the secessionist agitation for Yoruba nation, has been in detention since July 19, 2021 when he was arrested by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou around 8pm.

Igboho was arrested after the Nigerian Government notified its West African neighbours – including Benin Republic – that he should be hunted.

He was arrested with his wife, Ropo, but the Cour De’appal De Cotonou ordered the release of the Germany-based wife of the activist, saying there were no allegations against her.

The Beninese court, on Monday, however, ordered that Igboho be remanded in a prison facility in the country while further investigations were carried out on the case against the agitator.

Igboho is facing allegations bordering on trafficking in arms, inciting violence and causing disunity in Nigeria.

Some of the other offences said to have been committed by the activist include entering Benin Republic illegally as well as alleged planned intent to cause social unrest in Benin Republic.

Though currently in detention, the court granted the 48-year-old agitator access to medical care while his lawyers continue to battle for his release and kick against his extradition to Nigeria.

Recall that Igboho fled Nigeria after the DSS declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to cause mayhem under the pretext of Yoruba nation but the activist denied the allegation.

Igboho had narrowly escaped the DSS raid on his Ibadan residence on July 1, 2021 around 1am when the secret police killed two of his associates and arrested about 12 of them.

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AGEGE LG POLL: HON. SOLA OSOLANA APPRECIATES SUPPORTERS, URGES RESIDENTS TO BE CALM AS THE PARTY UNDERSTUDIES THE DECLARED RESULTS

 

AgegePulse Magazine 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

As the Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded Local Government Election in Agege, I want to thank residents, Party Supporters and Well-wishers who upon the intimidation came out to vote and  yearn for greater Agege. I humbly appreciate you all for your supports; before and during the last Saturday Election.

Osolana 

The Political crusade of building greater and new Agege has not ended but just began. We shall continue to be focused on our Agenda for all Agege residents.

Firstly, I want to urge all Agege residents, voters  and supporters to be calm over the declared  results by the Returning Officer of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).

It is obvious that the results did not reflect the true position of the poll conducted across the Seven wards but our Party is currently understudying the results and shall disclose our position soon.

Meanwhile, we have noticed and documented all the nefarious activities that characterised Agege Local Government Election but i congratulate the announced winners and wish them success in the spirit of good sportsmanship. 

As a peace-loving individual and Politician, I appeal to all my supporters to remain calm, peaceful and maintain law and order in all ramifications.

I sincerely salute the courage of the voters, party agents and supporters  in spite of the partisanship of some security operatives, intimidation, thuggery, harassment, rigging and snatching of ballot boxes. I appreciate you all.

Hon. Sola Osolana

Agege Chairmanship Candidate

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lagos LG Poll, My plans for Agege – PDP, Osolana, candidate, | Agege, Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin

 

Mr. Sola Osolana, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Agege Local Government of Lagos State, says his plans and passion for development of the area are beyond party politics.

Mr Osolana made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

“I am progressive in nature; when I become the council chairman, I will be busy developing Agege without playing party politics which will be government and residents, not party relationship.

“Our relationship will be residents and government not party politics or party relationship within our team.

“I believe my vision and plans for development will be of the interest of the people and especially, to curb godfatherism syndromes in Agege,” he said.

Mr Osolana said that health, education, empowerment and social development would be his priority if elected.

According to him, hundreds of youths will be engaged in various work sectors in Agege including bakery, agriculture and security volunteers to ensure the community is safe for business.

“There are lots of wastages in Agege; our youths are not being properly engaged, thereby increasing social vices.

“We will employ them in various segments and sectors within which emergency response number with data base capturing of youths in the area will be established.

 

“Together, we have started very well and we shall continue to strive hard to sell our mission of greater change and bring relief to our people in Agege,” he said.

According to him, the acronym of his agenda, HEEDS, is simple and direct.

The chairmanship candidate reiterated that H stood for functional Health Care System while the E stood for Education with improved modern facilities.

“Another E stands for Empowerment of youths and women development while D stands for Development of Infrastructure facilities and S for Sustainable Development,” he added.

Mr Osolana said he would serve with undiluted love for functional Primary Health Care System with free drugs.

According to him, well equipped educational facilities for Agege pupils and genuine empowerment programmes will be provided for youths and women in the community.

NAN reports that Mr Osolana, a former chairmanship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, defected to PDP on June 19.

The candidate will contest the July 24 council poll on the platform of the PDP after unidentified hoodlums disrupted the APC primary elections within the seven wards of Agege local government area.

 “My objective to become the council chairman is to serve my people under any platform that is ready to accommodate me as the last APC primaries was disrupted by thugs.

“I am assuring my great supporters to come out enmasse to vote for me on July 24 during the election under the platform of PDP,” Mr Osolana said. (NAN)

Source: Premium Times

There’ll Be No Peace In Any State That Bans Open Grazing – Fulani Group | AgegePulse Magazine

 By Ayodele Ifasakin

A Fulani group under the aegies of the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) has kicked against any attempt to ban open grazing in Southern Nigeria, as it said doing so will lead to a breakdown of peace in such states.

The 17 governors of southern states, under the auspices of the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) had, July 5, at their meeting in Lagos, unanimously agreed to effect a ban on open grazing in the region with September 1 given as the deadline for the ban to take effect.

But in a statement on Sunday and made available to Ripples Nigeria, GAFDAN described the ban as a ‘call to anarchy’ in the country, adding that the move was capable of frustrating the South’s chances of producing the country’s president in 2023.

The statement signed by National Secretary of the group, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said:

“The position of the forum is very unfortunate because you don’t stop a system unless you have provided an alternative to it.

 

“We are not against any new method of animal husbandry because we believe that the present system is outdated but then you don’t stop it overnight without providing alternative.

“So, the position of the governors is practically impossible under the present setup in Nigeria.

“The statement of the governors is more political than realistic. It is unfortunate that people can play politics with the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

“If you stop open grazing in the South, you are simply saying that those people should move to the North or they should move to other parts of the country. What happens if those in the North also ask the Southerners to leave?

“Are we promoting unity or hatred? What the governors are saying is practically impossible and it does not promote the unity of this country.

“You don’t stop people’s means of living and expect peace to reign. So, the implication is that the unity of Nigeria is going to be in question.

“You don’t expect those that will be affected to return to the North and live in peace with people from the South living in the North”, the group 

Native Reporters

Agege LG Poll: Why you should vote for Hon. Sola Osolana as Executive Chairman | AgegePulse Magazine

   

   By Ayodele Ifasakin                  

Sola Osolana

                      

To insensitive persons, Hon. Sola Ososlana is new in politics. But for the political minded persons within Agege and Orile Agege Local government Areas; He has been in Politics since 2008. He has contested severally, worked with pure mind and excellent will to bring relief to the residents.From Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), ACN to All Progressives Congress (APC),but now People's Democratic Party (PDP), Osolana has seen it all.

 

Exploring the activities of  politicians in Agege Federal Constituency, Sola Osolana is the only political figure that has chain of businesses around the Local Government area.And what Sola Osolana has achieved with his popular Foundation; Sola Osolana Foundation (SOF) is numerous to count. 

The Non Governmental Organization. over the years;  has empowered Youths; Women and the elderly.It has offered educational aids severally to Agege students and assisted brilliant minds across the seven wards in Agege Local Government.

 

He bestrides the Agege political terrain like colossus, and he has remained relevant and active in the scheme of things for years without relenting.

This is despite his many failed shots and attempts at the chairmanship seat of the local government.

At least on three occasions, he has signified interest in the different elective seats; only to be schemed out of the race toward the primaries.

Still he remains undaunted and unyielding in his steadfast support for the party right from the ACN days to the present merged party, APC.

What is however giving many a concern is why he has refused to be unbowed in his generous and financial backing for his party, even when he has no visible political stake.

As a deep pocket politician, he has shown on many occasions that he is not a do-or-die politician who will stop at nothing to achieve his aim of clinching political office.

The way and manner he provided financial muscle during 2017 Local Government Election, especially in his political base, Agege, are very symbolic of a committed party man.

 With his financial support for the party at all times, he was merely compensated with a post of Supervisory Councillor for Works and Infrastructure. The Post he occupied before the “Kangaroo and doctored” accusations were leveled against him by the Legislative and Executive Arms for preparing to contest for the 2021 Agege Chairmanship Election.

Then, there were snippets that he was being assured of the council vice-chairmanship at the initial stage when he gallantly stepped down for the now incumbent chair before the election, only for another  politician, Hon. Ogunji Abiodun Dare, in the LG to surface as the running mate of Egunjobi.

How the table turned against him in that regard is still a contentious in the LG area, but Osolana still kept his calm. Then from the winds, another unsubstantiated rumour sprang out that he might be given the Council Secretary slot, but this is also conjectural in a way, as politics being a game of surprises, did not favour him for the council secretaryship. That was why many in the constituency were wondering why he is still remaining in a party that he has toiled so much for, morally and financially, without any political gain or office to show for it. The ensuing political dispensation may prove his doubting Thomases wrong about Osolana’s continuous and rigid stay in the Agege politics nay APC.

Now in 2021, Hon. Sola Osolana is set to reclaim the Chairmanship seat with the help of Agege residents and Party members. Because APC failed to organise Primary elections across all 7 wards in Agege and chose to pick a candidate rather than through election. 

Osolana is now the Chairmanship Candidate of PDP in Agege. He wants to serve Agege residents with undiluted love for sound Health Care System , well-equipped classrooms for students, genuine empowerment of Youths and Women, development of infrastructural facilities and uplift of Sustainable growths in the Local Government Area.

Among the candidates, Osolana is unique in Character, vision and personality.

As a politician and businessman, he is truthful, reliable and responsible in all ramifications.Voting for Hon. Sola Osolana is voting for greater Change in Agege.

Vote for PDP Chairmanship Candidate, vote for SOLA Osolana.

Agege LG Poll: My Ambition is not about me; it is about the development of Agege Community -Osolana

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

...Reiterates Commitment to tackle insecurity with serious youth engagements, empowerment   

The Chairmanship Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)  in the upcoming Agege Local Government Election, Hon. Olusola Osolana has promised that his administration will tackle insecurity in the community by engaging the youths and create unique empowerment programme for them.

Osolana expressed this while taking to Agege youths during a visitation to Isale Oja, Agege.

While speaking on his H.E.E.D.S Agenda,  Former Supervisory Councillor promised to improve the Health Care facilities in the Local Government.

The Agenda represents (Functional Health Care Service, Improve and Modern Education system, Empowerment of Youths &Women, Development of Infrastructure and Sustainability of the Development goals.)

Meanwhile, the business mogul turned Politician urged all youths to support his vision and vote for PDP in July 24 LG Poll.

" Our vision is to make Agege greater with all basic amenities intact. My Ambition is not about me; it is about the development of Agege Community," he said.

Lagos LG Election: One-On-One With LASIEC Boss, Plans To Use Card Readers, To Work with INEC

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin

...Clears Air on Major Issues About The Election

 

LASIEC  Boss, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Philips (Rtd.)

The Chairman Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Hon Justice Ayotunde Philips (Rtd.), need little or no introduction, on the 29th June 2016 the former High Court Judge was sworn in as the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and in May 2017 she was elected as a member of the FIFA ETHICS COMMITTEE (ADJUDICTORY CHAMBER). The Member Board of Trustees Association of Multi-Door Courthouses of Nigeria and Member of the Board of Directors of Lagos Court of Arbitration obliged the Editor/Publisher Lagos Panorama ‘Tayo Aderinola an incisive interview on the forthcoming Lagos Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) elections for the Chairmanship and councillorship candidates scheduled by the state electoral commission for 24th July, 2021.

Please do enjoy an excerpt from the exclusive incisive interview on all you need to know about the coming Lagos Council Polls:

LAGOS PANORAMA: Considering the fact that in all the 36 states of the federation, the ruling parties always record hundred percent victory in every local government elections, hence, causing voter apathy, what are you doing to ensure the trust of voters and massive turnout of Lagosians in the forthcoming July 24th Lagos Council Elections?

Hon Justice Ayotunde Philips (Rtd.): First of all, they don’t record massive hundred percent victory in all the Local Governments and LCDAs, that’s not true. It’s true however that last elections they won all the chairmanship seats, but the councillorship seats were won by other parties too, PDP, Accord, Labour Party and a few parties   

This time around, we are doing our best to reach out to the electorates, to sensitize them with the fact that election would hold on the 24th of July.

However, we were going to start work in earnest August last year, but COVID came and there was a lockdown, most of the civil servants could not come work, immediately after COVID, when that one was subsiding EndSARS came, last year we just couldn’t get anything done. This year is the election year, we’re trying and we have started meetings with all the relevant government organs that can assist, very soon you’ll see a lot of activities toward that.

Is there any plan to postpone the Lagos Council Election, because it was reported in some social media platforms over the weekend?

No, not to the best of my knowledge, I know nothing about it.

What’s your take on the Lagos State House of Assembly’s amendment to LASIEC law, empowering the governor to extend commission’s tenure?

Yes, it became very necessary in the sense that, actually, today mark the fifth year of our tenure, ideally it should be the end of the tenure, but since elections are eminent and we are conducting the elections, it became mandatory that there should be no crack in our tenure, so to make it seamless, not to leave room for any technicality, so the amendment is well taken.

Recently the commission’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tope Ojo, issued a press release that debunked a story published in the Punch Newspapers with the headline “LASIEC LISTS LOSERS OF APC LG PRIMARY AS WINNERS” on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, alleging that some winners of the Local Government Chairmen and Councillorship Primaries were surreptitiously replaced in the lists published by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Can you please elucidate on this?

That allegation against us was so unfair, and so untrue and it goes to the integrity of this commission, we don’t choose candidate for the political parties. In fact, if we should even dare to interfere in that process, we have lost all self-respect, all integrity and all ability to even hold positions we hold here. All we do is to receive the list of the parties after the primaries, which we just observe and we paste the lists as we see it. It is not for us to touch the lists. It will be most incompetent of us to even tamper with any list or anybody’s name.  it’s a very unfair accusation and I expected PUNCH to at least phone us here or send a reporter here like they normally do, to find out whether it’s true before they published it. If you go through the LASIEC laws you’ll see, our duty is there, our duty doesn’t include picking or choosing candidates for parties, the parties are supreme, they choose their candidates. Even the court cannot interfere in the running of the parties. The Supreme Court had said it many times, it’s an intraparty affair, keep out of it. They have their constitution, they’ve their election guidelines, they’ve the whole machinery to settle every dispute that have thrown up from the primaries, so it’s very unfair for PUNCH and that’s why a very strong worded press statement was issued by us. I have not heard anything since then. I am expecting an apology from PUNCH.

That brings me to my next question, recently the Chairman Eti-Osa East Hon Olufunmi Olatunji unfortunately passed on, after winning the All-Progressives Congress (APC) primary against his only contender Azeez Ismail, what’s the expectation required to replace the party’s candidate?

The party will take care of that, they’ll probably look into their constitution and the guidelines to produce another candidate to replace him, it’s very unfortunate, we pray for the peaceful reposed of his soul. It’s a party matter, we can’t interfere. They probably have the party machinery to take care of that.

Like I said it’s a party matter, I wouldn’t even want to phantom how they will handle it, the party is supreme when it comes to choosing candidate and they’ll do what they feel is necessary.

On a final note, is LASIEC planning to make use the card reader in the forthcoming Lagos Council election?

Yes, we are using card reader everywhere, we’re working with INEC, in fact my officers are going to meet with INEC this afternoon.

Wow! This will surely make the headline as it will give the election credibility.

Please in one minute, use this medium to send words of encouragement to Lagosians as we look forth to the 24th July Lagos Council Elections?

Please come out and vote, your vote is important, your vote is your right, you have no right to complain about the leadership if you don’t participate in the leadership of your choice. It is important therefore for all members of the electorate to come out on the 24th of July 2021 and vote for candidate of your choice. God bless you as you come.

Thank you so much Ma’am, it’s really a great honour for having you on Facing Facts, a Lagos Panorama incisive interview segment.

This Interview was recently conducted By Tayo Aderinola, Lagos Panorama

Ayodele Ifasakin

Traffic Robbery: RRS Arrests Car Snatcher As Lagos CP Charges DPOS, On Traffic Surveillance | AgegePulse Magazine

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, on Friday 4th June, 2021, charged the Divisional Police Officers and traffic surveillance officers of the major areas that are prone to robbery in traffic on effective strategies to address and tackle incidences of traffic robbery in their areas of responsibility in the state, at a meeting held at the command's conference room, State Headquarters, Ikeja-Lagos.

traffic robber

The meeting came at the heels of the proactive nature and foresight of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, to give maximum attention to the areas and routes where road constructions are being embarked upon by the Lagos State Government which may likely cause artificial traffic congestion. 

The Commissioner of Police rolled out and deliberated on the mapped out strategies to tackle the menace of traffic robbery at certain areas to include Ketu/Mile 12, Marina/Eko Bridge, Apongbon, Mile 2 and Lekki/Ajah areas.

The police boss directed the affected Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and traffic surveillance officers to sectorise the areas for easy patrol and surveillance and constantly supervise the men on their beats to be more alive and effectively discharge their duties as expected.

The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Ahmed Kontangora, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration, DCP Bassey Ewah, Assistant Commissioner of Police,  Department of Finance and Administration, ACP Jide Agboola, Area Commnaders, Area C, Surulere, Fatai Tijani and representative of Area Commander Area A, Lion Building, ACP Bode Ojajuni and Officer in charge, Motor Traffic Division, Lagos State, CSP Oriyomi Oluwasanmi. 

CP Hakeem Odumosu warned that on no account should any traffic robbery be recorded in their respective areas and in any part of the state as such will be tantamount to dereliction of duty which will attract severe disciplinary sanction. He however ordered that more traffic personnel and police operatives be posted to the identified places to beef up security and prevent traffic robbery across the state. 

In another development, the Operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) recovered a stolen Prado SUV Jeep from a notorious criminal Chinebere Innocent, m, 47, who specializes in snatching vehicles, when he was driving the stolen Toyota Prado Jeep to Abia State before he was caught at Ojota area of Lagos State on 3rd June, 2021.

The suspect who hails from Abia State, after his arrest, confessed to have  stolen the Prado SUVJeep with registration No 'MUS 136 ET' from a security man when he was re-parking other vehicles inside the compound.

According to the suspect "As I was returning from my sister's place who declined me entry into her apartment at Gbagada, suddenly I saw this Prado Jeep neatly parked on the road with the engine running,  I quickly entered and  drove it towards Lagos-Ibadan expressway before I was caught at Ojota towards old toll gate".

Investigation revealed that the vehicle belongs to one Olumide Oluwayomi, m, an Estate Survivor, residing at Towobola 

It's official; Osolana finally cleared for APC LG Election Primary in Agege | AgegePulse Magazine

Against the back and forth rumours that filled Agege airwave this week that Chairmanship aspirant, Honourable Sola Osolana was disqualified and later cleared by the APC Screening Committee, AgegePulse can today reliably confirm to you that he has been officially cleared by the Committee. 

Official document made available to AgegePulse reveals that Osolana is among aspirants from different Local Government Areas who appealed the initial screening result of the Committee and won the appeal.

He will also have an opportunity to contest with other cleared candidates for tomorrow's primary in Agege. 

See image below.

Sanwo-Olu's Aide, Toke-Benson Inaugurates LASRERA Committee To Promote Global Best Practices In Real Estate Sector | AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Hon. Mrs. Toke Benson- Awoyinka yesterday, inaugurated a Technical Committee on Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) at The George Hotel, 30,Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Middle: Toke-Benson, SA on Housing L: Rabiu Olowo, Commissioner for Finance, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the Commissioner for Justice 

Hon. Toke-Benson said, it is pertinent to set up such committee to achieve Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's agenda of transforming Lagos State into a 21st century model of effective and efficient governance.

Technical committee with sub committee of Legal, Finance, Insurance and Social  comprises of Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka the SA to the Governor on Housing, Hon. Rabiu Olowo – the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Moyosore Onigbanjo – the Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Babatunde Obaniyi of United Capital Trustees, Mr. Kayode Omotoso of Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Mr. Afolabi Balogun of Libra Law Offices, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo of STL Trustees.

Other include, Mr. Kehinde Ogundimu of the NMRC, Dr. Roland Igbinoba of Pison Housing, Mr. Bisi Onasanya of The Address Homes, Mr. Femi Adewole of the FHF, Mr. Owolabi Salami of AllOaks Insurance Limited, Mr. Demola Sogunle of Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Deji Charles Adeogun of Philips, Charles, Anthony LLP.

Addressing the audience, Hon.  Awoyinka, stated that the committee mandate is to design a policy and fiscal framework to institute and promote global best practices in the state, curtail the malpractice in the real estate sector while improving financial transparency and fiscal responsibility.

"This is in line with the Executive’s agenda of transforming Lagos State into a 21st century model of effective and efficient governance. The Committee has been charged with addressing the challenges in the sector with particular attention to reforming the Home Ownership Model to increase housing stock and reduce deficit.
To achieve this, the Committee will be required to tackle the set up of a comprehensive system and framework which will address the following:

"To resolve financing, the Committee will prioritise the development of a fiscal responsibility and transparency model to promote the inflow of local and international funding required to confront the housing deficit.

"The creation of a trusteeship for the management of real estate remittances for off-takers and a system to stagger payments to Developers where off-plan payments are applicable. The trusteeship would also have the obligation over the administration of diaspora remittances for off-plan payments/sales with the ultimate plan to boost investor confidence, attract, and improve upon Foreign Direct investment in the sector. These funds will be domiciled in a Centrally Managed Fund.

"The Committee will set up a governance structure which will oversee the entire real estate framework and stakeholder engagement in the state to minimize trust deficiency. The structure will cater to the entire system of the real estate process and will incorporate participation from Private Developers, Financial Institutions and of course the State Government in a Public-Private Partnership model.

"To further boost confidence and safeguard investment, the Committee will be responsible for the centralization of insurance management for all real estate assets which will dovetail into the existing Lagos State Risk Management framework.

"To improve upon existing laws and policies, we would oversee the creation and implementation of Strata Title Law to drive revenue. This would encourage the revivification of unused capital in the state as well as improve accessibility to housing for citizens.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Rabiu Olowo stated that, "National Bureau of Statistics recently put real estate contribution to Nigeria’s GDP at 7.5 per cent, a figure that left many stakeholders surprised at what they described as a very poor rating by the body.

"The current Global Real Estate Transparency Index Survey carried out in 2020 rates Nigeria poorly as number 68 out of 99 countries with a score of 3.74% as against United Kingdom as Number 1 and a score of 1.31%. South Africa remains the only Country with a positive Real Estate transparency index in Africa ranked number 24 with a score of 2.37.

To plug the housing gap, the World Bank in its 2014 study stated that N59. 5 trillion would be needed at N3.5 million per unit.
In Lagos State, the statistics shows that the contribution of real estate to the State GDP stood at c. N242b representing 2.01% of Lagos State GDP which is very low.

"This initiative has strategic broad responsibilities with its focus on improving financial transaction and building invertors (internal/external) confidence.

The Introduction of a Real Estate Trustee to help manage off takers- investors funds and gradual re-imbursements to Real Estate developers at every milestone achieved. This is to reduce the overbearing exposure/risk investors face in the Real estate industry. This Trustees will be accountable to both the Government, the Real Estate developers, and the investors.

The subscriber’s funds will only be assessable to developers upon approval from the trustees and the Government. The required approval will cover both quality of deliverables and milestone.
Some of the components of poor transparency currently faced by the sector cuts across; No measurement of Real estate investment performance, Corporate Governance, No Regulations, No regulated financial transaction process, Poor real estate data.

"The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority is saddled with the responsibility of registering estate agents, sanction unlicensed estate agency practitioners, collate data on property transactions, investigate complaints and petitions against licensed practitioners as well as ensure the payment of fees, taxes or charges on property transactions".

The commissioner implored all stakeholder in this sector to work closely as a team in transforming the Real Estate Sector particularly in Lagos State in achieving one of the best real estate sectors across the globe.

How Egunjobi Unprecedented Achievements, Experience May Earned Him Second Term | AgegePulse Magazine

 

The significance of Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi becoming the 16th Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area on a day (25th July, 2017) which coincided with his birthday has been proven to not just be a mere coincidence but a day Agege people will continue to appreciate they followed their instincts at the poll.

Egunjobi’s maverick performance in office is a testimony. The information garnered from several sources in Agege community was that Egunjobi's background was custom-built for serving people in need, and he has been a philanthropist long before he came into office, prompting a gushing number of the Agege populace describing him as the "Father Theresa" of Agege.

His first term is like a full moon, it illuminated the nooks and crannies of Agege communities with sincere testimonies from the old and young recounting Egunjobi’s direct and indirect positive impacts on them.

It is safe to say there is no excellence without skirmishes of glitches here and there, Engunjobi is not an exception with dots of wrong decision makings, what no one can deny is the fact that Agege had never had it glooming like this before. Whether through concerted efforts at infrastructural development, tailored social welfare, accessible governance or political influence at state level, the Isale Oja born leader has proven to be round peg in a round hole since 2017 when the All Progressives Congress he was serving in the capacity of party Secretary prior to election, decided to make its flag bearer.

His position as scribe of the party, showed he’s grounded and well ingrained into the developmental plans of the party through physical and social capacity building. His experience in human and resources management became immediately evidenced after election through his open-door leadership style and tailored welfare designed for his people. It becomes commonsense that the electorates will not abandon a man with such quantum of experience for a greenhorn.

In separate discussions with several members of Agege communities, even his greatest critics attested that Egunjobi's administration is changing the face of Agege but more need to be done. His giant strides in all spheres, particularly infrastructure, human capital and alleviation of poverty earned him the sobriquet, “Game Changer”.

One of his promises in 2017 is that apart from usual projects here and there, his intention is to remodel the outlook of the LG and he has fulfilled that through a complete facelift of the Council's Secretariat including the Legislative building and the Marriage Registry. Erection of statue of bread, a staple food that’s synonymous with the community’s nomenclature, and construction of a hut, symbolizing a community alongside various forms of activities such as captivating wall paintings which have given the erstwhile known suburb a different modern outlook.

In his words, he said; "I’m genuinely motivated by the desire to help people. Providing financial and emotional supports to indigent people is one thing I love doing, and cannot lose my desires now that I hold power in trust for the same people."

Under his watch, the council area has become a benchmark for others in several aspects. Egunjobi has earned many firsts within three years

These include:
* Education:
The provision of four 30-seater coaster buses for pupils of public primary and secondary schools in the community to convey them to and fro school, free of charge.
* Construction and rehabilitation of Public Primary Schools 
* Distribution of uniforms, table and benches, customized writing materials and bags to pupils of the twenty-six primary schools in the area.  
* 15 Roads delivered and still counting
* N100k Cash Gift To Over 750 Residents
* On health:
* Construction of Health Centres
* Construction of Fitness Centres
* Two ambulance buses and an Emergency Point on Capitol Road
Special health support to members of the community. These include;
* Financial support to an eye cancer patient
* Support for a woman with renal cell carcinoma for surgical Operation.
* Support to a man with acute abdomen for emergency surgery
* Support for a man with huge inguinoscrotal hernia and Prostate cancer
* Support for Shakirat's baby for Hirschsprungs Surgery.
* Financial Support to purchase artificial limb for a man
Others include:
* Construction of eleven boreholes across all the seven wards with generators to power them
* Over 325 Youths Enrolled for JAMB
* Building of a world-class legislative building to improve legislation in the area
* Provision of 150KVA, 100KVA and 50KVA Generators to power a council secretariat and the legislative complex
* ongoing Construction of an Event Centre for community use
* ongoing Construction of Modern Market and Museum
And many more.

Speaking recently on his achievements, Egunjobi stated that his administration has created a conducive working environment in the council by renovating the secretariat, and the legislative building. “Our legislative Building is arguably the Best Legislative Chamber in the State if not in the country.”
"In human capital development, which is key to economic growth, and excellence service delivery, we have empowered a large number of people most especially youths in the community, for self-employment through technical, vocational education and training. Five hundred and fifty men and women were trained in five different skills and vocation out of which the best four in each unit were given start-up capital to enable them forge ahead in their respective vocations. Also, another set of women, forty in number, were empowered with N100,000.00 (One hundred thousand naira) each to support their various businesses.
"Agege Local Government has made giant strides both in the regular primary school and Adult literacy. Agege emerged first in Adult literacy quiz where one of our teachers was adjudged the best in Lagos State Adult literacy programme. Not too long ago, we provided primary school pupils with 26,000 free exercise books in all the 26 primary schools in Agege. Personally, I have given scholarship to a brilliant pupil from an indigent parent.

"Also, not a few physically challenged individuals in our community receive monthly stipend from the council. In a move to increase our internally generated revenue by widening the tax net with the view to having the financial muscle to undertake our responsibility as a responsible government. Recently, we bought five vehicles for the Revenue Committee of the council to aid their activities.” Egunjobi stated.

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Arewa Community Drums Support for Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi Re-election | AgegePulse Magazine

  

The Arewa Community under the leadership of  Seriki Hausa, Agege, HRH, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogo Kadai has pledged their support for the Re-election of the incumbent council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi ahead of the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos.

Sarkin Agege stated this during Egunjobi's visit to his palace in Agege LG 

The Hausa community pledged their support for the chairman's reelection and vowed to mobilise the entire members of Arewa Community in Agege; and also implore residents and stakeholders in the council area to ensure that Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi is re-elected once again.

The leadership of Arewa stated that Egunjobi has proved himself as an erudite leader with the tremendous achievement so far in terms of infrastructure and human capacity development; of which Arewa benefitted from.

L-R: Sarkin Hausawa, Egunjobi, others Arewa members

Speaking,  the incumbent council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi stated that "I am at home as well with the Seriki. He appreciated the Seriki and the entire Arewa Community for their endorsement".

"I am confident of Arewa support all the time because of the long term mutual relationship that exist between me and the Arewa community, which is waxing stronger on daily basis.  

Egunjobi reeled out his achievements so far on Education, Health, Infrastructure, Environment, Security etc.  

"I thanked the entire Arewa community members for their peaceful coexistence; and enjoined them to continue to live in peace and harmony with profitable relationship.

The incumbent council chairman used the medium to reassure Arewa Community to count on him at all times as Seriki Arewa, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogon Kadai offered advice and prayed for Egunjobi success in the coming Local Government elections.

Chairmanship aspirant promises improved healthcare in Agege — Sola Osolana

 

A chairmanship aspirant in Agege Local Government Area, of Lagos State, Sola Osolana, has promised to run an all-inclusive government, if voted into power.

Sola Osolana 

Osolana said his development plan would be hinged on the HEEDS agenda, which is a personal development plan to give Agege the overhaul it needs and deserves. According to him, HEEDS stands for Healthcare; Empowerment of women and youths; Education with good infrastructure; Development of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development.

The aspirant, who contested in 2016, said he has gathered the needed experience to serve, having been a supervising councilor in the present administration. Osolana resigned from his position recently.

He said: “I have seen the lapses in this current administration and that is one of the reasons why I am aspiring to be chairman. I believe the local government administration can work if the right thing is done, and people can feel the impact of government at the grassroots.

“One of my aims is to turn the maternity centre into a mini general hospital, a functional one where doctors and nurses will be available even at night. There will also be availability of drugs. I had mentioned this as far back as our first year in office but nothing was done.

“Depending on the size of the ward, there must be a minimum of two health centers in each of the seven wards, where women can give birth easily and simple general ailments like malaria and typhoid can also be treated free for the elderly.

“Elected officials most times complain of funding, but even the ones they collected, do they spend judiciously and give proper account? I am a businessman and a good manager of resources. People say it’s not rocket science to develop a place, but with consistency, you will get results. We don’t make enough Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) because the rates are too high; people dodge the payment and so nothing comes in.

“It’s very possible for us to have a digital database of all houses and businesses in Agege so that our IGR can be consistent and development will come.

“I contested for the chairmanship in 2016 but party elders and leaders decided they wanted the present chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi. I was begged to step down, which I did, and even worked for his victory because the party’s decision is overriding.

“Serving under the person I stepped down for and also supported is an avenue to gather experience in local government administration which I believe I have enough of now. I also saw the lapses in the administration, and that is one of the things motivating me to contest for the position.

“Everyone one has his/her leadership style and qualities. The leadership style of the present administration does not allow for ideas and innovations. I was part of the outgoing administration, but we were just there as figureheads.”

Why Anigbajumo Akolawole Deserved 2nd Term To Represent Ward F, Agege LG - Residents

  

...Reels Out Achievements As He planned For Campaign Flag Off This Thursday.

Below are some of his achievements as councillor representing Ward F:

Kola Anigbajumo 

1. Quality representation of the people of Ward ‘F’ in the Legislative Council of Agege.

2. Facilitated the Purchase of Electric Transformer in Cowlane Community with a total Sum #2 Million through the joint efforts of RT. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, Hon. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Mr Babatunde Johnson.

3. Donation of Borehole Water system with a Generator to residents of Ogunji Street and Sango- Agege.

4. Facilitated the admission of Some Agege students into Lagos State University (LASU) and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTEC).

5. Purchase of Jamb forms for some  Secondary School students seeking Tertiary Institution Admission.

6. Provision of Food items and Face masks to the good People of Ward F during the Covid-19 Period.

7. I Facilitated the visit of an NGO (Same Right Foundation) under the Leadership of Miss Owosho Fatimat to orientate Agege residents on precautionary measures during Covid-19 Pandemic and distribution of Face shields to some Agege Residents.

8. Patching of Potholes on Ijaiye street, Off Ogba road, Agege.

9. I Facilitated the evacuation of Public Waste in my ward and Agege to avoid the spread of diseases and flooding within the Community.

10. I Facilitated the evacuation of waste from public drainages at Osungboye Street with the support of War Against Indiscipline (WAI).

11. I Led other Lawmakers from other Wards to inspect some projects embarked upon by the Executive Arm for the benefit of Agege residents.

12. I Led the Amendment of existing Local government by-laws and enacted of new laws.

13. Ensuring quick passage of Appropriation bills to facilitate easy implementation by the executive arm of Government.

14. I Supported Sport development among youths within the community. 

15. Distribution of over 10,000 exercise books to pupils in Agege Primary Schools.

16. I gave out Financial supports to Petty traders to boost their trade in Agege. 

17. I volunteered myself to deliver intermediate lecture at  Agege Vocational Centre as part of community service. I personally trained over 1000 Vocational Students.

18. Good representation of Agege Local Government at the State Local government Forum.

19. Facilitation and construction of Water Borehole System at Otubu street in Agege through the executive arm of Agege Local Government. 

20. I Facilitated the Construction Olorishade Street and the drainage system in Agege under 377 projects of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu.

21. I Facilitated the employment of Agege resident into Lagos State Neigbourhood Corp, Lagos State Graduate internship program, Fedral Government 744 jobs, Lastma and the recent teacher employment program by Lagos State Government. 

22. Standing as excellent bridge between Ward 'F' residents and Agege Local Government.

And many more.....

Support, Re-elect  Hon. Kola Anigbajumo for 2nd Term. 

Tested, Trusted and Reliable.

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Protest On Lagos-Ibadan Road As Truck Hits Stray Cows | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Motorists and residents around Onigari at the Ogun State end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, have blocked the road after an accident involving a truck and some strayed cows.

Source gathered that some Fulani herders were leading the cows when they strayed onto the road and caused the accident.

An eyewitness at the scene of the incident told The PUNCH that the herders fled the scene after the accident.

Lagos LG Poll: APC Leadership Won’t Manipulate Forthcoming Primaries – Aspirant

                                                      

 A chairmanship aspirant in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, has expressed confidence that the proposed primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for chairmanship and councillorship aspirants into the 57 councils in the state, will be free, fair, credible and without manipulations.

Apc

Mr. Olusola Osolana in an interview in Lagos, also assured that the issue of asking aspirants to step down for other aspirants won’t come up because all the aspirants have been told to go and slug it out in the primaries scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 29.

While commending the APC leadership for allowing aspirants to contest in primary process, he maintained the party has structured the forthcoming primaries in such a way that there won’t be manipulations of any sort.

According to him, “I don’t think the issue of stepping down will come up again, because the party from the local government to the state has said there will be primaries; so the issue of stepping down is out of it. Party members and the citizens have seen the performance of this administration and all of them know my capacity to serve them and, I know that when the primaries come, they will support me.

“I trust the process the state has put in place because the people that will run the primaries in Agege are not going to come from Agege, maybe the people in Agege will go and conduct in Ojọ. So, there is no reason to doubt the process at all.

“First, we have to divide the leadership of the party to two, there’s the state and there’s local government, I trust the process the state has put in place because the people that will run the primaries in Agege are not going to come from Agege, maybe the people in Agege will go and conduct in Ojọ.

“So, there is no reason to doubt the process at all. Except some people want to make sure that there’s no primary at all and that they want to turn it to something else. But as long as there’s a primary in seven wards of Agege and people are asked on that particular day, May 29, I’m very confident that I will win.”

When asked if he would be challenging the outcome of the primaries if it doesn’t favour him, Osolana said, “If there’s a free and fair primary and I lose, I won’t challenge anything.

 Except there’s an injustice, whereby there’s no election and they bring the results; that is another thing entirely, which the party will have to look into at the state level in terms of appeal, but there is no cause to challenge the outcome of the primary if the will is not subverted. If the people say we don’t want you and we want the incumbent, then so be it. I don’t want to be controversial.”

 

Lagos NAWOJ, Code for Africa, Sign MoU To Train Female Journalists | AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Lagos State chapter has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa's biggest Data journalism and civic technology platform, Code For Africa (CfA), to train women journalists on data literacy and development.

NAWOJ logo

A statement signed by Lagos NAWOJ  Chairperson, Adeola Ekine, said the CfA is a non-partisan ‘change agent’ that offers engineering and editorial support, skills development, seed-funding, and business development services to strengthen digital democracy.

Also,  it equips citizens with  information by amplifying their voices through civic engagement for improved public governance and accountability. 

The organisation operates through a network of chapters and other affiliate organisations across the continent, to carry out the training through its women's data science and journalists platform, Wanadata, WD. 

It nurtures professional growth and accelerates the influence of female data experts through a peer support network as a way to use evidence-driven discourse to reframe gender perspectives on public decision-making and policy creation on development issues. 

Speaking shortly after signing the MoU, the Chairperson, Lagos NAWOJ, Adeola Ekine, expressed her excitement about the partnership with Code for Africa saying this is an avenue to train her members through its 'Wanadata' programme. 

According to her, "It is coming when our members need new skills to add to what they already have to match up with their international counterparts especially as the COVID-19 Pandemic has made us all adjust to the new normal in our reportage," she said. 

She added that, "Part of our campaign promises was training, capacity building, and empowerment of Lagos NAWOJ members, and we have achieved this through the Wanadata Platform  to mark the second anniversary of the present NAWOJ Lagos executive in May". 

Ekine encouraged selected members to take advantage of this rare opportunity to develop their data and digital knowledge in journalism to be able to match their foreign counterparts in these areas.

While CfA adheres strictly to the Covid -19 Pandemic safety protocols, the virtual training aims at buildimg the capacity of NAWOJ members on data and digital technologies for media and journalism. 

Select members are advised to commit two hours of their time to the online training to get the maximum benefits. 

Also speaking, the Chief Data Officer for Code for Africa Jacopo Ottaviani said the team was thrilled to partner with NAWOJ in a joint effort to build capacities and share knowledge around data-driven journalism in Nigeria.

The Data Officer said, “The entire team believes in the power of quality, fact-based journalism in shaping a healthy public debate around the key challenges of our times, and a correct, insightful use of data can help achieve this objective,” he said.

The partnership will run till 2022 and members will be trained in batches every quarter. The first  is a three-day certificate-based training which commences on the 24th till 26th of May, 2021.

Education: Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Blocks of Classrooms In Lagos Schools | AgegePulse Magazine ...Says Students' Access To World-Class Facilities's Significant

  

The Governor of  Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday Inaugurated blocks of classrooms at Oregun High School, Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammar School and Senior Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos. 

Middle: Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka addressing journalists; Permanent Secretary/Tutor General Education District 6, Mrs okelola Oludara during commissioning of renovated blocks of classrooms at Oregun Junior High School, Oregun, Lagos

He stated that the projects will further drive the “Education and Technology” pillar of his administration T.H.E.M.E agenda.

Mr. Governor who was ably represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka disclosed that his administration has completed over 1,097 projects covering 970 schools across the State.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that teaching and learning can only be effective in a conducive environment. "The significance of the projects is to make sure children’s in the state have access to world-class facilities".

“In order to accelerate our children’s access to world-class pedagogical learning, we have aggressively embarked on the provision of blocks of classrooms, administrative office, schools furniture, laboratories, modern toilet facilities and security across the six Education Districts and Local Government Councils. Therefore, our children have access to quality education irrespective of their location.”

Addressing the media, Mrs. Toke-Benson  confirmed that Governor Sanwo-Olu led Administration has so far completed over 1,097 projects covering 970 schools across the State. In the last two years, our government has ensured the prompt construction and rehabilitation of 322 dilapidated public schools, while 87,000 dual composite units of furniture were supplied to Primary and Secondary Schools across the State.

While charging the  community leaders, schools administrators, staff and students of the schools to take ownership of the projects. “All hands must be on deck to ensure that miscreants do not destroy or cart away the properties of our schools. The security of our schools is our collective responsibility.”

The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Lagos State, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, commended Sanwo-Olu for his massive investment in education in the State.

Kamal Oyeniyi Oyedunle: A Prudent David in the Midst of Goliaths | AgegePulse Magazine

 

As many other Chairmanship aspirants fans, supporters and admirers might have learnt, it's in view that Kamal campaign organization  has been one of the least funded team.

Kamal Oyeniyi Oyedunle 

Report says, six chairmanship aspirants in Agege LG Agege have already obtained their party nomination forms.

Kamal Oyeniyi Oyedunle However, take pride in his passion, and can stand tall as the candidate with the richest and most realistic manifesto.

According to him, "I cannot claim to know the bank balance of my rivals within and outside our great party, the APC, but it is apparent that my campaign has demonstrated the lowest financial might. My team and I only managed to painstakingly raise the N2,000, 000.00 ( two million naira) fee for a nomination form".

"This is no surprise. I happen not to be from a very privileged background. I do not boast the thickest of connections; no, not at all, Oyeniyi

"However, I take pride in my passion, and I can stand tall as the candidate with the richest and most realistic manifesto. 

"I may not have a lot of money, but my team and I have demonstrated a lot of management acumen. We have come this far by the sheer power of determination – and also by adroit, meticulous oversight of resources. We have paid all party dues, including the amount  referenced above, and we have engaged competent hands for various departments of the campaign. We are also involved in grassroots mobilization, to mention but a few. Even I am sometimes humbly amazed to see the extent of work we have done and are doing. 

"This is a shadow of things to come.. It is settled in my mind – and all the team agrees – that if we have achieved this much with our meagre resources, then we can and will achieve even much more with the considerable resources that we will be entrusted with as the caretakers of Agege Local Government Council.  As the popular Nigerian Pidgin expression goes “Follow who sabi road.”