2025 Budget: Sanwo-Olu seeks residents input, holds consultative forum


Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, held a stakeholders’ consultative forum to seek the residents’ inputs in the state’s 2025 Budget in order to meet their needs.



Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mr Ope George, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, at the forum held at Eagle’s Club, Surulere.



The governor said that the forum was to update stakeholders on the state 2024 Budget performance for the first half of the year.



The commissioner added that the forum was aimed to inform stakeholders about the government’s plans ahead.

He said that the government would obtain input, suggestions and contributions of the residents for its 2025 Budget, from the summit.



“The aim of this forum is to promote citizens’ participation in preparing the next budget.

“The exercise will showcase the government’s plans for the citizens and gather information from stakeholders ahead of the 2025 appropriation,” he said.



George emphasised that Lagos city remained a pacesetter for other African cities owing to its rapid economic growth, urbanisation and cultural diversity.



The commissioner added that the state stood as a global economic and financial hub and Africa’s leading startup ecosystem.

“In 2024, Lagos advanced 12 spots in the Global Ecosystem Index, reflecting significant growth and innovation with over 500 startups and constituting over 73 per cent of Nigeria’s total.

“Lagos dominates the nation’s startup landscape.

“It also ranks first in Africa for the consumer goods industry and is the only African city in the global top 70 startup ecosystems,” the commissioner said.



He said that the state government provided 23 per cent of its 2024 Budget from its economic affairs to cater for infrastructure renewal and development to modernise the city and support its growing population.



“The state launched several initiatives and projects to improve the standard of living, build infrastructure, ensure food security, enhance ease of doing business and affordable public transportation, and improve energy supply.



“We are also fostering social inclusion, gender equality and youth development, ensuring Lagos has a reliable and sufficient infrastructure that meets the needs of the 21st Century.

“The government is providing affordable and world-class education, healthcare and social services and ensuring the state has a robust, healthy, and growing economy with adequate jobs and strategic investment to sustain growth.

“The Lagos State Government is also providing a supportive and enabling environment that creates opportunities for all Lagos residents,” he said.

Mr Lekan Balogun, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, said that the forum provided an opportunity for gathering input of statekeholders for reflection in the state’s next budget.



He said that that input forum would enhance transparency, accountability, inclusion, effectiveness and acceptability of the budget.

“As an indigene of the Epetedo area of Lagos Island and a resident of Apapa, today’s edition being the first for this year, is very special and personal to me.

“As a government, our commitment to the well-being of citizens and residents of Lagos, as well as the growth of our state, is resolute and unwavering.

“Above all, we shall continue to ensure that Lagos State remains a beacon of cultural vibrancy, intellectual prowess and humanistic values,” he said.

Mr Ayodele Oyekan, the ‘Bajulaye’ of Lagos, in his remarks, thanked he government for efforts at developing Lagos, and urged intensified efforts at road projects implementation.

“We also appeal for the provision of public water to residents, as borehole water is salty around Lagos Island,” he said.

Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Martins, the Market Leader (Iyaloja) in Amuwo Odofin, called on the government to reduce taxes and other levies in the state.

“We want government to help us check the excesses of transport unions and other tax and levy collectors, because those charges and levies contribute to the high cost of food items.

“Traders are paying a lot of money in transit before we can get to our various markets.

“We solicit quick intervention in order to bring relief to both traders and consumers,” Martins said.



Mr Ibraheem Adigun, the Chairman National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, hailed the efforts of the state government in bringing development closer to the people.



“We also want the government to establish rehabilitation centres to cater for those on drugs.



“Government should also establish information technology centres and e-libraries to keep the youth informed and engaged,” he said.

Lagos students dissociate selves from planned nationwide protest





Protest

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, July 23, 2024 (NAN) Students of tertiary institutions in Lagos State, on Tuesday, dissociated themselves from the planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians.

The planned protest is tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria.

It is scheduled for Aug. 1 to Aug. 10 to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the plight of Nigerians and rising cost of living in the country.



Mr Alimi Lekan-Idris, President, National Association of Lagos State Students (NULASS), on Tuesday made the disclosure at a press conference at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital College of Medicine, Ikeja.

The NULASS president said that students of tertiary institutions in Lagos State strongly supported the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and vowed to protect Lagos against such a protest.

He highlighted various interventions of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration in secondary tertiary education institutions.

He listed the interventions to include increase in annual bursary to indigent students and payment of West Africa Secondary School Certifate Examination fee.



“It is crucial that we remember the importance of peace and stability and using dialogue to achieve our collective goals.



” Given this significant contributions and progress we have witnessed, we wish to state that we are not in support of any protest against the government of Lagos State.



” We understand the frustration and challenges faced by many, but we must also recognise the advancement and opportunities that have been provided to cushion the economic effect, and we hope other states can emulate Lagos State,” he said.





He added that tertiary education students in Lagos would stage a solidarity walk in support of the state government.

According to him, the solidarity walk would take place from Aug.1 to Aug. 10, to prevent vandalism of public infrastructure in Lagos while advocating constructive dialogue as a better approach in resolving conflicts.

The union leader appealed to Nigerians to persevere a little to enjoy the dividends of democracy through the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu led administration.

LASG urges residents to report infrastructure vandalism






The Lagos State Government on Tuesday called on residents to report any act of suspected vandalism of roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, made the call during a tour of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state.

“Every time we fix bridges, they vandalise it; people are not taking responsibility for whatever the government has done to make life easy for motorists.

“So I will like to appeal to residents that if you see something say something. It’s all about you it is for you to be able to be comfortable while driving, to get to wherever you are going faster.

“So all of the people vandalising the bolts and joints, the law will come after them, when you see anybody trying to destroy here or wherever, please talk.

“As good citizens you can call for the arrest of such individuals. We understand the pain that the people of these area are going through. As soon as it is fixed the pain will ease. It is just temporary,” he said.

Omotosho explained that the tour was part of the state’s policy to monitor and ensure bridge maintenance and management as well as ensure global Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC).

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, appealed to residents of the area to exercise patience on the rehabilitation work on the bridge.

Daramola described the Sanwo-Olu-led administration as a “responsive government”.

“The Lagos State Government will continue its routine maintenance works on pedestrian and vehicular bridges in the state. There are several bridges that the expansion joints are bad and need to be replaced to avoid further deterioration.

“I urge all residents and road users to support the contractors on site to ensure timely delivery of the maintenance works,” he said.

According to him, the state Government is not unmindful of the inconvenience the maintenance works is causing.

The special adviser also appealed for patience and cooperation from the motoring public.

“The asphaltic work and the replacement of the joints have been scheduled for completion in about 90 days. There are several other bridges that the expansion joints are bad and need to be replaced to avoid further deterioration,” he added.

He assured residents that the state government through the Ministry of Transportation would ensure that all repair works would not impact negatively on vehicular movement.

We will be more decisive with tree planting says Sanwo-Olu


The Lagos State Government (LASG) has reiterated its commitment to proffer solutions to climate change by planting several trees in the next one year.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this in commemoration of Lagos State Tree Planting Day at the 2024 tree planting ceremony which held at the Lagos House Marina on Sunday July 14, 2024.

He said there is need for deliberate and concerted effort at changing the mentality the people have towards climate change to save lives and the environment at large.

According to him, "as a foremost State, Lagos has to be intentional and very proactive in its resolve to take back our environment, and as a government we are engaging within ourselves to ensure we raise the bar.

"We have planned to ensure we plant a lot of trees this year alone and we monitor their growth while we sustain or improve this number every year to keep ourselves alive.

"I have spoken to the head of our agency to design ways to achieve growth consistency in this fight for our lives and environment",the Governor emphasized.

He added, "Why this is important is that it is also a demonstration of our government's commitment. For all of us to have taken out time to have come out this morning signifies that we believe in our tree planting initiative.

"As an ornament that can propel some of the conversation we are trying to pass across for the environment and water resource ministry, I have said it is not about the two or three minutes that we spend here," Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said it was important to do everything humanly possible to mitigate against the effect of climate change.

"It's about how we take our conversation forward into every sphere of life of several millions of residents that are not here today.

" Part of our strategy is where we can attempt to save our environment to be able to curb the surge of climate change is by tree planting, it's been proven, it’s been seen.

" It's something that we must as a government deliberately set out a strategy to do. Tree planting should be a daily, weekly and monthly activity, we shouldn't wait for another year," he said.

The Governor called on the General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Adetoun Popoola to ensure that planting of trees in the state is not just a yearly event.

" So that we can achieve the number of trees that we should be planting, by the time we come next year July 14 we should hold the LASPARK GM accountable.

" I have encouraged her to come up with an efficient scheme that both the private and public sector will work on.

" The city is not over built that the state cannot receive up to 20, 000 trees in the next one year, that is the challenge we will pass on to LASPARK so that we will have an environment better than we met it" he said

Mr Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources said that the theme for this year's tree planting day is "Nurture Our Future".

"As a government we should be able to plant a lot more trees in the next 12 months, but beyond that, it's for us to be able to put an activity around it, a ceremony where we will applaud tree planting marshals so that it can grow organically.

Wahab said that the event underscored the efforts to protect the future while taking full ownership to develop a better environmental habit for a quality impact on climate change.

" As a government, it is our collective responsibility that we develop strategic methods to improve the environment, ensure that it is flood free and make it conducive for residents.

" This can be achieved through the continuous cleaning of the environment from time to time. It is our goal today to further educate residents on the need to take ownership of their environment and ensure that they continuously clean their surroundings and dispose waste responsibly.

"We acknowledge that we must sustain this as our own contribution towards maintaining a sustainable environment," the Commissioner said.

The General Manager Lagos State Parks and Gardens, Mrs Adetoun Popoola in her closing remarks promised that she and her team will continue to ensure that tree planting is not just a yearly event.

"On behalf of LASPARK and all stakeholders, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the successful conduct of this year’s Tree Planting Day.

"I wish to give special gratitude to Mr governor for taking out time to participate in this year’s event and equally thank the Commissioner for his unwavering support to the Agency and in championing all environmental issues in the State.

Our theme, “Nurture our Future,” is therefore a call to action. It is a reminder that the decisions we make today will shape the world we live tomorrow.

Withheld salaries: SSANU, NASU members protest at Unilag College of Medicine
HomeWithheld salaries: SSANU, NASU members protest at Unilag College of Medicine
Jul, Tue, 2024

Abiodun Azi

General News
Withheld salaries: SSANU, NASU members protest at Unilag College of Medicine
Withheld Salaries : SSANU ,NASU members protest at Unilag College of Medicine

Protest


By Abiodun Azi

Lagos. July 9, 2024 (NAN) Members of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non -Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the College of Medicine ,University of Lagos(CMUL),on Tuesday, staged a protest over withheld salaries.



Mr Tunde Aderibigbe, National Executive Council (NEC) member of NASU, one of those who led the protest in Lagos, said that the workers were unhappy that their four months salaries were still being withheld despite many appeals to the Federal Government.

He also said the workers also staged the protest because some of the agreements the government signed with the two unions had not been fulfilled.



“We entered into so many agreements with President Muhammadu Buhari administration, including the issue of earned allowances ,which are yet to be attended to.

“The one that is really disturbing the minds of our members is that all the four unions in the universities embarked on strike in 2022, and at the end of the day, our (NASU/SSANU)salaries were withheld.

“We signed an agreement that after the strike, no member of our unions will be intimidated or victimised ,but we were surprised that our salaries were withheld.

“We felt that was intimidation and victimisation, we did not take them to court, our sister union did, and at the end of the day, they were paid after the presidential pardon, which covers all the four unions,”he said.

Aderibigbe,also a staff member of CMUL, said the protest was to call on government to release their salaries without delay.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), said that they staged the protest to make the government aware of what he called the injustice being done to them.

Ibrahim said that government should be run with truth, conscience,lamenting that the many agreements the union had with government had not been fulfilled.

He said by not honouring the agreements , government had displayed insensitivity towards the plight of members of the unions.

The chairman said that it was wrong not to pay SSANU and NASU out of the four unions that went on strike.

According to him,members of the two unions feel cheated about the withheld salaries.



Ibrahim who noted that members of the unions were important to the running of universities ,urged the government to release the salaries without delay.



He appealed to the Minister of Education to table their demands before the President ,for action.

Mr Bukayo Ayantoye, Chairman, Non Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), said that the withheld four months salaries had lost value owing to inflation.



“A lot of people even took loans with interest due to our unpaid salaries, because it is not possible to survive without a month salary not to talk of four months.

“To us, we see it as victimisation , especially as members of sister unions ,who went on strike with us were paid.

“We feel cheated and want to believe they are treating us this way because they consider us irrelevant,”he said.

Olayinka inaugurated as first President of Dideolu Rotary Club




Dr Adekunle Olayinka, the Special Adviser on Works to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been inaugurated as the first Charter President of Club Dideolu Golden



The inauguration, 20th anniversary and Charter presentation of Club Dideolu Golden was held at Rotary Club Ikeja, on Sunday.

Rotary Club is a global network of different body of professionals and entrepreneur, whose aim is to serve humanity.



Olayinka promised to uphold the ideology and humanitarianism of the Rotary club in areas such as health, education and others



"The hallmark of this new club is to further contribute to humanity through humanitarian services in health, as enshrined in the seven vocal point of Rotary International which is modern care, health, education, youths and others.





"Rotary is a club that will give us the platform to reach out to more and see how those at the grassroots can be further supported,all we have to do is plug into it and make services available to the community," he said.

On Cholera, the newly installed president said that the club will do more in terms of advocacy.



"We're going to do more on advocacy and awareness so Rotary is going to stage more awareness and advocacy on what to do and what not to do to avoid Cholera," he said."



Also speaking at the ceremony was Hon. James Faleke, a Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Ikeja Federal constituency urged all privileged members of the community to remember those who are less privileged.



"Congratulations to my brother and friend Adekunle, I believe Rotary has it's own modules operandi and they are developmental oriented.





" What I expect from the new club is to ensure proper development, infrastructural development support to the people, the less privileged in the society.





" We are elected to represent the people and we will continue to support the people as much as possible, and do things that will bring relief to the less privileged," he said.



Representing the Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Dr Hakeem Shittu, the Chairman Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, he commended the club for its support in education and health.



"I'm here on behalf of Dr Hamzat, I have to appreciate Rotary Club for what they're doing for humanity, for how they have been assisting us in education, health and others.



"20 years of existence is no joke, and I congratulate the new Club Dideolu Golden, I wish them all round success," the said.





Other dignitaries at the event are Mr Henry Ajomale, the Hope president, Rotary Omole Golden Mrs Veronica Isijola, also Mrs Ifeyinwa Ejezie, and Dr Wole Kukoyi, the
District Governor Rotary International District 9110.

Epe deserves more from Lagos Government -- Group 



******Adelaja bows out as Yunus sworn-in as President


******Newly elected president passionate about enhancing members' welfare 



A non profitable social group, Club Seventies Epe says that Epe Division in Lagos State deserved more attention from the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the state.


The newly sworn-in President of the Club, Mr Yusuf Yunus, made this remark in his inaugural address after taking oath of office in Epe.


Yunus, taking over from Adelaja Najeem-Hassan as president, said that his team would hit the ground running to facilitate development to Epe and its environ and to bring succour to the ordinary people.


"We deserve more economically, politically and in terms of infrastructure. We shall use this opportunity to facilitate more development to our people.


"We shall not let the people down. We shall lobby Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration to look at Epe direction We shall fulfill our mandate of making life better for the people of the division," he said.


Yunus who appreciated God for the privilege to serve, described the task of reinventing, rejuvenating and promoting Epe as a collective responsibility of all members.


He said that his primary focus was to enhance the welfare of members and the downtrodden in the community.


Yunus, who was elected the fifth president of the noble Club, pledged not to pursue any personal agenda but only that of the Club.


"Our agenda shall be of "Collective Responsibility" to enhance members' welfare and follow up on members during and after meetings, and we will strongly encourage participation via committees and Club events.



"We can do it, we will do it, and together, we can make lasting impacts in the lives of the people," he said.


Yunus said noted that the club would continue to have footprints on different areas such as community service, projects, opportunities, and youth empowerment, among others.


Yunus eulogised outgoing the president's  honesty, commitment and patriotism, saying he had done his best for the Club.


He said that every member must join hands to actualise the dream of the founding fathers of the Club. 


He said: "As I take over the mantle of leadership effective today, I promise not to let you down nor disappoint the trust bestowed in me.


"I stand before this noble House to assume the sacred mandate you have given me. My love for this club is abiding. My confidence in our members is unwavering and my faith in God Almighty is absolute.


"I know that His hand shall provide the needed strength to forge ahead as a people with common goal and vision. This day is bold and majestic yet bright and full of spirit, as is our precious Club."


Describing the time as most challenging, Yunus expressed his resolve to lead and not to rule over  members. 


Yunus said that his team would consult and dialogue with the people and would never dictate to them.


"We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. 


"We are here to further mend and heal this club, not to tear and injure it. 


"I will float committees to expand our Club's involvement in all areas and continue the path of having all members included in at least one of the committees."


Vowing to prioritise members' welfare and to follow up on members during and after meetings, the president said that he would encourage participation via committees and club events. 


Yunus said that he would continue to work with all past presidents and elders of the Club to accomplish great projects.


"We can do it, we will do it, and together, we can make lasting impacts in the lives of the people," he added.


The president challenged club leadership, elders and members to place the interest of the Club in their hearts "as the indispensable home for every one of us regardless of creed, religion, or place of birth."


Earlier, the outgoing President of Club, Adelaja, appreciated members for their unflinching support and overwhelming contributions towards the growth and successful development of Club throughout his tenure.


"I must admit that being the President of this  Club has been a challenging task, and I have spent quite some of my valuable hours in ensuring that the Club maintained its brand and achieves its objective in Epe Division," Adelaja said.

He said that the Club under his watch recorded a very huge success in member’s welfares, website administration, Club’s united centre ``Secretariat’’,and ensuring stronger ties among members.


"We are very pleased with what we as a team players accomplished as set goals in the last two years. 


"Almost all of what we set out to do was looked after. I salute the courage of my formidable team for being the best team," he said.


"I am indeed convinced that with the template we (EXCO) have put in place,  I am certain that the incoming executives shall even do much better than what we have done, because I have faith in this Club and the incoming team," he said.


He said that the job of building the club should not be left in the leaders alone.


Adelaja said:"It is through your support, critics and encouragements that they shall have something to do together because together we shall continue to make it.

``Togetherness we Stand, Divided we Fall” let’s build CSE (Club Seventies Epe) of our Dream!," he said.


In his goodwill, Chief Wale Mogaji, the Ottun- Balogun of Epe kingdom urged the new inaugurated executive members to be steadfastness in steering the ship of the club to the greater heights the more.


Describing the club as been one of the best in Epe division in promoting the development of the community, Mogaji assured the club of his total support.


He urged members to re-dedicate themselves towards deepening community development.


The other newly sworn-in executives of the Club included Alagabi Gabusiu (Vice President), Sikiru Taoreed (Secretary), Gbajumo Olalekan (Assistant Social Secretary), Kadiri Rahmon (Treasurer), Moruf Shittu (Financial Secretary), Olabode Taiwo (Chief Whip), and Shonibare Olalekan (Welfare Officer). 


The event, graced by various leaders and indigenes of the Epe Division in Lagos, also witnessed the swearing in of other newly elected officers of the Club.

LASG exposes 30 students to road, bridge construction


Lagos State Government on Friday reiterated its commitment to engaging local engineers and students in higher institutions to ensure transfer of knowledge in roads and bridge construction.



Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, gave the during a tour of five strategic road and bridge projects.



The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government selected for internship, no fewer than 30 students studying civil engineering in both private and public universities.



The projects toured include Abiola-Onijemo link road with bridge, Ikeja GRA regeneration road project, and Opebi Mende-link bridge and roads.



The others include Arowojobe link bridge and approach road at Maryland, Agidi Demurin and Church Street Network, and Saint Finbarrs Road (UNILAG to Abule Okuta- Soluyi).



Omotosho said: ” Many of our youths have been employed, we have seen our students working there, they are being taken to come and learn how to do things.





“The project of this Opebi link bridge is not something that is common; so, it is very good for our young engineers to have this experience.



“It is a massive project that will bring relief to residents of Lagos trying to connect the airport, Ojota, Ikorodu.”





Omotosho said that in spite of the rains, contractors were committed to meeting deadlines.





“We have been going around since morning, and what we have seen is testimony to the fact that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not resting on his oars.





“There are so many things that have been completed and so many in the pipeline,” he said.



The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, who was in the team, expressed satisfaction at the various levels of completion of the projects in spite of the rainy season.



” The weather slowed down the spate of works on sites but the contractors are working assiduously in ensuring completion of the projects they are handling.



“This tour is part of our efforts to ensure that all our contractors are up and doing.

“Most of the projects have very commendable progress. The major challenge is the issue of the rain.

” However, I assure you that public works are up and running,” Daramola said.



Miss Apologun Onetere, one of the interns on site and a fourth year student of Babcock University, said that the experience had been thrilling.



” I have learnt a lot about piling which is the foundation of building a bridge.

“It is so interesting, I appreciate this experience,” she said.

All the projects toured recorded, at least, 70 per cent completion.

Cholera: Sanwo-Olu harps on improved hygiene




Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday called for improved personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of cholera in the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the call in his goodwill message at the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eid-el Kabir celebration was organised Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.

It had the theme: ”Leveraging on the Gains of Hajj and Eid-el Kabir for Building a Better Society’.

Sanwo-Olu said that there was need to always make the environment clean.

“Cholera has started to raise its ugly head in our state and across the country.

“We must be very careful with our hygiene. Let us make sure that our environment is clean. This is raining season when we experience flooing.

“We must wash our hands regularly and listen to jingles on the media on how we can protect ourselves, and follow the procedure.

” Cleaniness is part of our religion and the will of the Almighty Allah; so, we must live in clean environments,” he said.

The governor also charged the residents to live in peace and harmony irrespective of religious differences.

Sanwo-Olu called on the residents to make necessary sacrifices that would move their families, Lagos State and the entire forward.



The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, urged the residents to cooperate with the state government to facilitate delivery of dividends of democracy.

She also solicited their cooperation in the fight against gender-based violence, sexual violence and domestic violence.

She emphasised proper enlightenment on the teachings of the Quran on gender-based violence.

Highlights of the celebration included Quaranic recitation and musical renditions, and prayer for Nigeria and that of President Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and Hazmat.

L-R Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ms. Emem Usoro; Governor, CBN, Mr Yemi Cardoso; Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, Mr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi and Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Niyi Yusuf, at the CBN dialogue session organized in collaboration with the NESG and private sector business leaders in Lagos on Wednesday

Psychiatrist calls for establishment of Mental health literacy in schools  

A Clinical Psychiatrist and a lecturer Dr Olanrewaju Ibigbami, has called for the establishment of mental health literacy in primary and secondary schools to solve mental challenges of young adolescents.

Ibigbami made the call on the sideline of a stakeholders’ dissemination meeting and mental health literacy training for school counsellors in Osun state.

The meeting was organised by “The Mehlit Project” in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Ibigbami, said there are ways students with mental health challenges can be spotted in schools stating that once a student is noticed of not doing well academically, “it could be a sign of mental health challenge.”

According to him, it is not only those mentally ill walking on the street that has mental health challenge.

He however listed some of the signs of mental health challenge in young people especially the students to include; not sleeping properly, not eating well, eating too much and getting unnecessarily afraid or unnecessarily sad.

Also, unusually happy, being hyper active, staying alone, stealing and having destructive behaviour in school.

He said through ‘The Mehlit Project’ school counsellors are trained on mental health literacy, in order to detect the mental health challenges their students exhibits and to stop it from getting to the level of crisis.

“The Mehlit project is a mental health literacy training programme for school counsellors in Osun State, supported by the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH).

“We have been able to train over 100 school counsellors.
“We already have data from 81 of them who responded to the test we did and It showed that the training actually improved their counseling self efficacy.

“Also mental health literacy with regards to understanding what mental health problems are, and how to manage them among young people who are in secondary schools”, he said.

“We have also been able to work with Counseling Society of Nigeria, to develop a template for us to scale up this training so that more counsellors in the state and beyond Osun state can actually receive a similar training,” he said

Dr Olayinka Oderinde, a mental health practitioner and Special Adviser to Gov. Ademola Adeleke, on Special Needs, who chaired the programme, stated that the mental health literacy training commenced in September 2023.

Oderinde said the focus of the project was to train educated school counsellors on mental health and how they can be of help to young adolescents having mental health challenges.

She said the training has, however, equipped the participants (counsellors) to identify a child that has a mental health problem, what to do and where to refer a student where it is beyond their capacity.

She said though not all schools in the state have counsellors hence, steps are being taken to ensure that all the schools in the state have counsellors, that will be included in the mental health literacy programme

NESG and Partners Host Fireside Chat with Rockefeller Foundation President



The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in collaboration with Harvard Business School, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Lagos Business School, hosted a fireside chat featuring Dr. Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation.



The event, held as part of the book signing for "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens," provided a platform for insightful discussions on tackling global challenges.




Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO, NESG, opened the event by emphasizing the significance of Dr. Shah's book.

Aduloju described it as a bold response to the formidable problems of our generation, offering strategic solutions that promise long-term gains rather than short-term wins.



He highlighted the importance of the book for Nigeria, a country in the midst of a demographic transition with a predominantly young population.


He called it a gift to the younger generation, urging them to strive for seemingly impossible achievements and exceed global expectations.




In her welcome remarks,
Ms. Florence Okoli, Vice President of the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN), underscored HBSAN's commitment to nation-building.


Okoli noted that the event marked the beginning of future collaborations among the four organizing institutions, all united by the mission of making a significant impact.




Commenting, Dr. Rajiv Shah shared his motivations for writing "Big Bets," reflecting on global events and the need for bold, innovative solutions.



Shah recounted how Bill and Melinda Gates made a transformative bet on vaccination, as well as his own experiences fighting Ebola during his tenure at USAID.


He praised the efforts of women who played crucial roles on the frontlines during the Ebola crisis and discussed the Rockefeller Foundation's initiatives to improve energy access, particularly through renewable energy, aiming to reach over a billion people worldwide without reliable electricity.


Shah highlighted Nigeria's potential to transition from reliance on generators to cleaner, more affordable energy sources, benefiting millions of people.



The event concluded with a call to action for collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges and harnessing innovative solutions for sustainable development.

LASG, Naija Brand Chick continue to build economy through tourism



The Lagos State Government says its committed to harness the state's tourism and entertainment potential as well as grow its economy through the collaboration with the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade (NBC) fair.



The Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, said the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair
tagged:" buy, sale, network"



he Naija Brand Chick kick off the sixth edition of the fair at the White Stone Oregon, it will hold from June 14 to June 16.



" The leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu is committed to the partnership with the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick, NBC's Trade Fair, which is targeting several vendors and over hundred thousand participants.

"The brand is working and re-echoing that Lagos would continue to lead while making sure the government is supporting and positively engaging residents while ensuring that young people are keying in to the economic aspect of the state," he said


The 2023 edition of the fair held in Port Harcourt, in the 2024 edition over 200 vendors will be displaying their wares at the fair.


Also speaking, Executive Officer of NBC's Trade Fair, Nelly Agbogu, said the partnership with Lagos State had been one of the best things that had happened over years as many vendors as well as small and medium scale enterprises were able to key in to the application to be part of.


The fair which had in attendance the Iya Alaje of Odua, Toyin Kolade, Mrs Jumobi Adegbesan-Damijo among others.

NGO prelaunches digital app to report SGBV cases

Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), in collaboration with Teqbahn Labs, has announced the prelaunch of the Encare Response App, a groundbreaking application designed to revolutionise response to cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Mrs Bose Ironsi, Executive Director, WRAHP NGO, said the App, which was targeted to help the Alimosho area, especially during emergencies, places the survivor at the centre of a community-led process.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which held on Friday in Lagos, was to test the app before it is launched.

Ironsi said the innovative solution would help reduce the stigma of reporting and facilitate post-trauma follow-up, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need on time.

“With the introduction of the Encare Response APP, survivors now have the opportunity to report cases without fear or stigma and also access support services and justice at no cost.

“This app is easy to use with features that allow users, including survivors to upload evidence of abuse and violation via the web and mobile platforms with little data internet access,” she said.

Speaking, Ms Vydia Sri, Teqbahn Labs, said the company was an information company that focuses on issues that disproportionately impacted communities.

Sri said violence was an issue that disproportionately affected the Alimosho community, Nigeria and also a problem everywhere.

She said the company was interested in social impact issues, and built the technology in-house.

Sri said that everything was enhanced and they have been on for 20 years.

Speaking, Mr Chidubem Ironsi, Founder, Encare said that he was inspired to develop an app to report SGBV cases when he saw that survivors go through a lot in the process of reporting.

Ironsi said the app was targeted at community members, to have a tool to report and get swift response to cases of SGBV.

He said the NGO aimed to have cases solved in minutes rather than a week or month.

He said speed in response, efficiency and connectability with the community members and stakeholders was the driving force behind the app.

Ironsi said he hoped to collaborate with everyone that was involved in cases of SGBV to ensure that the community was safe.

Also, Mr Adebayo Tokunbo, CDC, General Secretary, Ayobo Ipaja LCDA, said the prelaunch of the app would go a long way to make his job easier, by reporting any case of violence.

Tokunbo, who had worked with the NGO for some years, said he would be able to take the picture, time and other necessary information wherever he was for the police to act upon.

Edo Celebrates Tech Reforms in Education with Teachers for Tech Conference 2024


As part of activities to mark the Edo Education Week 2024, the Edo State Ministry of Education under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki held a gathering of teachers from across the state at the Teachers for Tech Conference.

The Conference which is the first of its kind in the state brought together over two thousand teachers across Basic Education, Secondary Education, Vocational Education and Tertiary Institutions and explored educational technologies for 21st-century learning trends, educational games, and many more.

While delivering his address and recounting the gains of Educational reforms across the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki extolled the teachers for embracing technology and their commitment to the reforms in the education sector over the past seven and half years. He added that the level of success recorded would be impossible without their ardent support and commitment to change.

He went on to assure the elated teachers of the sustainability of technological reforms adding that the teachers themselves are the instruments of sustainability.

He also took a moment to elicit from teachers and dignitaries present a standing ovation for the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe. He commended her for her untiring efforts since assuming office as Commissioner of Education. He enjoined those present to join in applauding her for her sacrifices and commitment to the reforms of the administration.

Adding colour to the event were training sessions from Data Science Nigeria, CCHub, and Read Manna who took the teachers on an immersive training journey.

Also present at the event were stakeholders from EdTech solutions such as Exam Scholars, Teachers Lounge, Schoolinka, 9ija Kids, eLima, Genius Hub, etc

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) pilot report in 51 schools across the state by Dr Olubayo Adekanbi, CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria as he gave a rundown of the results of the pilot stage and its impact roadmap.


The Edo State Teachers Tech Conference 2024 was indeed a journey of learning and discovery and undoubtedly attests to the commitment of the Edo State Government to consistently improving the quality of its workforce, especially in the Education ecosystem.

The Edo State Ministry of Education under the leadership of an Honorable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe has truly seen the most remarkable digital reforms to have ever beset the Education System and remains committed to sustaining the gains of EdoBEST2.0 beyond this administration.

Infrastructure Development: Lagos prioritises road connectivity




In a bid to boost intermodal transport system, Lagos State Government is determined to connect roads to jetties across the state.



The Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said this when he led other officials to inspect roads and other strategic projects on Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Old Ojo Road.



Other roads inspected include Mumuni Adio Road, Buba Maruwa Road, Navy Town-Ijegun-Egba Road and Orile-Irede-Iyana Iba Interchange.



“At present, we are on Old Ojo Road, it is a four-kilometre road.



” The progress of work is very commendable. We have the contractor here, Messrs CCECC, and we envisage that in another two months, we will deliver this project. Mr governor will deliver this to residents of Lagos.



” It has also offered us an opportunity to look at other road projects in the axis. We have been able to look at the Buba Maruwa Road which is a 3.2km road that takes us to Ijegun-Egba Jetty,” he said.



Daramola said the inspection tour was to check the level of progress and have more detailed information about challenges to some of the projects.



He said that blockage of drains was identified at the Orile section of the Lagos Badagry Expressway.



“We will link up with our counterparts in the Office of Drainage Services to prevent flooding in the axis,” he said.



On how the network of roads will impact the state, Daramola said the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Old Ojo Road would be alternative roads while the Navy Town Road, Mumuni-Adio Road and Orile-Irede-Iyana Iba Interchange would link all the tank farms.



He said the road projects, when completed, would improve traffic and make distribution of petroleum products from tank farms faster.



” The jetty is over there, we have products that we have to move from one place to the other,” he said.

Benson inaugurates 2km Ori-Okuta road in Lagos


By Abimbola Joseph

A lawmaker, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos), on Saturday inaugurated the two-kilometre Ori-Okuta Estate/Idi-orogbo Road, in Agric area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.


Benson, who is the Chairman House Committee on Defence, said the road construction was part of his campaign promises.

He expressed gratitude to the residents for voting massively for him during the last election.

The road, which connects several communities, had been ravaged by flood, with residents facing hectic times around there decades.

Benson promised to continue to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Ikorodu and urges youths and residents to support President Bola Tinubu Renew Agenda and explore the opportunities.

He urged residents to explore the student loan and other policy reeled out by the present administration.

Earlier, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) thanked the lawmaker for enhancing the living standard of residents,

He commended him for strengthening and contributing to the growth of the party in the area.

Ojelabi, urged the residents to believe in their federal lawmaker as he continued to fulfil his promise to improve lives and commerce in the community.

According to him, the lawmaker has touched many lives as reflected in the principles and philosophy of the APC.

He said that Nigeria would get better, as it was moving toward the promised land.

“I urge residents to take ownership of the project, for the betterment of the people.

“Party members should also re-validate their membership as the exercise commences,” he said.

Also speaking, Murisiku Jaiyesinmi, a traditional leader in Ori-Okuta, appreciated the lawmaker for the quick intervention in meeting the yearnings of residents.

Mr Anwoju Olumuyiwa, Chairman, Ori-Okuta Community Development Association, also promised that they would take full ownership of the road and ensure its maintenance, to make it last long.

Also, Mr Gbenga Onayiga, a retired Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and community leader, said residents had suffered and spent a lot to repair the road before the lawmaker came to their rescue.

“Today, I feel elated, because we have gone through serious hardship and spent over N10m in the past to put it in order before the lawmaker intervened.

“We have put in mechanism to maintain the road, so that we can enjoy it for long time,” Onayiga said.


The lawmaker, members of his entourage who were APC stalwart went to inspect other ongoing project initiated by Mr Jimi Benson at Lambo Lasunwon opposite Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and Ofin Oreta road.

Present at the event were Lagos State lawmakers, APC stalwarts and traditional leaders, among others.

Projects: Lagos to link Sangotedo with Ito-Omu creek



Lagos State Government has embarked on a road and bridge project which will link Sangotedo in Eti Osa with Ito-Omu creek in Ibeju Lekki and Epe.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, gave the assurance on Saturday, during an inspection of some projects across the state.

” Today, we are at the Omu Creek Road which is one of the strategic projects that is ongoing.

“It is a road of about five kilometres and about 600 metres bridge.

” It is about 1.1 kilometres from the Lekki-Epe Express Road. What we have witnessed today is really a big progress, there has been a lot of soil reclamation, a lot of soil replacement has gone on.

” We will be able to get to the point where the bridge work will start, a lot of soil investigation is going on, the progress is very commendable,” he said.

The special adviser also inspected the Ketu Alapere Pedestrian Bridge reconstruction.

Daramola said that the project would be completed in few months.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bridge, which was constructed 11 years ago, was damaged by impact of a container-laden truck which attempted to manoeuvre under the bridge.

“Reconstruction of the damaged Alapere Pedestrian Bridge is ongoing.

“There was a lot of work on the alignment. The Federal Government was working on the Third Mainland Bridge, and we had to synchronise the work.

” There is good progress, the foundation is done, the cast elements are all being set, the headroom will be improved, and in another couple of months – two, three months – I am sure that the project will be completed,” he said.

Daramola also said that the state government had embarked on rehabilitation of some link roads in the Ikoyi axis.



“The state government is also working on a network of roads in Ikoyi, Abayomi, MacPherson, Ilabere. Site visit shows that there is improvement.

“Contractors are on site, and we are having good milage.

” Some sets of roads were done in Ikoyi previously, and this set will add more connectivity. The progress of work is very commendable,” he said.

The special adviser said that the Ilabere Link Road, Ikoyi, project was 70 per cent completed.



” None of the roads has been completed because it is a network.



” In Lagos as a whole, there is quite a number of projects going on, we visit these sites from time to time.



” I can assure you in Alimosho we have ongoing projects such as Babafemi Daada, Abaranje Road. In Badagry, we have Hospital Road, Samuel Ekundayo Road. In Kosofe, we have St. Finbars Road, and all the contractors are on site.

” The governor has given us support maximally, you will see more progress,” Daramola said.

Happy birthday to a quintessential leader, a shining star, and a beacon of hope!

Alhaji (Dr) Odutola Kasali, Chairman and Apex Leader of Ibeju-Lekki, Director on the board of Odu'a Investment Company Limited, and my dear uncle and father, I celebrate you today and always.

Your wisdom, vision, and leadership have inspired generations, and your contributions to the development of our community are immeasurable.

May this special day bring you joy, happiness, and blessings. May your life continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance to us all.

Happy birthday, sir! May you live long in good health and prosperity.

Hon. (Engr) Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, Chairman, Lekki LCDA"

Obaseki felicitates with children, launches state anthem



Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has celebrated children in the state on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day.


This year's celebration, the last under Governor Obaseki's tenure, was marked by engaging activities and the Governor's Cup 2.0 in a vibrant event at Ogbemudia Stadium.


Governor Obaseki, alongside First Lady Dr. Betsy Obaseki and the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, emphasized the importance of education and culture in the community.


The event also saw the launch of the Edo Anthem, performed by school children, university students, youth corps members, and market women, under the guidance of Dr. Betsy Obaseki who conducted the performance.


Governor Obaseki expressed his pride at the event's success, acknowledging the children's enthusiasm and talent as a testament to Edo's bright future.


"Today, we celebrate not just our children, but the enduring legacy of our cultural heritage," he remarked

Stakeholders praise Tinubu’s efforts at addressing infrastructure deficit

Some stakeholders in the built environment have commended the Federal Government’s effort at addressing  infrastructure deficit in Nigeria’s construction industry.
 
The stakehokders, who made the commendation in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, said,   however, that more  would need to be done to improve the situation.
 
They spoke on the backdrop of the one year  anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
 
Mr Vincent Adewebi, the immediate past Vice-President (International), Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, said that the government recognised that Nigeria had a shortage of quality roads, bridges and public transportation systems.
 
He said that the government also recognised lack of affordable housing options, noting that  agencies responsible for infrastructure provision had been working on solutions to address the deficit.
 
He said, however, that the agencies were faced with a major obstacle of securing  money needed to fund infrastructure projects.
 
Adewebi expressed appreciation for two government decisions aimed at improving road construction in Nigeria –  adoption of  concrete technology on roads and  insistence of having COREN-registered engineers on site.
 
He also commended the government for requiring registered engineers on site for road construction projects, describing it as as a positive step.
 
He appealed that this requirement should be applied more broadly across Nigeria’s construction industry.
 
He said: “This could include disciplines such as architecture, surveying and quantity surveying.
 
“By ensuring that qualified professionals are involved in all aspects of construction, the quality and safety of buildings and infrastructure projects could be significantly improved.”
 
He also called for stronger collaboration between construction professionals and the government.
 
This collaboration, he said, would allow them to develop solutions specific to Nigeria’s context that would  still meet international quality benchmarks.
 
Adewebi added, “While I acknowledge the government’s efforts on infrastructure development, I think there is room for improvement.”
 
Mr Adesegun Banjoko, the National President of National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, spoke in the same vein.
 
He said, “As far as the built industry is concerned, the goveenment is trying, but there is still much room for improvement.”
 
He expressed satisfaction with the Industrial Training Fund’s SUPA initiative of the government aimed at improving the skills of people working in Nigeria’s construction industry.
 
He noted that the programme was targeted at three groups: new entrants (green horn building artisans), practising artisans and master artisans.
 
Banjoko said, however, that reducing the cost of building materials was important for making affordable housing more achievable.
 
He said that the price of a 50kg bag of cement in the open market was about ₦8,000, describing as very high.
 
He said, ” We have said it before that this is still considered high.
 
“We are, therefore, greatly delighted that the Senate is on the same page with us on the subject and is taking necessary actions and steps.”

Setting up FG’s IPPIS, a game changer – IT coy

The Managing Director, Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, Dr Bisi Aina, says that one of its greatest feats as an Information Technology (IT) solution provider is flushing out of 70,000 ghost workers from the Federal Civil Service System.

Aina spoke at a news conference in commemoration of the company’s 20th anniversary which was held at Ikeja in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Soft Alliance is a world-class system integrator, IT solutions provider in Africa and one of Nigeria’s most respected, innovative and successful IT companies.

Aina said that setting up the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS), the first of its kind for the Federal Government, was a game changer.

“We were able to set up the IPPIS system which flushed out 70,000 ghost workers from the Federal Government; that was a scam that we created a lasting solution for. We also pioneered the first Oracle Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP).

“Also, we pioneered plate detect, the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in Lagos State. In fact, when we started in 2004, they (Lagos State) were our first client then Oyo State, Ekiti and Bayelsa. This was created to enhance transportation management.

“We also built a Central Billing System (CBS) in 2016 for revenue collection in Nigeria to improve revenue generation and reduce corruption associated with manual receipt.

“We own the largest Human Resources (HR) payroll solution in Nigeria. We’ve the sustainability of empowering organisations with scalable work force management,” Aina said.

On some of the challenges the IT firm had to contend with, the managing director said that the cost of software, the current Japa syndrome and the exigency of training people about process were top on the list of challenges.

“The cost of software is expensive given the fluctuating nature of our exchange rate, paying license fee is in dollars we had to build software customised to serve Nigerian needs, this helped us cut cost.

“Also the Japa syndrome, we’re competing with foreign countries that are willing to pay in dollars which is attractive at the moment because of the exchange rate.

“But thankfully, people in our industry work remotely, we have to find creative ways to motivate our staff.

“In addition, what we have done is to recruit about 30 graduate interns from various universities for six months, at the end of the programme we employ 50 per cent and the other 50 get other juicy offers from other firms,” Aina said

He explained that the company had been able to stay grounded as a result of having a solid financial management system.

“We’re prudent with our finances, we ensure that we reserve a substantial amount and save for the rainy day, we actually pay twice a month.

“Also, what has kept us afloat is the fact that we reinvent ourselves regularly. We look for means to proffer solutions that is required to solve challenges in both the public and private sectors

“Also, we developed our storage system and our cloud helps us reduce our cost because we don’t have to deal with foreign exchange,” the managing director said.

Sharing the same view, Mr Feyi Agagu, the Director, Business Development, Soft Alliance, highlighted some of its Corporate Social Responsibility in the last 20 years of existence.

“We train youths and enlighten them on dangers of taking drugs. In respect to sports, we sponsor golf tournaments from time to time.

“On education, we have chosen a school for renovation in Ibadan, Oyo State, we are creating a more conducive work environment for students.

“Also, what we do with our interns is a way of giving back because they will learn a lot, experience can’t be bought,” Agagu said.

Mr Kolawole Lasaki, the company’s Deputy Director, Business Development, said hack-a-thon competitions, video testimonials and a gala night are part of the company’s programme for its 20th anniversary.

Present at the meeting were Mr Tunde Ojumu, the firm’s Director, Technical Service and Ayo Lajubutu, the Director, Solutions Delivery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OAF/COF
========
Setting up FG’s IPPIS, a game changer – IT coy




Achievements

By Aderonke Ojediran

Lagos, May 29, 2024(NAN) The Managing Director, Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, Dr Bisi Aina, says that one of its greatest feats as an Information Technology (IT) solution provider is flushing out of 70,000 ghost workers from the Federal Civil Service System.

Aina spoke at a news conference in commemoration of the company’s 20th anniversary which was held at Ikeja in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Soft Alliance is a world-class system integrator, IT solutions provider in Africa and one of Nigeria’s most respected, innovative and successful IT companies.

Aina said that setting up the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS), the first of its kind for the Federal Government, was a game changer.

“We were able to set up the IPPIS system which flushed out 70,000 ghost workers from the Federal Government; that was a scam that we created a lasting solution for. We also pioneered the first Oracle Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP).

“Also, we pioneered plate detect, the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in Lagos State. In fact, when we started in 2004, they (Lagos State) were our first client then Oyo State, Ekiti and Bayelsa. This was created to enhance transportation management.

“We also built a Central Billing System (CBS) in 2016 for revenue collection in Nigeria to improve revenue generation and reduce corruption associated with manual receipt.

“We own the largest Human Resources (HR) payroll solution in Nigeria. We’ve the sustainability of empowering organisations with scalable work force management,” Aina said.

On some of the challenges the IT firm had to contend with, the managing director said that the cost of software, the current Japa syndrome and the exigency of training people about process were top on the list of challenges.

“The cost of software is expensive given the fluctuating nature of our exchange rate, paying license fee is in dollars we had to build software customised to serve Nigerian needs, this helped us cut cost.

“Also the Japa syndrome, we’re competing with foreign countries that are willing to pay in dollars which is attractive at the moment because of the exchange rate.

“But thankfully, people in our industry work remotely, we have to find creative ways to motivate our staff.

“In addition, what we have done is to recruit about 30 graduate interns from various universities for six months, at the end of the programme we employ 50 per cent and the other 50 get other juicy offers from other firms,” Aina said

He explained that the company had been able to stay grounded as a result of having a solid financial management system.

“We’re prudent with our finances, we ensure that we reserve a substantial amount and save for the rainy day, we actually pay twice a month.

“Also, what has kept us afloat is the fact that we reinvent ourselves regularly. We look for means to proffer solutions that is required to solve challenges in both the public and private sectors

“Also, we developed our storage system and our cloud helps us reduce our cost because we don’t have to deal with foreign exchange,” the managing director said.

Sharing the same view, Mr Feyi Agagu, the Director, Business Development, Soft Alliance, highlighted some of its Corporate Social Responsibility in the last 20 years of existence.

“We train youths and enlighten them on dangers of taking drugs. In respect to sports, we sponsor golf tournaments from time to time.

“On education, we have chosen a school for renovation in Ibadan, Oyo State, we are creating a more conducive work environment for students.

“Also, what we do with our interns is a way of giving back because they will learn a lot, experience can’t be bought,” Agagu said.

Mr Kolawole Lasaki, the company’s Deputy Director, Business Development, said hack-a-thon competitions, video testimonials and a gala night are part of the company’s programme for its 20th anniversary.

Present at the meeting were Mr Tunde Ojumu, the firm’s Director, Technical Service and Ayo Lajubutu, the Director, Solutions Delivery.

Tanker Explosions Must Stop: Operators Collaborates with Stakeholders on Mitigation



To ensure a lasting solution to incessant truck accidents, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) is fostering collaboration among regulators, operators, and enforcement agencies to mitigate the increasing number of truck-related accidents on roads.

The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Mr. Clement Isong, disclosed this to the media after a stakeholders meeting in Lagos on how road accidents involving trucks can be mitigated.

He said that this initiative followed an emergency stakeholders' meeting held to address the alarming rise in truck accidents and explosions on Nigerian roads.

He noted that the session brought together key stakeholders, including the Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and MEMAN's Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ) committee, representing operators.

Other stakeholders, according to him, included the Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the South-West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), representing regulators.

Isong said that the primary objective was to foster collaboration among regulators, operators, and enforcement agencies to mitigate the increasing number of truck accidents witnessed in 2024.

"This meeting is the first in a series of urgent actions aimed at addressing the recent spike in truck accidents and explosions," he said.

"The analysis of several petroleum tanker-related crashes over the past four months revealed several root causes," he said.

He mentioned that these included deplorable road infrastructure, inexperienced drivers in oversized trucks, and a lack of truck maintenance, among others.

"Issues included drivers' mental alertness and attitudinal behavior. Some trucks were fully loaded up to 66,000 liters, far exceeding safe limits. Inadequate maintenance practices led to mechanical (brake) failures," Isong said.

He stated that the stakeholders proposed several measures for operators to implement, driven by the industry’s commitment to self-regulation.

These measures included more stakeholder collaboration and increased engagement, especially with key stakeholders such as NMDPRA, NARTO, PTD, and FRSC.

He added that driver training, truck maintenance, and fleet renewal were also considered key factors.

Isong said that the meeting also agreed to ensure: "Mandatory annual training for all drivers at FRSC-approved centers, driven by the industry. Marketers are to turn down underage drivers, untrained drivers, and trucks that have not undergone inspection or failed the Safe-to-Load integrity checks at loading bays. Marketers must insist on biannual comprehensive integrity evaluations for all trucks transporting petroleum products at approved centers. Marketers should insist on phasing out old trucks and replacing them with new ones featuring modern safety measures such as ABS, anti-rollover, anti-spill, anti-skid, speed limiters, onboard computers, and cameras. Trucks over 15 years old should be repurposed for non-hazardous cargo."

He said that stakeholders also emphasized technology integration in operations, with marketers ensuring that their trucks are fitted with onboard computers and tracking devices. The MEMAN boss said that marketers were also enjoined to ensure the use of intelligent cameras and data from route surveys to enhance safety.

He said that stakeholders also enjoined marketers and transporters to establish centers to monitor truck movements, capable of immobilizing trucks in emergencies. "The control centers should be open 24/7 and are meant to enforce the journey management procedures, including flagging night driving, harsh braking, rest time, unauthorized parking, and speeding," he said.

Calling for road infrastructure advocacy, the MEMAN boss said that the industry agreed to share again the list of critical roads needing urgent repairs and redesign with relevant authorities.

On public awareness campaigns, Isong said that stakeholders agreed to conduct regular sensitization programs for drivers on safe driving practices.

"The public is strongly advised to avoid scooping fuel when there is a truck accident," he said.

On Bottom Loading Systems, he said that marketers were to advocate for the introduction of bottom loading to reduce vapor emissions and enhance safety.

On earthing, he said that stakeholders agreed that stations and drivers should ensure earthing and continuity in earthing cables/hoses during discharge at filling stations.

Isong said that stations and drivers must avoid product discharge during thunderstorms.

He noted that stakeholders also considered driver welfare a key factor in ensuring safety, saying, "Transporters need to improve drivers' welfare to ensure the safe handling of trucks."

Speaking further, the MEMAN boss said that the industry was committed to continuing these collaborative efforts to ensure safer road transportation of petroleum products.

"Truck accidents and explosions must stop, and through these comprehensive measures, industry operators aim to significantly reduce the incidence of such catastrophic events," Isong said.

Speaking, Mr. Ibrahim Dimowo, Assistant Director/Head DSSRI, Southwest Zone, NMDPRA, said actions before the authority included regulatory revisions.

Dimowo said that these included updates and enforcement of truck specifications and loading limits with a focus on safety.

On monitoring and evaluation, he said that the authority would approve and implement new technologies for incident detection and monitoring.

On compliance enforcement, Dimowo said that there should be clear consequences for non-compliance with safety regulations.

Emphasizing the need to ensure that all trucks are registered and assigned specific ullage permits, he said that there was a need to state what the tank size for petroleum products should be and ensure compliance.

Corroborating, Corps Commander Patrick Davou of FRSC, Lagos State Sector Command, emphasized the need for strict enforcement of pre and post Safe-to-Load (STL) integrity inspections on trucks.

On driver certification and road safety initiatives, Davou said there was a need to verify driver qualifications during STL inspections and to collaborate on the 5-pillar road safety initiatives.

He called for proper classification of drivers' licenses for transporting hydrocarbons.

Stakeholders in attendance included the Corps Commander, Mr. Patrick Davou, FRSC - Corps Commander, Lagos State Sector Command, Mr. Ibrahim Dimowo, Assistant Director/Head DSSRI, Southwest Zone, NMDPRA, Olufemi Adewole, Executive Secretary, DAPPMAN, and Alhaji Lawal Othman Yusuf, President, NARTO.

Others were Mr. Clement Isong, CEO, MEMAN, and Mr. Gabriel Orukpe, Chairman, MEMAN HSSEQ Committee.

President Tinubu To Commission Newly Rehabilitated Road Projects In Lagos, Flag-Off Legacy Projects

In line with his commitment to ensure effective infrastructure development across the country, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will on Sunday, 26th May, 2024 commission the recently reconstructed Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota-Oshodi Expressway and the newly rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

A statement issued by Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser ( Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, noted that President Tinubu will also officially flag off the commencement of the coastal highway and other legacy highway projects being undertaken by Federal Ministry of Works.

RECONSTRUCTED/ REHABILITATED ROADS FOR COMMISSIONING

1.Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota-Oshodi Expressway: The 36.02 km expressway is a crucial link connecting Nigeria’s premier ports—Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports as well as the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, to the larger part of Lagos.

Originally constructed between 1975 and 1978, the road had deteriorated significantly over the years, causing severe delays in the evacuation of goods from Apapa Wharf.

The reconstruction which commenced in 2018 and completed in 2024, was executed in four sections using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) by Dangote Industries Limited under the Tax Credit method of infrastructure funding, with Hitech Construction Nigeria Limited as the subcontractor.

2.Third Mainland Bridge: The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. spanning about 12.5 km, including the access ramps. It was commissioned by President Shehu Shagari in 1980 and completed by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990. The bridge, which starts at Oworonshoki and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island, underwent significant rehabilitation to improve its structural integrity and extend its lifespan

ROAD PROJECTS TO BE FLAGGED OFF:

During his visit to Lagos, President Tinubu will also flag off the construction of major highway projects, both physically and virtually.

1.The 700-Kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: This inter-state highway will traverse nine states along Nigeria’s coastal shoreline, starting from Lagos and terminating in Calabar, Cross River State, with a spur connecting through East and West to the north through Sokoto- Badagry super highway and Ogoja Markurd-Abuja through the Trans Sahara Highway,.

2.Virtual flag-off of the design and procurement for the 1000km Sokoto-Badagry Highway.

This project will connect Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos State, passing through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun States

2 Virtual flag-off of the design and procurement of the 461 kilometre Africa Trans-Sahara Route: This route will start from a point on the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road and traverse Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, terminating at Apo in Abuja.

3.Virtual flag-Off of Nationwide Reconstruction and Rehabilitation: This includes emergency interventions on 330 roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones of the nation.

The flag-off and commissioning of these projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to infrastructure transformation and Mr. President’s vision on road infrastructure as a catalyst for national socio-economic advancement

The Honourable Minister, once again, welcomes Mr. President.

Synod: Methodist Church urges members to partner in rebuilding nation

 
The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Central, has urged its members to be active agents of positive change, both within the church and in the wider Nigerian society.


The Bishop of Lagos Central, Rt. Rev. Samuel Nortey, gave the advice at the 15th Diocesan Annual Synod, at Williams Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago-Ijaye Circuit, Ebute-Metta (West) on Friday in Lagos.


The theme, “Arise and Build’’, implies taking action and creating something new or better.


Quoting the Biblical book of Nehemiah, Nortey encouraged members to rebuild the church and the nation just the way Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem.



He emphasised the need for members to come together, re-evaluate, re-strategise and implement recommended solutions for challenges faced by the church.



The bishop, who noted that Nigeria needed help due to the challenges currently facing the nation, advised members to participate in rebuilding efforts that the President Bola Tinubu’s government had initiated.



He acknowledged Tinubu’s efforts in rebuilding the economy, security and having a stable naira, saying however, that the impact of his good policies were not felt by the common man.


He suggested two reasons why there might be a disconnect: external factors hindering the policies’ success and timeframe for impact.


The bishop therefore advocated effective policy implementation and clear communication to bridge the gap between policy and public perception"
Nortey said.

The government needs to be proactive because what the people care about are basic needs; they prioritise having food, transportation, medical care, and electricity. These are essential for everyday life.

“So people need to experience positive changes, this only can bring the good policies to relevance and also grant the government excellent evaluation.’’

Mr Olarewaju Oladosu, the Cordinator of People With Disabilities Farmers Association (PWDFA) in Osun on Friday appreciated Gov. Ademola Adeleke for constantly giving them support to people with disabilities and for also including him in his administration.


Mr Olarewaju Oladosu, in his letter of appreciation  thanked the governor for giving priority to the welfare of PWD in the state and also choosing him as Special Assistant on Disabilities Matters.


"I am humbled and grateful to the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Asiwaju Of Ede Land, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Hon. Bamidele Salam, Rep Ede Federal Constituency, Abuja, for their unwavering support to Osun State Persons with Disabilities Community and for choosing me as Special Assistant On Disabilities Matter.


" I believe this new position will enable me contribute my quota to the development of our dear state, especially Person with Disabilities Community in the state.


"Your Excellency, I thank you for believing in my capabilities and pray that God Almighty will continue to protect, progress and prosper you and also give you more successes in your administration." he said 


Speaking on what the governor has done for PWD in Osun,  Oladosu said the state government, through the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP),  built skill acquisition centres across the state for their members and also provided them vocational trainings.



"Our members were equally given tricycles to sustain themselves,  all this was made possible through the payment of counterpart fund by Gov. Adeleke's administration for the CSDP.



"Again, PWD farmers have been benefiting from FADAMA programmes (through counterpart funding) and this year, about 300 disable farmers were captured to get farming implements and tools.



"All this benefits are the results of the commitment of Gov. Adeleke to the welfare of PWD in the state." he said 



He said  Osun government has also concluded plan to provide money to PWD in the state, through the PWD cooperative society, so they can have money to start up their own businesses or expand the ones they have.



He said because the Osun State Assembly is working in synergy with the executive, it has passed the 'Osun State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Bill' which seeks a better welfare and recognition for PWD. 



He thanked the Osun lawmakers, including House of Representative lawmaker, Mr Bamidele Salam and the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, for their roles and support towards a better welfare for PWD in the state.



He, however, stated that the governor would soon assent to the prohibition bill passed on discrimination against PWD and that the challenges of social inclusion and integration will be taken care by the law.

Move more for improved mental health, Centre urges Nigerians



Greyhub Therapeutic Centre, a mental health centre, has urged Nigerians to always exercise to improve their mental health and well-being.

Dr Oluwakemi Akintoyese, Clinical Psychologist, Grey insights/Grey Hub Therapeutic Centre, gave the advice at a mental health awareness walk organised by the centre in commemoration of the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mental Health Awareness Week, which has the theme, “Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health’’ aims to promote awareness about mental health.

Akintoyese explained that exercise helps to release endorphins, which aid improvement of moods and combats physical illnesses.

She said: “So, annually there is an international mental awareness week.

“Each year, there is a theme to sensitise people about the nature of mental health and to also understand that mental illness is real and that people can actually get help.

“But this year they are looking at the theme, `Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health’ and what the emphasis is, is that we need to move more.

“Exercises helps to release what we call the endorphins hormones, with the endorphins hormones, a feel good hormones, it helps us psychologically and helps us physically to be able to combat a lot of physical illnesses like depression, colon cancer and quite a whole lot of issues.’’

The clinical psychologist added that the walk, beyond raising awareness about mental health, was also aimed at reducing stigma.

According to her, stigma often prevents people from seeking help.

She noted that the economic hardship had led many Nigerians into depression, which according to her, could lead to faulty thinking patterns, negativity, social withdrawal and anxiety about the future.

She advised that it was crucial for people to open up communication about mental health, saying there was no shame in seeking help.

Akintoyese said that there were resources available, like Grey Hub Therapeutic Centre, where people could talk to professionals and receive support.

She said: “At GreyHub Therapeutic Centre, one of the things we do and will be doing during this mental health awareness week is to create a space on Thursday and Friday where people can come in and get help.

“They can talk to professionals and then they can express themselves, assessment will be done and then they will tell you what you need to do.’’

Yussuff Alawode, Clinical Psychologist, GreyInsights Limited /GreyHub Therapeutic Centre, advised people against using substances like alcohol, cannabis, and gambling to cope with mental health challenges.

He said that self-medicating with alcohol, cannabis, or gambling was not a solution to these problems.

These crutches, he said, could lead to addiction and worsen their situation.

Alawode said: “You are stronger than your problems; you have the inner strength to overcome difficult circumstances. Don’t rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms.

“Gambling creates a cycle of debt and disappointment. It’s based on luck, not skill, and will likely lead to financial ruin.

“Regular cannabis use can become an addiction, and will make it difficult for you to function without it.’

OTC 2024: ACME Multi Tech Services boss urges FG to strengthen local content policies

 

Mrs Jumoke Oyedun, Managing Director, ACME Multi Tech Services Ltd., has called on the Federal Government to further strengthen local content policies in the oil and gas sector.

Oyedun, a Nigerian accredited member of the organising committee of the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), told newsmen at the just-concluded five-day conference in Houston, Texas, U.S.

She said this would help to enhance development and capacity building in the sector.

Oyedun urged the government to invest in education, training and provide financial support which include grants, low-interest loans, and venture capital funding for indigenous companies.

According to her, the government needs to establish innovation hubs to focus on oil and gas technology as well as promote partnerships between foreign investors and local businesses.

“It also needs to enhance infrastructure development for efficient operations; implement transparent policies for trust and participation.

“Also, the government needs to monitor and evaluate initiatives to ensure effectiveness and adjust as needed. All these actions will create a conducive environment for sustainable growth in the industry,” she added.

Oyedun said that Nigerian involvement at OTC 2024 signified significant progress in fostering global business relationships and technological exchanges in the offshore technology sector.

She said: “We assess Nigerian participation quantitatively and qualitatively. Registration data iindicated increased interest, while engagement levels during sessions highlight active involvement.

“Networking events fostered valuable connections, leading to potential business opportunities. Follow-ups reveal concrete outcomes like partnerships.

“Feedback from Nigerians and other African countries participants will guide future planning. Media analysis gauges industry perception and global visibility,” she said.

Oyedun said that 20 prominent oil and gas firms showcased their services and expertise at the just-concluded OTC 2024 in Houston, Texas, managed by New House International Ltd.

According to her, among them were Seplat Energy Plc, Tasaniola Nigeria Ltd., JOENY Holdings Ltd., Goddie Chemicals International Ltd., Aradel Holdings Plc, and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation.

Others include New Energy Services Company Ltd., and Ardova Plc.

“Significantly, we highlighted two female-owned businesses, Offshore Dimension Ltd.  and Numad Energy Ltd. emphasising our commitment to gender inclusivity.

“All these companies exemplify the varied capabilities of Africa’s oil and gas sector, underscoring its vibrancy.

“New House International Ltd. plays a pivotal role in championing growth and diversity within the industry,” she said.

Assessing the 2024 OTC, Oyedun acknowledged that the conference stood out for its distinguished panel sessions and notable African leadership presence.

She said that leading figures, including ministers from Nigeria and Ghana, along with managing directors of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and National Oil Companies (NOCs), who participated in discussions on industry challenges and opportunities.

“Panels covered a wide array of topics, reflecting current trends and addressing African industry concerns.

“The diverse participation provided comprehensive insights into global and local energy dynamics.

“Service delivery was exceptional, ensuring all attendees received a seamless experience. This commitment to excellence contributed significantly to the conference’s success.

“Overall, the 2024 OTC set a new standard for global oil and gas conferences, serving as a vital platform for African industry advancement and international partnerships.
Expectations 2025 OTC,  Oyedun said: "As we look forward to the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), our expectations are ambitious, building upon this year's successful participation.
" We intend to broaden the platform, offering increased representation for African-owned businesses, with a particular focus on Nigerians.
" This involves securing a prominent location to highlight their innovations in the global oil and gas industry. Our goal is to showcase the collective advancements of African businesses, particularly Nigerian firms, on a global stage," she added. 
For the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference, ensuring continued success and positive reviews can be achieved by focusing on:
1. Enhanced Networking: Implement more sophisticated networking tools and structured opportunities to foster meaningful connections.
2. Interactive Content; Introduce dynamic and engaging session formats that involve participants more actively.

3. Responsive Feedback Systems: Quickly adapt to feedback during the event to address any issues and improve the attendee experience in real-time.

4. Sustainability Practices: Emphasize and improve sustainable practices at the event to appeal to environmentally conscious stakeholders.

She added that by getting prepared on these key areas, the conference can not only maintain its high standards but also enhance its reputation and attendee satisfaction.

She said that the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) encountered a significant hurdle due to the absence of printed booklets, typically essential for attendees in planning their visits and identifying key exhibitors. 
Adding that this absence potentially impeded participants from efficiently connecting with relevant businesses. 
She said that smaller companies and new entrants, relying on traditional methods for visibility, were particularly affected by this shortfall. While digital alternatives exist, not all attendees may have immediate access or prefer them over physical copies.
On challenges,  Oyedun said: "Addressing this challenge for future conferences is paramount to ensuring exhibitors receive adequate recognition and engagement with attendees. 

"Potential solutions include ensuring reliable distribution of digital guides before the event and exploring eco-friendly ways to provide printed materials.
" Additionally, enhancing app functionalities or incorporating interactive kiosks at the venue could help mitigate the impact of the absence of physical booklets, ensuring a smoother experience for all participants," she explained.
The ACME Multi Tech Services Ltd boss said that Nigerian indigenous companies have shown impressive progress in service delivery, technical competence, and capacity building, receiving praise in these areas. 
She explained that there improvements in operational excellence and innovation within the oil and gas sector are becoming more apparent, underscoring their dedication to maintaining high standards.
According to her, "This advancement not only facilitates their growth but also propels Nigeria's overall economic development, solidifying its position as a key player in the global oil and gas industry.
New House International Limited aims to increase its impact at global oil and gas conferences by expanding strategically, enhancing presentations, forming partnerships, ramping up marketing, and prioritizing innovation. 
This involves securing bigger exhibition areas, improving presentation quality with interactive displays, forging key alliances, intensifying marketing endeavors, and highlighting industry trends.
Through these actions, the company seeks to boost its global presence, effectively engage conference attendees, and solidify its position as a prominent player in the international oil and gas sector.
To enhance participation in next year's conference, prioritizing quality service delivery and raising standards is essential.

NESG Faults CBN Cybersecurity Levy, Says Poor Timing Will Hurt Economy

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has faulted the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) recent cybersecurity levy, saying it is poorly timed and will hurt the economy.

The Chief Executive Officer, NESG, Dr Tayo Adulojue, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He said that the levy came amid rising inflation and living costs, which would further strain Nigerians.

"Amidst the cost of living crisis exacerbated by rising inflation, the cybersecurity levy is mistimed, considering CBN's concern about the high rate of financial exclusion and increased currency in circulation.

"The NESG posits that the levy should be targeted at high-net-worth individuals and a specific amount transferred electronically to allay the fears of the populace, who are still battling skyrocketing food and non-food prices.

"However, if this policy remains, several Nigerians will boycott electronic funds transfers, which does not even bode well for the government due to revenue loss from electronic transfer levy.

"The NESG, however, feels this is a critical time to implement such a policy," he said.

Adulojue argued that the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reform, and, most recently, the removal of electricity subsidies still permeate the operating costs of businesses and citizens’ welfare.

He urged the government to be cautious of the numerous strenuous policies that stiffen the purchasing power and welfare of corporations and individuals.

He advised the government to properly sequence reforms for efficient socioeconomic outcomes, especially those that strain the people.

He noted that the policy was coming when the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms was yet to finalise its mandate.

Adulojue said, " one of the terms of reference of the Committee is that the number of taxes should be streamlined.

"Introducing a cybersecurity levy could thwart this essential mandate.

"To avoid conflict of interests and ensure no policy misalignment, the NESG strongly believes that the levy should be deferred and proper consultation until the Fiscal Policy Committee deems it necessary to implement it."

The ceo emphasised that the NESG acknowledged the exemptions highlighted by the CBN, saying however, the CBN needs to be proactive in monitoring banks' implementation to curb citizen exploitation.


He anticipated that there would still be overlapping transactions even with the exemption provided,

He said therefore that it is imperative for the monetary authority to develop an effective and practical framework to limit the levy to liable transactions.

He said, " It is noteworthy that the policy is intended to fight cybercrimes and raise revenue for the government.

"However, higher revenue should be achieved without imposing severe burden on poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

"Meanwhile, the policy could also create loopholes for cybercriminals to devise alternative routes to perpetrate the heinous acts.

"To narrow the alternative ways of committing cybercrimes, the NESG posits an integrated approach in the fight against cybercrimes involving the collaborative efforts of financial institutions, security agents, the EFCC and other key stakeholders.

Hence, he said that the introduction of a cybersecurity levy penalises the populace for the failure of the system to uproot the sources of cybercrimes.

Adulojue called for the cybersecurity levy to be reconsidered, considering the CBN's concern about the high rate of financial exclusion and increased currency in circulation.


He stressed the groups concern about the implementation of this policy at this critical time, adding that it will decelerate the pace of achieving the 95 percent financial inclusion target of 2025.


He said that the mere news of charges on bank transactions would demotivate many Nigerians from accessing financial services, potentially propelling a surge in the demand for cash.


He noted, "The cybersecurity levy adds to the list of levies and taxes collected by financial institutions on behalf of the government, including stamp duty, electronic transfer levy, and VAT.

"This embodiment of taxes increases the transaction costs of using a bank and could disrupt the financial intermediation role of banks.

"Furthermore, given the current strains that citizen face, perceived unfairness, lack of transparency and accountability would heighten distrust in the financial system.


"The NESG, therefore, suggests the need to reduce banks' transaction costs, signal clarity to improve trust in the financial system and to entice people to become financially included.

"For instance, the high transfer costs charged by the official channel (banks) have prompted many Nigerian migrants to route remittances via informal channels.

LASG unveils 10-minute building permit system for faster approvals

The Lagos State Government has introduced Electronic Physical Planning Permit System to allow building approval to be obtained in just ten minutes.

The Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban. Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, made the disclosure during a ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration on Wednesday in Ikeja.

According to him, this will ensure seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.

He said, ” The Lagos State Government is poised to revolutionise the planning approval process with the introduction of an Electronic Physical Planning Permit Process System.

“The innovative system will enable building approval to be obtained in just ten minutes, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for stakeholders.”

Recall that the e-GIS project began in 2016 and gained momentum in 2021, when Sanwo-Olu outlined a strategic plan for its implementation.

The e-GIS Office (LAGIS) has been entrusted with overseeing the project, which aims to create a comprehensive digital platform for land administration and geographic information services.

Report has it that a significant milestone was achieved on Dec. 4, 2023, when the bill for the establishment of the Lagos Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) was presented to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Babatunde explained that the e-GIS Office fully took over the responsibility of supervising and project managing the Lagos enterprise GIS upgrade and integrated land administration automated system.

This, he said, ensured the institutionalisation of enterprise geographic information service statewide, leading up to the creation of an agency known as the Lagos Geographic Information Service.

He added that the processes lead to the passage of its bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“To ensure a smooth implementation process, stakeholders and the public will be engaged through a series of retreats and sensitisation programs.

“This will foster a better understanding of the importance of the bill and the benefits of the Electronic Physical Planning Process System.

“With this innovative system, Lagos State is poised to become a leader in digital governance and efficient urban planning.” he maintained.

Prioritise quality control, Gov’s adviser urges materials testing lab


Mr Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, has urged the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory  (LSMTL) to attach special importance to its quality control role and use it to prevent building collapse.
Daramola made the emphasis at a news briefing to commemorate the first year of Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office, on Tuesday in Lagos.
He highlighted the importance of material testing in ensuring the safety and durability of infrastructure in Lagos State.
He said that Infrastructure development remained a critical vehicle for realising the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s THEMES plus Agenda and the greater Lagos vision of Africa’s model smart city.
He emphasised the critical role of material testing in guaranteeing the safety, longevity, and overall quality of infrastructure built in the state.
According to him, the concept of “Safety Assurance” is a non-negotiable priority.
Daramola stressed the significance of a strong foundation, which, according to him, served as the bedrock of any structure.
“By rigorously testing construction materials, LSMTL ensures they meet the necessary safety standards, safeguarding the lives and property of Lagos residents.
“Rigorous testing is essential to guarantee building materials meet the required safety standards.
“These standards are considered non-negotiable because they directly impact the safety of Lagos residents and their property.
“By ensuring materials meet these standards, LSMTL’s duty is to help prevent infrastructure failures that could result in accidents or injuries,” he said.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of designing and building structures with durability and safety as top priorities.
He said, “The key concept here is ‘structural integrity’, which refers to a building’s ability to withstand external elements without compromising its stability.”
Daramola explained that structures should be built to endure external environmental factors, to ensure their long-term integrity.
He said that high-quality materials are essential for achieving strong structural integrity.
” By prioritising durability and safety during the design and construction phases, LSMTL helps create long-lasting infrastructure that can withstand various environmental challenges.”
Directors from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies under Works and Infrastructure, among others, attended the meeting.

Over 55,000 Firstmonie Agents in Africa Are Women --- Ag. CEO, FirstBank
 
First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. says out of its over 233,500 banking agents spread across identified unserved and underserved communities across Africa, more than 55,000 are women.
 
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the delegates of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), on Tuesday in Lagos.
 
Alebiosu, represented by Mr Popoola Oyefeso, Executive Director, Retail Banking Division, South, said that the bank was dedicated and actively committed to supporting women through the Firstmonie Agent channel.
 
He stressed that the bank’s dedication, which was not just on paper, had a significant number of women who are entrepreneurs and key players.
 
Alebiosu said, `` In its over 130 years of operations, FirstBank has pioneered several innovative banking solutions which have been instrumental to digital penetration across the bank’s footprints.
 
`` One of these is the Firstmonie Agency Banking which drives the financial inclusion goal of the bank. With over 233,500 banking agents spread across identified unserved and underserved communities across Africa.
 
``FirstBank has the largest bank-led agent banking network in Africa and notably, more than 55,000 of these agents are women.’’
 
He also said that the bank was dedicated to having a workforce with a variety of backgrounds and experiences which includes gender diversity, but could also encompass race, ethnicity, age, and other factors.
 
According to him, FirstBank does not just talk about diversity, but actively takes steps to promote it through its rules, collaborations with other organisations, and specific programs.
 
``As the premier financial institution in West Africa, FirstBank’s commitment to diversity is clearly demonstrated in its policies, partnerships and initiatives, one of which is the employees’ ratio of female to male (approximately 39%:61%; and 32% women in management).
 
``In addition, the bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) namely Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.’’
 
He also said that the bank in 2019 launched its FirstBank Women Network, designed to help women employees succeed within the bank.
 
He said that the programme aimed to close the gender gap by encouraging more women to participate at all levels and providing them with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.
 
The acting CEO also said that beyond the workforce, FirstBank’s diversity and inclusion policy impact had been far-reaching, accentuating the Bank’s commitment to women empowerment.
 
He said, ``For example, the FirstGem account, FirstBank’s gender focused product, targeted at solving specific needs and requirements of the female segment was launched in October 2016 and has recorded a tremendous success with over 90,000+ female customers signed up including working professionals and entrepreneurs.
 
``Through it, the bank has successfully continued to address the unique needs of women, providing them with access to highly competitive loans, mentorships, and training programs to bolster their financial acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.’’
 
He noted that over the last 23 years, the bank had been a strong partner of WIMBIZ, saying together, they have empowered and equipped over 330,000 women with the skills and resources they need to thrive in their careers and businesses.
 
He expressed enthusiasm about strengthening the partnership between FirstBank and WIMBIZ, believing this will create incredible opportunities for women in the future.
 
Earlier, Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, Board of Trustees member, WIMBIZ, highlighted the importance of collaboration between WIMBIZ and its sponsors in empowering women, noting that their success relies on partnerships with organisations like FirstBank.
 
She said, `` WIMBIZ has a long standing track record in empowering women; and we only need to do the work we do because of collaboration and support of our sponsors and that support goes beyond just financial support.
 
``It is the heart, the soul and the might you put behind not just getting your women to attend our events but, also helping to change the narratives around diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender equity.’’
 
She therefore, emphasised the organisation’s core mission and expressed gratitude to FirstBank.