* SAY HE HAS THE QUALITIES THEY SEEK.
* ASSURE OF A REPEAT PERFORMANCE OF FEB 25 EXPLOITS IN FAVOUR OF APC CANDIDATE
A coalition of 800 support groups for Peter Obi in Delta State have pitched tent with Delta All Progressives Congress , APC, Governorship candidate, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, ahead of the March 11 governorship election in Delta State.
Speaking at an interactive session with the APC Governorship candidate over the weekend, in Asaba, Mr Ochuko Edafe, Lead Coordinator of Coalition of Obidients Movement in Delta Central, said the Obidients vote individuals and not parties.
He was responding to a speech by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who addressed the Obidients on the pains of misgovernance experienced from the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the past eight years and the need to join forces with the APC to defeat the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Governor Okowa on March 11.
” We Obidients we follow the footsteps and watch the character of our Principal, His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, and when we came down home to our State, Delta, we decided we are going to look out for the same character and among all the people running for governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has those qualities and character and as you can see, he is a man of the people who is ready to meet with the people anytime. We are not card carrying members of any political party. We look for qualities of a good leader and we have chosen to work with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. He is the most credible candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Delta State. That is where we have pitched out tent and that is where we have decided to follow.
“We know everything that is happening in Delta State and now that we have the opportunity to remedy the situation we want to maximize it. Since 1999 till date there has not been a senator who performed like Senator Omo-Agege. People ask why don’t we follow the Labour Party governorship candidate and we say, we follow Peter Obi because he is credible and that is why we say, the only credible candidate as far as Delta State governorship election is concerned is Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. I want to assure you that the way the February 25 presidential election went that is the way it will go on March 11, expect more votes for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Earlier on, Senator Omo-Agege expressed bitterness about the burden of suffering Governor Okowa has placed on Deltans saying he as governorship candidate of the APC was on the same page with philosophical views on how Deltans can live a better life and called for an alliance to fight the battle of the March 11 governorship election.
” We are not happy with the way Okowa has punished our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who gave the best part of their lives serving Delta State and upon retirement Okowa refused to pay them their gratuities and pensions. On that, we are all on the same page.
” We are also not happy that our students who are in tetiary institutions in Delta State are being made to pay so much money by way of school fees and levies. We know when Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan left office, tuition was N25,000. Today under Governor Okowa tuition is N300,000. Are we happy about that?
“On that one, I, Ovie Omo-Agege Delta APC Governorship candidate and you are on the same page.
“We have so much in common, we have to come together, we have to work together and chase away Okowa and PDP from Delta State. We have succeeded in the first step, when election came on Saturday, the man who has stolen all our money said he wanted to be vice president, we said it can never happen. All of us came out and we chased PDP out. So now, the man can never be vice president. We have one more battle to go, we have to retire him permanently. We don’t have emperors in Delta State. Here we dig 6-feet graves to bury our dead but we are going to politically bury this man in a 21 foot grave. We don’t want the afflictions of Okowa and PDP in Delta State again.
” I want to make a commitment to all of you today, I feel your pains, we are on the same page. We want a Delta State where there will be job opportunities for our children when they leave school, where we will have good infrastructure, good roads, good schools, good hospitals and where workers will be paid their gratuities when they retire. A Delta State where we have 24 hours electricity, where companies operating across the Niger can come here to do business and create jobs openings for our youths.
” For us to get all of these, you have to elect a governor. I am the only one standing to fight and chase out Okowa, all other persons are pretenders who are enlisted into the battle to protect Okowa’s interest. Okowa is the one financing them. He is doing so because he wants a third term by proxy. I cannot do it alone, I need your help. I want all of us to come together. Between now and Saturday, go out there and canvass on behalf of Ovie Omo-Agege. When I emerge governor it is you that have emerged governor. When it is good for me, it is good for you. By God’s grace, if I emerge governor, come to me and tell me, this is what we want you to do for us. We are going to run a participatory government. We are going to bring you into government. I want to thank you, please do not rest. You started this and you have to finish it.
” Today, Okowa is running around begging everybody, moving about like a wounded lion. You see him on TV crying that election was rigged against him when we know he is the one who rigged election. When we know he is the one who stole the election in Ika federal Constituency and in Delta North. And for us in Delta Central he was prepared to steal our senate seat, in Delta South he wanted to steal our senate seat too but we refused.”
Ima Niboro,
Director, Communications and Media Strategy,
Delta APC Campaign Council.
Member, APC Presidential Campaign Council.
6th March, 2023.
PRESS STATEMENT
ATIKU ABUBAKAR AND HIS BAND OF JESTERS AT INEC HEADQUARTERS
When the defeated Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar told the whole world last week that he would seek redress in court over the outcome of the 25 February Presidential election, little did we know that he did not plan to be guided by his own promise.
Going by his political antecedents, it was rather not surprising that Atiku, days later, led a band of protesters, nay jesters in Abuja, to the Headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
What was on display today by Alhaji Atiku and his motley crowd was a new low from the perennial election loser.
With Atiku staging a theatre of the absurd, we fail to see how a march to INEC by a scanty crowd will provide any victory window for him and his fragmented PDP. The only recourse open to Atiku after the electoral umpire declared Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, is the Election Petition Tribunal.
Instead of Atiku and his party to wisely spend their time to gather the so-called evidence they hope to present before the courts, they are busy dancing ‘skelewu’ on the streets and causing traffic nuisance to residents of the Federal Capital Territory who were going to work on a Monday morning.
We don’t expect a former Vice President of Nigeria, a statesman and a Presidential candidate to be so jobless as to have time to disturb public peace over an electoral outcome he had already said he would challenge in court.
We want to admonish Alhaji Atiku to respect his age and the high office of the Vice Presidency of Nigeria he once occupied. He should stop being teleguided by Dino Melaye, who disclosed scandalously that N400 billion was wasted on the election, which was clear at the outset that Atiku was bound to lose.
Atiku should avoid being misdirected by other court jesters in his party, who continued to campaign after the election, still spewing their inanities against the President-elect. They are mere comic characters in a travelling theatre group.
INEC Headquarters is not a court where the prayers of Alhaji Atiku can be answered. No amount of theatrical display will give him succour. The honourable and lawful path to take is for Atiku to get his lawyers to plead his case in court. He should stop throwing tantrums like a baby whose candy was taken away over an election he clearly lost due to his own poor judgment; mismanagement of his own party and violation of power rotational arrangement between the North and the South. The PDP presidential candidate dug his own grave, in his last election and, absurdly, he is trying to rewrite the script of his own utter failure.
We wonder how Atiku and his party hoped to win, when he himself admitted that Peter Obi, his running mate in 2019, ran away with traditional PDP votes from the South-East and South-South.
It is preposterous that while Atiku is disturbing public peace, chanting phantom electoral victory, Peter Obi is making same claim. We think both men have embarrassed themselves enough and it is time they both resolved who between them is the supposed winner that will challenge our party’s victory in court.
Finally, we advise Atiku to retire honourably from politics and move to his abode in Dubai. At 77 in November, Atiku does not have age on his side again. He has participated in his last election and hopefully, he has learnt worthy lessons, never to place his selfish interest above party and established principles in his party and the polity.
Bayo Onanuga
Director Media & Publicity
APC Presidential Campaign Council
March 6, 2023
GOD CROWNED YOUR EFFORTS ON TINUBU’S PRESIDENCY, METHODIST BISHOP TELLS GOV AKEREDOLU
- ••Says Ondo Gov Stands For Fairness, Justice
The pioneer Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Owo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Williams Egbetakin has saluted the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON for always standing for fairness, equality and justice.
The Bishop, who gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office, Alagbaka , Akure on Tuesday said the Governor has demonstrated informed and effective leadership.
Bishop Egbetakin noted that God crowned the efforts of Governor Akeredolu on the emergence of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The cleric said the volume of votes the President-elect polled in the state is an attestation to the great work of the Governor in the Sunshine State.
Ondo State recorded the highest percentage of total votes cast for the APC and the President-elect, across the country.
The Bishop, who hailed Governor Akeredolu for his various legacy projects across the state, described him as a man honoured by God.
He also used the visit to invite the Governor for the formal inauguration of Owo Diocese by the Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Most Reverend Oliver Abba.
“Sincerely, we know what you stand for in this country when it comes to fairness, justice and equality. What you have done in Ondo state and Nigeria as a whole is obvious. We know your positions on national issues.
“Thank you for your care, thank you for your love for the people of Owo and Ondo State, thank you for everything you have done.” He said.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Akeredolu, appreciated them for their support and prayers, describing the Bishop as a Bishop with a mission.
He thanked the people of the state and religious leaders for their intense prayers all the time.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 7, 2023.
CORRUPTION TRIALS NOT EXCLUSIVE PRESERVE OF FG – GOV AKEREDOLU
- ••Inaugurates ODIEC Members, Governing Councils Of State Owned Tertiary Institutions
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON on Tuesday averred that the trial of corrupt cases should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government.
Governor Akeredolu explained that since the commission of certain offences is local, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence is committed.
The Governor spoke at the inauguration of members of Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC), Members of the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission as well as Members of Governing Council of State owned Tertiary Institutions.
Chairman of the State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission is the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Williams Akintoroye.
At the well attended inauguration held at Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Arakunrin Akeredolu also charged members of ODIEC under its Chairman, Dr Joseph Aremo, to remain impartial umpires and assist in deepening the democratic practice.
He said:”The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission is one of the tripod, a very important institution, whose effectiveness determines the extent of peace and stability at the grassroots.
“This Commission is empowered by law to conduct elections to elect those who will serve the people of Ondo State at the local level. The members of this Commission will conduct Local Government elections. Their ability to remain impartial umpires will assist, tremendously, in deepening our democratic practice.
“There is the argument which holds that since this body is normally constituted by the State Government, it is unwise to rely on its activities.
We assert, without any fear of contradiction, that our Administration has been fair to all and sundry since the inception of this Administration. There is no compelling reason for us to embrace injustice and illegality at this stage. Not at all.”
Inaugurating the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Commission, Governor Akeredolu said the establishment of the Commission followed due process and in line with the claim that the current arrangement in the country is a Federal system of government.
While describing the Commission as a novelty in the State, he charged the Commission to beam its searchlight on the public service.
“The commission of certain offences is local. Corruption trials should not be the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government. Stealing is also an offence against the State. Therefore, if an allegation of crime falls within the purview of the State’s criminal jurisdiction, it is proper that the trial be conducted in the place where the offence is committed.
“This Commission is expected to combat crime, effectively. Intelligence gathering should commence from the execution of the State Budget passed into Law. It is basic. It is our hope that this body will be able to track budgetary allocations for the benefit of the people. All other engagements should focus on ensuring that the monies appropriated and released are utilised in the interest of the people.
“There are other matters ancillary to this basic function. Corruption, as a social vice, has a wide spectrum. The unwholesome activities of public servants must come under close scrutiny. There is, virtually, no area of public service that has not been infested with this virus. It is a shame that the State still battles to know the exact figure of those she owes obligations as workers.
“It is deplorable indeed that the government carries a heavy burden of salaries and emoluments of characters entirely unknown to the establishment. These elements join others to exact pressures on the government. It is our hope that not only will those behind this disgraceful act be exposed, they must also have their days in court.” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor charged members of Governing Councils of the State owned institutions to think outside the box. He assured that the state will be willing to grant the institutions full autonomy.
The institutions are, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA); University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo.
Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of AAUA is Dr. Tunji Abayomi, while that of UNIMED is Prof. Ayo Arowojolu. Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of OAUSTECH is Prof. Akinbo Akinwumi Adesomoju just as Chief Banji Alabi is the Chairman of RUGIPO.
“The third set in today’s series of inauguration is, perhaps, the most important in nation-building. I am delighted to inaugurate the Governing Councils of our tertiary institutions. This may, perhaps, be the last time I will be having the privilege to exercise such powers as provided by the law.
“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin members of the various councils to go back to these institutions with a view to thinking out of the box. The State will be most willing to grant full autonomy to these institutions of higher learning. What remains is for these citadels of learning to live up to the expectations of the founding fathers and the people of the State on behalf of whom they were established.
“The era of recklessness should be winding to a close. The Governing Councils should ensure that their institutions embark on curriculum review as soon as possible. Our institutions must produce, consciously, problem solvers, not job seekers. They must also look into the issue of the heavy wage bills.
“They should be able to engage only those they need as lecturers and ancillary staff. This government will no longer subsidise redundancy and brazen theft.” He said.
The Governor admonished members of the families of the inaugurated officers to allow them to discharge their duties as expected of well-bred members of the society.
He equally enjoined all the new members to resist undue pressures from extraneous elements who may wish to goad them to act outside their mandate.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of OAUSTECH , Prof. Akinbo Akinwumi Adesomoju, who responded on behalf of the newly inaugurated officers, thanked Governor Akeredolu for finding them worthy of appointment.
He said:”We know your passion for the development of the state. We know your courage on national issues. And that’s why we all keep on praying for you because you are the voice of the voiceless . You fight for Justice. You have been fighting for Justice before you became Governor and you keep fighting after becoming Governor.
“It is an honour for us to serve. And we appreciate that you find us worthy to be appointed. We want to assure you that we know it is a call to service. I want to thank you for the immense support you have been giving to Tertiary institutions despite the stress and financial strain on our finances. We know what’s going on with federal institutions. You go beyond the call of office for Universities in the State.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Ayedun Olusegun Odusola and other Judges of the state High Court; members of the State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Princess Oladunni Odu, among other dignitaries.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
March 7, 2023.
Text of Press Conference by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Today, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, on the Moves by INEC to Destroy Evidence of its Rigging of the February 25, 2023 Presidential Election
Gentlemen of the Press, we have called you to alert Nigerians and the International Community of the atrocious move by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to destroy and erase evidence of its intolerable rigging of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.
Late yesterday at 10: 10 pm, INEC in a desperate move to prevent our Party and Candidate from obtaining necessary evidence as Ordered by the Court, filed a motion requesting that it be allowed to reconfigure the BVAS machines and wipe out relevant information that our Party and Candidate require to prosecute our case at the Presidential Election Tribunal.
This reprehensible action by INEC to frustrate the desire of Nigerians to get redress through the court is a clear recipe for crisis and a deliberate design by the Commission to derail our democracy and trigger anarchy in the country.
Nigerians can recall how the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu superintended over the manipulation of the results of the Presidential election and hurriedly announced a winner in spite of widespread outcry and complain over numerous evidence of malpractices and violation of several provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 by INEC and its officials.
The INEC Chairman bypassed all the steps and procedures provided by the Electoral Act, 2022 for the declaration of results, including to announce and declare only results that were transmitted directly from the Polling Units to the INEC Server/Website and to review the results in the event of disputes and objections as to the correctness and consistency of the collated result.
For emphasis Section 64 (6) of the Electoral Act clearly states that;
(6) Where during collation of results, there is a dispute regarding a collated result or the result of an election from any Polling Unit, the collation officer or returning officer shall use the following to determine the correctness of the disputed result-
(a) the original of the disputed collated result for each Polling Unit where the election is disputed;
(b)the smart card reader or other technology device used for accreditation of voters in each polling unit where the election is disputed for the purpose of obtaining accreditation data directly from the smart card reader or technology device
(c) data of accreditation recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed as prescribed under section 47 (2) of this Act
(d) the votes and result of the election recorded and transmitted directly from each polling unit where the election is disputed, as prescribed under section 60 (4) of this Act.
Furthermore, Section 65 (1)(c) of the Electoral Act, 2022 states as follows;
- 65.-(1) The decision of the returning officer shall be final on any question arising from or relating to-…. (c) declaration of scores of candidates and the return of a candidate;
Provided that the Commission shall have the power within seven days to review the declaration and return where the Commission determines that the said declaration and return was not made voluntarily or was made contrary to the provisions of the law, regulations and guidelines, and manual for the election.
Instead of being guided by the law, the INEC Chairman brazenly announced and declared results that were not transmitted directly from the Polling Units to INEC’s Server/Website while ignoring the objections and complaints raised during the collation in complete disregard to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Despite the provocative act of the INEC Chairman, the PDP as a law-abiding Party approached the court and obtained an Order directing INEC to, among other things, grant our Party and Candidate unrestrained access to carry out a forensic examination of the ballot papers, Data forms, BVAS/and or card readers and all other necessary information, material and evidence to get redress for Nigerians at the Election Tribunal.
Apparently panicked by the Order, INEC rushed to court to file a motion requesting the court to allow it reconfigure the BVAS devices with the view to erasing the information contained therein.
In the obnoxious motion, INEC admitted that; the “BVAS Application stores the Accreditation Data for all voters accredited on the device for the Presidential, Senatorial Districts and House of Representatives elections conducted on the 25th February, 2023” and that the reconfiguration of the BVAS devices “entails purging the Accreditation Data on the BVAS devices”.
This action by INEC is vexatious, provocative and only points to the impunity and culpability of the Commission with regards to the reported manipulations and alteration of results to deny our Party and its Candidate their victory at the Presidential election. It further validates the fact that our Party and Presidential Candidate won the February 25, 2023 Presidential election, based on the actual votes cast at the Polling Units.
If INEC has nothing to hide, why was it in a hurry to declare manipulated results without recourse to the provisions of the Electoral Act and without consideration of the disputes, objections and complaints raised by Parties during the collation process? Why is INEC panicky and desperate to erase the data in the BVAS if not that they contain evidence of malpractices and its culpability in the election?
The PDP as a law-abiding Party will continue to pursue the matter in accordance with the law. We believe that despite the shenanigans by INEC, justice will be served at the end of the day.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
March 7, 2023
Press Statement
Ifeanyi Odii Remain Our Governorship Candidate in Ebonyi State – PDP
The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to mischievous misinformation being peddled by some anti-democratic elements claiming that the PDP do not have a Governorship Candidate in Ebonyi State.
The PDP States in clear terms that Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii is and remains the Governorship Candidate of the PDP in Ebonyi State for the Saturday, March 11, 2023 Governorship election.
The PDP therefore, in very strong terms, condemns the misinformation as the handiwork of enemies of our Party whose aim is to cause confusion, distract our Party members and mislead the people of Ebonyi State who have already made up their minds to vote in our Candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as the next Governor of Ebonyi State.
Our Party urges our teeming members and supporters in Ebonyi State to disregard the said misinformation and continue to support our Candidate, Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as he marches on to victory on Saturday.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
IWD 2023: PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES NIGERIA WOMEN
President Muhammadu Buhari joins Nigerian women in celebrating the International Women’s Day (IWD), observed on March 8, recognizing the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country since independence.
The President salutes the hardwork and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavor, from those sacrificing daily in the markets and farms to train the next generation of leaders, to those breaking limits in education, sports, medical field, arts, entertainment and even in politics, where they are still largely under-represented.
The President is proud to have worked and associated with some of Nigeria’s brightest women in his cabinet, government and the international community.
He thanks the amazons who have served meritoriously as partners in the progress witnessed on the political, economic and social fronts.
He notes that, against all obstacles, these women in leadership positions have delivered in a society still largely dominated by men.
President Buhari welcomes the contributions of role models and women who have demonstrated that through hardwork, dedication and honesty, greatness can be achieved.
He pledges the commitment of government to promoting gender equality, respect for the rights of women and working conscientiously to remove all barriers that prevent Nigerian women from realising their universal rights.
On the theme of IWD 2023, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, President Buhari believes that his administration has leveraged on the creation of a ministry dedicated to digital economy to promote the importance of digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship for the girl-child.
As Nigeria builds on the successes of the digital economy sector, which is the most successful in the diversification of the nation’s economy, and the Start-up Act, which creates endless opportunities to Nigerians in the technology space, the President trusts that women and girls in the country will have access to equal opportunities, live their dreams and contribute immensely to the development of the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 7, 2023
Impact of Lagos Blue and Red Line Rail System on Education Sector
By Owolabi Falana
As part of the efforts to combat problems of gridlock and wasted man-hours in Lagos, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu after his assumption into office on May 29, 2019, expressed his commitment to bring the Blue and Red Line projects to completion during his first term in office. In order to fulfill this promise and reach this milestone, our amiable Governor was able to deliver this project and get it opened in December 2022, giving Lagosians a remarkable Christmas gift.
It is imperative to note that men will always make their own history in life, but they do not make it just as they please neither do they make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given, and transmitted from the past.
In this instance, the vision of Governor Sanwo-Olu for a Greater Lagos through the Lagos Blue and Red Line Rail project has resulted in the making of history at the Centre of Excellence, adding a significant step to his list of illustrious accomplishments.
Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the 15th Governor of Lagos State has built on the legacy of his forebears in the highly sought-after position of the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre of Excellence, creating history and breaking records in the process.
History has been made in Lagos State with the completion of the 13km electronic-powered Lagos Blue Line Rail Phase 1 Scheme (Marina to Mile2) infrastructure, which was tested on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, and officially commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 24, 2023.
The Blue Line rail project of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit being constructed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) 27-kilometer rail route designed to run from Okokomaiko eastwards to Mile 2 and then proceed to Marina via Ijora. The 13km of Phase One of the Blue Line rail project is fully ready for operation with five stations, which are Marina, National Theatre, Orile, Suru-Alaba, and Mile 2. The Phase Two of the project is from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
This project which is coming just exactly 120 years after the first tramway system was launched here in the City of Lagos in 1902 is expected to transport 250,000 passengers daily and, when completed, the entire 27km will transport about 500,000 passengers daily with each train comprising four coaches and each coach taking up to 180 passengers conveniently.
Given that Phase 1 of the Blue Line, which is the first segment of the network was supposed to be completed in 2011, but construction has been delayed due to a lack of funds and a change in government, there is no doubt that the start of this project’s operations last year sparked new hopes for an improved transportation experience. It is however expedient to remind us that Lagos State Government began talks with potential investors for the line’s operation and maintenance in May 2012.
Historically, the monumental idea of building a Rapid Transit System (RTS) in Lagos dated back to former Governor Lateef Jakande’s administration’s proposal of the Lagos Metroline network in 1983, as well as the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s significant reforms of the Lagos State transportation system that began in 1999 while he was the Governor of the State.
In line with the aforementioned, the Traffic Management and Transportation, which is the first pillar of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s six pillars’ THEMES Agenda outlines his vision for an integrated transportation system and a multimodal transportation strategy that seamlessly brings together all the various transportation components which include road, rail, and water systems. It is therefore important to emphasise at this juncture that the fact that our working Governor has accomplished so much since his assumption in office testifies to his love and enthusiasm for the socio-economic advancement of Lagos and its residents.
The Governor understands that investing significantly in entrepreneurship skill development, innovation and creativity, public finance management, and human capital development is the one major way to realise the Greater Lagos dream, more reason why Education is also a key component of the THEMES Agenda.
It is crucial to note that the a lot of our teachers reside in border towns like Akute, Agbado, Sango, Ijoko, Ota, Matogun, Iju, and others, which are on the Red Line route, while places like Igbesa, Agbara, Ado-Odo, and environs which are in Ogun State, will benefit from our Blue Line project once it is fully operational.
We have hundreds of our teachers, as well as many traders and business operators coming from these border towns to work in Lagos, and with the completion of the Lagos Blue and Red Line Rail System, I believe that their disposable incomes and productivity will greatly increase and their stress levels drastically reduced to a bearable level. Additionally, students living near the axis will be able to commute freely and more quickly from and to their various educational institutions. As a result, this will significantly aid in the teaching and learning process and lead to better learning outcomes.
With this fantastic development and other notable initiatives to raise the standard of living for every Lagosian, Mr. Sellable and our working Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu have set a remarkable record for a Greater Lagos and he is undoubtedly poised to do more. I think Lagos State Government under our amiable Governor deserves a resounding clapping ovation for this unprecedented achievement.
It is therefore expected of us as Lagosians to ensure proper usage of this infrastructure by following every lay-down operational rules and regulations, keeping to train station take-off time as we all know that moving train waits for nobody. Let us equally avoid crossing or vandalising the rail track and report any misnomer to the appropriate authority as guided through the media and publicity of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
Igbega Ipinle Eko —- Ajumose ni.
Long Live Lagos State.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hon. Falana is a Permanent Board Member at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB)
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TO ETI-OSA RESIDENTS: SUPPORT MY RE-ELECTION FOR GREATER LAGOS
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, has urged Eti-Osa residents to support his re-election.
He appealed to Eti-Osa residents to join hands with his administration to continue the special journey of achieving Lagos residents’ collective vision of a Greater Lagos, noting that the incumbent government over the last four years, left no doubt as to how deeply committed they are, in their quest to positively transform the fortunes of Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a letter dated March 6, 2023, and addressed to Eti-Osa Resident, appealed to the residents of the area to re-elect him for him to be able to complete all the ongoing laudable projects and programmes of his administration.
The letter reads in part: “It is my pleasure and privilege to write this letter to you as we approach the Governorship Election taking place this week, on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
“As your Governor for the last four years, I am asking you to please join hands with us to continue this special journey of achieving our collective vision of a Greater Lagos. We have, over the last four years, left no doubt as to how deeply committed we are, in our quest to positively transform the fortunes of Lagos State on behalf of all its people.
“Let me also say that, regardless of how we may have wanted the presidential elections to go, we are all united, as Lagosians, by the compelling dream of a Greater Lagos.
“This is why I am extending an invitation to you, to support this all-important task of bettering our State, by voting for me, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on March 11. I promise to continue to serve you with seriousness and diligence, and to continue the journey towards a Lagos that is the most dynamic and prosperous state in the country.”
Speaking on why he should be re-elected, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has achieved a lot in his first term with the completion of many laudable and iconic projects.
The Governor promised to complete all the ongoing projects and do more in his second term if re-elected.
He said: “There is so much that we have been able to accomplish over the last four years, and much more we can achieve over the next four, with your support.
“The first Phase of the Blue Line Rail has been completed, and the Red Line will equally be completed very soon. The Lekki-Epe Expressway is undergoing reconstruction from Ajah to Epe T-Junction; we have recently completed the section of it between Eleko Junction and Epe.
“Work is at an advanced phase on the new Lekki Regional Road that will serve as an alternative to the Lekki-Epe Expressway, connecting Freedom Way to VGC. We are investing in several new hospitals, upgrading our public schools, and empowering pupils and teachers with digital tools to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
“We have attracted billions of dollars into major infrastructure and manufacturing projects in our dear State, including the newly commissioned Lekki Deep Sea Port, which will create tens of thousands of jobs and uplift the economy of Lekki. We are pushing ahead with the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge that will connect Lekki to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that “Indeed, there are many more transformational projects and programs that space will not permit me to outline here, that will yield massive dividends for all of us in Lagos State in the years and decades ahead.
“I seek from you the opportunity to complete these laudable projects and programs, and many more, which you can make possible by re-electing me as Governor of Lagos State on March 11, 2023.
“I thank you for your time and attention, and I look forward to serving you again, with humility, passion and diligence, for the next four years.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 MARCH 2023
PRESS RELEASE
LAGOS GUBER POLL: ARTISANS, TECHNICIANS DRUM SUPPORT FOR SANWO-OLU’S RE-ELECTION
Artisans and technicians in Lagos State have pledged their support toward the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the March 11 gubernatorial poll in Lagos State.
The artisans and technicians under the umbrella of the Association of Lagos Artisans and Technicians (ASLAT) boasted that they were beneficiaries of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s good governance, and would reciprocate the kind gesture with a massive vote for the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its candidates on Saturday.
The association declared their support for Governor Sanwo-Olu and all APC candidates for the forthcoming governorship and House of Assembly elections during a press conference held in Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday.
The press conference was addressed by the Executive Secretary of ASLAT, Mr. Adesina Akinyemi, as well as the association’s President, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Asiwaju Jacob Fayeun.
Speaking at the press conference, Akinyemi said Sanwo-Olu’s led administration has invested massively in the capacity building of over 35, 000 Lagos artisans and technicians through training and retraining, and also empowered them with modern tools and machinery.
He, therefore, urged residents of the state and every member of the association who were eligible to vote, to vote for Governor Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates on March 11.
Akinyemi declared that the association strategy of ‘Operation 30:30,’ which is to ensure 30 votes by artisans and technicians in each of the 13,000 polling units in Lagos State, would deliver over 390,000 votes for Governor Sanwo-Olu from the artisans and technicians in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
He said: “The race to Lagos State governorship election is on, and out of all the contestants jostling for this plum job, it is only Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who has reached out to us to solicit our support and he is the only one we know. He is the only one we have tested. He is the only one who has proved himself capable and ready to do the work of governor of Lagos State and also he is the only one we can trust.
“I am happy and pleased to announce to the world that the Association of Lagos Artisans and Technicians (ASLAT) has adopted and will support massively Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his ambition to succeed himself as the governor of Lagos State.
“I, therefore, call on all our members across 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs in Lagos State to come out en-masse based on Operation 30:30 voting pattern to vote for Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday, March 11, 2023.”
Also speaking, the President of ASLAT, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi urged artisans and technicians in the 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state to come out en-masse on Saturday to deliver their polling units for Governor Sanwo-Olu and all the APC candidates.
The National President of Block Builders in Nigeria, Omooba Adesegun Banjoko, said artisans and technicians in Lagos will support Governor Sanwo-Olu’s re-election 100 percent. “We have our PVCs and we will demonstrate our support for him by voting for him. With our Operation 30:30 strategy, let us go and deliver for Sanwo-Olu,” he said.
Appreciating the association’s support during the press conference, former Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Mr. Abdulhakeem Mustapha, promised that more benefits await artisans and technicians if Governor Sanwo-Olu is re-elected on March 11.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 MARCH 2023
Jimoh Ibrahim Receives Certificate of Return
… Appreciates Ondo South People
Senator- elect for Ondo South senatorial district, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR has received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
He was among the 98 senators-elect presented certificate of return on Tuesday.
The billionaire business mogul and candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) was presented the certificate by the INEC National Commissioner, Prof Kunle Ajayi.
Ibrahim defeated the former deputy governor and governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party in last governorship election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi in the just concluded National Assembly election.
Agboola Ajayi was the senatorial candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, having defeated the incumbent Senator Nicholas Tofowomo at the party’s primary.
Ibrahim won in all the six local government areas in Ondo South senatorial district to emerge winner of the election on February 25, 2023.
He polled 110, 665 votes to defeat his main rival, Agboola Ajayi of PDP who scored 65, 784 votes.
Receiving the certificate of return, the senator-elect appreciated the people of Ondo South for the confidence reposed in him by giving him their mandate to represent them at the Senate.
He assured them of responsible and responsive representation, adding that all his electioneering promises would be fulfilled earnestly.
Ibrahim has been receiving congratulatory messages from the Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, traditional rulers, elder statesman and stakeholders from the district since his emergence as the winner of the poll.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU TAKES CAMPAIGN TO MARKETS, ASSURES IGBO TRADERS OF SAFETY
- Warm, exciting reception for Governor at Computer Village, Trade Fair, Alaba markets
- ‘Sanwo-Olu not hostile towards us’ – Igbo community
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, received warm hospitality from communities of Igbo traders and businessmen across the State, as he embarked on campaign tour of major markets populated by people from the Southeast.
The Governor took a tour of the markets ahead of the Saturday gubernatorial election, following the open endorsement and show of support for his re-election by Ndigbo community in Lagos.
It was a rousing welcome for Sanwo-Olu at an open forum organised by traders, under the aegis of Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), in Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
The engagements sent a note of re-assurance to Ndigbo community in the State, as the Governor pledged to ensure safety of their businesses and properties.
Besides, Sanwo-Olu met an amalgamation of Igbo traders across 58 major markets in Lagos. The traders, under the aegis of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, unanimously backed the Governor’s re-election.
The Governor also had interaction with traders at the popular mobile phone market (Computer Village) in Ikeja.
The engagements were initiated in response to concerns raised over safety of businesses and properties owned by Southeast traders in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu allayed the fears of the Igbo traders, assuring them that Lagos would continue to be a melting pot for all Nigerians. He said his administration would continue to foster security and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the State.
At the Trade Fair forum, the Governor said: “I am here on a solidarity visit and to thank you for your public endorsement of my humble self, which I believe will be reflected at the polls on Saturday with the highest number of votes cast from members of your community. You are not giving us your support for anything; you believe we deserve this encouragement because my team and I have worked tirelessly to improve your well-being.
“Very soon, Ojo will have a brand new General Hospital that will serve your needs. You also have seen expressways and bridges being completed on this corridor and we have awarded rail project into Okokomaiko that will aid movement of people and goods. I am excited that Lagos is on the path of growth. Through your cooperation and peaceful coexistence, we can ensure that we will not only build the State, we will build a better country for ourselves.”
Sanwo-Olu assured the Igbo traders of his Government’s commitment to their prosperity, stressing that the approval recently received by the State for development of Badagry Seaport was to facilitate economic development and boost logistics, especially in the movement of goods.
The Governor pledged his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of non-indigenes living in Lagos. He urged the Igbo traders not to listen to the scaremongers threatening to attack them because of their electoral choices.
He said: “We will continue to work with your leadership to enhance cooperation and identify areas we can improve on to foster peace and stability. We will not be hostile to any community of non-indigenes. For as long as you conduct yourselves in a peaceful manner, your safety and security will remain our priority. There is no need for any law-abiding resident to be scared.”
President, Chief Ngozi Emechebe, described Sanwo-Olu as “a true friend of Igbo”, noting that the Governor had never been hostile to non-Yoruba residents living in the State.
Emechebe said the forum was initiated as a re-assurance of support of the Ndigbo community to Governor’s re-election, saying the traders would work for the Governor’s electoral victory in their respective polling stations.
He said: “Sanwo-Olu is a good man and has demonstrated that he is a lover of Igbo. We have resolved to support the Governor for second term because of his performance and his economic policies that have supported our businesses. Through this forum, we are assuring the Governor that we shall sing the song of victory together with him.”
At 7pm, Sanwo-Olu ended his tour with the visit to the biggest international market in Lagos – Alaba International – where he had engagement with Igbo traders.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
07 MARCH 2023
