Surgery Appeal fund: Journalist Kolawale awaits intervention from Sanwo-Olu, banks, Dangote, NNPC, BUA, others - ITREALMS

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The fund raising exercise organised by some concerned citizens including media and corporate affairs practitioners to raise $35,000 (USD) about N57 million for Kolawole Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist to undergo a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Turkey has reached the first milestone of over N1 million donation.

The total contribution so far coming from small donors with the smallest of N1,000 and the highest single donation of N200,000 is now N1,178,292.00, while the promoters are still waiting for the interventions of major foundations who have received letters requesting for assistance.

SOS: Journalist Kola needs $35,000 for brain surgery, seeks help from Sanwo-Olu, corporate Nigeria - ITREALMS

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Some concerned citizens including media and corporate affairs practitioners have appealed to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Banks, Dangote Foundation, MTN Foundation and other notable organizations and citizens to help provide financial assistance for Kolawole Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist who requires Deep Brain Stimulation surgery that is expected to cost $35,000 (USD) about N57 million in Turkey.

Specifically, friends of Kola Kuforiji that initiated moves to seek financial support from concerned organisations and citizens have so far sent SOS For Journalist Kola Kuforiji requesting for financial assistance to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dangote Foundation, MTN Foundation, All Nigerian Banks through the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), NNPC Foundation, Chevron Nigeria Foundation, Guinness Nigeria Foundation, Nigerian Breweries Foundation, Shell Nigeria Foundation, Total E&P Nigeria Foundation and Babcock University.

Sanwo-Olu to NUJ: LASG activities under-reported - ITREALMS

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The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tasked Lagos Journalists to promote activities of Lagos State Government (LASG), lamenting it's under-reported, reports ITREALMS.

He made the call during a courtesy call by the Executive Members of Lagos State Council of NUJ led by the Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi.

Sanwo-Olu: Soyannwo believes in collective greater Lagos - ITREALMS

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The remains of the late Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo, were committed to mother earth on Thursday at the Vaults and Gardens, after a funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Victoria Island.

Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. (Mrs). Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin, Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro and Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, attended the funeral service to bid the late Soyannwo farewell.

I go kill myself: Man scammed of N40m cries out, wants Sanwo-Olu's help+video - ITREALMS

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An unidentified man who claimed to be a client of Revolution Plus owned by Mr. Emma Bamidele, has cried out alleging he was scammed to the tune of N40 million for some 20 plots of land over six years ago, threatening to kill himself, reports ITREALMS.

The man in a viral video obtained by ITREALMS on social media, also threatened to take his own life following his discovery of no structure and no refund of his hard-earned money, which he laboured for abroad.

Building collapse: HEDA urges Sanwo-Olu to probe reinstatement of dismissed LASBCA staff - ITREALMS

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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has kicked against the purported reinstatement of staff from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) who were previously dismissed following the tragic incident of a collapsed 6-storey building within Lekki Gardens Estate at Ikate Elegushi, Lekki in March 2016, reports ITREALMS. 

The accountability group in a press statement available to ITREALMS, therefore urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promptly investigate this reinstatement for necessary action.

Sanwo-Olu launches N5bn Eko Rice - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, launched N5 billion Eko Rice Forward Contract Programme on the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange.

The launch which took place at UAC Building in Marina, marked a significant milestone in the state government’s drive to promote agriculture and enhance food security in the state.

Crimes against humanity in Lagos: LP, Rhodes-Vivour takes Tinubu, Buhari, Sanwo-Olu to ICC

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'Tinubu, Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, MC Oluomo, Fani Kayode, Bayo Onanuga, Reno Omokri, others may face long jail term if convicted for crimes against humanity ....'

A set of lawyers under the umbrella of ‘National Lawyers Coalition for Peter Obi’ has taken the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, The Netherlands, over what it tagged as “organized crimes against humanity.”

A petition to this effect available to ITREALMS by the Head: International Litigation and Diplomacy of the group, Austin Okeke, Esq and addressed to the Office of the Prosecutor, ICC, to the attention of Mr. Karim A. A. Khan QC, the Prosecutor of the Court, dated 30 March 2023 that they are petitioners on behalf of the Labour Party Gubernatorial and Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, and others respectively.

Future Summit'22: Sule, Sanwo-Olu recommit to Nigeria’s digital economy - ITREALMS

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Many Governors and agencies have continued to reiterate their commitment to Nigeria’s digital economy agenda being championed by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. Some such Governors are Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, including the National Information Technology Development Agency.

While speaking at the Future Summit, organised by Digivation Networks in Lagos, these Governors and organisations highlighted some of the activities they carried out in their own state to make sure the digital economy flies.

COVID-19: Some 357 persons absconded from quarantine says Sanwo-Olu - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Incident Commander for the COVID-19, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has revealed that about 357 persons may have absconded from quarantine centres across the state, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said that a total of 2,386 passengers have been isolated in the state and out of this figure, some 15 per cent, about 358, have absconded.

COVID-19: Why Sanwo-Olu must apologise to Lagosians - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS:

Since late night on Friday, April 17, 2020 when the news of demise of former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malam Abba Kyari, a lot have been revealed on the insincerity of government and governance, especially by the Lagos State government led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which has now left a little to be desired.

At first his administration declared lockdown in Lagos, associated to ravaging ChineseVirus-19 also known as Coronavirus or COVID-29; closing markets and reducing gathering to 25, hence the Funke Akindele family birthday batch for the husband landed her in trouble soon after. I do not need to recount all negative commercial sides of that messy exercise and trauma she and her family as well as friends went through because of this law.

Barely a week after she has been sentenced to 14-day community service and fine of N100 each for her and husband, the news broke that the former top official of Buhari administration, Abba Kyari, was reportedly flown into Lagos, a state supposed to be on lockdown as proclaimed by Mr. President and subsequently by states including Lagos State Government under Sanwo-Olu.

Aside that Lagos State was on lockdown and flights were not allowed across the country, Sanwo-Olu government allowed an indigenous index case to be flown into its space, yet the State commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, denied his whereabout, only to turn around two weeks later that they approved a facility, precisely the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi in Lagos State, where the CoS eventually died.

The state government, through the Commissioner of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, confirmed to newsmen Saturday that due to enquiries by Nigerians, it was necessary to announce that the chief of staff died on Friday in the hospital.

As if Lagosians have not heard enough of government telling what some observers classified as lies or misleading statements, the dead corpse was flown out of Lagos air space to Abuja and in between, the report now reaffirmed that even Abba Kyari’s family members where brought to Lagos amidst the lockdown to see him, while they lock citizens in.

Yes, we sympathise with the family over the loss of their loved father, but was that visit utmost necessary given that Lagosians have been locked down or better said that “Lagosians were locked inside”, which began some days before the Buhari’s lockdown national broadcast. Yet, some have not seen pap let alone palliative from government till date.

In all, Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been doing good until this moment, thus, what is the moral burden of still telling or even persuading people to stay at home since government and its officials have elected to play against the rules and even arrest those reportedly making effort to irk a living like artisans, likewise the harassment of Funke Akindele family and friends.

Therefore, its high time that Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos, not only apologise to Lagosians for flying a national index case to their environment and Funke Akindele family, but moreso grant Funke state pardon. Yes, they, state or government made the lockdown laws, but clearly flaunted it to a chagrin taste.

It is prayed that after the current part 2 of this lockdown by Buhari across Lagos, Ogun and FCT that government at all levels must have gotten their thinking caps right by coming out with outlines to help citizens, especially Lagosians in the post-COVID-19 lockdown economy, which in all intents and purposes go beyond present clamour for palliatives.

Already, the number of robberies across Lagos, have since turned residents on lockdown into untrained vigilante, thereby exposing them to a lot of dangers. And when will this end, remain unclear, even as more cases are being discovered on daily basis.

Whereas Lagosians continue inspite of aforementioned to abide with the rules of constantly washing hands as often as possible under a running tap, for those who have waterworks working in their areas, facemasking will do us a lot good when outside, until vaccines are found.

May God heal our world and dead rest in peace. Amen.

*Contributed by Remmy Nweke

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Chinese Virus-19: No curfew in Lagos says Gov. Sanwo-Olu - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, may have after-all dropped the idea of imposing a curfew in the state meant to allow the fumigation exercise of public space, reports ITREALMS.

Latest from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, disclosed to ITREALMS that relying on experts advice, the Governor said the disinfectant is non toxic, noting that the exercise has commenced.

"I am pleased to note that we have taken possession of over 200 disinfecting machines, and starting today, we will be disinfecting all major highways, bus stops, markets, parks and other public areas," Sanwo-Olu was quoted as saying in press statement available to ITREALMS.

Also, the Governor had said during a live press conference that if there is a need for curfew, government will not hesitate to impose it.

"For now, everything remains the way they are," he declared.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Sanwo-Olu tasks graduands on tech-skills @MTU - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on graduating students to add technology driven skills to their primary course of study to compete favourably in the labour market, reports ITREALMS.

Sanwo-Olu gave the advice on Friday at the maiden graduation ceremony of the Mountain Top University (MTU) in Ibafo, Ogun State.

The governor delivered a lecture titled, ‘Future of Job and the World of Work: The Need for Graduates That are Globally Competitive’.

According to him, the knowledge acquired in the university will become obsolete in a short, while the graduands needed continuous advancement.

To be ready for the future, he urged the graduating students to embrace technology driven skills as jobs of the future will be driven by such.

”Many of the things you learnt in the university will have become obsolete even before you complete the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

”This is the truth. 50 or 100 years ago, we didn’t know that new technologies would have emerged to shape the world as we knew it.

”It is certain that to thrive in that world, university graduates will need to be fully prepared.

“They will need to be educated in the tools and the languages of that world and will need to have capacity to compete with other graduates in the quest for jobs and employment.

”We must also extend this to curriculum transformation. We will not progress in the 21st century using 20th century curricula.

”Our young people must become comfortable with coding, robotics, 3D printing and other technologies from an early age, especially in the public school system.

”Regardless of what academic track our students are on: arts, sciences or social sciences, technological literacy must be a common denominator,” Sanwo-olu said.

He said that students must commit themselves to life-long learning as they would be judged not only by what they know, but also how quickly they could learn new things.

Sanwo-olu said that technology had made it easier for users to find job opportunities outside their immediate environment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, called on the students to be good ambassadors of the institution.

Ayolabi said that the students were “the firstborn, pride of the institution and the symbol of its strength”.

”What you do with the training you got is your sole responsibility. I charge you today, therefore, to remember the responsibility placed on your shoulders as the first children of MTU,” he said.
The university graduated a total of 120 students, 22 among them bagged First Class Honours in various disciplines.

*Florence Onuegbu/Editor

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Pix:*L-R: Wife of the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Mrs Shade Olukoya; Her husband, Dr Daniel Olukoya; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi, during the first Convocation Ceremony and Lecture of Mountain Top University, Ibafo, Ogun State, on Friday, December 20, 2019.

Sanwo-Olu: Why I rescinded ‘Your Excellency’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS: 

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rescinded the title of ‘Your Excellency’ amongst his titles, saying it depicts a demi-god, reports ITREALMS.

In a personally signed press statement made available by Mr. Sanwo-Olu to ITREALMS, he noted that in the last five months that he had the privilege to exercise the mandate freely given to him by the great and hardworking people of Lagos State, it has become imperative to review the relationship.

“… It has come to my consciousness to review certain features of citizen-government relations which impede the genuine expression of the democratic spirit of our society and the meaningful exercise of the sovereignty of our people,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the office of the Governor has been celebrated as the paragon of excellence, a temple of perfection and a throne of purity.

“This demi-god mystique spreads over the entire machinery of the executive arm of the government, symbolising an authoritarian disposition on the governed. It has deformed the orientation of elected and appointed persons who are paid from the taxes of the people to see themselves as oppressors who can do no wrong and must be served, rather than serve the people,” he pontificated.

According to him, whatever might have been the reason for this myth, “let us be honest, the office is occupied by a mortal who has been called upon to serve the electorate with humility and sincerity.”

The office of Governor, Sanwo-Olu argued, is a public trust that calls for sacrifice, modesty and willingness to add value to the lives of the people.

Therefore, “Fellow Lagosians, I have come to the conclusion that for us to change the narrative of governance, we have to strike down this seeming symbol of executive arrogance that commands popular obeisance and undermines the democratic role of citizens as the masters of those they have elected and appointed to serve.

“It is a conviction that I believe will send the right signals to all politicians and civil servants that service to the people has brought us here. It is the duty we are obliged to do. It is the responsibility that we bear wherever we find ourselves; whenever we are called to serve,” he said.

Insisting that “Only God, the Almighty, the Creator, the Protector is the Most Excellent. No man can share His eternal qualities.”

He further said that henceforth, he wished to be addressed simply as Mr. Governor, a title that will constantly remind him that he has been chosen out of so many fellow compatriots to lead a collective salvage of the state’s political economy.

“A salutation that sanitises the paraphernalia of office and reminds us all of our imperfections and mortality. To give official effect to this announcement, I shall issue tomorrow an executive order that will formally ensure full compliance with this new policy,” he maintained.

Chuks Egbuna/DoP

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Pix: Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Infrastructure Dev: Sanwo-Olu, Okonkwo engage ASPAMDA, Trade Fair Market Leaders - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday, met with market leaders from Alaba International Market and Trade Fair axis in Lagos West senatorial district, alongside the Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, reports ITREALMS.

The consultative meeting, which was at the instance of the Governor and coordinated by Mr. Okonkwo, lasted for about 90 minutes and it was centered around the State Government’s plans to improve security and upgrade infrastructure around the markets.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said the discussion was aimed at fostering collaboration with the traders and to carry them along in the plans of the Government. The Governor said he was pu satisfied with the conditions under which businesses were conducted in the markets, expressing disappointment over the state of roads and absence of relevant public facilities around markets. In fulfilling his campaign promises to the traders, Sanwo-Olu said his administration was prepared to change the condition by investing in infrastructure that would improve the quality of lives and commercial activities in the area.

He said: “We have just finished an interactive meeting with the leaders of various markets around Alaba, ASPAMDA, Trade Fair areas in Lagos West Senatorial District and the discussion was coordinated by our friend in the banking sector, Fidelity Bank. We all agreed that we all have roles to play to address infrastructure and other challenges around the markets. As a government, we are taking up the responsibility to design an all-inclusive model that will improve the economic wellbeing of people around the markets. Once we put infrastructure in place, not only would businesses flourish, employment will also be created.” Aside constructing network of roads surrounding the markets, the Governor said part of the Government’s long-term plans was also to complement the efforts with provision of amenities, including fire stations, clinics, general hospitals and security protections that would aid commercial activities in the markets.

Sanwo-Olu said the market leaders agreed to work with the Government on documenting all businesses in their respective jurisdictions, which would facilitate easy payment and collection of tax for developmental purposes.

The Governor said: “we had conversations around being socially responsible. So, we will see the traders living up to the expectations in terms of doing what they are meant to be doing to support government in the areas of their taxes, wages and levies. We also want to eliminate multiple taxations; any agency that is not meant to be around the market will be stopped.

“We also discussed security issues, and I assured that government would help to improve on the security of lives and properties in the area and the state in general. We will address the menace of Okada riders all around those markets. We will also ensure that the work that is going on around Lagos-Badagry Expressway is well coordinated, so that they can have some relief at various periods of the day, even when construction is going on.”

The Governor said the meeting would not be the last in his engagement with the market leaders, pointing out that Chairmen of local councils in which the traders operate would be invited to subsequent discussions before the start of regeneration work across the markets within the senatorial district.

Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, hailed Sanwo-Olu for partnering with the market leaders to drive the regeneration programme, saying the Governor understood the importance of engagement in leadership. According to him “Fidelity Bank was one of the first banks to open in the area and we understand their challenges from the extensive engagements we do have with them. We bank most of them and when there are issues we come together to interact and find solutions. This is exactly the approach that Gov. Sanwo-Olu is using today. The Governor has outlined a course of action and we also use our knowledge of their needs and working in collaboration with the government, to come up with a model that will work for all stakeholders. The traders are ready to take this collaboration to the end and make sure they have better market conditions so when they want to pay their taxes, they will pay them happily.”

President General of Alaba Amalgamated, Chief Fabian Ezeojika, said the discussion with the Governor and his Deputy was fruitful, promising to mobilise traders to respect the agreement made with the State Government.

Markets and dealers represented at the meeting included Alaba International Market, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), BBA Trade Fair, Alaba Fancy and Furniture Dealers, and Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN), among others

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2019 Elections: Sanwo-Olu declares 'I was confident of Lagosians' - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said he was confident that the people of the State would choose courage over fear in the just concluded gubernatorial election.

Sanwo-Olu polled a total of 739,445 votes to defeat his main challenger, Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got a total of 206,141 votes.

Declaring the vote as a referendum by the people of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagosians had once again, decided that they would continue to take the path of progress that started in 1999 by voting for APC
.
''This election signaled more than a vote for me or any other candidate. It was a vote, a referendum, on how a state and its people would define themselves. Would we be courageous and confident enough to seek our greater place in the world? Or would we turn so scared that we spend the greater number of hours fighting each other instead of joining ourselves in productive cooperation that will uplift the lives of each of us?''

''We were confident that you would choose courage over fear and select cooperation over confrontation. You made this enlightened choice in resounding and clear numbers.''

''Let us be completely frank and honest so that we may quickly clear the air of those things that might pollute and soil our politics if we allow them to linger.'' Sanwo-Olu said.

Making reference to some unwholesome part that played up during the electioneering process, Sanwo-Olu advised political actors to sheathe their swords adding that the time for campaign is over and now is the time to join hands together, build peace and stronger collaboration for the benefit of the State.

''There were things said during this campaign that should not have been said. And tactics employed that were shortsighted and potentially disruptive to the social accord and harmony of purpose we have enjoyed in Lagos.''

''Those who tried to use ethnicity to bring discord in hopes that such tactics might bring them victory have been sorely disappointed. The election is over. I ask them to cease and desist from this unwise conduct.''

''Our people are generous in spirit, compassionate at heart and as fair-minded as any people can be. Despite the challenges that we may face, our people exist in a space that is above hatred.'' Sanwo-Olu declared.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated his total commitment to the unity of Lagos regardless of gender, ethnic nationalities, political and religious differences, pledging to lead with fairness and openness.

''To be the leader of a people such as these is an honour of the highest level and a sacred obligation. A leader befitting this state and its people is one who unites and leads them to greater progress; not one who seeks to pit them against each other.''

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Pix: L-R: Deputy Governor-elect,Kadir Obafemi Hamzat; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; National Leader All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, after the declaration of Mr. Sanwo-Olu as the governor elect of Lagos, at Bourdillion, Ikoyi Lagos.

Fashola endorses Sanwo-Olu, urges Lagosians to choose experience - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated that his government will be people oriented, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola urged the Lagos electorates to vote for him and his Running mate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat in the Saturday March 9th gubernatorial election, saying no one should trade experience for someone who is merely desperate to be governor.

Speaking during a live television interview programme on Television Continental, where he, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were guests, Fashola, who was the immediate past Governor of Lagos, noted that voting for the APC candidate is to guarantee continuity of the great strides that Lagos has made since 1999.

According to the former Governor, the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat is the best that can happen to Lagosians, as the two men are not novices to the workings of government.

"They are not only tested, but have also been part of the process of development that Lagos has witnessed since 1999 till date.

The former Governor said that Lagos cannot afford to experiment at this point in the history of the State saying that the people had gone beyond that stage where governance will be left in the hands of inexperienced individual.

‘‘We have gone beyond the stage of experimenting. This is not a State to experiment.’’

Imploring voters to cast their ballot for the APC, Fashola said it is not that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat are the most brilliant, but they have what it takes to provide good governance by the virtue of the experiences they have garnered over the years both in the private and public sectors.

Therefore, Lagosians should not jeopardise their future by allowing novices to take over",

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Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Buhari, urges Nigerians to remain peaceful - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory in the just concluded presidential election, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement by his media and communication team on Wednesday, and made available to ITREALMS, Sanwo-Olu described Buhari's success at the poll as “not only well-deserving, but a valid testimony to the fact that Nigerians acknowledge and are appreciative of his reformative initiatives designed to bring forth a better Nigeria”.

''Your Excellency, I heartily congratulate you on your success at the recent presidential election held across Nigeria last weekend. Your landslide victory is a validation and appreciation of your hard work and commitment to the fight against corruption. With this deserved victory, your selflessness and dedication to the services of our motherland have become a new leadership model in Nigeria.

Expectedly, the reward for good work is more work. So, your victory in the nationwide free and fair election, which is a validation of how your leadership has rekindled hope in millions of Nigerians at home and abroad, has provided yet another valuable opportunity for better Nigeria since democracy has found a permanent place in our country.’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu, who also described President Muhammadu Buhari as the perfect man for the job of taking Nigeria out of the inherited socio-economic quagmire, noted that the evident giant strides of the President in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, security and economic stability should be sustained.

‘’I am sure that Your Excellency will use this victory and your second term of four years in office to complete all the great projects you embarked upon. You are the perfect candidate for the job of re-ordering the nation and setting her on the path to greatness. The zeal to do something more sustainable for the masses of the country has made your electoral victory reality. All your hard work to achieve an economically viable and one indivisible Nigeria has paid off.’’

The APC flagbearer however called on Nigerians to live in peace and harmony, saying that there is a lot more to benefit from '‘what unites us than what divides us.’’ He advised Nigerians to see elections as a means to an end and not the end itself.

'‘Elections are a four-year cycle activity, which means that when there is life, we will have another round of elections in the next four years. Therefore, it does not do us any good to fight ourselves over it. We all cannot belong to the same political party or lean towards the same candidates, that is why it is a contest, but we have a duty to live together in peace and harmony, regardless of our political leaning.

Making specific reference to Lagos, the APC standard bearer urged non-indigenous Lagosians to ignore the rumoured fracas or intimidation of Igbo by some elements in the State. He said nothing of such will happen in Lagos.

‘’Many ethnic nationalities have settled in Lagos and have made this place a home. We cannot allow a four-year election cycle to divide us. I therefore urge all our Igbo and Hausa brothers and sisters to continue to live in peace as we have lived together over the years. Everyone is safe in Lagos.’’ Sanwo-Olu stated.

Sanwo-Olu, who has resumed campaign activities, urged Lagosians to believe in the All Progressives Congress-led government to continue to deliver the good for the citizens.

He reiterated his commitment to run an inclusive government, where all ethnic nationalities will have a say in the affairs of the state.

‘‘We have done it before. We will do it again. No part of Lagos will be left out of the scheme of things. We will run a Lagos that no one, regardless of where he or she comes from, will be intimidated. We will run a Lagos where every hardworking Lagosian, irrespective of his or her root will have economic empowerment and thrive in commerce. This is what we promise, this is what we will do.’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Finally, Sanwo-Olu congratulated the National body of the All Progressives Congress as well as all candidates of the party that won positions into the Upper and Lower Chambers of the National Assembly, saying their victory will help to fast track development in the country.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Sanwo-Olu to rehabilitate national stadium, site mini stadia - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his commitment to revive sporting activities in the state if elected, reports ITREALMS.

He made the commitment while he was speaking with members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at its secretariat in National Stadium, Surulere.

The dearth of recreation centres and the dilapidated state of the National Stadium, a Federal Government-owned sport facility, were the focus of an interactive discussion with SWAN members, with the APC candidate pledging to revive obsolete facilities in the National Stadium, on the condition that the Federal Government would agree with its condition to revive the national monument.

Sanwo-Olu said his government would prioritise the recovery and regeneration of recreational centres across the state for the benefit of Lagos residents. He maintained that Lagos is challenged by inadequate land size, but said he would keep to his promise to build two mini stadia in the highly populated areas of Ikorodu and Kosofe.

He said: “I grew up in Surulere, which is the epicentre of sporting events in Lagos. But, I am personally not comfortable to see the National Stadium rot away like this, because I knew what it is used to be like. The current state of the stadium is an open reminder to us, that we must stake up investment in sports.

“If elected, I am giving you my words that my government will take up the rehabilitation of the National Stadium and we will engage the Federal Government on terms and conditions. The rot in the stadium is an eyesore. We will rebuild the stadium provided the Federal Government will cooperate with us.

“Our agenda for sport and youth development will also lead us to recover recreation centres located in our communities, repair them and make them useful for the purpose for which they were created. We are not going to renege on our promise to build mini stadium in Ikorodu and Kosofe not only to promote sports among the youth, but also to improve healthy lifestyle of residents.”

Sanwo-Olu made a promise to expand the private sector sponsorship of youth sporting events, pledging that Paralympic Games for the physically challenged sportsmen would be supported.

Appreciating the APC candidate and his running mate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for creating time to attend the forum, the Chairman of SWAN in Lagos State, Mr. Debo Oshudun pledged the support of the association to Sanwo-Olu if elected and commitment to support the state government in developing sports in the state.

"Lagos has always been a centre of excellence in sports development and production of talents in various sports in Nigeria. Some of our footballers and athletes who later became national and international icons were discovered in Lagos, Sports are very important to national development and promoting the right image for a country and state. Lagos should commit and invest in grassroots sports development so we can have new Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Mary Onyali, Segun Odegbami among others.

Baji Boye/Editor

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Arewa community promises to give Sanwo-Olu 3 million votes - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Arewa community in Lagos State has endorsed the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to be elected as the next governor, reports ITREALMS.

Members of the Hausa community who trooped out in solidarity in thousands made the pledge to deliver over 1 million votes out of the over 6million registered voters in Lagos at an endorsement rally on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Surulere.

Sanwo-Olu assured members of the Arewa community that his administration would not marginalise any ethnic group in the state, reiterating that his resolve to lead an all-inclusive government if elected.

The APC candidate, accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said all the concerns raised by the Arewa community would be addressed, promising that his government would upgrade markets in the state to an enviable standard.

He said: “The Arewa community has been part of our journey since we started campaign. We will continue to value your support. I want to assure you that all of us in Lagos are together. We will not discriminate against any ethnic group.

“We embarked on wide consultations across the state to meet with stakeholders. During our consultative meeting with the Arewa leadership, we have listened to your concerns and we are ready to address them. The concern about markets will be addressed. We will upgrade all the markets to meet the standards you want,” Sanwo-Olu promised.

Sanwo-Olu urged members of the Arewa community to extend the same support to candidates of the party vying for various positions in the state and federal government.

While also addressing the crowd, Dr. Hamzat urged members of the group to reject the candidates of the main opposition party- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) - which, he said, destroyed the country for 16 years.

The chairman of Arewa Community in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammad Dandamma Yabo, who spoke in Hausa, said members endorsed the candidacy of Sanwo-Olu because of the resolves to address the marginalization of the Arewa people in Lagos.

He also said the Arewa community would mobilise members to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and other APC candidates.

Chairman of Amalgamated Foodstuff Seller in Lagos, Alhaji Shehu Usman, said: ”The votes of Arewa people will be significant in the coming election. We want the incoming governor to keep to his promise of upgrading the Mile 12 Market and other markets to meet the international standards.”

Alhaji Jubril Magaji, the Wakilu Nupe in the state, was also at the event.

Nenye Dom/Editor

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Pix: L-R: Former Minister of Interior and Leader, All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Senator Demola Seriki; APC Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chairman, Arewa Community in Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammad Dandama Yabo and Seriki Hausa in Lagos, Alhaji Abdullahi Gafar, during a campaign rally and formal endorsement of Mr Sanwo-Olu, by the Arewa Community in Lagos, at National Stadium, Surulere.