PRESS RELEASE

• Governor inaugurates new Sangotedo market during working visit to council
• Says ‘Lagos set the pace on LGA autonomy’

A rousing reception heralded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s working visit to Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State on Wednesday. Mammoth crowd of residents, clad in colourful attires, came to welcome the Governor into their community for assessment of the State Government projects in the council.

During the visit, Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the newly constructed Sangotedo market built by the LCDA.

Sanwo-Olu, in company of members of the State’s cabinet, arrived into a warm embrace by various indigenous groups that make up the community. Also, there was a large turnout of All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts and supporters in Eti Osa.

The Governor, who described Eti-Osa area as “an important economic corridor” of the State, said his visit was to personally take stock of the ongoing Government’s development projects and to get undiluted feedback from the residents on the interventions.

The Sanwo-Olu administration has completed and delivered more than 20 infrastructure projects in road, housing and transportation in the Eti-Osa corridor. Construction work is currently at different stages of completion on numerous other projects on the axis, including Regional Road and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Sanwo-Olu said he was elated with development activities initiated by all the four local councils making up Eti-Osa, which, the Governor said, are supportive of the State’s interventions.

As the closest tier of Government to the people, the Governor observed that the councils had prudently managed their resources, which enabled them to drive development from the grassroots.

He said: “As elected officials, we embrace every opportunity to visit and engage with our people to give account of our stewardship of the resources entrusted to our care. We consider visits like this an opportunity to see first-hand how well the various local governments, the closest tier of government to the people, are implementing our collective governance agenda, using our Government’s development blueprint known as THEMES agenda.

“Our administration is driven by the simple desire to deliver the dividends of democracy in every sector and in every neighborhood to ensure that no one is left behind. And we certainly have made sure that Eti-Osa is not left behind, given the wave of infrastructural development we have initiated in this important economic corridor of our State. We have completed numerous road reconstruction projects and getting other infrastructure projects done to give our people a new lease of life.”

Sanwo-Olu welcomed the passing of the bill approving LGAs’ autonomy by the National Assembly, but said Lagos had set the pace on councils’ independence more than a decade ago. The State Government, the Governor said, does not maintain a joint account with the local councils, nor does the State share in allocation to the councils.

The Governor said major efforts of the State Government in Eti-Osa had been focused on delivery of road connectivity to cope with population growth in the area, noting that the infrastructure remained critical to facilitate smooth mobility and improve commercial activities.

Apart from raising the healthcare facilities in Eti-Osa with the delivery of 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), Sanwo-Olu said his administration had also strengthened waterway transportation with the acquisition of new speedboats to boost ferry services from the axis. He said the State Government had identified an area to build a sport and recreational centre for residents on the axis.

The Governor promised to accelerate construction activities on the ongoing projects in the area, while appealing to residents to bear the pain of the road construction in the Eti-Osa corridor with patience.

He said: “Tangible benefits being delivered consistently and create new socio-economic opportunities for the people. This is what good governance is all about. We will not relent in this regard. Three years on, we have been able to make it abundantly clear that power is to be wielded in service of the people. I am pleased that our local councils are as committed as the State Government.”

While inaugurating the new Sangotedo market, Sanwo-Olu hailed Eti-Osa East LCDA chairman, Hon. John Ogundare, for redefining governance at the grassroots level.

The Governor inspected some of the ongoing projects of the State Government in the area.

The council boss recalled that the new Sangotedo market project was initiated, following incessant demand by the populace for a central market and healthcare facility.

He said the council prioritised the building of a modern primary health facility at the site of the old council secretariat, given the importance of the project to socio-economic wellbeing of the residents.

Ogundare said the Olufunmi family of Eti-Osa later donated land for the market project, necessitating the council to allocate funds for its construction along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The council chairman named the market after his late predecessor, Hon. Rafiu Olufunmi, who was the scion of the Olufunmi family that donated the land for the project.

Ogundare said: “On behalf of the people of Eti Osa East LCDA, I express our appreciation to Mr. Governor for numerous development projects within the Victoria Garden City that will link our council to Ajah. It is no gain saying that our council is endowed in human capital, but influx of vehicles via Lekki-Epe and other routes through Ijebu Ode Expressway necessitate that more attention is accorded the major highways in the council.

“We are grateful for the attention being accorded to Saliu Obodo Road. More roads are needed in the council to deal with the growing vehicular traffic. We are also using this opportunity to ask for a public sport facility in Eti-Osa East LCDA. We are willing to donate a shanty within the community, which has been a dark spot for crimes, for reclamation by the State Government and turn it to a recreational centre.”

An APC leader and chairman of Governor Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, said the rousing welcome accorded the Governor by the populace showed the people’s approval of the current administration in the State, urging the residents to remain loyal to APC for the delivery of more dividends of good governance.

Elejigbo of Langbasa in Eti-Osa, Oba Olakunle Badru, said the administrative style of the Governor had changed the fortunes of the State, noting that Lagos was lucky to have a forward-looking administrator in charge of Government in the present period.

The monarch charged traders who will be using the new market to maintain the edifice and keep their trading activities within the perimeter of the market.

The new Sangotedo market is made up of 192 lock-up shops, 106 open shops, 28 suites, 65 key clamps, 12 chicken stalls, eight toilet facilities and parking lot for 100 cars at a time.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

02 MARCH 2022

Ibori, Uduaghan, others arrive Kogi State

Two former Delta State governors are due in Kogi State today.

While in Okene, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, will welcome former and incumbent governors, ministers, presidential aides, legislators, state and federal commissioners, top civil servants, traditional rulers and chiefs, , faith, private sector and diplomatic leaders, board chairmen and foreign business heads.

They are also expected to lead the bride price negotiations.

The marriage between the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and Kogi State politician and lawyer, Chief Natasha Akpoti is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022.

‘’High government officials, political dignitaries and business people are expected to attend the marriage ceremony’’ a statement from the palace of the Alema of Warri said.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES PASTOR ADEBOYE AT 80

• Says ‘Daddy GO’ unblemished service in God’s kingdom has made him role model to many

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on the occasion of his 80 years birthday.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Wednesday described the renowned international cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service, whose unblemished records of service in God’s kingdom, over the course of several decades, has made him a role model to many.

The Governor said Pastor Adeboye, through diligence and utmost obedience to the Lord, has built one of the largest spiritual institutions anywhere in the world and raised millions of committed followers of Jesus Christ.

He also described ‘Daddy GO’ as Pastor Adeboye is popularly called as one of the respected global evangelists who have contributed immensely to the propagation of the gospel at national and international levels without any blemish or scandal.

He said: “Sir, you have been a blessing, not just to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), but also to us in Lagos State – your unceasing prayers for us and your wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness. We will forever be grateful. We cannot also ever forget your commitment to the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service since the year 2000.

“Because of your work, and of the name and legacy of the RCCG, the gospel has touched the very ends of the earth, in line with the Great Commission. In addition, your devoted service in God’s Vineyard has helped put Nigeria in the global spotlight, as a land of spiritual exploits and greatness. Yet, amidst all these wonderful accomplishments, you have remained as simple and humble as ever, never seeking the limelight or personal glory.

“As you celebrate your 80th birthday, it is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you more grace and strength to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, minister to the poor and the broken, and proclaim liberty to the captives. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to crown you with good health to enable you render more service to His kingdom and you will continue to enjoy His manifold blessings and everlasting goodness. Amen. Happy Birthday, Sir,” the Governor said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Pastor Foluke Adeboye for being a devoted partner to the General Overseer of RCCG.

“Let me also specially congratulate our Mummy, your adorable wife, and devoted partner, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, and thank her for the great support and love she has continued to give to you. I pray that God will continue to keep her strong and vibrant on this lifelong journey of jointly manifesting the fullness of His power and anointing,” he said.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

02 MARCH 2022

Top government functionaries, high-ranking diplomats, others storm Kogi State for Uduaghan, Akpoti

The relationship between the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the esteemed lawyer and powerful Kogi State politician, Natasha Akpoti, will be pushed to a formal level on Saturday, March 5, 2022.

The historic ceremony is expected to be the biggest gathering of international faces in Kogi State.

Royalty, top government functionaries in Africa, high-ranking diplomats and directors of powerful multinational companies have already confirmed their attendance to the marriage ceremony.

The traditional marriage of the quiet-spoken, backroom power broker, strategist and man of great personal integrity, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan and the Kogi State flamboyant politician and tower of strength to the good people of Ebiraland, Natasha Akpoti will take place in Okene.

March 2, 2022

Press Statement

PDP Hails Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abaribe…Says He is a Defender of the Oppressed

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Minority Leader of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Enyinaya Abaribe as he celebrates his birthday, describing him as a fearless leader and a pillar of defense for the oppressed in our country.

Senator Abaribe is a dogged, outspoken and unrelenting fighter for the establishment of democratic tenets of freedom, justice, equity, mutual respect, Due Process, Rule of Law and Constitutional Federalism in our country.

Over the years, Senator Abaribe has distinguished himself as a very humble, honest, humane and highly organized administrator; a very articulate communicator, courageous lawmaker and determined democrat, who continues to make inestimable contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our nation.

Our Party is indeed proud of Senator Abaribe’s exceptional forthrightness in leading the Senate Minority Caucus to firmly confront injustice and bad governance by persistently putting the inefficient, insensitive and incompetent All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government on its toes in the interest of the nation.

The PDP notes with satisfaction, Senator Abaribe’s sense of patriotism in leading the PDP Caucus in the Senate to resist the shenanigans of the APC and ensured the successful amendment of the Electoral Act to further guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

Senator Abaribe’s untiring role with other PDP leaders to ensure the stability and growth of our Party especially in the mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the APC is commendable and outstanding.

The PDP congratulates Senator Abaribe on this remarkable milestone and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health in the service of our dear fatherland.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary