By Hakeem Bello

“What will protect all of us when all is said and done is law and order.“

If there is a quiz to guess which Nigerian public servant said the above, chances are most will answer: Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF).

Yes, of course. The quintessential lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is not just a champion of Infrastructure development and deep thinker, he is a stickler for law and order.

He is 59 today.

Quite perceptively and against the run of high public expectation, BRF decided to remain president of his home rather than joining the initially crowded train for the Presidency of the country. But without a doubt, his confidence in, devotion and commitment to the development of Nigeria remains ever unwavering.

Indeed, BRF has become a brand name for efficiency, effectiveness, diligence, commitment and tenacity of purpose. The name will continue to resonate long after he leaves public office and whenever and wherever there is a need for devotion to duty, progressive idealism and commitment to Law and Order.

Probably because of his desire to serve away from the mainstream leadership – which agrees perfectly with his often-stated philosophy of commitment to service to one’s fatherland even “without a title or an office” – his engagements with the public will continue to revolve around the preoccupation with the attainment of a better society, governed by law and order, for all.

Just as Gabfest, a youth-focused conversation platform created in 2016 to commemorate BRF’s birthday. This year’s edition will explore the theme, “Why am I Voting?”

This topic which agrees significantly with the mood of the nation, currently undergoing the processes leading to the 2023 General Elections, will seek to examine the motivations of a cross-section of Nigerians behind their electoral choices.

During Gabfest 6, carefully selected panelists will interrogate their personal desires and expectations in relation to the Nigerian elections. Is their focus on transparency? Is it on better power or healthcare? Is potable water their challenge? Do they intend to vote across party, gender or ethnic lines? Have they voted in the past and for what position? These are just some examples of the questions that will hopefully yield a robust and lively discussion.

Having addressed such testy questions as, “Restructuring for a Better Life – Lessons from Brexit” and “What can the President Do for me?” in previous public lectures, you can trust Mr Fashola for encouraging a discourse on such a simple yet challenging question as “Why am I Voting?”

Perhaps as a prelude to this and a proof of his avowed commitment to the essence of performing basic civic obligations and maintaining order to keep society functioning optimally, Fashola in a virtual presentation he made recently at a symposium in Lagos with the theme, “Driving and the Nigerian in You” interrogated the nexus between individual conduct and public well-being.

In the presentation, he sought to graphically illustrate that it is neither solely the failure on the part of government nor lack of good roads that cause traffic jams or road mishaps on the nation’s highways and intra-city roads but the non-compliance to Law and Order by some members of the public including even the supposed law enforcers in some instances.

According to him, “We are converting what we built for traffic movement into other uses. It is totally against traffic and all other kinds of laws. So, I still say that traders cannot trade on our streets, buses cannot park on the sidewalks. Pedestrians must leave the roads. They must remain on the sidewalks that separate pedestrians from motorists. If these things happen, we will leave the stress, the tensions, accidents and the deaths that we experience as a result of those anomalies.”

The point must, perhaps, be made here that in advocating the adherence to Law and Order by the citizens, BRF has not in any way tried to shield the elite and the leadership from the guilt of infractions of law and order in their duties.

As a matter of fact, there are very many occasions when in his tour of duties as Governor or Minister, he had personally enforced the law, especially traffic laws, on government officials including high ranking police and army officers.

But he, however, maintains that it is incumbent on all citizens to insist on the compliance to Law and Order whenever their rights are being infringed upon by political office holders and those in positions of leadership.

And to prove his earlier assertion that 87 percent of road crashes in the country are caused by human factor, he showed an abridged version of the 2021-April 2022 monthly reports of road crashes across the country by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) saying the situation had been so since he had been Minister.

“What I have done is to separate those items which are human causative factors of road crashes and I have come up with 19 of such factors. I listed 13 of these factors which cause up to 87 percent of road crashes. And I say if these are eliminated, we would have eliminated by 87 percent the cause of road crashes,” he said.

Fashola, who cautioned against indiscriminate donation of motorcycles and tricycles to illiterate youths by politicians and elites in society in what they refer to as “Empowerment”, added, “We see a lot of motorcycles now inflicting pains on our lives. But who are the biggest donors of this Korope and Maruwa (Tricycles)? …Politicians, government officials and the elite; they call it empowerment…”

Saying all Nigerians have a role to play in bringing about law and order in the country, the Minister recalled an incident in Lagos, when he was State governor, when a citizen, Lanre Adio, insisted on his right of way to Lagos Mainland when a convoy of buses driving against traffic tried to force him out of the way, thereby causing a serious traffic jam on the Third Mainland Bridge.

“I had finished my work in Alausa one day and we were heading to the Island on Third Mainland Bridge. Normally at that time on a normal day, traffic would be light on the Island-bound traffic from Alausa. But this night the traffic was heavy. And as we inched towards it, I had to send some of our security details to go and see what was happening; and you can bet or imagine what happened,” the Minister narrated.

“Citizen Adio was driving with his daughter on the Mainland-bound side heading for the Oworonsoki end of the road. They were on their right side of the traffic and they were heading home when a long convoy of vehicles, including a public transporter who was driving against traffic was asking those who had the right of way to leave. Many left, but Citizen Adio was scandalised so he refused to leave.”

Fashola said in his presentation that despite invectives thrown at him by passengers in the offending bus, the man stood his ground till he arrived the scene and used his power of law enforcement “to force all the convoy back, made some arrests and then set Citizen Adio on his way.”

Posing the question, “Are we ready to act like Citizen Lanre Adio?” he asked his audience and proceeded to list more of the ways through which the high and the low contribute to dysfunctionality in society. “So, we must bring all of these to bear on ourselves. What will protect all of us when all is said and done is law and order, for the rich and the poor. We cannot trade on the streets, we cannot have big men driving unregistered vehicles or they cover their name plates and we cannot identify who did what with the vehicle. It makes crime detection very difficult. And at the end of the day it is just Law and Order.”

Rooted in the evergreen definition that “Law and Order exists for the purpose of establishing justice,” BRF has, in his now nearly two decades of public service, preached and led by example the essence of Law and Order as a foundation on which the sustainable development and progress of any nation could be laid.

He has continually built on this philosophy, perhaps with the consciousness, without doubt, that when Law and Order fail to establish justice “they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of progress”.

So, what has all this got to do with the coming General Elections, and what is the relation to the topic of the Sixth Gabfest. The truth of the matter is that this election will afford the people of Nigeria the opportunity to choose leaders that will maintain Law and Order and the Rule of Law.

With political parties waiting to begin official campaigns in earnest, BRF could only mean that any conversation involving compliance to Law and Order must involve everyone, including those aspiring to political leadership and those entrusted with the enforcement of Law and Order.

And if the topic, “Why am I Voting?” could also be expanded to read “Why am I voting for Candidate A or Candidate B,” then the question challenges all electorate to interrogate their true reason and motives for voting any aspirant to the position of leadership. Can such aspirants fulfill the yearning for security, peace, unity and good governance?

In that virtual presentation, BRF also spoke of the importance of continuity in governance especially good governance and knowledge and understanding of leadership. Citizens, he said, must not only appreciate good governance when they experience one but must also insist on it under any leader that emerges after the elections.

He elaborates on this by recalling the investments as Governor of Lagos State for two terms of eight years.

“When I look back to some of the investments that we made in Lagos and also across Nigeria; the Drivers’ Institute and training schools set up to train people to improve productivity, to set order and separate motorists from motorcyclists and all that, it is really a matter of regrets that we are still where we are. Many of the gains have been rolled back,” he said.

Stretched further, the topic, “Why am I Voting?”, could also mean that citizens must be ready to challenge their leaders when they are derailing from the path of good governance; when they deliberately tow the path of negligence in matters pertaining to the interest of the electorates and inclining to situations unacceptable to them.

Surely, as BRF turns 59 today, many Nigerians would wish him a happy birthday as a shining example of good leadership in whose steady hands the legacy projects of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in life-defining road transport infrastructure are making rapid progress towards the finish line. They are also looking up to him for dedicated service to the nation at whatever level he chooses to be going forward with or without a title.

Happy Birthday, BRF.

• Mr Hakeem Bello, FNGE, is Special Adviser, Communications

          to the Hon. Minister

Okowa salutes Dein of Agbor at 45

Governor of Delta and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi 1, on his 45th birth anniversary.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Tuesday, in Asaba, Okowa described the monarch as one of Nigeria’s most respected kings, whose virtues testify to his pedigree.

He noted that the monarch’s reign had been peaceful and commended him for creating an investor-friendly environment since he ascended the ancient throne of his forefathers.

According to the governor, Dein Keagborekuzi’s reign has been of great benefit to the people of Agbor Kingdom, Delta State and indeed, the nation.

“Over the years, His Majesty has continued to support the state government in addressing issues of unemployment, social deviance and other vices among youths in his Kingdom.

“You have remained a source of pride and inspiration to the traditional institution with your royal carriage which you have exemplified in the discharge of your duties.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Your Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu I, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, on the occasion of your 45th birth anniversary.

“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to give you good health and wisdom to pilot the traditional affairs of your kingdom and offer valuable contributions to the development of our dear state and country in the years ahead,” he said.

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS DIGITISED CONTAINER CLASSROOMS, AS 13 ‘OUTSTANDING’ LAGOS TEACHERS GET BRAND-NEW SUVs

…Vetland Junior Grammar Sch revamped, remodelled to modular learning centre 

…‘Lagos has championed new transformation in education’ – Parents

Lagos State Government has unveiled a set of technology-driven modular learning spaces, introducing an innovation to the design of a modern classroom.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, commissioned a nine-classroom block built to replace decrepit concrete structures in Vetland Junior Grammar School, a Government-owned model college in Agege Local Government Area. The interactive modular classrooms were improvised using standardised reusable freight compartments, known as container.

Each of the classroom compartment is adequately-insulated to give comfort and create a conducive ambience for hybrid learning for children in the public secondary school.

The project is completed with three laboratories and four staff rooms – all made from container. There are also recreational facilities, including a five-aside football pitch, a multi-purpose-built court, which can be used for a variety of games, such as volleyball, long tennis, badminton, and basketball.

The classrooms and their ancillary facilities have their dedicated energy source, off grid; they are powered by solar panels, which guarantee constant power supply to enable teaching and learning.

The entire project was conceived and delivered by Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) set up in 2019 by the Governor to implement interventions designed to improve access to basic education.

Sanwo-Olu, at another event held in the State House, Alausa, rewarded 13 outstanding teachers selected across the six education districts in Lagos. The teachers were presented brand-new vehicles for their passion and deployment of modern techniques to teach pupils.

The recipients were part of the finalists nominated for the Year 2021 Teachers’ Merit Award by the Screening Committee led by the chairperson of Association of Private Educators in Nigeria, Mrs. Lai Koiki.

Unveiling the school project, the Governor said the IT-enabled modular interactive classrooms would make a lasting impact in the State’s effort to make basic education accessible.

Aside from equipping the classrooms with interactive touch-screens, Sanwo-Olu said the pupils would be given electronic tablets to aid both in-class and virtual learning.

He said: “This is the future leaning in public basic education in Nigeria and Africa. The development of containerised modular classrooms is a welcome milestone on our journey towards ensuring that no child is left behind in Lagos.”

“Our goal, as a Government, is to build learning spaces of the future, thereby bequeathing public schools that are driven by cutting-edge technology and that can compete favourably with the best schools anywhere in the world.”

Sanwo-Olu congratulated all the 620 pupils who are beneficiaries of the state-of-the-art school. He said the children in public schools deserved the best quality of education to prepare them as part of a solution provider in the 21st century.

Having provided the modern facilities for their learning, the Governor charged the pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity to excel in their studies to justify the intervention.

The upgrade of the model college, Sanwo-Olu said, is part of the strategic interventions initiated in the public school system, which have led to the rehabilitation and modernisation of over 200 public schools.

He said: “So far, this administration has constructed more than 800 new classroom blocks in the public school system of Lagos and supplied about 150,000 units of furniture to our public schools across all six education districts of the State. The intervention has scaled up output in teaching and raised academic excellence.

“We have also improved security in our public schools by installing watch towers, perimeter fences, panic bells and flood lights, and have prioritised the comfort of boarding students through the provision of beddings and other necessary items. As the beneficiaries can attest to, the welfare and training of teaching and administrative staff in our public school have received significant attention as well.”

Sanwo-Olu urged administrators, teachers and pupils of the model college to take full ownership of the facilities provided and ensure the infrastructure is maintained.

Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Barr. Omoyele Akintayo, said the feat by the State Government would champion a new course of transformation in the country.

Akintayo hailed Sanwo-Olu for listening to the yearning of the parents to rebuild the school with structures that have a modern outlook.

“I cannot hide my feelings and emotions today. I’m highly delighted. There is no amount of accolades and encomiums that can be adequately showered on Sanwo-Olu that will be enough to show our appreciation for this world-class innovation,” the PTA chairman said.

Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, said the feat was another promise kept by the Governor, noting that the Sanwo-Olu administration’s education reforms had transformed public schools.

She said the model college deserved the gesture, given the academic excellence it had turned out in national examinations over the last three years.

“This is an iconic building that will last for ages and transit our children into the 21st century-based knowledge,” the Commissioner said.

Giving more details on the structures, SCRPS chairman, Mr. Hakeem Smith, said the containerised structures were raised on high density rafts carefully calculated to hold both live and dead loads.

He said the floors were made of terrazzo material for durability, adding 30 convenience facilities were fitted in the academic area, while two composite toilets, which are water-free, are built for visitors and security guards.

He said the school was also rebuilt with a water system fitted with a filtration compartment to deliver potable water to the pupils.

Koiki, Director of Green Springs School, applauded the State Government for creating a reward system for teachers, stressing that the initiative had recognised the importance of education as bedrock of development.

Recipients of the brand-new vehicles are Adenike Ojo (Junior Secondary School Administrator), Folasade Oyedeji (Junior Secondary School teacher), Oluseyi Amoo (Junior Secondary School teacher), Olubukola Dosumu (Junior Secondary School teacher), Olusegun Muftau (Primary School administrator), and Fauziyat Adegeye (Primary School teacher).

Others are Michael Ayoola (Primary School teacher), Omolayo Fadayomi (Primary School teacher), Bolanle Alamu (Senior Secondary School administrator), Adeola Adefemi (Senior Secondary School teacher), Soji Megbowon (Senior Secondary School teacher), Yahya Adesokan (Senior Secondary School teacher), and Lukman Agbabiaka (Special Education Needs teacher).

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

29 JUNE 2022

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU HANDS OVER 48 UNITS OF GREATER LAGOS LBIC APARTMENTS IN AGEGE

 …Says project is administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for Lagosians

 …“We promise you our community votes in 2023”, beneficiaries tell Governor

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday unveiled and handed over 48 units of Greater Lagos LBIC Apartments in Ogba-Ijaiye, Pen-Cinema of Agege, saying the project is a testament to his administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing for Lagosians.

The Greater Lagos LBIC Apartments comprise two, three-bedroom flats and four units of the four-bedroom maisonette. It is a joint venture arrangement involving Lagos Building Investment Company PLC (LBIC) and RPDC Limited.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in fulfillment of his administration’s promise during the official commissioning and hand-over ceremony of the apartments, held at Agege, handed over keys to 14 families that were displaced as a result of the construction of the Agege Pen Cinema with no payment or charges.

Speaking at the event which was attended by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and other government officials and people from the private sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the commissioning and handing over of the project is a testament of his administration’s commitment to providing affordable housing to the good people of Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that since the inception of his administration, it had commissioned not less than 15 affordable and decent housing projects and delivered more than 3,526 housing units across the State, noting that the ongoing land reform was its commitment to addressing the challenge of housing deficits in Lagos state.

He said the housing estates provided by the Lagos State Government are in addition to the thousands of units being delivered exclusively by the private sector, which is on an even bigger scale, adding that the ongoing land reforms are aimed at making it easier for private players to deliver more affordable housing that meets the needs of the population.

He said: “The commissioning and handing over of this project are testament to our commitment towards providing affordable housing to the good people of Lagos State. Given the significance of shelter as a basic human need, this administration has been determined, from Day One, to decisively tackle the housing challenges faced by the residents of Lagos.

“For us, this is not only about the availability of housing, but also about the affordability. We are concerned about ensuring that, not only are the houses reasonably priced but that there are also creative financing mechanisms that give people the capacity and convenience to pay based on their incomes.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also noted that the most efficient way to addressing the housing challenges facing Lagos as a megacity is for the government to enable and empower the private sector to deploy its abundant capital, noting that public-private partnership, with each player bringing its strengths to bear, will deliver sustainable projects that benefit the people and the State.

He said the Greater Lagos LBIC Apartments are an example of what is possible in this regard.

“It is my pleasure to announce that the 14 families that were displaced because of the construction of the Agege-Pen Cinema Bridge, will now be accommodated under this scheme and that their flats will be allocated to them at no cost. Under our watch, Lagos will continue to work for all its people, regardless of tribe, colour, age or religious affiliation.

“I would like to use this medium to appeal to all our agencies in the housing sector to continue to engage robustly with the private sector, as well as other stakeholders, to address the housing deficit in Lagos State.

“I enjoin us all to continue to support this administration as we strive to make Lagos State a truly 21st Century economy, a place where every resident can aspire to have adequate, safe and affordable housing options, in line with the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goal 11 which aims to promote sustainable cities and communities.”

In his address, the Managing Director, Lagos Building Investment Company, Oluwatobiloba Lawal, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment in ensuring that the housing deficit in Lagos State is reduced and affordable to Lagosians is praiseworthy.

He said the commissioning of the Greater Lagos LBIC Apartments is “a testament of Mr. Governor’s commitment to the provision of affordable shelter that could stimulate the economic growth of the state hence, the THEMES agenda is working.

Speaking on behalf of the 14 families who were allocated apartments in the Greater Lagos LBIC Apartments, Mrs. Esther Ogunbanjo, recalled that about five years ago, their flats were demolished for the Pen Cinema Bridge.

She, therefore, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for fulfilling his promise to compensate them and promised that the residents will vote massively to re-elect Governor Sanwo-Olu during next year’s governorship election.

“Everyone will agree with me that housing is one of the basic requirements of every human being. When his Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerged as the executive Governor of Lagos State, he promised to build another place for us. Although we did not believe him; we are here today to collect the keys to our place.

“Today our joy has no measure. By the special grace of God, we promise you the vote of everyone in this community in 2023. This is clear evidence that his Excellency will deliver his clear manifesto to the people. We wish you success in the upcoming election in 2023,” she said.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

29 JUNE 2022

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS ON TRAJECTORY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER, SANITATION SERVICES

…As LASWARCO Holds 3^rd International Water Conference

The Lagos State Government has said it is working assiduously to expand access to clean water and sanitation services with a commitment to close the existing gaps in the sector in the best interest of residents and the general public.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 3^rd Lagos International Water Conference (#LIWAC2022) held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.

LIWAC is an annual conference organized by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) with the aim of bringing together stakeholders in the water supply sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in Nigeria and beyond to inspire ideas for the advancement of the sector.

According to Bello, the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to expanding access to water supply in line with the THEMES Development Agenda for a greater Lagos.

He said the theme of this year’s edition of the conference – “Unlocking Investment and Sustainable Access to Clean Water and Sanitation Services: The Regulatory Imperative,” was specifically aimed at expanding conversation towards the greater agenda of exploring opportunities both in the public and private sectors to deepen access to clean water and sanitation services.

“It is no gainsaying that the resolution of the multifarious challenges confronting the water and wastewater management sector in Lagos requires a dedicated and thoughtful approach to delivering the ideals of SDG-6 to the citizenry.

“I am quite assured that the array of speakers and panel discussants from Organizations such as USAID, WaterAid, African Development Bank (AFDB), Organised Private Sector, and WASH Specialists, amongst others, lined up for this intellectual engagement will not only do justice to the theme of the Conference but also leave us with a worthy and practical road map to the resolution of water security problems,” Bello said.

In her remarks, Executive Secretary of LASWARCO, Mrs. Funke Adepoju said it was gratifying that LIWAC had become a veritable platform to exchange transformational and innovative ideas toward finding lasting solutions to water supply and sanitation challenges, especially in a megacity like Lagos, with over 24Million people and a projected annual growth rate of 3.2%.

She said the present administration recognizes that Lagos, as the 7th fastest growing city globally with the highest GDP and IGR in Nigeria, cannot achieve the agenda for a greater city-state without igniting the water economy.

She added: “The highlights of past editions have already attracted investment through a partnership with WaterAid to strengthen capacity building and promotion of water sector regulation.

“Also, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on the LUWASH program, a first step towards enhancing urban water service delivery in Lagos State by improving infrastructure and accountability, strengthening regulatory oversight of the LASWARCO, and strengthening the financial, and technical capabilities of Lagos Water utilities and private water vendors.”

Going forward, Adepoju said the Commission was working on the co-creation concept facilitated by WaterAid to demonstrate public-private partnership (PPP) regulation and community engagement through improved water supply delivery services as well as ongoing rehabilitation and upgrade of existing major water works, all geared towards improving access to clean water.

She expressed optimism that the second phase of Adiyan waterworks project, on completion, would hugely close the existing gaps in water supply by producing an additional 70MGD, just as she assured that the state government, through LASWARCO and other relevant MDAs, would continue to initiate, implement and sustain policies targeted at ensuring residents have access to drinkable water and hygiene services.

On his part, the keynote speaker and Chairman, Global Water Leaders Group, Mr. Christopher Gasson said for Lagos to close the gap in the provision of water supply, there must be a concerted effort and effective policy in place to attract both local and foreign investment.

He said if Lagos could capture all the money currently spent on pure water sachets in the state, it would be the richest and best-performing government in terms of utility in Africa.

SIGNED

OTARU ADEGOKE

CHIEF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, LASWARCO

29^TH JUNE, 2022

JULIUS BERGER ABUMET’S CSR ACTIVITY EXCITES STUDENTS   AS COMPANY DONATES BOOKS, SUNDRY STUDY MATERIALS TO SCHOOLS IN THE FCT

Students in Government Junior Secondary School, Jabi 1, FCT, Abuja, were full of excitement last Tuesday, when Abumet, Julius Berger’s premium quality and full-service aluminium and glass solutions subsidiary, donated books and study materials in its sustained corporate social responsibility contributions to schools in its host communities.

Addressing pupils and staff of the school, the Commercial Manager of Abumet, Mr. Awwal Abubakar, who handed over the educational item packs to the students, encouraged them to be studious and hopeful for a great future. He said, “Abumet is a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. It is our culture and tradition to always give back to the society, and that is what we have done. As part of Abumet’s contribution to support the environment where we operate; we select from the orphanages and public schools and donate useful developmental items needed for the students.”

Receiving the items, the Principal, Mr. Akeem Sikiru Adeola described the day as a special day for the school. “I want to thank Abumet for making out time to come for this donation; it is indeed a kind gesture. First, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc stepped in and helped us fumigate the school premises against termites and now Abumet is here to present us with the most needed items of the school. He further said, “We have been having challenges here, especially with inadequate classroom white boards and, now, Abumet has provided us with sufficient white boards to aid our teaching and learning system. Thank you for putting so much effort in the wellbeing of the students. On behalf of the management and students of Government Junior Secondary School, Jabi 1, we say thank you.”

The Senior Prefect of the school, Miss Idris Hadiza in her vote of thanks said, “We appreciate Abumet for what they have given our school today. We now have lots of writing materials and some other things we lacked earlier. Thank you..”

The Abumet delegation to the event was led by Mr. Awwal Abubakar. Other Abumet officials at the ceremony include Chimezie Nnabugwu, Esther Obong, and Grace Kyaan. Other Julius Berger Nigeria Plc officials present at the event include, Michael Ashofor; Sunmonu Ayomide and Uzoma Olivia.

African Leadership Organisation awards Adebola Williams for Outstanding Leadership Excellence 

Media entrepreneur and Group CEO, RED | For Africa, Adebola Williams has been recognised for Outstanding Leadership Excellence at the 12th edition of the prestigious African Business Leadership Awards.

Powered by the publication arm of the African Leadership Organisation, the African Leadership Magazine, the Award aims to celebrate exceptional leadership in the African business ecosystem as well as phenomenal contributions to the continent’s socio-economic growth and development.

Adebola Williams received this award for his unique and inspirational contributions to business growth, job creation, youth empowerment, and wealth creation in the media and political space through the RED Group.

“It is always humbling to have the work my team and I do and our accomplishments over the years recognised,” said Adebola Williams, Group CEO, RED | For Africa. “And to receive the Outstanding Leadership Excellence Award on a platform such as the African Business Leadership Awards alongside industry leaders that I have looked up to is even more humbling.”

“I set out many years ago to transform the African landscape through media. This desire has morphed into many forms and led to the birth of the many parts of RED over the years. I have, by no means, accomplished all I have set out to, but I am proud of all we have achieved. This Award is a reminder to me that no act of service, no sacrifice and no good deed ever goes unnoticed,” he added.

Past winners of various categories of the African Business Leadership Awards include President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2011); Sudanese businessman, Mo Ibrahim (2012),Former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete (2014); Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan (2015); Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist, Mo Dewji (2016); President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame (2017); Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Abiy Ahmed (2018).

Press Statement

29th June, 2022

1. HON. FRIDAY OSSAI OSANEBI IS MY RUNNING MATE AND DEPUTY GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE OF OUR GREAT PARTY, THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) FOR THE 2023 DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION.

Consistent with section 187(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and in furtherance of the firm resolve of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State to provide responsible and balanced leadership to realise our strategic vision to take Delta from extreme bad governance and Build A New Delta (‘BAND’) on the four pillars of Employment and Empowerment, Development, Good Governance and Enduring Peace and Security (‘EDGE’), and after broad consultations with the leadership of our party, stakeholders within and outside the party and diverse interests across our State in a painstaking vetting process, it is my pleasure to announce to our people that The Rt. Honourable Friday Ossai Osanebi is my nominated running mate and the Deputy Governorship candidate of APC for the 2023 Delta State Governorship election. This momentous decision is for the greater good of all our people and consistent with our unshakeable faith in the immense leadership strengths, innovative energies and resourceful spirit of the youths of this great country.

Born on October 7, 1980 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ossai Osanebi of Umuedem Quarters, Beneku Town in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, Rt. Honorable Osanebi is a vibrant, focused, humble, diligent and upward mobile young leader with vast legislative business, general public governance and corporate management experience. He had his elementary education at Eke Model Primary School, Kwale before proceeding to Orogun Grammar School, Orogun. Thereafter, he attended Enugu State University of Science and Technology where he studied Material and Metallurgical Engineering.

In January 2011, Rt. Honourable Osanebi attended a Public Governance course at the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), London. He was at the University of Oxford, England for an Administration and Policy-making program in July 2012. He participated in the June 2016 edition of the USA Legislature Revenue Management and Budget Process organized by the International Law Institute, Washington DC. In April 2018, he undertook a Leadership Development program of study organized by the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Rt. Honourable Osanebi is a leader of impeccable character. He is a highly competent political bridge-builder and unifier of people. A very successful former National President of Ndokwa Youth Council (NYC), he holds the record of the youngest member of the Delta House of Assembly – representing Ndokwa East Constituency. His sterling qualities earned him several important leadership roles in the Delta State House of Assembly, including the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC); Deputy Chief Whip; Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs; Chairman, House Committee on Culture and Tourism; and eventually, the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Rt. Honorable Osanebi constantly demonstrates mature, humane, resourceful and impactful leadership in public governance, legislative business, youth affairs, community relations, and corporate engagements, more particularly in the oil and gas industry where he has carved a niche for himself. He has a unique capacity to make sound and courageous decisions for the good of society. Trustworthy and God-fearing, Rt. Honorable Osanebi is a Christian and happily married to Mrs. Ogechi Osanebi, and they are blessed with children.

Rt. Honourable Osanebi is a philanthropist whose humane, meek and compassionate heart identifies and beats with our everyday and challenged people. For this, he is popularly referred to by many as “The Empowerment Master”. He therefore undoubtedly fits perfectly into our ‘EDGE to BAND’ transformational agenda to reorganize our dear State. His life and beliefs clearly complement my vision of Delta State as a land of respect for and investment in all our people and their interests. He brings huge leadership capital to the table in our collective quest to rescue Delta from indescribable governance rot and restore hope to our people.

May I quickly mention here that Rt. Honourable Osanebi emerged as our Deputy Governorship candidate from a painstaking internal vetting process in which many notable and highly qualified Deltans were also considered. Our Constitution only allows one choice and we know that Rt. Honourable Osanebi is a great choice. Nonetheless, I am confident that with God on our side and by the electoral will of our people, each eminent Deltan who was considered in the vetting process will be given a chance to add value to public governance in strategic roles after the 2023 general elections.

I am confident that working with the Rt. Honorable Friday Ossai Osanebi as our Deputy Governorship Candidate offers Deltans, especially our youths, a unique opportunity to repair our broken leadership foundations and Build A New Delta. This unique moment in our political evolution is clearly orchestrated by God Almighty for His greater glory and greater good of all our people. I humbly urge all our people to embrace this as our real chance for true greatness. We are marching towards the New Delta of our dream, and we are unstoppable.

May the good Lord bless our State and Nation and protect us all.

Signed:

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

Delta State Governorship Candidate of the All

Progressive Congress for the 2023 General Election

PRESS STATEMENT

29TH JUNE, 2022

DELTA 2023: DELTA PDP INAUGURATES PEACE AND RECONCILIATION COMMITTEES

Following the peaceful conduct and successful completion of our party primaries and the overall endorsement of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has today, Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, set the machinery in motion to reconcile, harmonize and engender unity of purpose in the party, ahead of campaigns for the 2023 general elections, with the inauguration of the Peace and Reconciliation Committees for the three Senatorial zones, in the State.

A statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary of the Party, disclosed that the inauguration and composition of the Committees, was contained in a Memorandum titled: DELTA STATE PEACE, RECONCILIATION COMMITTEES, and signed by the Delta PDP State Secretary, Engr. Dan Ossai, which reads thus:

“Arising from a meeting of the State Working Committee, which held on 24th June, 2022, at the Party Secretariat, Asaba, the following persons have been appointed as Chairmen, Secretaries, and members of the above committees:

DELTA SOUTH

(1). CHIEF P.Y BIAKPARA – CHAIRMAN.

(2). HON. DANIEL MAYUKU –

SECRETARY.

(3). CHIEF IDU AMAIDE – MEMBER.

(4). DR. JOSEPH OTUMARA – MEMBER.

(5). MR. TROPHY KIRIFAGHA – MEMBER.

DELTA NORTH

(1). CHIEF EDWIN UZOR – CHAIRMAN.

(2). DR. FRANK NWAUGO – SECRETARY.

(3). CHIEF GODSWILL OBIELUM – MEMBER.

(4). CHIEF NKEM OKWUOFU – MEMBER.

(5). MRS. EVELYN OROGUN – MEMBER.

DELTA CENTRAL

(1). SENATOR EMMANUEL AGHARIWADO – CHAIRMAN.

(2). CHIEF BENSON OKORODUDU – SECRETARY.

(3). CHIEF, MRS. TESSY TORRU – MEMBER.

(4). CHIEF JAMES AGUOYE – MEMBER.

(5). HON. SOLOMON GOLLEY – MEMBER.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. To meet and reconcile aggrieved members of the PDP.
2. To look at the circumstances that led to their grievances and recommend ways to forestall future re-occurrence and ensure lasting coexistence within the party.
3. To report back to the State Working Committee within Four (4) weeks from the day of their inauguration.

“Delta PDP wishes to reiterate that our primaries were a family affair, conducted with the best intentions for the party and in which everybody is a winner.

“The party is now stronger and more united than ever before and we appeal to our teeming, loyal, and committed members to identify with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee in each zone, as we embrace the healing and harmonization process which binds us together as a formidable, united force.

“Delta PDP is one big family and like we predicted before the primaries, our loyal and committed members have once again proven this beyond doubt and the exercise we conducted has ended in praise for one and all, both at State and National levels.

“As we prepare to hit the campaign trail, covering every Local Government, Ward, and Unit in our usual robust and comprehensive manner, we charge all our members to remain calm, focused, and unwavering in our quest to achieve the main objective, which is landslide victories in all our elections in 2023.

“Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta.

“PDP! Power to the people!!!”

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza

State Publicity Secretary,

PDP, Delta State.