LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU TASKS NAICOM TO ASSIST STATE IN ACTIVATING CAPITAL BASED TAX
•Auditors-General of Local Governments Hails Lagos Gov for being first Governor to Sign New Audit Law

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has tasked management of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on the need to assist the state in activating the Capital based tax in claims as enshrined in the Nigeria Constitution.

Speaking while receiving the management of NAICOM led by its Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olorundare Thomas, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the State has considerably tapped into opportunities available from the Insurance sector, especially for its workforce, pledging to collaborate more.

The Governor also tasked the sector on continuous advocacy and education of residents on the benefits of the Insurance sector to businesses, promising to be a partner in progress.

In the same vein, Governor Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit by the executives of the Conference of Auditors-General of Local Governments in Nigeria led by its Chairman, Musa Atiku at Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday stressed the importance of separation of power among the tiers of government.

He said accountability and probity should be a way of life for leaders to gain trust of the citizens.

Speaking during the visit, Atiku commended Sanwo-Olu for being the first Governor to sign the new Audit law in the country.

Atiku who disclosed that the Conference of Auditors-General of Local Governments in Nigeria were in Lagos State for their 26th annual conference, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for all his developmental programmes and projects in the State, especially the role he played to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

He also urged him to support their quest to ensure that Auditors in the Local Government are duly recognised in the Nigeria Constitution.

Also speaking during NAICOM courtesy visit, Olorundare Thomas, commended Lagos State Governor for all his efforts in the state, adding that NAICOM is set to partner with all the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government in the State.

He also informed the Governor on the Commission’s plan to organise an interactive session for Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs to create awareness on the importance of Insurance to their businesses.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 5, 2021

PRESS RELEASE
CLEANER LAGOS: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES 102 LOCALLY ASSEMBLED COMPACTOR TRUCKS, 100 DINO BINS TO BOOST WASTE COLLECTION
•Unveils Mobile Apps to Check Illegal Waste Disposal in State
•Governor Urges Residents to Repay Gesture with Prompt Payment of Waste Bills
An unprecedented intervention has been put forward to address logistical and operational shortfall in collection of waste across Lagos State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, bolstered the fleet of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) with 102 units of brand new locally assembled compactor trucks and 100 units of double dino waste bins in a bid to reduce turn-around time in waste evacuation within the metropolis, thereby achieving cleaner and healthier environment.
Governor Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the compactor trucks at an elaborate event held at the State House, Alausa, and witnessed by stakeholders in the waste service sector, including Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators.
The assets comprised 30 units of 12-cubic meter trucks, 60 units of 24-cubic meter trucks and 12 hook loaders. They will be complementing over 850 PSP compactor trucks to enhance service delivery in under-served communities across the State.
The compactor trucks were assembled by LAWMA technicians in conjunction with Dangote Sinotruk Manufacturing firm. They are designed according to the local requirements to aid clearing of waste from generating points to transfer-loading stations. Each compactor truck has three years warranty and maintenance package.
Besides, the Governor formally launched a mobile application called “CitiMonitor”, which would enable monitoring and reporting of environmental infractions, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Sanwo-Olu said the new waste collection machinery were not being deployed to edge the PSP operators out of the business. He noted that the compactors would make trips only to public places and major roads to take waste, while the PSP operators would continue with their commercial and residential waste collections.
He said: “Today, we are unveiling new equipment that will enable LAWMA to effectively fulfil its mandate. This is testament to our administration’s determination to secure the public and environmental health of the State, as well as to improve the aesthetic value of the environment in line with Health and Environment pillar of our T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.
“This intervention represents one of the largest singular investments ever in the waste management sector in Lagos. We are confident that the addition of these new assets to our existing ones will quickly bring about visible improvements in waste evacuation and reduce the incidence of blackspots that blight our roads and clog our drains.”
Sanwo-Olu urged the residents to reciprocate the gesture by promptly paying their waste disposal dues to ensure improved service delivery. In the coming weeks, the Governor said LAWMA would be rolling out acquisition scheme to assist willing PSP operators to replace rickety waste collection trucks in their fleet.
He observed that the Government was fully aware of the potential of waste economy, stressing that the waste-to-wealth programme of the State had started to take shape, given the expansion of Lagos Recycling Initiative.
The Governor said there was ongoing rehabilitation work on the State-owned compost facility in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, while the Government has ramped up resources for the construction of three new transfer-loading stations to provide the infrastructure that would facilitate the effective disposal of solid waste.
He said: “I urge Lagosians to take responsibility for the waste we generate and act as responsible citizens at all times. We cannot continue to litter our roads with filth, dump waste on the roadside or in illegal dumpsites, or patronise cart-pushers for waste disposal.
“This intervention calls for a complete change of attitude towards our environment, beginning with basic hygiene at home, proper domestic waste management and ultimately, environment-friendly practices. The quality of our environment directly impacts the quality of the lives we live. A clean environment is a major weapon against diseases and other public health challenges.”
The Governor also charged LAWMA workers who would be operating the new implements to handle them with care and put to good use, reiterating that he would spare no effort in restoring aesthetic of Lagos.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said it was the second time the State would be witnessing such massive intervention in waste management after the 2008 delivery of 100 compactor trucks to LAWMA by the Babatunde Fashola administration.
“This is a remarkable accomplishment that will enhance the cleanliness and adequate sanitisation. It is part of our resolve towards helping to build the capacity of some of the private investors in the waste management value chain. The real celebration would be when we look back in a few months from now and can see commensurate improvement in the waste management fortunes of the State,” Bello said.
By their design, LAWMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Odumboni, said the new compactors were fabricated to address the problem of liquids dripping from waste trucks – the snag synonymous with second-hand trucks mostly use by PSP operators.
He said the new compactor trucks were fitted with sitting compartments for waste collection assistants to prohibit hanging on the trucks.
Odumboni said the trucks would be distributed across the four operational districts of the agency, while the double dino waste bins would be stationed at muster points across major markets.
“We will not take this intervention for granted, because we know that these assets have been acquired at great cost amidst economic challenges and so many other competing needs. I assure Mr. Governor and Lagosians that these working assets will be properly looked after,” the LAWMA boss said.
Representative of Waste Recyclers’ Association, Femi Idowu, described the achievement as “laudable”, saying the Governor had further elevated waste management as key development agenda in Lagos.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 4, 2021

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE

TINUBU HALE AND HEARTY, SAYS SANWO-OLU
•Governor: We Spoke on National Issues, APC during My Visit to London

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is hale and hearty.

Speaking to journalists at the Lagos House, Ikeja on his visit to APC National Leader in London, the United Kingdom on Tuesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his meeting and the picture he took with Asiwaju Tinubu should dispel the rumors flying around that the APC leader was sick and hospitalised.

It would be recalled that social media was awash few days ago that Asiwaju Tinubu was hospitalised and undergoing a major surgery in Maryland, the United States over an undisclosed illness.

But Governor Sanwo-Olu while dispelling the rumours during an interview with journalists few hours after his return from London said Tinubu is hale and hearty, adding that they both discussed on happenings in APC, national issues and other matters during the visit to the APC National Leader.

“Yes, indeed, I am the one you saw in the picture that I took when I visited our leader in London just to dispel all of the rumours that were flying around that he was sick and hospitalised.

“You saw him (Tinubu). He is well, he is healthy and we conversed. We talked about what is happening in our party, what is happening in the nation and just to say to him that all is well.

“I went to see things for myself. It is just to put the mind and heart of people to rest that there is nothing for us to worry about,” the governor disclosed.

When asked when Asiwaju Tinubu would likely return to Nigeria, Governor Sanwo-Olu said only the APC leader will decide when he will return from his foreign trip.

“A man has discretion as to decide when to go out of the country and when to return. It is his call. Is he coming here to do Governor’s work? Can’t you see the picture we took together? Picture doesn’t lie,” he said.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 4, 2021

04 August 2021

AFF, Access Bank deepen digital inclusion for students with tech-focused summer camp

Driven by the vision to nurture the next generation of fintech innovators, the Africa Fintech Foundry, in partnership with Access Bank, is organising a week-long physical coding summer camp for 90 children aged 10-18 at Africa Fintech Foundry, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed “Raising a Tech-Savvy Generation” and scheduled from August 9-13, 2021; the camp aims to teach secondary school students/ high school leavers, with an interest in tech, all the basics of robotics at a discounted rate fee of N25,000.

The course will explore various topics, including; Graphics Design and Animation, Game Development, 3D Modelling and 3D Printing, Drone Design, Virtual Reality Games, Mobile App Development, Scratch and MBlock Programming, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Speaking on the objectives of the summer camp, the Head of the Africa Fintech Foundry, Daniel Awe, affirmed that “a vital part of transforming the African fintech ecosystem is empowering the next generation”. According to him, the coding camp will give children the opportunity to pick up digital skills and experiences from an early age.

“The summer camp is aimed at ensuring that students are adequately trained and mentored to navigate the fintech ecosystem. The modules are designed to help them identify their strengths and areas they could specialise in. The camp will be followed up by a year of learning development to further deepen their mastery of the skills learnt,” he continued.

In addition to the knowledge that will be imparted, participants will be given certificates of completion at the end of the programme. As a perk, participants who have an Access Bank Early Savers Account with a minimum balance of N50,000 will also go on a tour to various Robotics/AI Labs in Lagos.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU FLASHES RED FLAG, AS COVID-19 CASES SURGES IN LAGOS
…State Records 30 Deaths In Few Days
…Gov: ‘Moderna Vaccine Comes In Days, Astrazeneca Supplements Too’
The rise in the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fatalities recorded in the last one week presents a worrying trend of the third wave of the pandemic in Lagos State.
From the last week in July into the present month, the positivity rate in Lagos rose to 8.9 per cent, with frightening figures of hospitalisations and fatalities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, briefed the residents on the development, confirming Lagos had been recording a daily average of six deaths at its isolation centres in the last one week.
The Governor, who spoke at the State House in Alausa, disclosed that there had been an eight-fold increase in infection rate in Lagos, resulting in 4,300 confirmed cases in July alone, while 352 patients were admitted into the State-run isolation facilities.
The situation, Sanwo-Olu said, called for improved vigilance and personal responsibility, urging the residents to reactivate the preventive protocols to break the cycle of infection currently ravaging the State.
He said: “From the beginning of July, we started to experience an increase in the number of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, with the positivity rate going to seven per cent at the end of July. As at August 1, the positivity rate rose to 8.9 per cent, which is an eight-fold increase over the recorded figure a month ago. This has resulted in 4,300 confirmed cases in July alone and 352 admissions into our isolation facilities. The situation at hand should rightly alarm all of us.
“Let me make it clear that this necessary sense of alarm should not be responded to with panic, but instead with firm resolve and determination to reverse the trend. We must dig deep into what we have learnt from the previous waves, as well as summon the will to do everything necessary in bringing down the numbers to eventually defeat the virus once and for all. We have done it before and we can do it again.”
Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had fully reactivated the home-based care system, known as EKOTELEMED, through which officials deliver care packs to symptomatic patients who do not require admission in isolation facilities.
He urged residents feeling symptoms associated with COVID-19 to reach out to EKOTELEMED on its toll-free number 08000356633 for guidance, warning that only State-accredited healthcare facilities could manage COVID-19 cases.
The Governor expressed concern on the low vaccination rate in the State, pointing out that 161,040 out of the 404,414 residents who got the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine administered in March did not return for their second doses. He put the vaccination rate in Lagos as one per cent, which is far below the threshold set by the State to achieve herd immunity.
As epicentre of the pandemic, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would soon be receiving a sizeable allocation of the Moderna vaccine already delivered to the Federal Government. The Governor said only those yet to receive any COVID-19 vaccine would get the Moderna jab when the distribution starts.
He said: “The Moderna vaccine cannot be mixed with AstraZeneca. For people who have already taken the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, they cannot mix it with the Moderna vaccine that has just been received. We are still expecting a second allocation of AstraZeneca vaccine before the end of August to vaccinate those who are yet to get the second shots. The distribution strategy would be based on appointment to avoid the exercise becoming a super spreader.”
The Governor said there would be a constant tab on in-bound travelers from the red-listed countries, warning that the Government would not hesitate to impose sanctions and penalties on those violating the mandatory self-isolation rules.
Sanwo-Olu said all existing rules and guidelines on social and public gatherings remained in place and must be obeyed. He directed public and private establishments, entertainment spots and worship centres to continue providing sanitising materials and ensure no person is allowed into their premises without the use of face masks.
He said: “We have incontrovertible evidence that wearing face masks help in slowing down the spread of the virus, particularly the now more dominant strains. We are no longer inexperienced, as we have learnt a lot in 18 months into the pandemic. We have been able to fine-tune our strategies and response, and we are now in a good place to ensure that this third wave is the final one. But we must put in the work, the compliance, the regard for rules and restrictions.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 2, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU FLASHES RED FLAG, AS COVID-19 CASES SURGES IN LAGOS
• State Records 30 Deaths in Few Days
• Gov: ‘Moderna Vaccine Comes in Days, Astrazeneca Supplements Too’
The rise in the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fatalities recorded in the last one week presents a worrying trend of the third wave of the pandemic in Lagos State.
From the last week in July into the present month, the positivity rate in Lagos rose to 8.9 per cent, with frightening figures of hospitalisations and fatalities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, briefed the residents on the development, confirming Lagos had been recording a daily average of six deaths at its isolation centres in the last one week.
The Governor, who spoke at the State House in Alausa, disclosed that there had been an eight-fold increase in infection rate in Lagos, resulting in 4,300 confirmed cases in July alone, while 352 patients were admitted into the State-run isolation facilities.
The situation, Sanwo-Olu said, called for improved vigilance and personal responsibility, urging the residents to reactivate the preventive protocols to break the cycle of infection currently ravaging the State.
He said: “From the beginning of July, we started to experience an increase in the number of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lagos, with the positivity rate going to from seven per cent at the end of July. As at August 1, the positivity rate rises to 8.9 per cent, which is an eight-fold increase over the recorded figure a month ago. This has resulted in 4,300 confirmed cases in July alone and 352 admissions into our isolation facilities. Essentially, we have recorded on average six deaths per day since last week. The situation at hand should rightly alarm all of us.
“Let me make it clear that this necessary sense of alarm should not be responded to with panic, but instead with firm resolve and determination to reverse the trend. We must dig deep into what we have learnt from the previous waves, as well as summon the will to do everything necessary in bringing down the numbers to eventually defeat the virus once and for all. We have done it before and we can do it again.”
Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had fully reactivated the home-based care system, known as EKOTELEMED, through which officials deliver care packs to symptomatic patients who do not require admission in isolation facility.
He urged residents feeling symptoms associated with COVID-19 to reach out to EKOTELEMED on its toll-free number 08000356633 for guidance, warning that only State-accredited healthcare facilities could manage COVID-19 cases.
The Governor expressed concern on the low vaccination rate in the State, pointing out that 161,040 out of the 404,414 residents who got the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine administered in March did not return for their second doses. He put the vaccination rate in Lagos as one per cent, which is far below the threshold set by the State to achieve herd immunity.
As epicentre of the pandemic, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would soon be receiving a sizeable allocation of the single-dosed Moderna vaccine already delivered to the Federal Government. The Governor said only those yet to receive any COVID-19 vaccine would get the Moderna jab when the distribution starts.
He said: “The Moderna vaccine cannot be mixed with AstraZeneca. For people who have already taken the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, they cannot mix it with the Moderna vaccine that has just been received. We are still expecting second allocation of AstraZeneca vaccine before the end of August to vaccinate those who are yet to get the second shots. The distribution strategy would be based on appointment to avoid the exercise becoming a super spreader.”
The Governor said there would be a constant tab on in-bound travellers from the red-listed countries, warning that the Government would not hesitate to impose sanctions and penalties on those violating the mandatory self-isolation rules.
Sanwo-Olu said all existing rules and guidelines on social and public gatherings remained in place and must be obeyed. He directed public and private establishments, entertainment spots and worship centres to continue providing sanitising materials and ensure no person is allowed into their premises without the use of face masks.
He said: “We have incontrovertible evidence that wearing face masks help in slowing down the spread of the virus, particularly the now more dominant strains. We are no longer inexperienced, as we have learnt a lot in 18 months into the pandemic. We have been able to finetune our strategies and response, and we are now in a good place to ensure that this third wave is the final one. But we must put in the work, the compliance, the regard for rules and restrictions.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 2, 2021

Uduaghan extols Ibori’s leadership qualities

Business mogul, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday described former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori as a colossus, true patriot and political go-getter.

In a congratulatory message to Ibori on the occasion of his 63rd birthday, Uduaghan praised the former governor for his enormous contributions and achievements.

‘’Chief James Onanefe Ibori faithfully and diligently served the good people of Delta State, cast aside all forms of tribalism and delivered the dividends of democracy to them’’.

Uduaghan who is also the Alema of Warri Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Webster Group of Companies hailed Ibori for touching the lives of many Nigerians, shaping the future of his people, encouraging broad participation in governance and lifting Delta State to unprecedented relevance.

He commended the ex-governor for implementing the bottom-top philosophy, institutionalizing due process and sustaining peace in Delta State through the gospel of peaceful co-existence, good neighbourliness and unity amongst all’’

‘’Chief James Ibori carried traditional rulers along in sustaining peace, through periodic meetings. He created an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He brought development and transformation to the geo-political entity called Delta State through Operation 2000 Projects’’ Uduaghan said.

The Warri High Chief applauded Ibori for excelling in development issues and relationship with his deputy, paying bursary allowances to students of tertiary institutions, curbing unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic crisis in Delta State.

‘’Chief James Ibori promoted peace, harmony and development in the Niger Delta. He campaigned for the diversification of the nation’s economy, power shift, resource control and derivation as well as enthronement of equity and justice in a restructured Nigerian polity where true federalism reigns. He also campaigned for decentralization of policing and security responsibilities of government’’.

The Warri Chief emphasized other achievements of the former governor.

‘’Chief James Ibori built bridges of friendship and understanding among Nigerians. He demonstrated that leadership is not a function of tribe but a matter of vision, determination and mission. He also recorded successes in security, job creation, human resources capacity building, gender and youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and remediation, fiscal discipline and budgetary reforms’’.

Uduaghan also underscored Ibori’s role in the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities.

‘’Chief James Ibori did well in transportation, healthcare delivery, water supply, basic and higher education, rural electrification, sports, ICT, agriculture and housing. He provided better roads, built bridges, facilitated the training of Deltans in local and foreign universities and provided selfless service to mankind’’

The Alema of Warri extolled the former governor’s exemplary dedication to service and his leadership qualities.

‘’As a responsible governor, the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature was a model in terms of peaceful co-existence, separation of powers and checks and balances. The judiciary also enjoyed tremendous support and co-operation from the Executive. Indeed, Ibori exceeded the expectations of the founding fathers of Delta State through visionary, exemplary and transformational leadership’’.

Ending the message, Uduaghan said ‘’I wish you good health, long life and God’s continued protection’’.