PRESS RELEASE

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Prince Arthur Eze on the occasion of his 73rd birthday November 25, 2021.
The President joins family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating a man who through dint of hard work and good fortune has devoted his resources to help those in need, reaching out generously to under-privileged people and families, communities, academic, religious and health institutions.
President Buhari is delighted that Prince Eze has used his massive investments in the oil and gas sector to contribute to the development of the nation’s economy, provide gainful employment to many Nigerians, and extended his business empire beyond the shores of the country.
As the Ozoigbondu marks another year, the President prays God Almighty to grant him good health, happiness and peace, with more fruitful years to serve God and humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 25, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS CHIEF JACKSON GAIUS-OBASEKI AT 76
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Jackson Gaius-Obaseki on his 76th birthday, November 25, 2021.
President Buhari congratulates the renowned oil and gas expert for his dedication to national development, particularly in one of the cornerstones of the economy, consistently instituting reforms, counselling leaders and opening up opportunities for more investments.
The President notes the historic role the former Chairman of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), who currently chairs Brass LNG, played in repositioning of the sector by stimulating necessary policy reviews and legal frameworks to ensure competitiveness and inclusiveness, especially regarding the communities.
As Dr Gaius-Obaseki turns 76, President Buhari commends his foresight in the energy sector, and shared experience to prepare the nation for the challenges and gains.
The President prays for all round wellbeing of the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2021

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK, DR DALHATU TAFIDA AT 81
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family, friends and associates of former Nigeria’s High Commissioner, United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, to celebrate his 81st birthday, November 24, 2021.
The President warmly felicitates with the dedicated public servant, who had variously worked for a greater nation, serving variously as Medical Doctor, Consultant Physician/Permanent Secretary, Chief Consultant Physician to a President, Commissioner of Education and Minister of Health.
President Buhari notes the wisdom and experience that the former High Commissioner had always brought to every national assignment, setting standards, motivating others to achieve goals, and uplifting many in his community and across the nation.
As a member of the Constituent Assembly, 1988-89 and Senate Majority leader, the President affirms that Dr Tafida also played a major role in shaping political developments in the country, and has remained relevant in inspiring many leaders.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant him good health, strength and longer life.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 23, 2021

NORTH-WEST GOVERNORS VISIT IKOYI COLLAPSED BUILDING SITE

•Commend Sanwo-Olu for instituting tribunal of inquiry

North-West governors on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the Gerrard Road, Ikoyi building collapse, which killed over forty persons few weeks ago. The Governors also sympathised with the people of the State and families of those who died in the unfortunate incident.

The North-West Governors Forum represented by its chairman and Kastina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and his Kano State counterpart, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for setting up a Tribunal of Inquiry into the collapsed building.

It would be recalled that a 21-storey building, still under construction, collapsed on Monday, November 1 at Gerrard Road, Ikoyi. Fifteen people survived while 45 people died in the unfortunate incident.

Speaking during the visit to the Collapsed Building, Masari, who was accompanied by Governors Ganduje and Sanwo-Olu, said they are happy that the Governor of Lagos State has instituted a tribunal of inquiry to unravel issues surrounding the collapsed building.

He said: “We are here representing governors of North West to physically come to condole with his Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, families of the deceased and the entire Lagos community on the unfortunate incident that has happened.

“We pray to God that this kind of thing will not happen again. On behalf of the people of North West, accept our sincere condolences and sympathy.

“We cannot escape high rise buildings in Lagos but we must ensure that it does not cost lives and properties of people.

“We are happy that the Governor of Lagos State has instituted an inquiry tribunal that will unravel what happened here.”

Governor Ganduje also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for taking immediate action to show concern during the collapsed building.

He said: “We are here to condole with the people and the government of Lagos State and in particular, condole with families of those who lost their lives and sympathise with them on the very unfortunate situation.

“Lagos is a mega city. Comparing it to other megacities in the world and considering the circumstances of Lagos due to lack of adequate land for development, increase in population and high density, the issue of building high rise is absolutely necessary and cannot be avoided. But it is unfortunate that we have found ourselves in what happened.

“We are happy that the governor has taken immediate action to show concern about what happened. We are also happy that he appointed an independent technical panel that will examine and find out what actually happened in order to avoid future occurrences. We appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu’s effort and condole with him and the people of Lagos state, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.”

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu appreciated the North-West governors for commiserating with the government and people of Lagos State over the Ikoyi collapsed building.

He said: “We have had various degrees of tribulations and very difficult moments for us as a state and there have been lessons learnt. We are all aware of the investigation into the collapsed building.

“It gladdens me to know that while Lagos is grieving, we are not alone. That is why I am excited and happy that some of my senior colleagues and brothers have come here to express solidarity and to also sympathise with the government and people of Lagos State.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 24, 2021
PRESS RELEASE

INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION TOP LAGOS’ PRIORITIES IN 2022, AS SANWO-OLU PROPOSES N1.39 TRILLION BUDGET

•Activates 30-year Devt Plan for State, says sustained funding in key growth sectors to stabilise economy

Lagos State has earmarked huge capital expenditure in the 2022 fiscal year to service key growth areas in order to consolidate the recovery of the State’s economy and positively transform residents’ livelihoods.

In the proposed N1.388 trillion budget for year 2022 presented to the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the State would be spending N325 billion to deliver vital infrastructure projects in key sectors to energise and expand the growth of the State’s economy.

The key areas of growth identified by the Governor include Works and Infrastructure, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Agriculture, Transportation, Energy and Mineral Resources, Tourism, Entertainment and Creative Industry, Commerce and Industry, Wealth Creation and Employment.

The human capital development drive of the Sanwo-Olu administration is projected to take a leap in 2022, with an allocation of 21.24 per cent combined in the total expenditure to education and health.

The financial proposal, christened “Budget of Consolidation”, will be the last full-year fiscal plan of the State before the next general election.

Sanwo-Olu said the coming year presented an opportunity for the State Government to consolidate on the progress recorded by his administration, while leveraging investment in-flow, partnership and business-friendly policies to maximally translate his achievements into noticeable positive impact in the lives of residents.

About N823.4 billion, representing 59 per cent of the 2022 budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure. Recurrent expenditure, representing 41 per cent, is N565 billion, which includes personnel cost, overhead and debt services.

The Governor noted that his administration had clearly articulated its vision in governance through the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda in the last two years, adding that the State was now looking towards the future with the activation of the implementation of a 30-year development plan (2021-2051) which replaced previous 13-year growth plan developed in 2012.

He said: “Year 2022 Budget is the next step on our journey to true and sustainable greatness in Lagos. The challenging environment requires that we focus our interventions on areas of greatest social impact and achieving the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest possible time. Next year is an excellent opportunity for us to consolidate on what we have done so far, and ensure that every effort, investment inflow, partnership, business policy is translating maximally into noticeable positive impact in the lives of our people.

“It is in this light that we are presenting the Year 2022 Budget of Consolidation with a size of N1,388,285,459,990.51. This financial proposal is presented with a sense of duty and absolute commitment to the transformation of Lagos to a preferred global destination for residence, commerce, and investment. The budget projects to see a continuing but gradual recovery to growth in economic activity as the global economy cautiously recovers from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Of the total proposed expenditure, N1.135 trillion would accrue from Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) and federal transfers, while deficit financing of N253 billion would be sourced from external and domestic loans, and bonds projected to be within the State’s fiscal sustainability parameters.

The State would be earmarking an aggregate of N137.64 billion, representing 9.92 per cent of the 2022 budget, for the funding of green investment in Environment, Social Protection, Housing and Community Amenities.

On Security, the Governor explained that the State’s continued investment in the sector had reaped positive dividends, stressing that more allocation would be channeled to security in 2022 to make Lagos safer for living, working and investment.

Despite the global economic downturn, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had seen more construction machinery deployed to deliver new infrastructure in the areas of roads, rail, housing, health, education and waterways.

He said: “There has been significant progress on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit projects, which include both the 27-kilometre Blue line, that will run from Okokomaiko to Marina, and the 32-kilometre Red line that will run from Agbado to Oyigbo and eventually to Marina.

“These rails, when completed, will deliver a combined 32.5 million people every month on their respective routes, reducing travel time by over 250 per cent, increasing the productivity and quality of life of our people.

“The Red line will come with eight new modern train stations, 10 new overpasses and 13 pedestrian bridges. These ambitious projects are expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

The outgoing year’s budget, Sanwo-Olu said, performed “remarkably well” despite the challenges encountered by the State, noting that the expenditure performance at the third quarter of 2021 rose to 80 per cent.

The Governor said the need to stabilise the State’s economy led to the adoption of far-reaching cost saving measures, including restructuring of local borrowings to reduce overall debt service obligations on Lagos.

“The State Government has successfully restructured all existing loan facilities, translating into a reduction in interest rates from an average of 18 per cent to about 12.75 per cent. This year, Fitch, a reputable international rating agency, upgraded the rating of Lagos from AA+ to AAA, reflecting Lagos’ capacity to service its financial obligations, compared with national and international peers, as well as its resilient operating performance during the pandemic,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor thanked Lagosians for supporting and standing by his administration in the past two years. He said there were more challenges lying ahead, urging the residents to join hands with him in delivering his programmes for common good. He assured that the pace of governance would be amplified in the coming years.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, praised the Governor for the “outstanding performance” of the 2021 budget, especially in infrastructural renewal and wealth creation among other things, promising speedy and meticulous vetting of the 2022 expenditure proposal.

Obasa said the progress under the Sanwo-Olu administration was commendable, but urged the executive arm to look inward and devise other methods of improving the State’s IGR beyond the current sources.

He said: “While the projections of this administration are being guided by its THEMES agenda, we need to further strengthen it to touch the lives of the people. It is a known fact that Lagos has the highest foreign debt profile. This loan has been the secret behind most of the infrastructural developments we all see all over the State. Nevertheless, I will advise the executive to focus more on intense projects that will be geared towards alleviating poverty in our State.”

The Speaker pledged more legislative support for the executive to achieve all the outlined objectives in the 2022 fiscal year.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 24, 2021
25 November 2021

Babajide Sanwoolu, Ajoritsedere Awosika, Ebuka, Taaoma, Laycon join Adebola Williams at official launch of African Power Girls
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; Chairman, Access Bank PLC, Ajoritsedere Awosika; CEO, RadioNow, Kadaria Ahmed; Group Executive Director, Rainoil Limited, Godrey Ogbechie; were amongst a host of dignitaries who graced the official launch of Adebola Williams’ book – African Power Girls.
Written for kids, especially young girls seeking encouragement to follow their purpose, thrive in their chosen careers, and fulfil their mission, the African Power Girls book summarises stories dating back to the 1900s. The amazing stories captured by the author showcase the strength, freedom, challenges, and victory of spotlighted female legends.
“Narratives deeply entrenched in misogyny and chauvinism, strategically targeted at disempowering and relegating women have long been promoted in many societies in Africa,” said Adebola Williams, while speaking on the purpose of the book. “The continent needs to remember and be inspired by the stories of trailblazers. We must impress it upon the girl child that being female is not a disability; neither is it a disadvantage. Being a woman is a strength, a badge of honour to be worn with pride,” he added.
Held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event saw over 120 secondary school students engage with some of the leading personalities present and also included several interesting book reading sessions.
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, charged attendees to remember that they are special, emulate the spotlighted ‘African Power Girls’ and strive to make a difference in whatever fields they choose.
In her keynote address, the Executive Chairman, Access Bank PLC, Ajoritsedere Awosika, urged the students to treat mistakes as stepping stones to success. She further drove home the importance of commitment and hard work, citing them as key components to living impactful lives that posterity will remember.
African Power Girls features international icons like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Efua Theodora Sutherland (Ghana), Wangari Mathai (Kenya), Miriam Makeba (South Africa), Huda Sha’arawi (Egypt), Nike Davies, Grace Alile Williams (Nigeria), and many more inspirational figures.
More guests who graced the launch event include Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director Sahara Power Group; Danladi Verheijen, Managing Partner, Verod Capital Management; Osayi Alile, CEO, ACT Foundation; Gbolahan Shaba, Managing Director, LATC Marine; seasoned journalist and producer, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; Lawrence Amadi, Partner KPMG; actors, Chioma Akpotha, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor; comedienne, Taaooma; BBNaija and Rubbin’ Minds host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu; singer and song-writer, Timi Dakolo; BBNaija winner, Laycon, renowned singer and photographer, TY Bello; on-air personality, Agatha Amata, amongst others.

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS OPEN FOR COLLABORATION, INVESTMENTS FROM WILLING PARTNERS, SAYS SANWO-OLU

•Seeks partnership with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland

•We’ll partner LASG in circular economy, human development, others – Nordic ministers

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, said the State is set to harness the potential of its landmass and face challenges headlong with innovative solutions as a 21st Century Mega City.

He said with a landmass of less than 0.4 percent, the Lagos State Government was ready and open for collaboration investments from willing partners as well as the political will to address issues on climate change.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement while speaking at the Nordic – Nigeria Connect Smart City Lagos 2021, a high-power conference on Smart City solutions and circular economy themed: “Developing a Greener Lagos” held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island on Tuesday.

The Nordic countries include Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured foreign partners, especially investors from the Nordic countries that Lagos is ready and open for collaboration for investments from willing partners, noting that Lagos has taken steps to improve ease of doing business.

He said issues on the agenda for the conference “are of considerable importance to our planet, especially as we ramp up efforts to forge lasting consensus on tackling climate change,” adding that the timing of the conference could not be more perfect, in the immediate aftermath of COP26.

“Lagos is open for collaboration and investment. We have the talent and expertise. We have the financial markets. We have the demographics to support your business cases and plans. We have massive opportunities for the rollout of low-carbon infrastructure and solutions, and we have the political will, as a government, to ensure that your ideas and investments take root and thrive.

“We are delighted that many of the investors we are seeing in Lagos are deeply committed to projects that advance the desired goals of climate resilience and environmental friendliness, while also making great business sense and meeting the practical needs of the populace.

“I am delighted that we are seeing considerable interest in our ideas and opportunities, from the Nordic countries, which are themselves world leaders in the circular economy, in environmental sustainability, and in the inevitable transition to a net-zero-carbon future,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who identified some of the challenges facing Lagos State with its large population to include, transportation, infrastructure, environment, waste management and Green Energy, among others, said that his administration’s driving force is the T.H.E.M.E.S. developmental agenda.

“I am pleased to note that our administration’s governing agenda for Lagos, known as the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda prioritises that “21st Century” thinking. The ‘M’ in T.H.E.M.E.S. stands for Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity, while the first E represents Education and Technology, which are the key requirements for the evolution of a Smart’ City,” he said.

He said Lagos State Government is currently building Nigeria’s biggest metropolitan fiber-optic network that will provide high-speed internet access for public institutions and private sectors, as well as investing public funds in start-ups and academic research, through the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), as part of its commitment to entrenching a culture of innovation.

“We are also looking at agricultural systems that can enable us to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact, considering our limited land resource. We are automating and digitising various government procedures, like land and property registration – which as you know will have a positive environmental impact, in terms of minimising travel to government offices while also reducing the use of paper,” he said.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Nordic countries, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Finland, Ms. Nina Vaskunlahti; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, H.E. Anniken Huitfeldt; State Secretary for Trade and Global Sustainability, Denmark, Mr. Steen Hommel and State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs, Sweden, Mr. Krister Nilsson, said their countries are set to partner with the Lagos State government in the areas of the circular economy, human development, recycling and waste management and Green transport solution, among others.

Also speaking, the Founder, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu commended the Nordic countries for organising the event and interacting with the Lagos State government and business practitioners for investments in the State, noting that entrepreneurship is very key to Africa development.

He implored government and public sector leaders to create an enabling environment for investors and foreign partners.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 23, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU MOURNS BABATUNDE OMIDINA (BABA SUWE)

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Omidina family and the Nigerian entertainment industry on the passage of a renowned Nigerian comic actor, Mr. Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, who died on Monday at age 63.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Omidina’s demise was painful and a great loss to the deceased family, Nollywood and the country as a whole, especially fans and lovers of the popular Yoruba actor.

The Governor urged the deceased family, friends, associates and the movie practitioners to take the death of ‘Baba Suwe’ in good faith and as an act of God.

He said: “The late Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe was a bundle of talent, who used his God-given gift to advance the course of mankind. As an actor, he put smiles on the faces of many people through his comic roles in different movies and television drama series.

“No doubt the death of a loved one is usually painful because it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God, especially if the deceased had lived a fulfilled life, just like the late Babatunde Omidina, who was a celebrated actor during his lifetime.

“Baba Suwe’s death had left a vacuum that would take some time to be filled in the entertainment industry. I pray that God will grant the late Babatunde Omidina eternal rest and grant the family, colleagues and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
NOVEMBER 23, 2021