PRESS RELEASE

•LSDPC, Private Real Estate firm complete 38-flat scheme in V.I

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, opened a mini-housing scheme in a residential neighbourhood of Victoria Island, further raising the housing stock of the State.

Channel Point Apartments are a composite housing project jointly developed by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and Brook Assets and Resources Limited, a private real estate developer.

The housing scheme, located in Sinari Daranijo Street, consists of twin blocks of 38-unit two-and three-bedroom flats on a land size of 2,832 square metres.

The project makes it the 16th housing project completed and commissioned in the last three years by the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The Governor said the new milestone showed the result of collaboration between Government and the private sector, noting that his administration’s drive to provide affordable and decent housing for the residents through public-private collaboration had yielded positive outcomes.

Sanwo-Olu said the urban renewal agenda of the State Government remained on course, adding that the overall goal of provision of modern housing and infrastructure was to ensure that the State sustained its growth and the megacity status.

He said: “I congratulate LSDPC and Asset Brooks and Resources Limited on the successful completion of this edifice. Progress is, indeed, achievable when public and private sector enterprises come together, bringing their core strengths to the table, for the good of the entire society. This positive outcome is yet another testimony to the effective collaboration between Government and the private sector in the implementation of our agenda to provide affordable and decent housing for our people.

“I am impressed by the quality of work done by the contractor, which reflects the quality of monitoring and supervision by the LSDPC, which has sustained the high standards set long before now. We shall continue to pursue and implement this tried-and-tested model of public-private collaboration, as it has proven to be a potent strategy for keeping up with the rate of demand for housing by our rapidly increasing population.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration had pursued its urban renewal policy vigorously, which resulted in rehabilitation and reconstruction of various infrastructure across the State.

He promised to continue to provide a supportive environment for business and investment to flourish, while improving life expectancy in the State.

The Governor said the ongoing automation and digitisation reforms in property records and land administration in Lagos were already yielding positive outcomes, stressing that the Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS) being introduced by the State Government for transparent land allocation would be ready before the end of the year.

“We are giving commitment that before the end of the year, our e-GIS platform, which will unlock openness and raise efficiency in processing of property titles within weeks at applicant’s comfort zone, will be delivered. Disagreements over land titles will be a thing of the past,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor assured residents that provision of decent, affordable housing remained a key priority for his administration, disclosing more housing schemes were due for completion across the State.

LSDPC Managing Director, Mr. Ayodeji Joseph, described the project as “another progress” recorded by the Sanwo-Olu administration in closing the housing deficit in Lagos.

Development of the Channel Point Apartments, the agency boss said, was conceptualised during Sanwo-Olu’s tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of LSDPC. He said the site of the project had two bungalow houses before the agency converted it into a mini estate.

Managing Director of Brook Assets and Resources Limited, Ms. Lanre Sola, said the scheme offered luxury accommodation for the comfort of the allottees.

“Despite the challenges we encountered in the course of the development, including the paucity of funding occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19, we were resilient and showed great commitment to deliver the project,” she said.

The mini estate has modern facilities, such as a water treatment plant, LPG Reticulation Service, fitness gym, swimming pool, roof-top cinema, sit-out space and two elevators per block.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
02 AUGUST 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES 16-YEAR OLD NIGERIAN GOLFER SUCCESS AT WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Iyeneobong Essien, a 16-year-old Nigerian girl, for finishing second at the Champion of Champions World Golf Championship Invitational in Northern Ireland.
The President salutes the achievements of the youngster, who currently tops the junior player cadre in Nigeria, and has been credited with over 20 medals since she won her first medal at the age of five.
President Buhari joins all Nigerians in celebrating this great teenager who is doing so much for the country by demonstrating that hardwork and determination pays, wishing the golfer more spectacular success in her career.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 2, 2022

August 2, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Former Vice President Namadi Sambo at 68
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates former Vice President, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, as he celebrates his 68th birthday.
Arc. Namadi Sambo is an extraordinary statesman, quintessential democrat, exceptionally resourceful and highly organized leader who continues to demonstrate an uncommon commitment towards the unity, peaceful co-existence, stability and development of our nation.
Over the years, as an Architect, Commissioner of Works, Transport and Housing in Kaduna State, Governor of Kaduna State, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an elder statesman Arc. Namadi Sambo continues to distinguish himself as a dependable administrator and accomplished nationalist.
As Governor of Kaduna State, he deployed his 11-Points Agenda to revamp the critical sectors, ensured security of lives and property, empowered the people and achieved unprecedented human capital and infrastructural development across the State, in line with the manifesto of the PDP.
As Vice President, he brought his wealth of experience, loyalty and dedication to bear on the numerous successes of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP administration.
The PDP appreciates Arc. Namadi Sambo’s roles with other leaders in ensuring the stability, growth and success of our Party, the PDP, in our mission to Rescue, Redirect and Rebuild our nation from misrule.
The PDP congratulates our dear former Vice President on this special occasion and prays to God to grant him many more years in good health.
Happy birthday Your Excellency!
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI CALLS FOR MORE INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION TO TACKLE INSECURITY
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja commended collective efforts of nations towards tackling security challenges across the globe, and within Nigeria, urging more collaboration to check terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Receiving Letters of Credence of Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador James Kingston Christoff and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Juan Alfred Miranda Oritz, President Buhari told the diplomats that successes in taming insecurity had been recorded through collaboration across borders, and more could be achieved.
“The devastating effect of global insecurity, climate change and the post COVID-19 era has devastated global economies. Nations continue to struggle to recover from these multiple global challenges.
“The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has undermined the progress countries have achieved in tackling food security in the last decade. While, the political instability in Libya continues to fuel terrorism in the Sahel, as well as scuttle democratic sustenance in both West and Central African regions.
“Nigeria is not left out of the equation, as we are fighting to rid our country of banditry, kidnapping, herder/farmer crisis and insurgency. We are, however, making meaningful progress with the support of friendly countries like yours to sustain these fights until we overcome these challenges,’’ he said.
At the regional level, President Buhari said Nigeria had been working with other Member-States of ECOWAS and other regional blocs, to deal with the problems of terrorism, trans-border crimes, maritime crimes such as piracy and illegal fishing on our waters, illicit drug and human trafficking, banditry, as well as unconstitutional changes of government.
“I believe that matters of security have become the business of all nations as these challenges go beyond the abilities of any single country to effectively contain. The world must, therefore, work closely together and Nigeria counts on your support in cementing the relations between our countries at both bilateral and multilateral levels to surmount these global threats to civilization,’’ he added.
The President urged diplomats to monitor political developments in the country, leading to the 2023 elections, but remain true to their professional ethics of non-interference.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria was drawing closer to its national elections and candidates representing their parties at different levels were beginning to build consensus within their respective parties in preparations to the launching of campaigns across the country soon.
“As the drums of campaign begin to rise, I urge you to be guided by diplomatic practice to ensure that your activities remain within the limits of your profession as you monitor the build-up to the elections and the conduct of the general elections,” he said.
The President also advised the diplomats to focus on building on the successes of their predecessors.
“The task before you require you both to build on the successes of your predecessors and further make efforts in the expansion and advancement of the cordial bilateral relations and cooperation between Nigeria and your respective countries. These relations as you all know, span across political, socio-economic and cultural spheres, that have overtime benefitted our peoples.
“I am confident that, in carrying out your diplomatic responsibilities in the course of your tour of duties, you will spare time to appreciate the uniqueness and strength in our country’s cultural diversities, in terms of both human and natural resources, as well as the flora and fauna across the country,’’ the President noted.
He said the cultural diversity of Nigeria “represents our pride as a nation and identity as a people,’’ while urging the diplomats to also build friendship and acquaintances in the course of their stay in the country.
In his remarks, on behalf of the ambassadors, the Canadian High Commissioner thanked the President for the ceremony of accepting the Letters of Credence.
“Today marks formal beginning of our engagement with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will work closely with ministers and officials to start a progressive relationship,’’ Christoff said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 2, 2022

Unmasking The Masquerade: Erasmus Ikhide’s House Of Representatives Quest

By Igbotako Nowinta

Today, the political track in Nigeria is being filled and charged with
aspirants of all shades, sizes and colours wishing or seeking to
represent the people by using the fast approaching 2023 general
elections as a scaldfold to showcase themselves, with a view to
winning the hearts of unsuspicious members of the public.

Sadly, and most unfortunately, if one look very closely at the number
of those throwing their hats into the ring of politics, a chunk of
them, given their dubious personal, private and social antecedents
have just no business at all offering themselves to work for or serve
the people.

This is true in the sense that after the ill fated First Repubic in
Nigeria, where some politicians demonstrated some form of patriotic
restraints, decorum and reservation in their activities, the Second
Republic witnessed a drastic, ruthless and vicious circle of rot and
absolute decadence, that shocked the patriotic and decent people of
the world and Nigerians.

The terrible point here, being raised is that politics in Nigeria
since the tragic fall of the first ever unelected military President
in Nigeria’s chaotic history, General Ibrahim Babangida, in August
1993, has been substituted with the highest level of institutional
corruption, incredible greed and avarice, unbridled treachery and
insatiable wickedness, championed recklessly by many political office
holders.

Even when the military top brass in Nigeria concocted a grandiose
facade nick named democratic rule in 1999, which has exhibited the
greatest betrayal of a people in human history till date, via
unprecedented institutionalized corruption, that has painfully further
pinned the masses to the pheripheri of the dust bin.

The ordinary people of Nigeria have unquestionably become cheap pawns
consistently over used, abused, traded and abandoned over the years by
a collection of mindless politicians, many of whom are today still
conspicuosly available in existing political parties like the APC,
PDP, SDP, LP, APGA, AP, NNPP etc.

Therefore, looking at the political arena today where cerebral,
focused, missionary and visionary Nigerian youths are being violently
scared away, threatened physically, harassed materially and blocked
diabolically by old, senile, recycled scattered brains and stinkingly
rich political cargoes, it is exciting to see Erasmus Ikhide, a
seasoned writer, celebrated columnist and Publisher of Free Press
Online newspaper, sticking out his head and flexing his muzzles, to
struggle for the House of Representatives seat of his people in Afemai
nation, in the Owan axis of Edo State of Nigeria.

It is seething, demoralizing and saddening to note that in most cases
in this clime, only in-laws, girl friends, brothers, cousins, children
or offsprings etc, of those that had or have engaged in political
banditry and mental violence against the people, are the ones being
assisted, cash rolled and forced down the throats of the rank and file
members of political parties.

However, more exciting now is the glaring fact of a political
phenomenon in Peter Obi, the flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP),
who has succeeded in vigorously waking up the consciousness of the
Nigerian youths, to the perfect realization that our country can be
taken back from political misfits and buccaneers, using the current
unorthodox political dimensions.

How has Peter Obi manifested himself in the political calculations of
the Nigerian people? It is via his dynamic articulation of the
germaine issues confronting the Nigerian state; and his profound
postulations of the way forward.

And having seen the way Peter Obi’s candidacy has electrified the
political tarmac in Nigeria, so much so that, the youths have
redoubled their interests, in getting registered to vote the
candidates of their choice, towards the general elections, come 2023,
it is good omen that one of our own: Erasmus Ikhide has thrown his
hats into the ring, under the Labour Party in Edo State.

Who says the Nigerian youths cannot make the paradigmatic change in
political leadership if given the chance or enthusiastically
encouraged to fight for a place in the political space craft of
Nigeria?

It is perfectly in this light that Erasmus Ikhide, an experienced
Media Practitioner, who has succeeded greatly by virtue of his
social/professional networking over the years, to transform himself
into a political masquerade, is being unmasked for the benefits of not
only the electorates in the Afemai nation, but to galvanize the
curiosity and optimism of millions of young men and women across
Nigeria, who are still sitting on the fence of partisan politics.

In a society such as Nigeria, where political prebendalism (excessive
greed, electoral manipulations cum official stealing, according to
author, Richard Joseph) is rife and infectious, the way to go for the
disadvantaged, forgotten and continuously derided young men is the
courageous example of Comrade Erasmus Ikhide, who is generating
history with his House of Representatives ambition in his locality.

Nowhere has Ikhide so far articulated his profound genuine agenda for
his people than in his Kukuruku Declaration, i.e ”My Pact With Afemai
People”, dated since July 3rd, 2018.

Excerpts from the historic document revealed thus: ‘Beware my people,
of the spent ruling class in Afemai land or elsewhere in Nigeria and
embrace the new arrivals for the goal of transformation… History can
be altered permanently in the interest of the downtrodden and
humanity… Never again shall Afemai land be luckless to fold our
hands and allow vissionless con men and women to decide our fate.
Never again!”. Really, ‘history can be altered permanently in the
interest of the downtrodden’ in Owan land, in Ikhide’s sincere House
of Representatives quest, most especially with the unflinching support
from the youths, (his immediate constituency) including men and women
of good will everywhere.

Conclusively here, it is pertinent to state that this political
masquerade being unveiled: Erasmus Ikhide, is a shrewd controller of
complex and compelling currents, an astute manager of men; an
unflinching opponent of criminality, an exponent of good governance,
and a security expert.

For me Comrade Erasmus Ikhide remains steadfast to his principles,
unwavering in his resoluteness, a leviathan of grass roots politics
and a man of extraordinary political attributes.