PRESS RELEASE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, as he clocks 50.
Sanwo-Olu extolled the good virtues of the Speaker, saying Obasa has recorded significant strides in his public service as the longest-serving lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, praised Obasa for his contribution towards his Constituency, Agege I, the State Assembly, Lagos State, and Nigeria in general, especially during his tenure as Chairman, Conference of Speakers of the State Legislatures of Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described Obasa, a member of the Lagos APC apex leadership body, Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as a committed and trusted partner in the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda, added that the Speaker is passionate about the growth and development of Lagos State, saying that is why there is synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government.
He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the Lagos State Government, leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the good people of Lagos State, I join millions of well-wishers, colleagues, associates, and family members to congratulate the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa on his Golden jubilee celebration.
“You (Obasa) are a loyal and committed member of the progressive family in Lagos State, especially in Agege Local Government area where you served passionately as Councilor on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD) between 1999 and 2002 before being elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003 and re-elected four consecutive times to become the longest serving lawmaker in Lagos State House of Assembly.
“You are an outstanding politician worthy of emulation and commendation because of the role you have been playing as leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. As Speaker, you have discharged your duties with utmost professionalism, commitment, competence, and dedication for a cordial relationship between the legislature and executive for the progress of our dear Lagos State.
“As you attain this Golden age of wisdom, I wish you more fulfilling years. I pray that God will grant you the grace, long life, and sound health to continue to direct the affairs of the Lagos State House of Assembly and render more service to humanity.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 NOVEMBER 2022

PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU, DONS PRAISE PROF. OGUNDIPE, AS OUTGOING UNILAG VC LAUNCHES MEMOIR
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, for his leadership, especially during the stormy period of the institution.
He described Prof. Ogundipe as an astute academician who put the name of the University of Lagos on the map of institutions of repute in the world.
The Governor spoke at the launching of a book titled “The Captain, Steering a Ship above the Murky Waters” in honour of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Ogundipe, who became a professor at the age of 42, saying the outgoing Vice Chancellor remained steadfast and well-prepared for the job of leading one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
Sanwo-Olu also extolled the virtues of the former Vice Chancellor for not putting his family name in disrepute, as he had done his own bit to take the University of Lagos to greater heights.
“As an alumnus, I can testify that in the last five years of his (Ogundipe) tenure as Vice Chancellor, we witnessed meaningful and purposeful governance, administrative excellence and giant strides in the institution,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also applauded Prof. Ogundipe and other members of UNILAG management for ensuring a seamless, transparent transition of power to a new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.
He recommended the book “The Captain, Steering a Ship above the Murky Waters” to the public, saying it will be a good read and something that people will learn from.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the event, Chief Yemi Ogunbiyi, said Prof. Ogundipe and his colleagues at the University of Lagos should be commended for the success of the outgoing Vice Chancellor.
He said the outgoing Vice Chancellor experienced turbulent time in office but he succeeded.
In his remarks, the Book Reviewer, Prof. Kola Kazeem said the book written by Prof. Ogundipe was a great resource, designed to present several projects, activities and strides in the author’s five years tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 NOVEMBER 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS EDUCATIONIST, AND FIRST FEMALE GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA, VIRGINIA NGOZI ETIABA AT 80
President Muhammadu Buhari shares the joy of the memorable occasion with the family and friends of an educationist and first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba, who turns an octogenarian on November 11, 2022.
The President rejoices with the former Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, whose labor of love in the educational sector will always be remembered, working as a teacher and headmistress for 35 years, before retiring to set up Bennet Etiaba Memorial Schools.
President Buhari notes the remarkable difference the former Governor made during her short stay in office, signing the Anambra State Child’s Rights Bill into law, and initiating major infrastructural projects, which earned her a reputation for being tenacious, resolute, and purposeful.
As Dame Etiaba celebrates another milestone, the President urges her to count God’s many blessings upon her life, and the good fortune of shaping lives as a teacher, before the larger political opportunity of sharing her compassion, competency, and exemplary leadership style.
President Buhari prays for the well-being of the former Governor and her family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 10, 2022

GOV AKEREDOLU, SIBLINGS HOLD SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MUM
•Granny Was Generous, Prayerful – Grandson
The journey to eternal rest for late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu (JP), mother of the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, continued on Thursday with Service of Songs at Jacob & Grace Chapel of the All Saints’ Church, Ido Eruwa Road, Ibadan, and St. Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Governor Akeredolu led some of his siblings and other family members to hold the Service of Songs for their late mother at All Saints’ Church, Jacob and Grace Chapel, Ido in Ibadan.
Another Service of Songs was held simultaneously at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan, where the First Lady, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, joined the Governor’s siblings including Professor Wole Akeredolu, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, and Mrs. Toyin Akeredolu and their spouses.
At Jacob and Grace Chapel, the first Bible lesson at the Service of Songs was read by the Governor’s younger sister, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, while mama’s last child, Mr. Femi Akeredolu, took the second lesson and Governor Akeredolu’s daughter, Dr. Teniola Akeredolu, read the last lesson.
In his brief exhortation tilted “Finishing Well”, the presiding minister, Very Rev. Dr. Kalu Ndukwe, extolled the rich legacy and remarkable footprints left behind by late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu, adding that the nonagenarian had fought a good fight and finished the race well.
The Cleric particularly lauded the deceased for her worthy services to God and humanity .
“We thank God for the life Mama lived and the remarkable footprint she left behind. The testimony that we heard today was that she was prayerful. She was generous.
“This message is not for her. The books are closed and the message is for the living. It is for us to live well so that we can exit gracefully and end well. Wisdom demands that we should be prepared to finish well,,” he added.
In his testimony, Governor Akeredolu first child, Rotimi Akeredolu Junior, described the deceased as a special woman.
He said: ”Granny was a special woman. She has passed but her memory will definitely linger on. One of my first memories was Orogun. Granny was hundred percent devoted to God.
“One thing that was special about her was her generosity. She was very generous to everybody. It was painful that she passed away.”
In his Vote of Thanks, Governor Akeredolu thanked the church for allowing the children to build the Jacob and Grace Chapel named after their late father and mother.
“When we were laying the foundation stone of this chapel only few of us were there. My mum was here. We laid the foundation together. And I want to specially appreciate All Saints Church.
“Your church, my church, our church. I am proud of this church. You gave us a great honour to build this small chapel. This church was named after my mum and her late Husband. For allowing us to do that, I want to thank the Church,” he said.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Justices from Ondo State Judiciary led by the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola; members of the Bar and the Bench; friends and associates.
Also in attendance were members of Loyola College Old Students Association, Ibadan, among several others.
A minute silence was also observed in honour of the departed nonagenarian.
There was also planting of a memorial tree in honour of the nonagenarian and her late husband, Rev Jacob Akeredolu.
The burial arrangements started on Wednesday in Owo, the country home of Governor Akeredolu, with the traditional Ajabue procession round the ancient town.
The traditional procession was led by Governor Akeredolu’s immediate younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu, and the last child of the deceased, Mr. Femi Akeredolu.
The burial arrangements continue tomorrow, Friday, November 11, 2022, with Commendation Service at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, by 9am.
It will be followed by Service of Songs at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, Ondo State, by 4pm and later in the evening, the Wake Keep will be held at Jacob & Grace Garden, opposite Imade College, Oke-Ogun, Owo .
On Saturday, November 12, 2022, the
Burial Service will hold at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 10am.
Interment follows immediately after the burial service while reception will hold at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo.
Late Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu died on September 15 at the age of 90 years.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
November 10, 2022.

November 10, 2022
Press Statement
Atiku welcomes Wike camp’s peace overtures
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar welcomes reports that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and his group are favourably disposed to the resolution of the issues with the PDP candidate.
Atiku Abubakar also expresses his commitment to a negotiation that will resolve the crisis of confidence and pave the way for a much stronger and united PDP.
The former Vice President of Nigeria, notes that never at any time of the differences that has ensued has the doors been shut to Governor Wike and his group.
He enjoins every leader of the party and their supporters irrespective of their leanings to be open-minded and support the process of resolution of the extant issues.
Signed:
Paul O Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja.

How Not To Talk With Africa About Climate Change
By Muhammadu Buhari
Part of my nation is underwater. Seasonal flooding is normal in Nigeria, but not like this. Thirty-four of the country’s 36 states have been affected. More than 1.4 million people have been displaced. Together with drought-driven famine in the Horn of Africa, cascading wildfires across the North and wave upon wave of intensifying cyclones in the South, climate disasters in Africa form the backdrop to this year’s U.N. Climate Change Conference (known as COP27) in Egypt.
Many of my peers are frustrated with Western hypocrisy and its inability to take responsibility. Governments have repeatedly failed to meet their commitments to the $100 billion fund for climate adaptation and mitigation in the developing world — for the mess their own industries caused. According to the United Nations, Africa is the continent worst affected by climate change despite contributing the least to it. Even though the COP27’s agenda notes the need for compensation for loss and damages (as distinct from adaptation and mitigation funding), that demand has mostly been met with silence in the West.
Amid this simmering acrimony, I offer a few words of advice to Western negotiators at this year’s COP27. They should help the West avoid exacerbating what the U.N. secretary general has called “a climate of mistrust” enveloping our world. Some of the global south’s demands seem obvious. But experience of the recent past suggests they need to be reiterated.
First, rich countries should direct a greater share of funding to developing nations’ adaptation to the effects of climate change. Most financing currently flows toward mitigation projects, such as renewable energy projects, that reduce emissions. While such projects have their uses, far more money needs to go to helping Africa adapt to the effects of climate change — which seems only fair for a continent that produces less than 3 percent of global emissions.
Africa urgently needs investment in adaptation infrastructure — such as flood prevention systems — to stave off the disasters that destroy communities and cripple economies.
Second, don’t tell Africans they can’t use their own resources. If Africa were to use all its known reserves of natural gas — the cleanest transitional fossil fuel — its share of global emissions would rise from a mere 3 percent to 3.5 percent.
We are not the problem. Yet the continent needs a reliable source of power if it is to pull millions of citizens out of poverty and create jobs for its burgeoning youth population. Africa’s future must be carbon-free. But current energy demands cannot yet be met solely through weather-dependent solar and wind power.
Don’t tell Africa that the world cannot afford the climate cost of its hydrocarbons — and then fire up coal stations whenever Europe feels an energy pinch. Don’t tell the poorest in the world that their marginal energy use will break the carbon budget — only to sign off on new domestic permits for oil and gas exploration. It gives the impression your citizens have more of a right to energy than Africans.
Third, when you realize you need Africa’s reserves, don’t cut its citizens out of the benefits. In the wake of the Ukraine war, there has been a resurgence of interest in Africa’s gas. But this impulse is coming from Western companies — backed by their governments — who are interested only in extracting these resources and then exporting them to Europe.
Funding for gas that benefits Africa as well as the West is conspicuously lacking. At last year’s COP, Western governments and multilateral lenders pledged to stop all funding for overseas fossil fuel projects. Without these pools of capital, Africa will struggle to tap the gas needed to boost its own domestic power supply. Consequently, its development and industrialization will suffer. Donor countries don’t believe in the developing world exploiting its own hydrocarbons even as they pursue new oil and gas projects within their own borders.
Western development has unleashed climate catastrophe on my continent. Now, the rich countries’ green policies dictate that Africans should remain poor for the greater good. To compound the injustice, Africa’s hydrocarbons will be exploited after all — just not for Africans.
Fourth, follow your own logic. Africa is told that the falling cost of renewables means that it must leapfrog carbon-emitting industries. At the same time, Western governments are effectively paying their citizens to burn more hydrocarbons: Lavish subsidy packages have been drawn up to offset spiraling energy bills. Meanwhile, Africa is the continent closest to being carbon-neutral. It reserves the right to plug holes in its energy mix with the resources in its ground — especially when they will make almost no difference to global emissions.
The Western countries are unable to take politically difficult decisions that hurt domestically. Instead, they move the problem offshore, essentially dictating that the developing world must swallow the pill too bitter for their own voters’ palates. Africa didn’t cause the mess, yet we pay the price. At this year’s COP, that should be the starting point for all negotiations.