Monthly Archives: September 2021

SWAGA TRAIN Visits Ikorodu Division Receives Ayangburen In Council Royal Blessing ~Ajasa-Info

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….Set to hold her Lagos State Chapter Inauguration in October

By Muhammed Adekunle

SWAGA TRAIN Visits Ikorodu Division, while the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi played host to the guest from different part of South-west.

Aarebirin Hon. Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, (Vice chairman Ikorodu LGA leads other Vice-chairmen from Ikorodu division to the Palace)

The meeting commenced Immediately, after the welcome address by the Asipa in council of Ikorodu Division. Guest speakers took the stage to state purpose of their visit which goes thus; Ogben Ajife of Swaga directorate and planning started his address by mentioning that some respectable Elders decided that section of politics in the country should be grade by grade, during the formation of APC an agreement was made entailing that after the North serves its presidency term it should be turn of the South.

Though south-west is not the only accessible one. but south west has a voice. and Asiwaju remains the top. Swaga was launched in iBadan as a fore front of Western Region. the Olubadan accepted swaga. Traditional leaders being the connection between the people and the government. Also, went to see the Alaafin of Oyo who gave his voice and warned them to update him on process and feedbacks of the movement. Next, was Osun state Oluwo of Iwo Land spoke loud and assured of his support for the movement, then, Akarigbo of Ogun state, Senator Gbenga daniel and Abeokuta to meet Alake’ and Ikale and Ilaje all for the swaga movement, From there to Ondo state, then to the Deji of Akure then to Pa Ayo Fasoranti, then Ekiti Before Lagos state where the Swaga launch would commence from 3rd to 8th of October 2021. He also said there arw Plans to tour entire IBILE division of Lagos state as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu origin.

Otunba Tijani Sunkanmi. – (Chairman APC Ikorodu division) in his address describe Asiwaju as someone beyond definition. That Nigerians will support his mandate, check his credentials and profile to be assured of his capability. How he transformed Lagos from the dirtiest state to a clean state. He raised the IGR of Lagos state during his term in office among other worthy achievements. And that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will change the status of an average Nigerian. He also said there are more to say when the time comes. he commended Swaga movement for being a good initiative. described Asiwaju as a round peg in a round hole and pray God grant him long life.

Meanwhile, Chairman Ikorodu Local Government Hon. Wasiu Adeshina In his words describe Asiwaju as an institution, that almost all politicians pass through Asiwaju, Raised the standard of Yoruba indigenes. He also commended Swaga for their effort and prayed for more strength to them, he gave an advice that the meeting venue for Swaga in Ikorodu should be made known so they can offer their support.

Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo Chairman Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS) In his words appreciated all the guest seated, He reminded them of the words of the South-west as being the next to govern, He made mention that only a capable hands to rule, he said he once worked in local government so he knows the effort of Asiwaju in governance.

He used the words that the crown fits Jagaban borgu, “we should let him do it” He reminded that Jagaban has built people across regions and none can meet his capacity building, defines Jagaban has a builder of men and resources, through him he built blue-print for development, how he assisted President Buhari to his post today, Describe Asiwaju as being soft tempered and super fit for the role.

Alhaji Monsuru Olowoshago a renowned journalist in his words mentioned that Asiwaju made him register for the party membership card, He describe Asiwaju as an Intelligent individual, he advised SWAGA team not to reply critics, but, draw them closer.

He described Asiwaju as a bridge builder in whom people will voluntarily support him not because of gains nor returns but because of what he has done for people in the past, also initiated his support in emergence of the King of Ikorodu, He advised Swaga and other politicians to be careful and not to betray Asiwaju, He noted that his profession as a journalist does not stop his support from politics.

Asipa Kaoli Olusanya in his words reminded the yoruba origin of the popular herbert Ogunde lyrics that Yoruba should think clearly, and how we have missed two chances already. That the In-fighting between yorubas stopped awolowo from presidential emergence same goes for MKO abiola denial by being sabotaged. while he also prayed that this third term we won’t miss out on it. that also as he is Baba Oba of Ikorodu would foster development in Ikorodu.

The Kabiyesi (Oba kabir Adewale Shotobi) In his speech thanked the almighty God, and mentioned that Traditional rulers were highly placed, Before Military intervention. and he believed Asiwaju has a respecter of Traditional rulers will be a worthy and bouncing back of culture of placing traditional rulers in their proper position. He noted that his presence in Ikorodu is worthy (by unveiling the tallest picture in his palace) where Asiwaju was the Baba Oba of Ikorodu and his contribution as being enormous.
He said when the issue of presidency came up.

He said council of obas in Ijebu and Lagos are supporting the mandate of Asiwaju. that they have seen his stance right before the Swaga movement was launched. They had raised their staff of office up during a retreat in assertion of Asiwaju presidency. All we need to do is to support him. He said If Asiwaju declare his ambition. the council of obas in Lagos and Ijebu will support him by praying for him publicly. as they have being doing privately. He said he will never go against the government cause they have being answering his plea. and He prays one day. an Ikorodu Indigene will emerge as Governor of Lagos state someday. He also prayed continously for the entire SWAGA movement.

He performed the Traditional rites. while he went on with his prayers and support for Asiwaju so, as not to loose the third good time for southeners, He also spoke on behalf of council of Oba’s that they will support Asiwaju ambition, That this is pay-back for Asiwaju to return back the effort he has invested in people. While also admonishing each citizens to get their PVC ready not until election is few months away before running helter skelter.

Otunba Bayo of Primero in his vote of thanks speech reminded the audience that there had always being a coup in every thirty years. and this time in 2023. its another 30years. we should not allow a repetition. He also admonish the people to wary of In-fighting through Ogun state. He urge for more support for Asiwaju. So, southerners won’t miss the chance again.

While order of pictures took place.

Also, in attendance were dignitaries of eminent personalities including; Primate Charles Odugbesi – Chairman of Lagos swaga movement General manager of Primero limited, member of swaga apex committe. Alhaja kafilat ogbara – Swaga secretary Lagos state., Otunba Tijani Sunkanmi (Chairman, APC Ikorodu division), The Iyalode in council, The Baale’s of Ikorodu division, The Osugbo’s were also in attendance.

Mrs Funmilayo olarenwaju Swaga welfare directorate, Suibat Kasunmu Hon. Bolanle lola and other Swaga members.

Senator Tokunbo Abiru COVID-19 Financial Relief: Beneficiaries Get Cash Support For (9) nine Consecutive Month running ~Ajasa-Info

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For nine (9) consecutive month running, 1,079 beneficiaries of the Senator Tokunbo Abiru COVID-19 Financial Assistance received direct credit in their respective bank accounts today across 98 wards of the 16 Local Governments and the Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the Lagos East Senatorial District.

Those that benefitted this September belong to the Batch A category. Over a thousand beneficiaries in the category B will receive support next month.

The COVID-19 support scheme which kicked off January, 2021 in fulfilment of the promise made by the distinguished Senator during the electioneering to assist the poorest of the poor across the Lagos East Senatorial District.

Selected beneficiaries have been getting N5000 assistance bimonthly (i.e once in two months) since the beginning of the year and it will run through the year by way of direct credit to their bank accounts.

Beneficiaries include physically-challenged persons, aged, unemployed youth, widows and other vulnerable people in the senatorial district.

Senator Abiru, an accomplished banker has been breaking new frontiers in less than ten months in the saddle.

The Senator’s legislative agenda which is predicated on provision of good to the greater number of the people is already being felt across the socio-strata in the district.

Concerned about the plight of constituents and other road users plying Ikorodu/Sagamu Road and Ikorodu/Itoikin/Epe Epe Road, the distinguished Senator moved a motion calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene on the two critical roads.

Following the motion, Contractors have since moved to site on Ikorodu Sagamu Road.

Under same period, Senator Tokunbo Abiru sponsored a bill titled, ‘The Copyright Act Repeal And Re-enactment Bill, 2021’ that will replace the extant Copyright Act Cap C28 LFN 2004.

The critical bill that will revolutionize the knowledge and intellectual property industry has scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate. Public hearing will be held on the bill in October.

The Distinguished Senator also facilitated a four blocks of 24 classrooms equipped with furniture and modern instruction materials, 16 toilets to Aga Primary School. The completed blocks of classrooms is completed and billed for commissioning soon.

In Epe, a mini stadium is currently under construction. A 40-bed Primary Health Centre is coming to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA..

In October, a whopping 600 brilliant tertiary institutions students in the Lagos East Senatorial District will benefit from the Senator’s Annual Bursary Scheme.

And in November, The Office of Senator Abiru in partnership with Fate Foundation, about 1, 000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the District will be trained in a two-day MSME Clinic.

SANWO-OLU APPOINTS STATE AUDITOR-GENERAL, AUDITOR-GENERAL FOR UNIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE DESIGNATE ~Ajasa-Info

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. . . Appointments Subject to Confirmation of Lagos State House of Assembly

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Mr. Salami Sikiru Adeniji as the Permanent Secretary/State Auditor-General and Mr. Ogunlana Obafemi Musa, as Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for the Unified Local Government Service.

A statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, explained that both appointees, who are substantive Directors of Audit in the Office of the State Auditor-General, were nominated from the pool of qualified candidates after a rigorous two-month screening between November and December 2020.

Muri-Okunola maintained that the process culminating in the emergence of the two candidates was in strict compliance with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Laws of Lagos State (2015).

The statement noted that Mr. Salami’s appointment was consequent upon the statutory retirement of the erstwhile State Auditor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Helen Deile, on 24th August 2021. The appointment of Mr. Ogunlana will become effective upon the retirement of the current Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for Unified Local Governments on October 3, 2021.

Noting that the selection also involved a high-level Committee comprising the Chairmen of State Civil Service Commission, State Audit Service Commission and the Head of Service, Muri-Okunola stated that both appointments are, however, subject to the confirmation of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Congratulating the new appointees, the Head of Service expressed confidence that the new appointees possess the qualities, competencies and critical experience required to serve in their new duty posts.

PFO FOUNDATION PRESENT FREE (50) FIFTY GCE FORMS ~Ajasa-Info

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No fewer than 50 indigent students of Mainland local government area (Ebute-Metta) of Lagos State will benefits from free General Certificate of Education, GCE, forms presenting by Hon~Prince Fuahd Oloto Founder Chairman PFO FOUNDATION The CEO F. Oloto Construction, Futol Logistics & Futol Group Of Companies.

Harping on the need for students to be well educated, PFO stated further; most parents do not have what it takes to give their children qualitative education adding that the present situation in the country has also contributed to the problem.

While calling on parents, guardians and teachers to devote more time to giving qualitative education to their students, he said; education must be seen beyond the ordinary, rather, it is an emotional aspect of human beings that should not be toyed with.

Finally, PFO stated that; The greatest thing a man can do in this world is to make the most possible out of the stuff that has been given him, this is success, and there is no other.

World Tourism Day: Epe Local Government recorded a huge success ~Ajasa-Info

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The Executive Chairman, Epe Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Tourism Day with pomp and pageantry.

The purpose of the event which is annually celebrated on the 27th of September, is to raise awareness on the importance of tourism and its socio-political, cultural and economic value within international communities.

In her welcome address, The Executive Chairman acknowledged the significance of this year’s edition being observed in the aftermath of the Covid19 pandemic:

“As we gradually ease out of the restrictions and containment measures of the Covid19 pandemic, it is important to have conversations around the diversification of the economy, shifting from total reliance on the oil sector and identifying other more inclusive non-oil sectors that can be equally beneficial to the Nigerian economy and its people.”

Buttressing the motive of this year’s theme tagged: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, Hon. (Princess) Surah O. Animashaun went on to say:

“Our country is blessed with rich tourist attractions and if properly harnessed, will not only impact positively on the IGR of the nation by increasing international and local trade within different sectors but will also create employment opportunities for a cross-section of people in various areas of specializations.”

“Currently, tourism stands as one of the biggest drivers for economic development and growth, accounting for 10.4 percent of the world’s GDP. Being one of the fastest growing industries, nations all over the world are increasing their investment in tourism development and leveraging heavily on their cultural exports to promote their destinations and kickstart their economy. Epe must not be left behind.”

Against this backdrop, community and industry stakeholders as well as potential investors were present for the unveiling of the new visual identity for Epe Tourism as well as the official launch of the waterfront hangout facilities at the Epe Marina.

The LG Boss expressed her plans to take on and execute various urban development initiatives that will not only reposition the region to attract more tourists but also a good number investment opportunities that will benefit all.

Amongst other activities, the event featured a boat regatta to celebrate the aquatic splendor of Epe town, recognised as the Fish Basket of Lagos. This was followed shortly with colourful performances by the cultural troupes in the Epe community as well as Aziza Cultural Troupe from Ajido kingdom in Badagry Local Government Area alongside visiting groups from nearby communities and Badagry showcasing their local crafts and heritage.

In her speech, she further stated:

“When Tourism development is done right, it can foster the growth of productive opportunities for income generation and provide equal access to these opportunities for all our people. Everyone, from the tour guides to the artisans and fishermen, the investors to the farmers and petty traders will benefit from it.

Hon. (Princess) Surah O. Animashaun gave the assurance that her administration will strive to create a tourism ecosystem that is inclusive; where every single individual plays a part in promoting its potentials and also benefits from the income generation in equal measures.

LASG PROMISES INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN TOURISM SECTOR ~Ajasa-Info

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… Marks 2021 World Tourism Day

The Lagos state Government has reechoed its commitment to ensure inclusiveness to further expand the growth of Tourism and Hospitality business in the State.

Speaking at a symposium to herald the Y2021 World Tourism Day, the Commissioner for Tourism Art and Culture, Pharm. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf said the event was designed to gather thoughts on the strategies that could be adopted to chart a way forward for the Tourism industry.

Akinbile-Yusuf explained that with the theme of this year’s event ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, the State has unarguably been able to coordinate all critical stakeholders in order to ensure they are all carried along on the template of tourism development in the State.

The Commissioner mentioned that the Ministry had held series of interactive sessions with relevant stakeholders which was meant to push the trajectory of harmonizing thoughts on the prosperity of Lagos State especially as regards tourism, arts, culture and entertainment and the move according to her, has led to the implementation of numerous initiatives executed in consonance with the State’s Tourism Masterplan.

“The first stakeholder session we held this year was on “The Best of Lagos” while the second session was on “Promoting Domestic Tourism: Post-covid” and plan is still in place for another stakeholders’ session before the end of the year. We believe that we can thrive better through a collaborative relationship with all our relevant stakeholders.

“I’m happy to report that the fall out of these meetings are now being implemented by the Ministry.

” Specifically, we have started a training session for about 150 tour guides who would ensure that Visitors/Tourists have a worthwhile experience in Lagos at all time

” Apart from this, the initiative will also contribute to the attractiveness of tourism destinations, create employment opportunities for potential tour guides and positively impact the GDP of the State, and this is in sync with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, “Tourism For Inclusive Growth”, being examined across the globe.” she said

While saying that the Tourism sector is not a static industry, Akinbile-Yussuf maintained that the dynamic nature of the sector, calls for intermittent review of emerging trends, especially with the advent of COVID-19 which further underscored the indispensability to realign the State plans to meet present day realities.

According to her “Tourism in the past two years has suffered a serious setback due to covid 19 outbreak. As the reality is dawn on us now that we may have to live with this virus for a while, the onus is for us to design new strategies to resuscitate this very important sector without compromising all covid-19 protocols. For us at the Ministry, we realized this fact and have kept constant relationship with our stakeholders to regularly brainstorm and design ways through which we can keep this sector alive despite the covid 19 threat.”

She stressed that efforts have been geared towards Tourism inclusivity in the State, particularly with launching of its Community-Based Tourism, CBT, initiative which will enable the Ministry explore, access and develop Tourism potentials such as Unique Cultural Practices, Tradition and Heritage within the Local Community.

Also, the capacity development of filmmakers under the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative, a partnership with Delyork Creative Academy and EbonyLife Creative Academy has been overwhelming, and with the plans for the establishment of Lagos Film City at Ejirin which she stressed will serve as a huge impetus for the development of the entertainment industry especially via cost reduction and employment generation bringing about huge relief and improved quality film productions.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Solomon Bonu said that the event aligns with the directives of Governor Sanwo-Olu that the Ministry should intensify efforts towards ensuring sustainable socio-economy of the State through Tourism.

He said the theme : ‘Tourism for lnclusive Growth’ would afford stakeholders the opportunity to look beyond tourism statistics and knowledge and consider people that can drive the growth of Tourism.

According to him, “World Tourism Day, is the global observance day for fostering awareness of tourism’s social and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

The human desire to travel and explore is universal which is why tourism must be open for all to enjoy considering the social and economic benefits that tourism brings to everyone, the day therefore highlights the power of Tourism for lnclusive Growth.”

Chairman House Committee on Tourism, Hon. Fatai Oluwa was optimistic that the gathering would live up to expectation towards building and establishing partnership for the growth of the Sector.

Oluwa said the State is not oblivious of its enormous potentials and is working assiduously to cater for all and sundry because Tourism affects everyday activities, as it was not only tilted towards driving economic growth but enhancing social progress across the world.

He enjoined stakeholders to showcase the State cultural heritage as well as its people to prospective visitors, while assuring that the State House of Assembly would continue to give legislative support to development of the Industry.

The Permanent Secretrary of the Ministry, Mrs. Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, who presented the message by Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, stressed the need to open more opportunities and benefits available in the sector to everyone in order to enhance its scope.

This, according to the Message, will bring about inclusiveness, stressing that inclusive growth means getting everybody on board in building a foundation for a better future for all in the tourism sector.

Speaking in a separate interview, the Permanent secretary explained that the State is working to harness all the available resources that can revive the Tourism sector which was badly affected by the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to her, the State is not only looking at Tourism within the tourism Ministry we are looking at it affect its entirety in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole, because we have realized that working together will ensure that tourism become a good experience for the d resident of Lagos and the State Community Based tourism will allow Domestic Tourism to grow.”

She affirmed that the sector recorded unquantifiable loss both in finance and emotion during the pandemic, stressing that efforts are in top gear to stabilize the sector.

In her paper presentation, Dr. Adun Okupe said for inclusive growth to be achieved, local communities must be actively involved regardless of their age, economic status, religion and besides the activation of gender equality, women must be allowed to play key role in ensuring inclusivity in the Tourism sector.

She also called for provision of social infrastructure that can facilitate easy access to local communities as well as consistent training, education and development opportunities for the people in custody of historical buildings, so that it can provide ecosystem for economic and social growth.

There was an interactive session at the event where different Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government explored the various areas of Tourism potentials in their respective domains and how tourists and investors can take advantage of these potentials.

LASG BEGINS IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM IN PILOT LGAs ~Ajasa-Info

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An initiative that would further unravel tourism potentials in different Local Government Areas across the State, tagged Community-Based Tourism (CBT), has been unveiled by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who made this disclosure at a sensitisation programme for staff, including cultural officers from the State Council for Arts and Culture as well as the Film and Video Censors Board, said six communities have been identified in the first phase of the implementation of the Community-Based Tourism idea.

Akinbile-Yussuf listed the pilot LGAs as Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi /Isolo, Eti Osa and Surulere, adding that the establishment of the Community-Based Tourism Unit under the Research and Development Department of the Ministry, was in line with the State’s Tourism Masterplan and Policy.

She said that the Ministry has been directing its programmes and policies in line with the Master Plan and Policy, being the approved guiding documents for the activities of the Ministry in the next couple of years.

The Commissioner assured officials, who would be implementing the Masterplan at the community level under the Community-Based Tourism, of adequate support in terms of all necessary logistics that would enhance the delivery of their assigned responsibilities.

Akinbile-Yussuf stated that the decision to commence the CBT at this period was to enable exploration, access and development of Tourism potentials such as Unique Cultural Practices, Tradition and Heritage within the Local Community.

She said: “We want to initiate an agenda for the development and growth of domestic tourism, promote and market tourism internationally as contained in the Ministry’s Masterplan and Policy”.

In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, said that the Ministry will provide necessary work tools and incentives that would aid the effective discharge of duties by officers in the various communities.

He encouraged the staffers to discharge their duties diligently and effectively so that the initiative can be cascaded to more local government areas and also encourage the State government to invest more in CBT.

The Permanent Secretary, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, informed that the Ministry expects the officers manning the CBT to come up with innovative ideas that will promote the development of Domestic Tourism in a bid to enhance local tourism.

According to her, the Ministry’s officials at the community level are to coordinate, liaise, raise public awareness and undertake activities that will encourage cultural heritage resuscitation and preservation, while also promoting tourism marketing via promotional campaigns, sponsorship and facilitating cultural and traditional events.

She also encouraged staff to identify and coordinate the activities of people who are into indigenous technology such as carving, sculpting, weaving and craft, painting, local textile etc.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Tunji Seymour, commended the move and described it as complementary to the efforts made by his Office and the Research and Development Department of the Ministry earlier in the year, when he led some government officials on a visit to assess the state of some tourism assets in different parts of Lagos.

Seymour added that the establishment of the CBT Unit would further help fast track the restoration of some cultural values that are gradually going into extinction in different communities in Lagos State.

The new CBT Unit of the Ministry would be under the supervision of the Director of Research and Development of the Ministry, Mrs. Yetunde Simpson.

SANWO-OLU RECEIVES GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS CERTIFICATE FOR LARGEST ANNIVERSARY CUPCAKES ~Ajasa-Info

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday received the Guinness World Record certificate as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic.

The record was in respect of Lagos State Government’s celebration of the 60th independence anniversary of Nigeria with 60,011 cupcakes mosaic anniversary logo in the world, on October 1, 2020.

The initiative had placed Nigeria and Lagos in the Guinness World Records as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic.

The Certificate of the Guinness World Records for the Largest Cupcakes Mosaic was presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina by the Managing Director, Outori Limited and Lead, Fly Africa Initiative, Mr. Wole Olagundoye.

Governor Sanwo-Olu was joined by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu and his SDGs and Investment counterpart, Mrs. Solape Hammond to receive the certificate.

Speaking on the presentation, Akinbile-Yussuf, said putting Lagos State in the Guinness Book of World Records was a great feat which the State would leverage for other world records.

LASG TO CELEBRATE Y2021 WORLD TOURISM DAY WITH SYMPOSIUM ~Ajasa-Info

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The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, will on Monday, 27th September, 2021, join other tourism enthusiasts across the world to celebrate the annual World Tourism Day with the theme “Tourism For Inclusive Growth”.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s annual celebration, which is the 42nd edition, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said that the State Government will leverage on the celebration to meet and share innovative ideas and strategies with its tourism stakeholders, practitioners, and academia on ways to attain, implement and sustain the theme set by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

She maintained that this year’s World Tourism Day presents an opportunity to rethink the future of the sector, especially its contribution to Sustainable Development Goals, through the social, cultural, political and economic value chain, saying that there is a need for recovery after the effects of COVID-19 on the sector.

The Commissioner stated that the inclusive growth concept, which is the latest approach advocated by policymakers to improve living standards in the tourism sector, is in line with the Ministry’s strategy to include residents of the various communities across the State in the development of their rich tourism potentials.

Specifically, Akinbile-Yussuf revealed that the implementation of a Community-Based Tourism, CBT, initiative has started with the creation of a Unit to oversee tourism development in different communities across the State.

The Commissioner also disclosed that some potential tour guides are presently undergoing a six-week free training programme sponsored by the State Government, stressing that the gesture will aid tourism development and in consonance with the implementation of the State’s Tourism Master Plan.

She averred that topics like ‘Tourism as a Catalyst for Growth and Sustainability, and ‘Building Inclusive Partnership For Growth Through Tourism Recovery’, among others, would be extensively examined with paper presentations by tourism professionals.

Cote d’Ivoire will be the host country for this year’s event, as globally declared and accepted by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), while other Nations including Lagos, will join in celebrating the Day from their respective countries.

Recall that World Tourism Day was initiated by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and is commemorated yearly on 27th September to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural and economic values.

Budget Deficit: Senator Tokunbo Abiru Tasks Govt Agencies On Maximizing Capacity For Revenue Generation ~Ajasa-Info

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The Senator representing the Lagos East senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA on Wednesday during the debate on the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper on the floor of the Senator tasked major revenue earning agencies of government on improved capacity for revenue generation.

Abiru, an ex-banker and former Lagos Commissioner of Finance argued that one of the sustainable ways of reducing the huge budget deficit of the nation is for the agencies to improve their capacity in revenue drive and plug wastages.

He said, “How do we moderate the deficit. Some of the things that came out during the committee stage is the fact that most of the agencies of government we still need to push them to maximize their capacity for revenue generation.

“One of the major revenue earners for this country is oil. As the world is getting relaxed based on discovery of vaccine for COVID-19. As a result, there will be uptick in demand. Even the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC is increasing world output in terms of quota. But what do we find?  Our own oil agency here is still falling short. They have the capacity of 2.5mbd capacity.

“We still lose above 100,000 bd of crude oil per day. If you extrapolate that in a year that is in excess of 40mb. That is in excess of N1tr. Those are revenues that can moderate out deficit and improve our capacity to repay debt”.

The Senator later engaged journalists at the Senate Press Centre where he elaborated on the panacea for huge deficit. He argued that when nations are confronted with recession, they spend their way out the conundrum.

 Flanked by the Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Lagos East Senator said, “You spend yourself out of recession to keep the economy moving. But as you do that, yes, people are concerned about People are concerned why the revenue of the country is not rising to meet the expectations of spending.
“That is why you have the huge deficit. Part of what that is speaking to came to the fore during Committee stage, we came across MDAs whose revenue and targets or budget are not in line with the capacity that you expect.

“I think it was Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC . You needed to see trend of the budget and the budget they are projecting into 2022. Even at that committee stage, we had to extend the revenue target from N21b to about N30bn. We gave them the reason. It was based on capacity of what they were doing from prior years.

“That tells you that if you screen all the agencies well, all these deficits that people are clamouring about can be materially reduced if only we can get revenues that will reduce the deficit”.
The Senate passed the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper.