The Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi on Wednesday, led some key members of the party executives to the Constituency office of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru for a crucial meeting with Senator Abiru’s over 2,000 Canvassers from Kosofe and Somolu LGAs.
The Canversers operate under the auspices of East Consultative Forum,ECF, an independent Campaign group that is complementing the party’s voters mobilisation drive in the Lagos East Senatorial District.
There are over 4,000 Canvassers engaged by Senator Abiru to mobilise voters to vote for all the APC candidates in the February 25 and March 11, 2023 general elections.
Similar sensitisation sessions were held for Canvassers from Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju Lekki.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru in his remarks, appealed to the Canvassers to intensify voters mobilisation exercise across Kosofe, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Somolu Bariga and by extension, the 98 wards in the 16 LGAs/LCDAs under Lagos East.
According to the Senator, It is imperative for the party to have a large voter turnout that will boost the number of votes for APC, particularly, the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He reiterated that ECF is not in competition with the party, but complementing the efforts of the party in mobilizing voters to vote for all APC. Senator Abiru said respect for the party and its structures remained sacrosanct.
He disclosed further that campaign sourvenirs were first given to the party before getting to the Canvesers and their coordinators across the Lagos East Senatorial District.
The Party Chairman, Pastor Ojelabi said Senator Tokunbo Abiru has shown that he is indeed a loyal party man, who is genuinely seeking the success of the party at the polls. According to him, Senator Abiru has strenthened the confidence of the party members through his robust reward system that gets to beneficiaries directly.
Pastor Ojelabi said Senator Abiru has re-enacted the what the Holy Bible says in Revelation 22 vs 12, … “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”. He assured that Canvassers who diligently mobilize andd ensure that voters vote for all APC Candidates will get the reward as promised by the #DoingGood Senator.
“The Senator has done. He has given to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar and we should ensure that will highest numbers of votes for the APC in Lagos. The Party Chairman said that Senator Abiru has delivered exceptionally well on his mandate in the last 25 months he has been in the saddle.
“I have been to Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL), the first of its kind Innovation Hub in this district that is focused on Human Capital Development of young people. Senator Abiru’s achievements in just two years are just mind-blowing”, Pastor Ojelabi said at the meeting.
Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu, LCDA, Mayor Dele Osinowo also charged Canvassers and party members and supporters to work harder for the party and get more eligible voters to vote for APC. He said the ECF initiative and its reward system for members are novel.Osinowo said, “The support the Senator has given to the party is unprecendeted in the history of the Lagos East.
Other party leaders in attendance include: Hon (Mrs) Oladunjoye Olayinka, Vice-Chairman, Lagos East APC, Hon Abiodun Aigbe, Lagos APC Treaurer, Hon (Mrs) Animawun Adejumoke, Assistant Secretary, Lagos APC, Dr Murital Seriki, Lagos APC Youth Leader, Ogboni Fouad Oki, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka, Director, Volunteer and Support Group, State Campaign Council.
Hon Rotimi Abiru, Lagos State House of Assembly member(Somolu Constituency 2), Chairperson, Ikosi-Isheri, LCDA, Hon (Princess) Samiat Abolanle Bada, Chairman, Kosofe LGA, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, Hon(Mrs) Kafilat Ogbara, Dr Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Hon(Princess) Adebimpe Akinsola, Alhaja Ogunniyi Hon Segun Oladapo(Oscar) and Hon. Gbenga Nollah amongst others.
Osogun Alapere area of Agboyi Ketu LCDA was agog as youth trooped out in their hundreds to participate at a youth summit tagged “Heralding Community Development Through Engagement and Involvement.” The event which was convened by the Special Adviser to Mayor Dele Osinowo on ICT & Infrastructure, Hon. Tosin Ogundipe was attended by passionate non political young men and women who are desirous to be active in the LCDA.
In his opening remark the convener of the summit, Hon. Tosin Ogundipe enthused on the necessities that fermented the hosting of the event, particularly at a critical time like this. He took out time to highlight his continuous grass root participation and involvement which he believes is the only way to achieve a better community.
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In the words of the president, Kayode Ojo he emphasized on the need to gather at a time like this to discuss community development vis à vis grassroot governance and the need to participate actively in governance. The keynote speaker, Adeyemi Thomas charged the audience to rise and fully engage in grass root governance. He backed his position with the provision for grass root governance as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the federation.
Agboyi Ketu Youth Leader, Toheeb Obafemi Durosinmi was not left out of the discussion. He, like other speakers provided explicit information on roles of local government administration in the development of the community and further enjoined the audience to consistently seek information on governance at the local level.
The questions and answers session provided opportunity for the participants to ask salient questions about governance at the local level. The event ended with a promise to convene the next meeting on quarterly basis.
Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development area, has reeled out plans for the celebration of her 2nd cultural Carnival.
Which will commence on Friday, September 30th and end on Saturday, October 1st 2022, In commemoration of the World Tourism Day, the Ikosi Isheri Council Chief Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, has stated her resolve to engender much more beneficial commerce and good neighbourliness amongst residents of her domain through the Annual Cultural Carnival scheduled for 30th September and 1st Octorber 2022.
Princess Bada made this known at the press conference which held at the council secretariat yesterday, the second edition of the carnival which the theme: Our Culture, Not Our Religion.
Mayoress emphasize on the need for preservation of age long cultural values and affinities of the people, as it tends to say much about the essence of their being.
Princess Bada said that; “Ikosi Isheri LCDA comprises of different ethnic nationalities, in this community we have Hausa, Igbo and the Yoruba. Insecurity bedevilling the land boils down to the fact that there are tribal intolerance, at the last edition we gather them together sensitize them against clashes amongst different groups and now there is no disparity among the religions, that informs our theme: Our culture not our religion.
“This is to tell you that our ethnic diversity and religion does not divide us, we are coming together in one language and to speak as Ikosi Isherians and to go back and remember our tradition our unique colour- Black is beauty.
“That we have a particular way of life they call culture in Ikosi Isheri and these are things we have interviewed the custodians of our culture like the Obas and Chiefs about and they said they have a lot of things they worship, although the white people who came visiting then went away with lots of things our fathers are using as their power.
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“These are the things that made us come back as Chairman at the grassroots to make different enquiries on how we can forge a united front on those valuable things we have for which many can partner with us.
“That informs why we invited a lot of people whom even while they are here to dine and wine with us, we have a lot of lands here, we will tell them come here and invest in Ikosi Isheri.
“Ikosi Isheri is a proudly peaceful area, during the EndSars protest Ikosi Isheri remain peaceful because already we work as a friend and family here and those are the things that encouraged me to say this year’s own will be a laudable one.
“A lot of musicians are ready to come on board, we are having support from a lot of people names of whom we shall reel out on that day and a lot of our supporters will be awarded, we have made arrangements for a water tight security as no space will accorded any untoward moves during the carnival.” Princess Bada said.
The two-day event had lined up fixtures: music, dance, awards presentation to supporters of the initiative, pageantry, carnival floats and displays of rich cultural heritage.
Fuji Maestro- Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1),Sir Shina Peter’s,Obesere Omorapala,Pasuma,Saheed Balogun,Koffi,QDot,Bella Shmura,OT,Sato Dancers(from Badagry),Olaijo Art& Gallery(Ibadan),Ewi and several others will be performing live at the carnival.
The Traditional Rulers Oba Jamiu Lawal Aileru 1 of Magodo Shangisha, representative of Oba Samuel Alamu Kehinde Oloyede all rallied support for the council chief’s unmatched humanitarian gesture across the divide for her to be able to do more.
However, the APC flag bearer for Kosofe Federal constituency Alhaja Kafilat Ogbara who also graced the occasion applauded Mayoress initiation of the carnival , an idea which she said aligns so well with the fifth item of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu THEMES agenda, which according to her breeds social cohesion, leisure boost and an avenue for people who hitherto were busy hustling to unwind in a less tensed environment.
Ogbara appealed to banks representatives and business owners present at the briefing to donate generously in support of the initiative as according to her it remains one of their corporate social responsibility.
Fielding questions from newsmen at the parley, Ogbara touched on reconciliation moves with her contenders after the primary, stating unequivocally that all of them are in good terms collaborating with her and ready to deliver for the party at coming polls.
She commend all the council chairmen in Kosofe federal constituency she said they have all done well, which will make her campaign easier.
“We thank God in Kosofe federal we have three hard working council chairmen, who are passionate about the people in their councils; Mayor Dele Osinowo,Moyosore Ogunlewe and of course the Mayoress Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada whom we have seen today, you’ve heard her reel out her achievements and you know that they have already done the campaigns that are needed with their performance.
“So the people are ready to support the All Progressives Congress come 2023 with their votes, we very optimistic, we are not shaken we not perturbed, we are not even bothered because we believed that Kosofe federal constituency by the grace of God will even produce one of the highest votes in Lagos state for all the candidates”.
…Remodelled Oluwo Fish Market, 960-spectator capacity mini stadium in Epe has been completed, to be Commission soon.
…N300Million Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan Scheme will be unveiled next month.
The Senator representing Lagos East at the 9th National Assembly, Senator Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru, gives account of stewardship in the last 14 months in office, during a media parley with press men yesterday at his constituency office.
The Senator also took the Press men to the THE INNOVATION SPACE which is tagged Senator Abiru Innovation Lab SAIL where the following five pilot programmes takes place:
– Tech Talent Development – Business 101 for Artisans and Creatives – STEM Education for Senior Secondary School Students. – Lagos East Teachers’ Fellowship – Startup Accelerator
It was the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics STEM program, the press men were able to witness and their facilitator was able to explain how it is being run.
Senator Abiru said the reason STEM was run on a Saturday is because, the students will be in school From Monday to Friday, it is only on that Saturday is the convenient day for the pupils.
The Distinguished Senator Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru FCA gives his account of stewardship which goes thus:
Dear esteemed Editors, it gladdens my heart to welcome you to this parley to give a record of my stewardship in the last 14 months in the saddle as the Senator representing the good people of the Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Recall that I was sworn-in on the 15th December 2020 as the Senator of the Federal Republic. I came in at a critical period in the nation’s history. It was a time we were slowly coming out of recession, which was also worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has indeed been a trying period for many households and the nation at large. What we as the Trustees of the Peoples’ sacred mandate have tried to do, is to deliberately and continuously keep the hope of the people alive by working assiduously to deliver on the promises I made to our esteemed constituents during the 2020 Lagos East Senatorial By-election electioneering campaign.
In fulfilment of our legislative agenda, I have sponsored many Bills and motions which cover different sectors including banking and financial services, the economy, copyright, health, infrastructure and the provision of the legal framework for the reduction of the cost of governance. We have also endeavoured to offer our possible best towards providing effective representation for our people.
EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION OF CONSTITUENCY
As a member of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one of my primary responsibilities in the National Assembly is that of effective representation. In this light every matter that concerns my constituency has received its deserved and prompt attention and has always been treated as such, like the petition I recently presented on the floor of the Senate on behalf of the Magodo Residents Association over the invasion of the estate by security agents from the Office of the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation.
My commitment to our people and indeed Lagos State is that I will continue to provide effective representation.
I am of the firm belief that holders of political positions are in and hold a position of trust and must therefore fulfill the people’s aspirations. In the course of my campaigns and interaction with our people, I made promises as to my legislative agenda and I have within the limits of this short time tried to fulfil them.
In October 2021, I was made the substantive Chairman of the very important Senate Committee on Industries whose jurisdiction shall include:
Standardization and quality control: Industrial development matters generally; Incentives for, industrial development; National industrial planning; Small-scale industries; Aid to industries; Heavy industries set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria; Participation of small business enterprises, procurement and government contracts; Promotion and administration of technology transfer programmes; Industrial financing; Privatization and commercialization: Industrial Training Fund; Annual Budget Estimates.
I have within this period brought to bear my background and experience in the discharge of my responsibilities as the Chairman. Already the Committees intervention is yielding fruits as the importance of industries to national development as a driver of industrialization through creation of jobs, generation of wealth, diversification of the economy, import substitution and enhancement of exports among others is gaining prominence in our national life and receiving attention.
I am committed to working assiduously collaborating with the leadership of the Senate and the National Assembly, Ministries, Departments, Parastatals and Agencies under the purview of the Committee to continue to sustain our journey of transformation and attain our goals of industrialization
BILLS AND MOTIONS
The primary function of a lawmaker is to make laws. The expansion of government services and functions has contributed to an endless procession of ideas for laws. During the campaigns and at the commencement of my tenure in the Senate, I set a legislative agenda highlighting my core legislative interests.
The Bills and motions in focus for my legislative tenure which are already before the Senate for consideration and passage include the following Thirteen (12) Bills and Four (4) motions:
BILLS
Copyright Act repeal and re-enactment Bill, 2021 (read the second time)
Dishonored Cheques Act Cap D11 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2021 (read the first time).
Federal High Court Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 (read the first time).
The Federal Polytechnic Epe (Establishment, etc) Bill 2021.
The Utilities Charges Commission Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The Control of Delegated Legislation (Control and Procedure) Bill, 2021.
The National Boundary Commission, Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
The National Economic Intelligence Committee (establishment, etc) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The National Economic Reconstruction Fund Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The National Productivity Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021. The National Metallurgical Development Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
MOTIONS
Motion on the ban of cryptocurrency in Nigeria.
Motion on the urgent need for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu and Ikorodu-Itoikin-Epe roads to further bridge the infrastructural gap and enhance economic growth in Nigeria.
Motion on the need to position Nigeria and Nigerian businesses for continental growth through the African continental free trade zone (Afcftz)
STATUS OF BILLS AND MOTIONS
All the bills have been read the first time on the floor of the Senate while the Copyright Act (repeal and re-enactment) Bill, 2021 has been read the second time with the public hearing concluded and is awaiting presentation of the report on the Bill by the Committee. Also, sequel to motion I moved calling on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the Ikorodu/Sagamu Road and Ikorodu/Itoikin/Epe Epe Road, our intervention with necessary follow-up and leveraging on our network has yielded positive outcomes as the Federal Government has included the funding of Ikorodu-Shagamu, in the SUKUK Financing program and the Ikorodu-Itoikin in the 2022 budget.
THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Our leadership approach is modelled around Human-Centered Design. This approach mitigates against assumption of People’s needs and planning of solutions without their involvement.
Therefore, shortly after my inauguration, I commissioned an extensive NEEDS ASSESSMENT survey to ascertain the most pressing challenges facing respective communities under my district.
The scientific study supervised by competent Researchers revealed startling and disturbing facts about the state of public infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions of our people at the grassroots.
Based on the findings of the NEEDS ASSESSMENT , in January 2021, I kicked off the COVID-19 Relief Scheme for the vulnerable people in the Lagos East Senatorial district and it has been running since then. The beneficiaries include widows, women, unemployed youth, aged and people with physical disabilities drawn from the 98 wards in the 16 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas. As of today, we have about 2,500 vulnerable members of the society being catered for.
EDUCATION
In Ikorodu Central, Aga Primary School located in Borokini area was overstretched due to high enrolment of pupils. The four classrooms in the schools had become distressed and inadequate. I facilitated four blocks of 24 classrooms equipped with complements of furniture and 16 toilets and Solar-Powered Borehole. The infrastructure has greatly improved learning outcomes in the school.
In Ibeju-Lekki, two blocks of 6 classrooms have been completed at RCM Primary School Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki. In Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, 1 block of 3 classrooms have also been delivered at Ajelogo Primary School. An ICT centre has also been facilitated at the Igbobi Junior High School, Somolu Lagos.
HEALTH
The yearnings for health facilities by esteemed constituents were also heeded. I facilitated the construction of a 40-bed Health facility and Dental Centre at the Ikorodu Campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), now known as the Lagos State University of Science and Technology. A 200-solar-powered street lights were attracted to the institution.
In the same manner, another 30-Bed Health facility at Mascara Health Centre in Agboyi Ketu LCDA was also provided to the people. Likewise, another 40-bed is under construction at Isiu, Ikorodu North LCDA.
L-R : Dr (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Special Adviser on Constituency Matters to Senator Abiru, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East, Mr Bosun Odeyemi, TACT Brand Manager, Mr Enitan Olukotun, Media Aide to the Senator, Mr Adedeji Abisola, TACT Programmes Consultant
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In Epe, a 960-spectator capacity mini stadium was also facilitated for the benefit of people, especially the youth. The two-pavilion sport facility is equipped with Basketball and Volleyball courts, and is almost ready for commissioning.
Equally, the popular Oluwo Fish Market in Epe has also been remodeled. I have rehabilitated the entire market and increased the number of shops from 259 to 319 comprising of lock-up shops, open sheds and 48 toilets.
To further empower businesses to thrive through the creation of enabling environment, we facilitated the supply and installation of transformers in several locations in the District including:
Ito Progressive CDA, Ito Isiu Igbopa Ifesowopo CDA, Ijede Ire Ifelodun CDA, Igbogbo-Bayeku Magodo Community CDA Oke Ota Ona, Ikorodu Ikorodu GRA 2, Ibeshe Igbogbo-Bayeku Ifeloju Abule Eko,Ijede Ikorodu Sekungba CDA ikosi Ejirin Isale Agoro CDA, Epe LGA Ideraoluwa CDA, Eredo LGA Olugayan CDA, Imota
The supply and installation of transformers to other communities like:
TOKUNBO ABIRU CONSTITUENCY TEAM FOUNDATION (TACT FOUNDATION)
Education and Youth development being part of the cardinal areas in our constituency services, through my Foundation, TACT(Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team) Foundation, in October 2021, six hundred (600) brilliant but indigent students also benefited bursaries from the endowment instituted.
In a deliberate move at spreading prosperity across the Lagos East Senatorial District, my office in partnership with The Fate Foundation and Chartered Standard Foundation organized a Business Workshop/Clinic for 1000 MSMEs across the Senatorial district.
The training which attracted Executive Leadership of business-related regulatory agencies and partners like; BOI, SMEDAN, CAC, LIRS, NAFDAC and LSETF greatly enhanced the capacity of MSMEs in the district.
In addressing the dearth of knowledge which is one of the major reasons why MSMEs fail, a knowledge pack containing seven valuable books covering areas like; Financial Management, Human Capital, Legal, Strategy, Marketing and Communication, Digital Technology and Tax Management authored by reputable corporations including Deloitte, KPMG, Verraki among others were given free of charge to all trainees.
Participants also received Enterprise Development Certificates after the training.
I went further to announce a N100Million (One Hundred Million Naira) Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan at a very low concessional 6% interest rate per annum, which will be topped by additional N100 Million from the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund(LSETF) has also graciously pledged to add N100Million totaling N300Million.
The N300Million Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan Scheme will be unveiled next month, April for the benefit of MSMEs, Artisans and tradesmen in Lagos East.
In the same manner, I have set up a Community Innovation Space known as Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) in partnership with a renowned technology and Social Enterprise company, The Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB) in Lagos to train youths in the senatorial district on relevant digital and innovation skills, and build the best entrepreneurs that can compete in the ever-dynamic global economy.
The Center is currently situated in Ikorodu within our district, starting from the constituency office but planning to move into a bigger facility by July 2022. Five (5) pilot programmes have been put together with a view to proffer solutions to some of the challenges identified and many of our youths have started applying for opportunities to participate in the programmes.
Over Four Thousand (4,000) young people across the Lagos East Senatorial District applied for the SAIL programmes. Currently, over One Hundred Fifty (150) students are participating in the Five (5) Pilot Programmes at the SAIL Centre in Ikorodu while over One Thousand (1000) eligible applicants will be trained online.
The programmes are as follows:
Lagos East Teachers’ Fellowship – a programme aimed at equipping Educators with new skills that would lead to better learning outcomes. It is for Teachers who are interested in inquiry-based learning, and want to use technology in their classrooms to the benefit of their students.
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for Senior Secondary School Students – a programme designed to introduce students between the ages of 13-18 years to the concept of physical computing.
Business 101 for Artisans and Creatives – this programme is designed for creative startups in the fashion, crafts, or design sector in order to upscale the approach to business in a fast-evolving world. This training will help creatives better understand how to use technology to improve their businesses.
Tech Talent Development – is aimed at identifying young people who are interested in a career in technology. Selected candidates will be taken through a learning plan that will transform them from complete novice to entry level software engineers in 6 months. At the end of the training programme, they will be fully qualified for an entry level job or internship.
Startup Accelerator for Businesses – is for young people who have business ideas that can be amplified by technology. The aim is to accelerate their growth with hands-on business support. For those who have a prototype, we will help them with product-market fit as well as build their capacity to be able to attract funding and support for their business. For those who don’t yet have a prototype, we will support them to develop their ideas for the testing phase.
These programmes shall run for between 3 – 6 months and more applicants shall be admitted in the subsequent classes after this pilot phase.
For this year 2022, through collaboration with the leadership of the Senate, the National Assembly, Ministries, Departments, Parastatals and Agencies, we are determined to facilitate people-oriented projects in our other LGAs/LCDAs in the areas of; Health, Education and other required infrastructure.
I have been able to facilitate projects worth over 1 Billion Naira in key areas for our constituency in the 2022 Appropriation Act. (Attached)
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, I will be the first to admit that the economic and security challenges facing the county are daunting. Indeed, at no time in our recent past has the nation’s economy, well-being, peace and unity been so vigorously and persistently challenged. I however urge you not to despair but to remain hopeful. I believe that as we work conscientiously and openly, and together with unity of purpose and solidarity and with God on our side, we shall overcome all these challenges facing us.
The next few months is a time to strive to be better people and to also leverage on the lessons of the preceding months. Importantly it is not a time to be wasteful or careless about our economic activities, rather a time to harness every economic growth that the realities of the past years have thrown in our hands.
As we also know that 2022 is the penultimate year to the general elections of 2023, it is important to begin to assess our individual aspirations towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes a better place and this can only be achieved by ensuring that we all get registered as eligible voters and prepare to exercise our civic responsibilities without fears.
In conclusion, I pledged that we will work even better this year to provide better and more robust effective representation for the people of Lagos East Senatorial District and “ensure greater good to a larger number of people”.
I assure you that I will not let our people down. In 2022, the tempo of #DoingGood won’t wane. We will not be distracted nor deterred. Expect More!
God bless you all.
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA Lagos East Senatorial District Chairman, Senate Committee On Industries Saturday, 19th March, 2022.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries and the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA has continued his COVID-19 Financial Support Scheme in the year 2022.
The scheme was earlier planned to terminate in December 2021, but the Senator has graciously continued in the new year as the economic headwinds occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic are yet to fully abate.
Senator Abiru said his concern for the plight of the poor during the current fuel scarcity and the record food inflation necessitated the continuation of the financial support to ease the hardship of the vulnerable at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid.
Today, the batch B beneficiaries in the 2500 pool of vulnerable constituents drawn across 98 wards in the 16 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas received direct credits in their bank accounts.
For *fourteen (14)* consecutive months, People with physical disabilities, widows, aged, unemployed youth and women have been receiving support from Senator Abiru on a monthly basis. The scheme has been on since January 2021.
The #DoingGood Senator who has been delivering on his mantra of , ‘ Greater good to the larger number of people’ , has been greatly commended for his novel interventions and programmes.
For the records, the Senator recently established an Innovation Hub in the Lagos East district, known as the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) in partnership with a renowned technology and Social Enterprise company, The Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB) to train youths in the senatorial district on relevant digital and innovation skills, and build the best entrepreneurs that can compete in the ever-dynamic global economy.
Over *Four Thousand (4,000)* young people across the Lagos East Senatorial District applied for the SAIL programmes. Currently, over *One Hundred Fifty (150)* students are participating in the *Five (5) Pilot Programmes* at the SAIL Centre in Ikorodu while over One Thousand (1000) eligible applicants will be trained online.
These programmes which shall run for between 3 – 6 months are as follows:
1. *Tech Talent Development* – is aimed at identifying young people who are interested in a career in technology. Selected candidates will be taken through a learning plan that will transform them from complete novice to entry level software engineers in 6 months. At the end of the training programme, they will be fully qualified for an entry level job or internship.
2. *Startup Accelerator for Businesses* – is for young people who have business ideas that can be amplified by technology. The aim is to accelerate their growth with hands-on business support. For those who have a prototype, we will help them with product-market fit as well as build their capacity to be able to attract funding and support for their business. For those who don’t yet have a prototype, we will support them to develop their ideas for the testing phase.
3.*Lagos East Teachers’ Fellowship* – a programme aimed at equipping Educators with new skills that would lead to better learning outcomes. It is for Teachers who are interested in inquiry-based learning, and want to use technology in their classrooms to the benefit of their students.
4 *Business 101 for Artisans and Creatives* – this programme is designed for creative startups in the fashion, crafts, or design sector in order to upscale the approach to business in a fast-evolving world. This training will help creatives better understand how to use technology to improve their businesses.
5 *Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for Senior Secondary School Students* – a programme designed to introduce students between the ages of 13-18 years to the concept of physical computing .
Massive global opportunities and guaranteed job placements await successful participants who deeply applied themselves to the training and acquired the high-demand tech and digital skills.
In April this year, a *N300 Million* Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan at a low concessional interest rate of Six (6) percent per annum will be unveiled for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the district.
“We shall continuously look out and champion policies and legislative agenda that will be of benefit to the greatest number of our people”, the Senator assured.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Nojeemdeen Abidemi Aberejo Ogunjobi as the 2nd Alakesan of Akesan Land in Alimosho Local Government and Oba Najimu Akinwunmi Fashola as the 2nd Ologudu of Ogudu Land in Kosofe Local Government Area of the State.
In his address at the ceremony held on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the presentation of the Staff and Instrument of Office to the Monarchs was a result of the traditional stools that became vacant after the demise of the previous Obas in the Kingdoms and having gone through all due process from Local Government to the State.
Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, enjoined the Sons and Daughters of the land to support the new Monarchs in preserving the sanctity of the stools.
In his words: “I urge you to give your unalloyed support to the new Monarchs to enable them continue to safeguard the sanctity of this sacred and highly reserved institution”.
The Governor, however, advised the new Monarchs to see the Institution of Traditional Obaship as a development partnership with the State government in bringing about communal peace and social development.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, said the installation of the two Obas is noble, grand and historic and worthy of celebration.
Responding, Oba Aberejo Nojeem Abidemi Ogunjobi and Oba Najimu Akinwunmi Fashola appreciated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Members of his Cabinet for the realisation of the historic day for the people of Akesan and Ogudu Land.
They praised the genuine leadership quality and diligent efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the growth and momentous successes recorded, particularly in the Alimosho and Kosofe axis as well as the State in general.
The newly installed Obas, however, used the occasion to seek more involvement of the Government in grassroots development, pledging to uphold the sanctity of the traditional stools.
Cheche foundation sensitize the public through a walk in Kosofe federal constituency yesterday 29th of January, from Mile 12 to Ojota, on the need to stop the social vices in our immediate Community.
Cheche foundation is a foundation formed to support the less privileged, empower the youth and to also work against social vices e.g killing ,raping, kidnapping, child abuse, drug abuse to mention but a few.
The founder of Cheche foundation, who is also aspiring for the position of House of Representives Kosofe federal Constituency Engr Abiodun owokoya A.K.A Abbey cheche In his remarks.
“In obedience to the presidential speech in 2019 concerning youth participation/ involvement in the upcoming 2023 presidential election ,the foundation has took it upon itself to see to the realization of it.”
According to the founder of cheche foundation, the youth are the future of every country and so they must be at the forefront of our plans to make our country a better one, He therefore advice the youth to be of a good behavior, desisting from all social vices that can bring bad image to our country and work towards being a source of good innovation that can make our country worth of envy and emulation.
Engr. Abiodun owokoya the founder of cheche foundation made it clear that creating diverse legal jobs for the youth is an important instrument in fighting against Domestic violence.
The 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting in the 40 Constituencies within Lagos State was held yesterday at different locations.
The Assembly Member Representing Kosofe Constituency II, Honourable Femi Saheed received Kosofe Constituency II Stakeholders at the Mascara Health Centre, Ketu where the meeting was held and was agog with Constituents.
The event began with opening rendition by the anchor. A minute silence was however held for Late Senator Bayo Osinowo and Barr. Tunde Braimoh who was the Chief Host of the 5th edition.
The welcome speech was delivered by the Chairman Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Osinowo who warned the audience on the adverse effect of drug abuse. He charged the seated audience, particularly the students to brace up for the future with serious commitment to their studies whilst shunning social vices like drug abuse that could endanger their lives.
In the same vein, the Lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency II who doubles as the Chief Host in his keynote address welcomed everyone to the 7th edition of the Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ meeting holding simultaneously at 39 other venues in Lagos State. Theme: The increasing wave of drug abuse: A threat to Nation building. He opined that the theme for this year is timely and accurate to correct a swaying generation of drug peddlers amongst the youth. He further reiterated that the event is aimed at sensitizing residents, parents, teachers, organizations, religious and professional bodies, also individuals on the disturbing trend of drug abuse in our society and the danger it portends if not nicked in the bud.
Some drugs he highlighted but not limited to are cannabis, tramadol, marijuana, loud, smoke, codeine while the various dangerous mixture is being experimented leading to novel psychotropic substances such as Monkey tail, Skoochies, Revlon, Colorado etc.
A representative from the NDLEA and Kosofe Education District also addressed the audience stressing the importance of shunning drug abuse as a recipe to achieve national human capacity development.
Constituents further engaged the facilitators during the Questions and answer session.
The session rounded up pretty well with commendation for the Lagos State House of Assembly for organising such a timely Stakeholders’ meeting to address a germane issue of national importance.
AjasaInfo 