EMAIL EDITOR: henryebi@yahoo.com
PRESS RELEASE
- Thousands of jobs coming in engineering, Film City deals
- Lagos floats Sovereign Wealth Funds to accelerate infrastructure delivery
Lagos State Economic Summit (Ehingbeti 2022) has been concluded, but the State is already counting the gains of the two- day event.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the event, received the approval to build the Badagry Deep Seaport, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last August.
The approval authorises and provides legal basis for the concession of the Badagry Deep Seaport, following the issuance of the Full Business Case Certificate by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) last April.
The $2.5 billion project, which will be funded through Public Private Partnership (PPP), will be built on approximately 496 hectares. It will have 2,470m quay length container terminal, 560m quay length break bulk terminal, 360m quay length OSB terminal and minimum of 18m depth.
It is expected to generate 250,000 direct jobs, enhance Government revenue and operate under a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) concession agreement.
Sanwo-Olu signed also a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Siemens Energy Limited and German-owned Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to set up an Energy Training Centre of Excellence at the Government Technical College in Ikorodu.
The training , which will be conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), will provide a Needs-based technical and vocational education to over 16,000 young people between ages 15 and 35.
The programme is expected to produce highly skilled industry technicians with modern practice-oriented. Sanwo-Olu said a 30 per cent slot would be allocated to female candidates to enhance women participation in engineering education.
The Governor said: “We are excited that Lagos is on the way to having another deep seaport on the Western side of the city. Before the end of this year, we will be commissioning the Lekki Deep Seaport on the Eastern side. What it means is that, what we have been suffering as a logistics and commerce hub of West Africa will be addressed when we increase maritime infrastructure that improves turnaround time in this sector. With this, Lagos is assured to remain the economic and commercial nerve centre of the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
“The deal with Siemens and GIZ, which are German companies, is another promise made and promise kept. We gave a commitment to this partnership because of the conviction we have for its necessity. Thousands of Lagosians will be trained with industry-required skills for the future of work at our Vocational Training College. We are excited because we are not only transferring skills to people in Government, but private citizens as well. The best technicians in Germany will be conducting these trainings.”
Sanwo-Olu also approved an Executive Bill titled “Lagos State Wealth Fund (LSWF)”. Lagos is set to becoming the first sub-national entity in the country to introduce the bill, which the Governor said would reinforce the State Government’s commitment to prudent management of resources and the delivery of shared prosperity to generations of Lagosians.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the bill has four main objectives, which include creating an accessible savings for Lagos in times of dwindling revenues, accelerating development and the delivery of critical infrastructure, stabilising the economy of the State by protecting its revenue from external shocks, and promoting investment and research in technology and innovation.
The bill, the Governor said, will be incorporated as a statutory entity and will subscribe to the highest level of corporate governance. The bill is transmitted to the House of Assembly for legislative approval.
Sanwo-Olu signed an agreement with Del York International Group for the entertainment giant to develop a purpose-built Lagos Film City and ancillary infrastructure to reposition Lagos as the hub of entertainment.
“The project will be located in Epe and sited on 100 hectares. It will be a mixed-use campus with the capacity to support daily activities of 5,000 to 10,000 visitors. The facility will be a sanctuary of entertainment, leisure, learning and it will be a place where films and creative industry professionals can live, learn and play,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Governor signed the Lagos State Administration of Civil Justice Bill 2022 to address Ease of Doing Business.
Sanwo-Olu pledged before the gathering, comprising top Government functionaries, captains of industry, business leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and investors, that his administration would implement all the resolutions reached at the summit before the next edition in 2024.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
13 OCTOBER 2022
Henkel Nigeria gives BBNaija Season 7 housemates more reasons to level up, hosts WAW party
Lagos, Nigeria – 13 October, 2022. Big Brother Naija Season 7 sponsor and makers of WAW laundry products, recently, brought the entertaining, dramatic and vibrant housemates of the just-concluded Big Brother Naija show under one roof once again with a WAW-themed party on Wednesday, 5th of October 2022, at Terraform Bar and Restaurant, Lekki, Lagos.
The event, which served as the first reunion for the Level Up housemates, was hosted by Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ housemate, Tobi Bakare and well attended by industry leaders and entertainment executives.
‘Level Up’ housemates came prepared to ‘WAW’ each other in style, and DJ CrowdKontroller, the DJ for the night, didn’t miss a beat either — serving great music all night long.
Adding to the fun, housemates and guests present were also treated to electric performances from Nigerian Idol winners, Kingdom and Akunna and popular rapper, Idandizzy.
At the event, Rajat Kapur, Chairman/MD, Expand Global Industries, gave a rousing welcome address, and spoke on the brand’s support for Big Brother Naija and commitment to Nigeria’s creative industry.
“We are a brand committed to fostering creativity among Nigerian youths and the Big Brother Naija reality TV show is a platform that encourages this; therefore, we are very proud to be a part of it. It has also been really great for us as a brand.”
Commenting on her win and her plans for the future, at a fireside chat held at the event, Phyno said, “I have a lot of things mapped out for me in the entertainment sector. Think hype, comedy, acting, music, the entire 360. I am going to be doing a lot of these things in the near future. You all should watch out for me.”
Bringing the event to a befitting end, WAW, through its representatives, announced that one of the painted art pieces created during a WAW task by Big Brother Naija Season 7 housemates would be given to one lucky fan, following a contest on Instagram!
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES GAC LEADER, TAJUDEEN OLUSI AT 86
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, the Leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, on his 86 years birthday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday described Prince Olusi, as a visionary and respected leader, who has contributed immensely to the development and growth of Lagos State and Nigeria in all spheres of life.
He also hailed the former National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the Action Congress (AC) and son of the late King Sanusi Olusi, former Oba of Lagos, for his commitment, exemplary leadership and continued contributions to the development of Lagos State and the ruling party at the state, zonal and national levels.
Sanwo-Olu also commended Prince Olusi for his commitment to public service, party politics and good governance, describing the GAC leader as epitome of honesty, dedication and service, who has used his leadership positions to improve the lives of the people in his spheres of influence.
The Governor said the elder statesman remains one of the few Lagosians and Nigerian leaders worth celebrating for his life of consistent commitment to public service and politics.
He said: “On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the good people and government of Lagos State and entire members of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I rejoice with our father and eminent leader, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, on his 86th birthday.
“Prince Tajudeen Olusi is a true democrat and one of the trusted members of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria for several decades. He is one of the firm believers and disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and has always remained consistent as a progressive in promoting good governance and democracy.
“He is one of the respected leaders of our party who have contributed immensely to the development and growth of Lagos State and politics for over six decades as a member of the progressive camp not only in our dear Lagos State but South-West and entire Nigeria.
“As Prince Tajudeen Olusi celebrates his 86th birthday, I pray that God will continue to bless him with more years of joy and good health for him to render more service to our dear party, humanity and Lagos State.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
13 OCTOBER 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES WITH FORMER CHAIRMAN OF ICPC, EKPO NTA AT 70
President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm greetings to Chairman/CEO of National Salaries Incomes & Wages Commission, Ekpo Una Owo Nta, on his 70th birthday, congratulating the dedicated public servant on enduring and exemplary legacies of service to the nation.
President Buhari joins family members, friends and associates of the lawyer and former Chairman of the Independent Corruption Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in celebrating the milestone, heralded by years of dedication and commitment to nation-building.
The President notes the loyalty, integrity and humility that Nta has consistently demonstrated in handling every state and national assignment, holding many sensitive positions like Member, Board of Governors of International Anti-Corruption Academy, Director, General Administration and Human Resource, OMPADEC (now NDDC), Senior Assistant Registrar of the University of Cross River (now University of Uyo) and Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Akwa Ibom.
As the educationist, who has founded schools to train younger Nigerians, turns a septuagenarian, the President extols his vision of reforming and repositioning public institutions to be more functional and responsive by promoting values of selflessness, sacrifice and discipline.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will continue to uphold Nta and his family in good health, strength and wisdom.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI APPEALS TO GULF OF GUINEA MEMBER STATES TO PAY ASSESSED CONTRIBUTIONS, COMPLETES TENURE AS CHAIR OF COMMISSION
President Muhammmadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja appealed to Member-States of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) to remit their outstanding Annual Assessed Contributions to the Secretariat, saying that continued non-payment by the majority has greatly affected the ability of the Commission to fulfil the mandate for which it was established in 2001.
The President made the appeal at a virtual meeting of the Heads of State and Government of Member States of the Commission, convened to review progress on efforts to deal with the maritime challenges in the region.
The President said the inability of member-states to pay their assessment was threatening the continued existence of the Commission.
He also called for urgent collective action against the dangers and threats affecting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea Region.
President Buhari told the Summit that Nigeria considers the effective functioning of the GGC as strategic to the collective security interest in the Gulf region, particularly in addressing issues such as piracy, proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, protection of marine resources as well as irregular migration to the region.
“As a demonstration of our firm commitment towards the repositioning of the GGC into a more vibrant Organization that will effectively deliver on its mandate, Nigeria hosted the 4th Ordinary Summit of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) from 21st – 23rd November, 2017 in Abuja.
“In addition, Nigeria hosted the 11th Ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the Gulf of Guinea in Abuja from 19th to 20th November, 2019 as part of our efforts to revitalize the activities of the Commission.
“These sessions observed, inter alia, that non-payment of Assessed Contribution by majority of the GGC Member-States to support the Commission’s operational budget has seriously affected the effective delivery of the organization’s mandate.
“Meanwhile, Nigeria has championed several efforts towards fighting maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea,’’ the President said, highlighting that in June, 2019, Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019, (POMO Act) which aims to prevent and suppress Piracy, Armed Robbery and any other unlawful acts against a ship.
Furthermore, the President pledged that Nigeria would continue to deploy significant resources towards tackling piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Through the Deep Blue Project in June 2021, the Government of Nigeria unveiled $195m worth of boats, vehicles and aircraft to spearhead the country’s fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“The operational mechanisms in the Gulf of Guinea Region as you know are similar to those in some other regional organisations.
“For instance ECOWAS and ECCAS have adopted protocols on the security of their Maritime domains and also set up Regional Centers for Maritime Security respectfully.
“It is therefore imperative that the GGC adopts a collaborative strategy to engage partners and donors in creating awareness on the objectives of the organization, with a view to synergizing for more effective results towards fighting maritime insecurity in the GGC region.
“As Your Excellencies are aware, another challenge which confronted the organization in its fight against maritime insecurity in the region is the COVID – 19 Global Pandemic and its attendant negative impact on the activities of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, in 2020 and early 2021.
“What we need now is to work more than ever towards the revitalization of the organization by holding regular meetings and Summits of the Commission.”
The President used the occasion to express his profound gratitude to fellow Heads of State for the support from all Member States during his tenure as Chair of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the GGC.
“This Summit marks the end of my chairmanship and will also be my last Summit in the Gulf of Guinea as Head of State. As we decide on the next Chairmanship, I am confident that I am bequeathing a revitalized Commission.
“I therefore urge you to extend the same support and solidarity I enjoyed during my tenure to my successor to ensure continuity in our efforts and commitment to address the challenges of our organization.”
The Nigerian leader congratulated Ambassador Florentina Ukonga, the Executive Secretary of the GGC, and her team for their hard work and commitment not only towards the organisation of this Summit, but in running the organization effectively.
Acknowledging the great work done by the outgoing Executive Committee led by Ambassador Ukonga in spite of the paucity of funds the Committee has been grappling with, the Nigerian leader expressed hope that the virtual Summit would yield fruitful results that would move the organisation forward.
President Nana Akuffo-Ado of Ghana emerged the new President at the end of the Summit.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
October 13, 2022