APC to begin e-membership registration.

APC to begin e-membership registration.

In Pic: Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.

In a bid to consolidate its membership strength, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded plans to embark on electronic registration of over 40 million members nationwide.

The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje disclosed this when he played host to elected Deputy National Officers and National Executive Committee (NEC) members of the party at the National secretariat in Abuja.

He said the essence of electronic registration is to have the exact number of party members.

Disclosing the innovation, Ganduje said: “Another step that we have taken is that we are reviewing our registration electronically now. The work has already started, so you should be ready that all our members will be electronically registered so that we have an exact number physically”.

Former Governor Mai Mala Buni-led National Caretaker Committee of the party conducted a nationwide membership registration exercise in 2021 which brought over 40 million members into the party’s registration file.

The National Chairman however lamented that the outcome of the 2023 presidential election was not a true reflection of the number of registered party members.

“If you will recall, we had 41 million members, while after the presidential election, we had 8 million, What happened to the rest? So, we need to be digital and ensure that we are working with the correct data.”

He further said that the party has concluded plans to establish a National Institute of Democratic Studies that will help Nigerians shape their pattern of behaviour in alignment with democracy and progressive ideas.

Leader of the team and Deputy National Treasurer of the party, Hon. Omorode Osifo-Marshall congratulated Ganduje on his election as the 6th National Chairman of the party and pledged their support and loyalty to the new leadership of the party.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates 37-Member Cabinet, Emphasizing Excellence and Public Engagement.

Governor Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates 37-Member Cabinet, Emphasizing Excellence and Public Engagement.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in a new cabinet comprising 37 commissioners and special advisers to assist in implementing his agenda for the next four years. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Addressing the newly appointed officials, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for excellence and humility in their roles, as the expectations of the people are exceptionally high. He urged them to work together, involve the public, make grounded decisions, and prioritize the best interests of the citizens.

During his first term, Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration made significant strides in various sectors. In transportation, efforts to alleviate traffic congestion included a Traffic Management Intervention Plan and the expansion of the Rapid Bus System. Additionally, Lagos introduced new transportation options like LAGRIDE.

In the health and environment sector, the government celebrated success in managing COVID-19 and built world-class Mother and Child Centres in different areas. Tele-medicine was introduced through the IleraEko app. In education and technology, the administration established two new universities and invested in numerous projects at the primary and secondary levels.

Governor Sanwo-Olu's second term focuses on legacy projects in transportation, health, and agriculture. The Blue Line Rail Service has commenced operations, joining cities worldwide with modern metro rail systems. The Red Line Rail Service is nearing completion, promising to serve iconic parts of Lagos.

The extension of the Blue Line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko is also in the pipeline, with the potential to serve over one and a half million commuters daily, significantly benefiting the economy and improving citizens' quality of life.

Governor Sanwo-Olu's second term is marked by a commitment to social inclusion, gender equality, and youth development, encapsulated in the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, promising a more equitable society and a Greater Lagos.

As the new cabinet takes office, they face the formidable task of building on past successes and delivering on the governor's vision for a better Lagos.

The list of the newly appointed commissioners and special advisers includes prominent names like Lawal Mohammed Pedro (SAN) as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Prof. Akin Abayomi as Commissioner for Health, and Gbenga Omotoso as Commissioner for Information and Strategy, among others. 

The full list of the Commissioners are:

Lawal Mohammed Pedro (SAN) – Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General

Prof. Akin Abayomi – Commissioner for Health

Wahab Adetokunbo – Commissioner for the Environment

Moruf Akinderu-Fata i- Commissioner for Housing

Gbenga Omotoso – Commissioner for Information and Strategy

Layode Ibrahim – Commissioner for Home Affairs

Bolaji Cecilia Dada – Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)

Olusanya Abisola Ruth – Commissioner for Agriculture

Abayomi Oluyomi – Commissioner for Finance

Ayantayo Afolabi Waheed – Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions

Oyerinde Olugbenga – Commissioner for Special Duties

Adetoke Benson-Awoyinka – Commissioner for Tourism

Ogunlende Mobolaji Abubakar – Commissioner for Youths and Social Development

Yakub Ekundayo Alebiosu – Commissioner for Waterfront Development

Mosopefoluwa George – Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget

Olatunbosun Alake – Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology

Alli-Balogun Jamiu Adedeji – Commissioner for Basic Education

Bolaji Kayode Roberts – Commissioner for Local Government

Osiyemi Oluwaseun – Commissioner for Transportation Ambrose Folashade Kaosara 

– Bada-Commissioner, Industry, Trade and Investment

Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide – Commissioner for Physical planning

Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe – Commissioner for Wealth creation

Tolani Sule Akibu – Commissioner for Tertiary Education

Special Advisers

Dr. Fashola Rotimi – Special Adviser, Agriculture

*Engr. Adeyinka Lukmon – Special Adviser for Works and Infrastructure

*Dr. Finnih Awokoya Oreoluwa – Special Adviser, Health

*Dr. Iyabo Ayoola Oyeyemi – Special Adviser, Central internal Audit

*Olajide Abiodun Babatunde – Special Adviser, EGIS and Urban Planning

*Rotimi Akodu Oladosu – Special Adviser, Environment

*Ogungbo Abdul-Kadir Opeyemi – Special Adviser, Taxation and Revenue

*Aregbe Olayiwola Idris – Special Adviser, Tourism

*Lawal Bola Olumegbon – Special Adviser, Central Business District (CBD)

*Barr. Barakat Olawunmi Bakare – Special Adviser, Housing

*Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen – Special Adviser, Political and Civic Engagement

*Dr. Nurudeen Yekini-Agbaje Lanre – Special Adviser, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs

*Sola Giwa – Special Adviser, Transportation

*Engr. Moshood Olowu – Special Adviser, Commerce

Osun State Government Launches Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Technical Colleges and Boost Vocational Education.

Osun State Government Launches Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Technical Colleges and Boost Vocational Education.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening vocational education and driving job creation, the Osun State government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to revitalize all Technical Colleges across the state.

This groundbreaking initiative was announced by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Studies, Arc. Dapo Ademola-Adesina, during a recent visit to Government Technical College in Osogbo.

Under the visionary leadership of Governor Adeleke, the government is fully committed to providing a complete facelift to all Technical Colleges in Osun State. The primary goal is to foster the growth and development of technical and vocational education, ultimately contributing to the creation of employment opportunities and the overall economic prosperity of the state.

Arc. Dapo Ademola-Adesina expressed concern over the current unemployment rates and emphasized that technical and vocational studies represent the most promising path to meeting the state's current and future socio-economic needs.

Governor Adeleke, known for his dedication to Osun State's development, is championing this initiative, assuring that his administration will usher in a transformative era for technical and vocational studies in the state.

Significantly, key stakeholders in the education sector have already been engaged to explore collaborative opportunities that will yield positive outcomes in this ambitious scheme.

Arc. Dapo Ademola-Adesina underscored that all nine technical colleges in the state will be beneficiaries of this comprehensive facelift, heralding a new era of opportunity and growth for the youth of Osun State.

This visionary move by the Osun State government reaffirms its commitment to providing quality education and creating pathways for skill development, thereby bolstering the state's economy and empowering its citizens for a brighter future.

Ekiti NLC Women Group Excited Over Bus Donation From Oyebanji.

Ekiti NLC Women Group Excited Over Bus Donation From Oyebanji.

The women Committee of Nigeria Labour Congress , Ekiti State Council has expressed gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for donating a branding new Toyota bus to the group .

In a letter of appreciation made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the Chairperson of the group, Comrade David Roseline explained that Governor Oyebanji had demonstrated the true meaning of a leader who is always after the welfare of Ekiti citizens and this has left  many  speechless.  

Comrade Roseline who lauded Oyebanji's gesture for his toughtfulness and kindness towards Women in Nigeria Labour Congress described the governor as an astute administrator and welfarist .

Roseline further expressed that Oyebanji's support for the advancement of women would continue to earn him more respect and honour among other Governors across the federation.

She noted that the women became extremely ecstatic when the bus was handed over to them, adding that the governor's gesture would go a long way to ameliorate their mobility challenges.

The Chairperson assured  the Governor of the group’s total  support for  his administration’s shared prosperity agenda for the State.

Oyebanji Won't Treat You Like Second Class Citizens, Deputy Gov Assures Ekiti Regents.

Oyebanji Won't Treat You Like Second Class Citizens, Deputy Gov Assures Ekiti Regents.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has assured the Regents superintending over some communities where there are vacancies in their traditional stools of Governor Biodun Oyebanji's readiness to prioritise their welfare and accord them respect as custodians of culture.

The Deputy Governor maintained  that the  governor won't treat them like second class citizens or starve them of their statutory entitlements, describing the positions they occupy as strategic to peace and development of the state.  

Mrs Afuye gave the assurance, on Wednesday, while playing host to Regents of some communities, who visited her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.

At the meeting, the traditional rulers, who came under the auspices of Body of Regents, Ekiti State, called for the restoration of their suspended salaries, while also pleading with government to ensure upward review of their allowances to be able to withstand the current economic realities.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, ascribed the stability and peace being enjoyed in the state to the strong and unwavering synergy between the government and traditional rulers.

She saluted the Regents  for their sense of patriotism, sacrifices and cooperation with Governor Oyebanji's government to stabilise the state and make it an epicentre of development.

Reeling out the areas where Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated respect for the institution, Mrs Afuye, stated that the newly constructed Traditional Rulers' Chamber, non-interfering with selection and installation of Obas and stringent implementation of the Regency Law, were part of the policies that have buoyed royalty in the scheme of things.

Mrs Afuye added that those who were facing challenges among them were chiefly those who have spent beyond six months prescribed for Regents by the Ekiti State Regency Law.

The Deputy Governor said  such issue will be reviewed through the House of Assembly, since the Regents were not responsible for the extension of their stay on the thrones they occupy.

She advised the Regents to propagate the policies of government in their domains, so that their subjects can understand what the Governor has in stock to shore up the development index of Ekiti in all facets.

"Governor Oyebanji is  aware of all the challenges you are facing in your domains, particularly those who have stayed beyond the time stipulated  in the Regency Law, but this shouldn't be blamed on you because you are not the Kingmakers. 

"We are quite aware that some of you are facing those challenges because we have some cases pending in courts that are stalling the installation of substantive monarchs and you have to occupy the vacuum pending the time a new set of monarchs will be installed.

"So, I believe you must be treated like Kings, because you are performing their roles. I will communicate your requests  to the governor. When you exceed the six months prescribed by law, the government ought to be paying you because staying on that thrones beyond that time was not your making".

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Body's President and Regent of Araromi Ekiti, Ijero Local Government area of the state , Princess Funmilayo Adesua,  itemised their demands  to include the reinstatement of their terminated salaries and upward review of allowances to be able to meet the current economic situation.

She regretted that  some  regents in Ekiti have not been paid any salary for over a year, despite their sacrifices to ensure peace and development in their domains, saying most pathetic was that this was happening under this current  hard-biting  economic situation.

She said the situation needed to be addressed to put a soothing balm on their sufferings caused by neglect  on the thrones of their forebears. 

The Regent assured  the government that none of them will maintain a sit-tight posture or stall the installation of  substantive monarch in her town, describing such tendency as a fertile avenue for crisis and instability.

Wike Reels Out Plans For Satallite Towns In Abuja.

Wike Reels Out Plans For Satallite Towns In Abuja.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, said that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

Wike stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Mandate Secretaries for the FCT Administration.

He said that the prosperity and well-being of the residents extend beyond the city centre, stressing the need to ensure that all areas of the FCT experience progress and development.

The Mandate Secretaries inaugurated are Mr Bitrus Garki, Secretary of the Area Council Services Secretariat; Mr Lawan Geidam, Secretary, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat; and Mr Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary of the Education Secretariat.

Others are Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of Health and Environment Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, Secretary of Legal Services Secretariat; Mr Chinedum Elechi, Secretary of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

Mr Uboku Nyah was also inaugurated as Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat.

Wike stressed the need for them to address issues affecting the delivery of services in FCT Administration, particularly the procurement process.

He said, “Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our administration.

“As mandated secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies.

“You have a duty to translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

“Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world-class city.

“To achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.

He added that part of the mission includes the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), through innovative ways to raise the needed funds to support the development agenda.

Shettima to represent Tinubu at G77+China leaders' summit in Cuba.

Shettima to represent Tinubu at G77+China leaders' summit in Cuba.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will be representing President Bola Tinubu at the G77+China Leaders' Summit which will be held in Havana, Cuba from 15 to 17 September.

This was revealed in a statement on the president's official X handle on Wednesday, September 13.

Part of the statement reads: "He will be joining other world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres at the Summit to deliberate on development issues facing members mostly from the global south. The Summit will equally explore proactive ways of addressing challenges facing the development of the member states leveraging science, technology and innovation to enhance socio-economic growth.

"Also, Vice President Shettima will on the sidelines of the summit hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations in line with the economic development diplomacy of the Tinubu administration.

"The Havana Summit is being hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel in his capacity as Chairman of the G77 and China, under the theme: “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”