Lekki airport will be completed in two years, says Omotoso.

Lekki airport will be completed in two years, says Omotoso.

The commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, has said that the Lekki-Epe International Airport will be completed in two years.

Omotoso, while addressing reporters on the second term plans of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reiterated that the Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to completing all ongoint projects and leaving a good legacy.

The commissioner also said new iconic projects will be executed to give residents greater access to th dividends of democarcy.

He said: “The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is not sleeping. The governor is particularly keen on ensuring Lagosians get the best of governance. This second term eill be committed to completing projects started in the first term, and even executing new ones.

“The Lekki-Epe International Airport, which will take pressure off the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, will be built and completed in the life of this administration. Government is in talks with investors and the project is expected to be completed within two years.

“The airport will be built on about 3,500 heactares of land, accommodate about 35 aircrafts and convey five million passengers yearly. Contractors are being identified and we’re talking to investors because it’s not something the state can fund alone from its balance sheet.”

The commissioner also said the medical university proposed by the governor will be established.

“This is still on the drawing table but I can assure you it is close to the governor’s heart, especially to curb the japa syndrome and so that Lagosians can have greater access to better healthcare,” he added.

“Other iconic projects we have started – Opening/Ojota Link bridge, Massey Children Hospital, 500-bed Mental Health treatment and rehabilitation centee- will all be completed,” he said.

Omotoso urged residents to rest assured that the government will finish all road projects, especially to ensure the smooth running of the intermodal transportation system it has put in place to ensure Lagosians enjoy easy commuting.

He added that the THEMES+ agenda for the second term is for social inclusion, youth and women empowerment because the Sanwo-Olu administration is focused on empowering them ‘becsuse no serious government will ignore the youths’.

CBN disburses $61.64mn to Airlines.

CBN disburses $61.64mn to Airlines.

In a move intended to send the Naira soaring, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected approximately US $61.64 million into the hands of foreign airlines operating in the country.

This targeted disbursement aimed at clearing a portion of the backlog of matured foreign exchange obligations owed to the airlines, marks a significant step towards stabilizing the country’s forex market and boosting investor confidence.

The Acting Director of CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali who confirmed this development, described it as a welcome relief to foreign airlines grappling with delayed forex access.

This latest disbursement forms part of the CBN’s broader commitment to settling all outstanding valid forward transactions, as Mrs Sidi Ali emphasised.

The CBN’s commitment extends beyond just the airlines. In the past three months alone, the Apex Bank has redeemed a staggering US$2 billion in outstanding forward liabilities, to show its dedication to resolving pending obligations and fostering a functional foreign exchange market.

These measures are expected to have a ripple effect by alleviating the current pressure on the Naira’s exchange rate, as well as enable a considerable strengthening of the Naira against major world currencies as a result of the CBN’s intervention.

The CBN believes that this is likely to bolster investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, paving the way for increased investment and economic growth.

According to Hakama Sidi-Ali, “These payments signify the CBN’s ongoing efforts to settle all remaining valid forward transactions, with the aim of alleviating the current pressure on the country’s exchange rate.

“It is anticipated that this initiative by the CBN should provide a considerable boost to the Naira against other major world currencies and further increase investor confidence in the Nigeria economy.”

NANS Ekiti State JCC Commends Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon for Facilitating Leadership Assembly Across Institutions.

NANS Ekiti State JCC Commends Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon for Facilitating Leadership Assembly Across Institutions.

In a resounding show of appreciation, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ekiti State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), under the capable guidance of Comr Sikiru Aderibigbe, has applauded Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagements, for his noteworthy gestures in facilitating a leadership assembly across all institutions in the state.

The commendation comes as a testament to the tireless efforts and grand gestures demonstrated by Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon, who serves not only as a capacity mentor but also as a father figure, activist, and charismatic leader to the student community.

In his appreciation speech, the JCC Chairman, Comr Sikiru Aderibigbe, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, "The benefits of your initiative are numerous and far-reaching. One benefit is the increased communication between students and the government. This will allow for more effective collaboration and problem-solving in the future."

He went on to emphasize the significance of Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's willingness to connect with students and listen to their concerns, underscoring it as a testament to the commitment to the well-being of the student body. Aderibigbe praised the initiative for inspiring students to become more engaged and active in their communities, fostering a spirit of cooperation to bring about positive change.

The impact of these actions, according to the JCC Chairman, has left a lasting impression on the student body, and the entire student community is genuinely grateful for Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's unwavering commitment and generosity.

In a collective expression of gratitude, the NANS Ekiti State JCC extended their best wishes for continued success in all of Hon. Comr Sunday Asefon's future endeavors. The leadership assembly facilitated by Asefon is recognized as a pivotal moment fostering unity, collaboration, and an enhanced channel of communication between the student community and the government, ensuring a more engaged and empowered student body in Ekiti State.

Joshua to face ex-UFC fighter Ngannou.

Joshua to face ex-UFC fighter Ngannou.

Anthony Joshua will fight former UFC star Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Ngannou lost to Tyson Fury on his professional boxing debut in October.

Joshua, 34, was set to face Deontay Wilder after beating Otto Wallin, but the American’s loss to Joseph Parker scuppered plans for their big showdown.

Hearn posted “it’s a done deal” on X on Friday, and added: “Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

A March 9 date has been mentioned, but Hearn said a press conference would be held in London on 15 January with more details about the fight “dropping soon”.

Cameroon-born Ngannou, 37, was ranked the number 10 heavyweight by the WBC after he almost stunned WBC heavyweight champion Fury, losing on a controversial split decision in their Saudi Arabia contest.

Saudi organisers had already pencilled in a Joshua-Wilder bout for this year, but the 38-year-old Wilder’s defeat by New Zealander Parker on the same card as Briton Joshua’s win over Wallin meant a highly-anticipated mega-fight slipped away.

While no contract had been signed, the pair were expected to enter the ring post-fight and announce a deal to fight at some point in early 2024.

Meanwhile, Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will fight to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999 when they finally clash on 17 February in Saudi Arabia.

Briton Fury, 35, is the WBC champion, with Ukraine’s Usyk, 36, holding the WBA, WBO and IBF belts.

BBC

Kayode-Laguda gets APC ticket to fill Gbajabiamila’s rep seat.

Kayode-Laguda gets APC ticket to fill Gbajabiamila’s rep seat.

Financial expert and former public servant, Fuad Kayode-Laguda, has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election.

Kayode-Laguda emerged as the candidate by winning the party’s primary election held on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. 

The bye-election fixed for February 3, 2024, is meant to replace the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the constituency before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Commends Gov. Oyebanji's Leadership; Pledges Ongoing Development in Second Term.

Gbonyin LCDA Chairman, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Commends Gov. Oyebanji's Leadership; Pledges Ongoing Development in Second Term.

In a resounding tribute to effective governance and unity, Hon. Oluwadamilare Ajayi, Chairman of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has voiced his gratitude for Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, praising him for cultivating a conducive and enabling environment for the state's growth and development. The accolades were conveyed in a New Year speech released by Hon. Damilare Ajayi after his re-election for a second term.

Hon. Damilare Ajayi took a moment to commend Barrister Paul Omotoso, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recognizing him as a remarkable leader and unifier who has steadfastly held the party together, making it the most united and outstanding political entity in the state.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

During his New Year speech, Hon. Ajayi underscored the efficient and effective efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his team, emphasizing their dedication to propelling the state to greater heights in all aspects and ramifications.

Chairman Gbonyin LCDA, Hon Oluwadamilare Ajayi.

Reflecting on his initial two years in office, Hon. Ajayi outlined a series of achievements, including the extension of electricity, rehabilitation of roads, perimeter fencing of the council Secretariat, construction of a block of five offices with basic facilities, rehabilitation of market stalls and the cultivation of arable crops like maize, cassava, and yam. Other accomplishments encompassed improvements in internally generated revenue, implementation of effective safety strategies for lives and properties and enhanced staff welfare 

Now embarking on another three-year term, Hon. Ajayi pledged to sustain his commitment to humanity and social development in Gbonyin LCDA. He assured residents of fulfilling all promises made during his campaign, envisioning an era of global changes and robust development in Gbonyin LCDA by the grace of God.

As he commences his second term, the Chairman urged the people of Gbonyin LCDA to support Governor Oyebanji's administration with prayers and align with the administration's six pillars. The prevailing message from Gbonyin LCDA signifies a dedication to ongoing progress and a promising future under the leadership of Hon. Damilare Ajayi.

Looking ahead, Hon. Ajayi promised larger development in the agriculture sector, education, social welfare, infrastructure, health, and other critical sectors during his second term. The community eagerly anticipates the positive impact of these promises in the coming years.

Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates in Oyo.

Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates in Oyo.

No fewer than 33 inmates from across the Nigerian Correctional Centres in Oyo state have been granted clemency in their serving terms.

Out of the figure, ten inmates were pardoned and released from custodial centres, while four individuals on death row have their terms commuted to life imprisonment.

Also, 15 inmates received reduced sentences while four others were granted conditional release under a signed clemency order by the governor on Thursday.

Commending the development, the state Controller of Corrections; Salami Olubamiji (CC) said Governor Makinde’s seasonal gesture provides forgiveness and hope to dozens of incarcerated individuals across the state.

 He said: “This effort will go a long way to boost the morale of all the inmates and encourage them to involve themselves in various vocational and academic training programs provided in the facilities to rebuild their lives.

“Among the main components of the governor’s signed release order: ten inmates were immediately freed from custody this holiday season.

“Four inmates on death row have their sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

“Fifteen individuals currently serving term, received reductions in their term of incarceration.

 “Four students progressing towards degrees at the National Open University in custodial centres approved for release upon graduation.”

He said the Nigerian Correctional custodial facilities in Oyo state house over 1,800 inmates in facilities located in Ogbomoso, Ibadan, and Oyo Town, adding that the facilities provide substantive rehabilitation and skills-building programs daily so that restored citizens can contribute to society.

 He added that officials of the Correctional Service are processing the required paperwork to begin discharging the approved inmates immediately.