Lagos to relocate computer village to Katangowa.

Lagos to relocate computer village to Katangowa.

The Lagos State Government is set to relocate computer village from Ikeja to Katangowa in the Abule-Egba area.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, disclosed this on Saturday during a joint inspection and enforcement carried out by Lagos State Building Control Agency in conjunction with some law enforcement agencies and other relevant government agencies in charge of emergency related matters.

Babatunde said the Lagos State Government was trying to re-organise markets in the state.

He said, “We are trying to re-organise all our markets. I will give an example; in Ikeja, we have the Computer Village, which is being relocated to Katangowa.

“Hence, it is not just the Computer Village alone; there are other activities that would happen in the Katangowa market.”

 Police defend demolition as Computer Village traders seek compensation

According to him, in the next coming weeks, the efforts of the government on the Katangowa market will be seen.

He added, “We are moving those people who seem to be on the road in Ikeja and obstructing traffic, into a proper market big enough with all the services, with crèche for their children, schools, playground, churches, mosques, storage room, warehouses, some accommodation and hotel facilities.

“We are trying to do things properly, we are working on all of these things to ensure that we re-generate, re-develop, innovate, conserve and anything we need to do in terms of the terminologies we have in urban development, will be put to play in Lagos in way that we would have a greater Lagos rising.”

The relocation was supposed to happen in 2017 but was stalled.

In 2023, the state’s former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowose, said all arrangements had been made to relocate the traders.

Nigeria ready to host African Central Bank 2028, says Tinubu.

Nigeria ready to host African Central Bank 2028, says Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is ready to host the African Central Bank according to the vision of the Abuja Treaty.

He affirmed that “his administration will engage the African Union Commission in collaboration with member states to ensure that the bank takes off as scheduled in 2028,” a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu to AU leaders: Nigeria ready to host African Central Bank; prepare the youth for the 21st-century economy.’

Tinubu made these remarks when he addressed leaders at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday.

The President declared that Africa’s success in conclusively addressing its challenges hinges on the firmness of its resolution, built on a foundation of deep-rooted solidarity if it is to avoid perpetuating existing problems and creating new ones.

This was as he argued that the continent’s growth has been long impeded by the cancers of coup-birthed autocracies and harmful tinkering with constitutional tenure provisions.

“As a continent and as individual nations, we face strong headwinds and difficult hurdles threatening to complicate our mission to bring qualitative democratic governance and economic development to our people.

“Many of these obstacles, such as climate change and unfair patterns of global trade, are largely not of our making.

However, some of the pitfalls, including coup-birthed autocracies and the deleterious tinkering with constitutional tenure provisions, are developmental cancers we as Africans are giving to ourselves,” he stated.

Citing the military takeovers in the Republics of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and the exit of three of these nations from ECOWAS, Tinubu argued that disagreements over the unconstitutional changes of government should not mean a permanent rupture of the abiding lines of regional affinity and cooperation.

“The drive for a peaceful, strong, and united West Africa is bigger than any one person or group of people. The bonds of history, culture, commerce, geography, and brotherhood hold deep meaning for our people.

“Thus, out of the dust and fog of misunderstanding and acrimony, we must seize the chance to create a new people-centric era of trust and accord.

“To all who care to listen, I declare that if you come to the table to discuss important matters in good faith, you will find Nigeria and ECOWAS already sitting there waiting to greet you as the brother that you are,” the President added.

On education, which is the theme of the summit, Tinubu said education is the core ingredient in the process of evolving creative solutions to the unique challenges long confronting the continent.

“In helping to achieve the Agenda 2063 objective of a peaceful, united and prosperous Africa, I consider African education, not only in the narrow context of the benign use of science and technology to improve the material standards of our people, but also in the nuanced appreciation of the fact that Africa must also become better educated in the humane art of democratic practice, diplomacy, and conflict resolution without violence.

“This year’s theme encourages us to remodel our educational systems to fit these goals. In Nigeria, my administration is devoting ample resources to education at all levels.

“From redesigning our school feeding programmes and academic curricula to making ourselves an Information and Communication Technology hub, through which we shall bring more youths into the classroom and furnish them with the tools required to flourish in the global economy of the 21st century,” he explained.

The President used the occasion to extend an invitation to the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit scheduled to take place in April 2024, in Abuja, stating that the summit aims to expand discussions beyond military and law enforcement remedies to comprehensively tackle the root causes of violent extremism, such as poverty, inadequate political access, and the propagation of hateful ideologies.

Tinubu seeks collaboration for improved healthcare in Africa.

Tinubu seeks collaboration for improved healthcare in Africa.

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday said addressing Africa’s health sector challenges would require states to forge partnerships that transcend borders and sectors, leveraging collective expertise, knowledge, resources and the private sector.

Tinubu who spoke in his capacity as the newly-appointed African Union Health Champion made this call at the Ministerial Executive Leadership Programme on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He argued that Africa’s effective collaboration with the rest of the world to tackle existential health challenges is not merely a strategic choice, but a moral imperative.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the details of Tinubu’s discussion in a statement titled ‘President Tinubu as AU Health Champion: transnational collaboration essential for addressing complex challenges in healthcare.’

Tinubu noted that the challenges confronting the continent are too complex and multifaceted for any one entity to tackle alone.

He explained, “Together, we can catalyse meaningful change and unlock new opportunities for innovation and impact in our continent. Not Africa in isolation, but a global Africa, engaged in respectful and well-considered partnerships with the rest of the world.

“Our continent still grapples with numerous health issues that require urgent attention. Infectious diseases remain a significant burden, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and cholera, and threats of re-emerging infectious diseases that can devastate communities and entire economies.

“Access to essential healthcare services remains limited, especially in many rural areas, due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure, financial barriers, and more seriously, an acute shortage of trained manpower that is aggravated by workforce migration to wealthier countries.”

“Noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are on the rise in our continent, further straining healthcare systems that are already struggling to cope. There remains the critical need to address maternal and child health, as high maternal and child mortality rates continue to claim precious lives,” he added.

He reasoned that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving robust investments in healthcare infrastructure, training, re-training, skilled manpower retention, improving access to essential medicines and promoting preventive healthcare measures.

Tinubu linked Africa’s capacity to successfully address these problems with its ability to adopt a whole-of-government approach, recognising that health outcomes are intrinsically linked to a myriad of socio-economic factors.

“For instance, a healthy population is essential for a thriving economy as it leads to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

“Similarly, education plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes by empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being,” he noted.

While describing healthcare professionals as the backbone of any healthcare system, he said governments must invest not only in training them but also in creating conducive environments that enable healthcare professionals to thrive.

Therefore, community health delivery must be the cornerstone of Africa’s efforts, fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and empowering individuals to take charge of their health, he added.

He also opined that the true measure of the continent’s success lies in its ability to reach the most vulnerable members of its communities.

Tinubu explained, “In our quest for universal health coverage, equity must be our central guiding principle. Health disparities, rooted in socio-economic inequality, gender discrimination, geographic isolation, and other systemic injustices, demand political will and targeted interventions to address them.

“We must listen to the voices of marginalised communities, amplifying their concerns and aspirations as we strive to build more prosperous, just, and inclusive societies.”

In Nigeria, the President said his administration is making significant efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality for all citizens, irrespective of socio-economic standing.

“This initiative is driven by a multi-faceted approach focusing on strengthening leadership and governance within the health sector, optimising quality service delivery for efficiency and effectiveness,” he clarified.

Tinubu revealed that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative he launched last December stands as a pioneering endeavour, deployed through a Sector-Wide Approach, to improve health outcomes at scale.

He said the initiative is strategically crafted to swiftly improve health indicators and unlock the economic potential embedded within Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.

Its mission is to unleash the nation’s human capital, alongside the potential economic boon that has been long dormant in the healthcare sector.

“The Federal Government, under my leadership, has already signed a Compact with State Governments and Development partners in this multi-stakeholder effort to improve health in Nigeria,” the President affirmed.

Therefore, President Tinubu urged Africa’s leaders to commit to concrete actions and policies that will drive positive change in healthcare delivery within their respective countries and regions, declaring: “Together, we can build a prosperous, healthier, more equitable future, for all Africans, in line with Agenda 2063.”

'We’re confident Tinubu will end insecurity in Southeast’.

'We’re confident Tinubu will end insecurity in Southeast’.

Igbos in the diaspora, under the auspices of the Igbo General Assembly (IGA), Spain,  have thrown in their support for President Bola Tinubu on the issue of insecurity ravaging the Southeast and other parts of the country. 

This is just as the diaspora group has pleaded with the president to intervene on the issue of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and ensure that he is released from detention in the interest of peace, justice, and fairness. 

The assembly, which shared its views in a communiqué it issued after its meeting in Malaga, Spain weekend, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s capability of tackling the security challenges in the Southeast region. 

In the communiqué signed by Ozo Kingsley Ndibe and Hon. E.C Onugha, IGA President General and Secretary respectively, the assembly lamented the economic hindrances the insecurity in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states have brought upon the people of the region, urging the President to intervene and save the region from complete economic collapse. 

The group, which is the central coordinating Igbo organization representing other independent, registered Igbo associations in Spain, added that since the insecurity situation in Southeastern Nigeria deteriorated, diaspora investment, which was one of the bedrock of the region’s economy, has drastically reduced, as people hardly come home to invest and create jobs for unemployed youths. 

IGA said that the insecurity in the region has been an issue of great concern to all Igbos both at home and abroad and regretted that the previous administration could not solve this problem as expected.

The communiqué added that the release of Kanu would help to end the economic strangulation going on in the Southeast. 

The assembly further said that it has full confidence and trust that President Bola Tinubu will bring a lasting solution to the insecurity in the region and urged the president to use his office as the father of the whole country to salvage the situation and let Southeast contribute more to the development of the country.

“There have been incessant cases of kidnappings, killings, and regular bloodlettings in the Southeast, where our mothers can no longer go to the farm and our fathers cannot go out to do their businesses. 

“Movement has been restricted in this region every other Monday, adversely affecting economic activities in this region.

 “As stakeholders in the Igbo General Assembly, we are requesting the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

 “It is a denial of justice not to stretch out a helping hand to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at this time because he has been detained for too long after being granted bail by a reputable court of law in Nigeria. 

“We have faith in your administration as one that will build on equal rights, justice, and fairness for all, irrespective of tribe, political affiliation, or religious belief. Just like all Nigerians, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu deserves justice,” the communiqué read.

Tinubu Meets President Lula da Silva to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Between Nigeria and Brazil.

Tinubu Meets President Lula da Silva to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Between Nigeria and Brazil.

President Bola Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday, and had fruitful discussions on comprehensive strengthening of bilateral ties in all fields. 

Speaking at the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the strength of Nigeria's economic potential and influence, saying the country is witnessing a leap forward, despite some short-term reform pains, as his administration is removing all encumbrances to business.

The President further explained that his administration is investing in critical sectors of the economy like healthcare, education, and agriculture to ensure the welfare of all Nigerian citizens and to create sustainable economic prosperity for future generations. 

"We have a very vibrant population of young Nigerians who are trainable, dependable, and should be empowered. The economic potential of Nigeria is enormous. We are ready to break all the walls standing in our way to progress.

"We are ready to fight corruption from top to bottom. We are ready to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and others. I have one of the most dedicated teams on agriculture," he said.

Assessing Nigeria's natural and human resource wealth akin to Brazil's, President Lula da Silva said Africa's largest economy and South America's largest economy have a long and interesting history together. 

The Brazilian leader said Nigeria and Brazil once had a trade volume of more than $10 billion in the past, which has now plummeted to $1.6 billion, emphasizing that he is determined to strengthen bilateral relations.

"I am back to try to restore; to reclaim our good relations with Nigeria. I can not imagine that a country of 216 million people and another of 213 million people do not have strong relations.

"Mr. President, I am 78 years old. You are 71. What keeps me energetic is that I fight for a cause. The cause of my nation and people. A great cause is the elixir of sustained vitality for experienced leaders.

"Nigeria and Brazil need stronger relations from the academic viewpoint; from the cultural viewpoint; from the commercial viewpoint; from the agricultural viewpoint; from the industrial relations viewpoint, and from trade relations viewpoint. 

"It is meaningless that there are no direct flights from Lagos to Sao Paulo and vice versa. I can not understand that. We have to sit at a table and find a solution for that. In aviation, there are many areas of potential collaboration with our manufacturers who seek to have a greater presence in Africa.

"I only have three more years left of my term, Your Excellency, to do everything I have not done yet. The time is very short. I am in a hurry to make my contributions to improve these relations with Nigeria. To make this happen, we have to put our ministers to work," he said.

Responding, President Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to deepen ties with Brazil, noting that it is a "legacy of what can be done together to change the future for countless millions of our citizens". 

"We are stopping at nothing to remove all encumbrances to business. Red tape is being shredded around us. There is nothing we will not do to manifest the great potential of our nation. We are fighting corruption from the bottom to the top. We will prevent it, and we will remediate.

"We are very aware of your progressive legacies of social security provision, infrastructure, and reforms in Petrobras. We are in the process of implementing similar reforms in the NNPCL. We are focusing on investment in new production and new energy sources. We are investing in research, and we are removing obstacles to further partnerships in all areas of operation. There is opportunity for both companies in partnership," the President said.

While identifying solid mineral exploration, agriculture, education, and healthcare as areas of immediate concern, President Tinubu emphasized that the will of the two leaders to collaborate is firmly established.

"I agree that our countries must now have direct air links. I will form a committee of cabinet members who will work directly with your cabinet ministers, and they will urgently form a joint plan of action for the benefit of our two great countries. We may have missed opportunities in the past, but we now look ahead.

"Brazil and Nigeria share similarities. Let us forget old mistakes. The phenomenal growth achieved by Brazil in agriculture is exemplary. We will work with you to mechanize our food production systems to enhance quality and quantity of output. I will work with you to re-energize Nigeria's relations with Brazil across the board," the President stated.

The leaders of the largest democracies in Africa and South America, respectively, agreed to work out the modalities for a state visit to Brazil by President Tinubu after President Lula da Silva extended an invitation, which the Nigerian leader warmly accepted.

Edo APC primary: Ganduje congratulates Idahosa on victory.

Edo APC primary: Ganduje congratulates Idahosa on victory.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has congratulated the winner of the Edo state governorship primary election, Hon Dennis Idahosa. 

Congratulating Idahosa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the national chairman urged the party’s flag bearer to carry all aspirants along to deliver the party at the September state governorship election. 

Ganduje equally commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee, noting that its transparency in the conduct of the election was highly commendable. 

The chairman then urged all aspirants to put aside their differences now that the primary election is over and join hands with the winner to deliver the party at the election 

Ganduje said: “I want to congratulate the winner of the Edo State governorship election, I want to equally commend and appreciate Governor Hope Uzodinma’s election committee for their hard work and the transparent manner in which the primary election was conducted. 

“At this point, I want to call on all the aspirants to bury the hatchet and work for the interest of the party so that our party will emerge victorious “

The national chairman also commended all the party stakeholders and assured them that the party will do everything possible to ensure that Edo state is delivered.

RAINSTORM: Aiyedatiwa Visits Ita-Ogbolu, Promises Timely Assistance To Victims.

RAINSTORM: Aiyedatiwa Visits Ita-Ogbolu, Promises Timely Assistance To Victims.

 

Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday visited the people of Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State over the rainstorm that wreaked havoc in the community last week Friday.

The storm, which followed the first rain of the year, claimed one life and destroyed about 200 buildings in the town.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who inspected the damages, sympathised with the victims and promised that the government will come to their aid.

Accompained by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Olamide Oladiji, the Governor also paid a visit to the residence of the woman who died as a result of the storm.

Earlier at the palace of the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, the Governor said he was saddened by the loss of life and the huge number of affected properties. 

The Governor said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had been on ground to compile and assess the affected houses and would ensure succour gets to the victims on time.

"I want to sympathise with kabiyesi and the people of Ita-Ogbolu on this unfortunate disaster. We thank God that it was not more than that. May God give the family of the one that lost her life the fortitude to bear the loss.

"The government has arrangements for such disaster and I can assure you that we will do the needful when we see the detailed reports", the Governor said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa later advised that residents should cultivate the habit of planting trees around their residential buildings so that it would serve as a windbreaker.

The Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, appreciated the governor for the concern and show of love.

A member of the House of Assembly representing Akure North, Hon. Kolawole Ologede and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Mr. Dele Ologun, thanked the Governor for personally visiting the community.