SDGs: LASG HOLDS VALIDATION WORKSHOP ON VOLUNTARY LOCAL REVIEW

The Lagos State Government has concluded the maiden edition of Voluntary Local Review (VLR) Validation Workshop for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the dictates of the Global ambition on the 2030 agenda.

The event, which was held at the Providence Hotel, GRA, Ikeja was the first validation exercise on the global agenda in Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking at the programme, the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals to Mr. Governor, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih explained that the initiative marks a pivotal moment in the collective aspirations of the state toward achieving the Global Goals and co-creating an inclusive, just, and prosperous future for all residents of Lagos State. 

According to her, the Voluntary Local Review as a sub-national endeavour holds profound significance for the future of our dear state and the country at large as it continues to demonstrate the local capacity and commitments of cities and regions to foster SDGs in rural communities.  

Dr. Orelowula, who noted that the review has become a catalyst for change, inspiring innovative solutions and driving transformative action, confirmed that the participation of the local entities are not only contributing to the achievement of the SDGs but also enhancing their resilience, well-being, and quality of life. 

While subnational reviews of the 2030 Agenda have intrinsic value as part of the implementation process, they can also contribute to the national-level Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and reinforce vertical coherence. 

The VLR mechanism provides an avenue to assess progress and shortcomings in implementing the SDGs through an inclusive process that involves all relevant actors”, the Special Adviser noted.Emphasizing on the importance of embedding the process and its findings into existing implementation efforts and planning for effective follow-up, Dr. Oreoluwa pointed out that the VLR report will guide the path towards the realization of the Lagos of our dream, without leaving anyone behind. 

“Since the adoption of SDGs in 2015, Lagos has ambitiously moved to pursue this transformative global agenda by actively promoting its localization, institutionalizing its relevance across MDAs and build cross-sectoral partnerships for all the Goals.In her word, 

“By being the first state in Nigeria to establish the Office of SDGs as a Cabinet Office and incorporating the framework into our development plans, the the state has established civic engagement initiatives and platforms such as the Lagos State Volunteer Corp and the Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance has enabled citizens to become active participants in governance. 

Highlighting the significance of the validation exercise, Dr. Oreoluwa affirmed that the report will empower the state with objective insights and constructive feedback which will enable government to fully understand the wins, close the gaps and provide potential opportunities to accelerate the attainment of the Goals. 

This remarkable initiative, according to her, has improved the state database through the aggregation of verifiable information on progress made in each goal. “Significantly, this exercise will project how Lagos is addressing the three dimensions of sustainable development -economic, social, and environmental in an integrated manner with examples of actions and policies aimed at unveiling interlinkages, enhancing synergies, and avoiding trade-offs in the implementation of the SDGs”, she affirmed.Dr. Oreoluwa positioned that pressing sustainability challenges must be overcome through concerted efforts as collaborative endeavors will unlock the full potential of Lagos as a Centre of Excellence.

Analyzing the methodology for the review, the Project Consultant, Mr. Olayinka Majekodunmi, noted that the VLR process has highlighted priority areas for the state government to accelerate local SDGs achievement.Olayinka submitted that additional inputs of various stakeholders will enrich the report and collective knowledge and inform policies and actions for a more sustainable and equitable Lagos.

The workshop had in attendance some members of the State Executive Council; Body of Permanent Secretaries; Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Hon. Olakunle Oladotun; the General Manager of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Mr. Oluwadamilare Ogundairo and other government officials.Relevant stakeholders, including development partners, private sector leaders, agencies of government, civil society representatives, academia, non-governmental organizations, and vibrant community of volunteers were also present to review key findings from the data-driven VLR report, which benchmarks Lagos State's progress on the 17 SDGs.

Traders Reportedly Attack Oyo Fire Service Men In Ibadan

 

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Akingbola area in Bodija, ibadan, Oyo State as Officers of the fire service were allegedly mobbed by the residents and traders of the area.

According to the general manager of Oyo State fire service, Mr Akinyemi Akinyinka, a distress call was received by some people informing them of a fire incident in the area and the crew moved immediately to the scene of the incident.

He explained that “Unfortunately, the water was exhausted and an attempt to get more water was prevented by the traders which led to the mob action on the fire service crew.”

Mr Akinyinka in an interview with journalists explained that an officer got his leg broken while others sustained different degrees of injuries during the attack.

He alleged that efforts to call for protection from police officers in the area were unsuccessful as they did not yield to distress call from the fire service.

Meanwhile, as at the time of this report, efforts to speak with the Oyo state PPRO, Adewale Osifeso proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.

Traders Reportedly Attack Oyo Fire Service Men In Ibadan

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Akingbola area in Bodija, ibadan, Oyo State as Officers of the fire service were allegedly mobbed by the residents and traders of the area.

According to the general manager of Oyo State fire service, Mr Akinyemi Akinyinka, a distress call was received by some people informing them of a fire incident in the area and the crew moved immediately to the scene of the incident.

He explained that “Unfortunately, the water was exhausted and an attempt to get more water was prevented by the traders which led to the mob action on the fire service crew.”

Mr Akinyinka in an interview with Radio Nigeria explained that an officer got his leg broken while others sustained different degrees of injuries during the attack.

He alleged that efforts to call for protection from police officers in the area were unsuccessful as they did not yield to distress call from the fire service.

Meanwhile, as at the time of this report, efforts to speak with the Oyo state PPRO, Adewale Osifeso proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.

P&ID: Seun Kuti Clearly Out Of His Intellectual Depth/. Dare Adeleke

 

In today’s social media age and uncoordinated rush for social relevance, social media influencers have found a way of using the significant number of followers they have, as fall men for their fancies, having riotous, wild imaginative orgies with people who they control through their so called celebrity status.

Today’s celebrity/influencer gets swept into a quagmire of self worship which makes them feel like gods with some kind of immunity. This false security in self adulation gives them wings to cross all lines, malign people and tell outright lies while basking in the ovation they get from their audience many of who, gubble up their gibberish without sifting it through rational reasoning .

Unfortunately, in our country, the very dark side of influencer culture has emerged, where some individuals are cajoled into spreading falsehoods and misinformation to the glee of an ever ready lynch mob who they call followers. This unscrupulous yearning for social media relevance is why a misguided Seun Kuti would confidently sit in his house and promote the most dastardly act of spreading deceitful narratives, conspiracy theories from the pit of hell, and display ignorance of gargantuan magnitude with the aim of ridiculing and bringing to public odium, a legal luminary.

One wonders if the substance he smokes has shrunk his brain to a level of near non existent.

In a country where many do not ask questions, Seun may get away with his rancid grandstanding but not here. We will take our time to put the records straight.

Watching his so called Instagram Live on the P&ID arbitration which was won by Nigeria a few days ago, was like sitting down to listen to a mad man on rampage. An intelligent viewer would realise that the weed smoking junkie had no grasp of the issues, could not assimilate the process but brazenly made heavy allegations against Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) with intent to destroy a name built over the years. He piled on accusation after accusation without substantially proving anything but made sure to drop names to shroud his unintelligent, marijuana aided, incoherent vituperations.

Seun Kuti obviously wanted blood without thinking about consequences. In the edited copy of the video which boldly displayed a photograph of Chief Ayorinde (SAN), labelling him, ‘Traitor”, Seun had no regards for the laws of the land and perhaps never even heard of the Cyber Crimes Act and other such existing libel laws.

It is to be assumed that the brash Kuti who once slapped a Nigerian police officer and posted the video of the fact on social media, is truly as dumb as he looks. A serial offender who is so stupid as to continually incriminate himself with evidence tendered on social media should elicit nothing but pity, were his actions not so damaging to society.

Now, for the benefit of those who get swept by the tidal waves of social media sensationalism, the facts of the first judgement are hereby published for public knowledge. (See copies)

1. Chief Ayorinde (SAN) defended Nigeria at th arbitration panel in the case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Process and Industrial Development Limited from the premise that the company had no right to claim norminal damages let alone quantum damages. Chief Ayorinde (SAN), as you can see from the judgement put up a very strong case based on that premise. He submitted and established that there was no breach of contract. Please read documents presented herein and the truth will set you free.

2. Chief Ayorinde, (SAN) did not at anytime betray his country by working with the ‘enemy’ as sensationally broadcast by Seun Kuti in his Instagram rant and neither was he reprimanded by the judge at any given time.

It is very alarming that the same Seun Kuti in a follow up broadcast made a feeble and glib attempt to present the fact that his accusations against Chief Ayorinde (SAN) were false and misleading. Seun Kuti admitted that his earlier information was wrong. He admitted that the so called alleged theft of documents purportedly presented to the ‘enemy’ were actually allegedly from the office of his proclaimed ‘hero’, Mr Olasupo Sashore (SAN). In the same breath, Seun Kuti in his drug induced dazed haze still arrogantly blamed Chief Ayorinde (SAN) for collecting fees for a job he himself, Seun Kuti, later admitted was properly done. What manner of evil disturbs such a mind?

It is very unfortunate that many Nigerians listen to such a vacuous rabble rouser speaking on an issue clearly out of his intellectual range, with many of our youths swallowing such bile as the truth.

Seun Kuti has displayed crassness, intellectual laziness, lack of self control and sensationalism with intent to cause harm. This is another very sad example of what we see on social media today. Peddling of lies with staggering audacity.

I am aware that Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) and his firm, BALaw LLP, are considering legal actions against this social miscreant and well so too. This nonsense where people sit in their homes and conjure false accusations to spread to millions of people must stop.

Dare Adeleke writes this piece from Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

Do Not Disappoint Nigerians- Arogundade Tells Tiunbu

The president of Oodua people's Congress (New era), Chief Rasak Arogundade (SADAM),  has called on President Bola Tiunbu to fulfil all campaign promises. 

Arogundade made this call in ibadan on Monday during the National Coordinating Council meeting of the group and the inauguration of the OPC New Era Executive in oyo state held at mapo hall in ibadan.

 

"I wish to plead with President Bola Tiunbu to remember the pre-independence dream of the founding fathers of this country from which Subsequent government deviated since independent,he should also strive as much as possible to return the derailed country back on track of pre independent greatness", said Arogundade.

Arogundade called on the youth in oyo state to join the OPC new era in the state for protection. 

He appreciated governor Seyi Makinde for his support toward OPC New Era in oyo state.

In his remarks, the coordinator of OPC New Era in oyo state, Comrade Rotimi Olumo promised to move OPC New Era to a greater height. 

Olumo appreciated all the members that were present at the inauguration,  thanking them for the opportunity given to him to serve as the oyo state coordinator and promised not to disappoint them .

Trade Minister, Uzoka-Anite backs Uzodimma's reelection bid, says he has performed well

The second term bid of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has received a major boost as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has thrown her weight behind him, declaring that there is not vacancy at the Douglas House Imo state seat of government until 2027.

Uzoka-Anite, in a statement signed by her Media Aide, Oladapo Sofowora,  noted that Governor Uzodimma has performed beyond expectations in his sterling delivery of the dividends of democracy to Imolites. 

She also said that the governor has paid keen attention to key areas of the economy with a main focus on infrastructural renewal, housing, road construction, urbanization.

Other areas that Uzodimma has done well, according to the Minister, are health sector rehabilitation, youth and women empowerment, security, employment and Job creation, digitization of the economy, civil servants' welfare, education, and a whole lot of other areas of the economy. 

She also noted that the re-election Uzodimma would further set in motion the second phase of his plans for the state as a hub for industrial revolution, talent creation and export and 21st-century Urbanization. 

Uzoka-Anite, an indigene of Imo State State, further stated that what Governor Uzodimma has achieved within his three and half years in office is unprecedented. 

According to her, the governor has touched all areas of the economy and has started and completed gigantic projects in the 27 Local Government Area in the state. 

 “Governor Uzodimma is a man who loves Imo State from his heart, the more reason he is working hard to turn the fortunes of the state around which will benefit all  and sundry. His huge investment in all critical aspects of the state has shown that if given another term, he will truly serve the people diligently with an open mind backed with their interest at heart.

“His laudable projects are critical to the development of the state which is quite visible to anyone who visits the state. The gigantic state-of-the-art equipped hospital in Omuma Oru East LGA, Oguta General Hospital and the construction of many critical roads that will enhance the smooth movement of goods and services to drive trade and commerce cannot be over-emphasized", Uzoka-Anite said.

Speaking further, the Minister added: “Governor Uzodimma’s foresight and solid plans for Imo led to the dredging of the Oguta Lake which will bring a seaport to Imo State when finally actialized. The project will fetch The state billions of dollars in revenue, put Imo in the spotlight, generating direct and indirect employment. It will also affect the exportation of agricultural produce which will give Imo farmers a platform to export their goods to the outside world most especially, Yams.”

Uzoka-Anite, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, therefore, pleaded with all Imolites to shun violence and come out in large numbers to cast their votes for Uzodimma on election day.

"I want to task all Imolites to come out in large numbers and speak in one voice with their PVC’s because a good turn truly deserves another. Our votes should be cast to send Governor Uzodinma back to Douglas House for the next four years.

She further noted that voting for APC and Uzodimma will put the state in a good stead to benefit immensely from the Renewed Hope package of President Bola Tinubu.

Oyo Govt Reiterates Committment To Welfare of Medical, Dental Officers

The Oyo State Government has said that the welfare of members of different union and associations is paramount in its daily decision-making structures. 

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, stated this while hosting the executive members, association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State at the SSG's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She charged members of the association to be more proactive in discharging their duties to the public at the State hospitals, hinting that the present administration in the State is people centric. 

The Secretary to the State Government admonished the medical officers to devise a new system in the public hospitals to be more patient friendly for efficient service delivery.

Professor Adeyemo urged the association to pass their request to  the State inter- ministarial committee that look at the request from the union and the associations. 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Olaoye Solomon urged the State Government to employ more health workers into the State Hospitals.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS 

1. November, 2023