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​Mudashiru Obasa: Celebrating A Legislator Per Excellence, A Bridge Builder

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By Musbau Rasak

On his election as the Speaker of the 8th Lagos State House of Assembly in 8 June 2015, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, assured Lagosians then, that he will preside over a Legislative House they will be proud of.
Rt. Hon. Obasa assured that under his Speakership, the Lagos State House of Assembly will always rise far and above the ‘common standard of excellence’. 
As he celebrates his birthday on 11 November, it is pertinent to note that more than three years after his election as the head of the Legislative Arm of government in the state, his achievements in that period stand him out as the leading state lawmaker in Nigeria.
That Rt. Hon. Obasa is committed to legislative excellence is an open secret. It is well known that the Lagos House of Assembly Speaker is a leading light in the struggle for the emancipation of the Legislative Arm of Government and giving the Parliament Institution its rightful place in governance in the country.
“The Parliament is the bastion of democracy and for me it’s the most important arm of government, without the Parliament, there won’t be anything called Democracy hence it’s our collective duty to ensure the protection of the Parliament so that the interest of the people is protected,” Rt. Hon. Obasa had submitted in many of his interaction with people and the media.
More than three years into his tenure, Rt. Hon. Obasa has indeed been making waves as a Legislator per excellence. 
As the leading lawmaker in the state, the Lagos Assembly Speaker has led by example in term of legislative duty. To date, he has initiated about six Private Member Bills, the first and only Speaker to have achieve that in Lagos history. It is also pertinent to note that most of his Private Member Bills have had direct positive impacts on the people of the state.
The Neighbourhood Watch Law is an example of such law. Apart from encouraging and promoting community policing in the state which has reduced crimes, the Law has led to the establishment of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) which has given employment to thousands of Lagos youths.
Another Law worthy of note is the Anti-kidnapping Law which has reduced cases of kidnapping in the state. 
Yet another law worthy of mention is the Cancer Institute Law which sought to create an Institute for research, prevention, detection and treatment of various types of cancer in the state.
Perhaps one of the greatest Laws that emanated from the Lagos Assembly under his watch is the Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law. This Law, which was promulgated to preserve, promote Yoruba Language and prevent it from going into extinction, is another Private Member Bill from the Speaker and today it has improved the use of the language by youths especially students. Today, Yoruba Language is a compulsory subject in Lagos schools which has improved the promotion of the language.
As an administrator, Rt. Hon. Obasa has ensured that he kept with and improve on the tradition of constant training of lawmakers and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly making them arguably the most trained in the country. 
He introduced the live streaming of plenary sessions of the House, the first Parliament in Nigeria to do that and second in Africa after South Africa. He introduced and ensured the presence of the House on the Social Media with all its icons very active.
One of his greatest achievements is the introduction of the annual Stakeholders’ Meeting which takes place simultaneously in all the 40 constituencies in the state. This is the barometer for measuring the performance of each lawmaker annually while also giving the constituents the opportunity to lay their grievances and demands before the government. The reports from these  stakeholders’ meetings thus, have served as annual major components of the state budget.
His leadership qualities are not doubt and today, he had steered the affairs of the state Assembly successfully making it the most peaceful Parliament in Nigeria.
As a bridge builder, he is not only a man of peace, he also upholds the philosophy of love sharing among the people. When he successfully engineered the defection of seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the House to the All Progressives Congress  (APC) two years ago, the defecting members were unanimous in why they joined APC: Obasa is a bridge builder who had not only welcome them into the House with open arms but has also given them real sense of belonging in the affairs of the House despite their being members of the opposition party. “His leadership qualities are unique and we love the way he is leading us in the House,” they chorused.
Many still remember the leadership roles he played in bringing peace and tranquility to the fold of APC in Agege and beyond.
It’s noteworthy to submit that his achievements have not gone unnoticed as he has been honoured locally and outside the country for his efforts in promoting the Institution of Parliament and ensuring legislative excellence.
In February, Rt. Hon. Obasa was named the Best State Legislator in Nigeria by the Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily, Saturday and Sunday Independent newspapers. 
In July, he was honoured and presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the African Bar Association  (ABA) during their conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
In August, he was elected the Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria during their conference in Lagos.
Today, Rt. Hon. Obasa rank as the most experienced lawmaker in Lagos State, having started his career as a lawmaker at the grassroots level when he served as a Councillor representing Ward E in Agege Local Government between 1999 and 2002 before his election into the House of Assembly to represent Agege Constituency 1 since 2003.
Indeed, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa is worth celebrating. 
Many Happy Returns Sir.

Musbau Rasak is the Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa 

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In Search of Justice: Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu’s Plea for Recognition and Dignity

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In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.

Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.

This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?

At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.

The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.

She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.

Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.

Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

 

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

 

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

 

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

 

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.

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Investigation: How Unhygienic State Of Oko Oba Abbatoir Poses Health Hazards To Lagosians

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Time was when the Oko Oba Abbatoir was the cynosure of all eyes.

The professionalism and neatness depicted by the Butchers and the distribution Unit of the Abbatoir was applauded by all.

Conveying the neatly packed Meats in an enclosed Van called ‘Eko Meat Van’ to various locations saw the Lagos State Government receiving accolades from opposition Parties, Lagosians alike for the initiative.

Years down the line, the once celebrated initiative has become a shadow of itself.

For a first timer visiting the Oko Oba Abbatoir, what greets the person is an offensive odour oozing from the Canals that passes behind the Abbatoir.

The stench is very strong. It fouls the air. It often even triggers breathing discomforts in people not used to such a sudden and unpleasant odour.

The drainage at the entrance of the facility is filthy. It is a major source of the pungent stench disturbing passersby and visitors to the abattoir.

This however poses health threats to Lagosians who inhale this offensive odour.

Aside the Canals, the environment of the Abbatoir is in a pathetic state, as dirt litters the environment with bloods of the butchered Cows stagnated at some potholes in the Abbatoir.

This is however unhygienic to the health of Lagosians who consume the Meats.

The safety of meat processed at Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, Lagos, has become a source of concern to beef consumers in the state owing to the unhygienic practices and poor sanitation that characterise meat processing at the facility.

Aside from the dirty drainage, the slaughter slabs where animals are slaughtered are not only dirty but also reek of the foul smell of cow dung as well as that of decomposing animal waste and blood.

The once upgraded processing equipment and units of the Abbatoir have become a shadow of itself.

Experts say poor handling of meat in abattoirs could lead to physical contamination, stressing that a situation where all manner of people accesses the slaughterhouse without check is inappropriate for a place where meat is processed for human consumption.

Investigation reveals that the handlers of the Abattoir are the one causing major problems by not allowing external body or professionals to handle the situation because of their selfish interest.

Moreso, it was also gathered that past administration has also put measures to salvage the situation but all to know avail as the activities of the centre is allegedly run by one family.

The said family is been alleged to be sabotaging the efforts of the Lagos State Government in changing the narratives in this regard, by monopolizing the administration of Abbatoir.

Sources who are in the know of the politicking happening at the Abbatoir that has made it leveraging on its past glory, say that if other Companies are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining the Abbatoir, there will be drastic changes in the affairs of the Abbatoir, that will be a far cry from its present state.

It was also gathered that the Sub Concessionaire approved by the Ministry who has certain projects at the Abbatoir is allegedly been frustrated by the Main Concessionaire in connivance with the Commissioner.

This has further added to the pathetic situation of the Abbatoir.

Investigation also revealed that there are Shanties at the Abbatoir where some people allegedly live and pay rent to certain individuals at the Abbatoir.

This poses Security threat to the Abbatoir and residents around the Abbatoir, at a time when the economic fortunes of the nation has dwindled.

Sources revealed that the Abbatoir is porous, which exposes the State to impending danger that needs to be urgently addressed before it escalates.

No doubt, the present state of the Abbatoir is a far cry from what the Abbatoir was known for years back, leading to the call on the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administration, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Agriculture to wade into this issue and earnestly address the worrisome and abysmal state of the Oko Oba Abbatoir, no matter who ox is gored.

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