Lagos 2025 Budget Scales Second Reading

– Speaker gives committee 1 month to report back

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday debated the 2025 appropriation bill of N3.005 trillion presented to the lawmakers by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last Thursday.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the plenary, committed the bill to a joint committee on appropriation and finance for review with a mandate to report back in one month.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, provided an overview of the proposed spending with a breakdown of items in the estimate.

While raising concerns over the projection of N408 billion deficit financing in the budget, Olumoh, who noted that loans are good when used for the actual purposes, added: “We have to be cautious about it. We need to have a sustainable and pragmatic way of financing our budget so that we don’t rely solely on loans.

“So I would suggest that we look at a realistic budget and ways to finance it using alternatives like the Public Private Partnership models.

“I also want to implore my colleagues that for the purpose of the 2025 budget, we need to properly scrutinise it to prevent wastage.”

He commended the government for its intentions as stipulated in the budget estimate.

Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasumu called for a careful review of the budget to enable comparative analysis and feasibility.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) noted the absence of allocations for electricity infrastructure and climate change initiatives while suggesting a five-year retrospective analysis of deficit funding.

His colleague, Hon. Femi Sheed, stressed the importance of linking borrowing to critical infrastructure like electricity while ensuring revenue efficiency and addressing potential financial leakages.

On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot highlighted the omission of food security measures in the proposal while urging the inclusion of initiatives to meet citizens’ needs.

Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu told the lawmakers that the budget aims to achieve a 59% capital expenditure and 41% recurrent expenditure ratio with a deficit financing to be sourced through external and internal loans and bonds.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Hon. Prince TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN Gives  ACCOUNT Of STEWARDSHIP From  2017 Till Date

 

[ Scholarships Presentation To Summer Coaching Students: Third Edition ]

The Deputy Leader Of Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm and Honourable Councillor Representin g Ward C1, Hon. Prince Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan has distinguished himself among his Contemporaries with Record-Breaking Achievements in Lagos and beyond.

The High-Ranking Council Legislator has executed People-centric, Community Development Projects and Social Intervention Programmes with Positive and Direct impacts on the Residents of Lagos Island Local Government and beyond; Particularly, the Elderly Citizens, Widows, Vulnerable, Physically Challenged Persons and Youths.

The Iconic Lagos Prince is a Philanthropist Par Excellence. A Friend of the Young and Old.

Prince Oyekan is an Advocate of Good Governance.

A Development Enthusiast cum Social Crusader.

HON. PRINCE TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN’s Action Plan spans through:

• Human Capital Development
• Economic Empowerment cum Poverty Alleviation
• Universal Basic And Tertiary Education Development
• Community Development Project And Social Intervention
• Training And Skill Acquisition Programme For Locals
• Youth Development cum Mentorship
• Public Health
• Peace Advocacy

HON. PRINCE TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN’s ACHIEVEMENTS IN BRIEF

Over the years, HON. PRINCE TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN has empowered Thousands of Vulnerable, Widows, Widowers, Artisans and Technicians with Equipment and disbursed Grants to Small and Medium Business Owners to promote Local Economy, Self-reliance and Prosperity for all.

Prince OYEKAN has Lifted and Rekindled Hope of Residents of Lagos Island Local Government and Its Neighbouring Communities.

In His Periodic Economic Empowerment cum Social Intervention Programme in 2019,
Work Tools, Cash Gifts and Free Food Items had been given to the Less-Privileged; People Living With Disabilities, Elderly Citizens, Widows and Widowers On Lagos Island Local Government.

Prince Oyekan reconstructed two Trunk C Road Networks on Lagos Island Local Government to ease Pedestrian Mobility within the Communities, Promote Local Economy, Environmental Sustainability and Aesthetics.

As part of his efforts to promote the Development of Universal Basic and Tertiary Education, Prince Oyekan organised Free Summer Coaching and Career Talks for over 1,500 Primary and Secondary School Students.

The Participating Students were trained in Skills Acquisition such as Computer-Digital Literacy, Tailoring and Fashion Designing, Catering and Baking, Cosmetology, Musicology, Soap and Disinfectants Productions.

He has also Presented Scholarships to Indigent Students and distributed Learning Materials worth millions of Naira across the Island.

In 2023, Prince Oyekan gifted Free 100 JAMB/UTME Forms to Students seeking admissions into Tertiary Institutions to lessen financial burdens on Parents and Guardians.
Transportation Fares were also given to Candidates.

Prince Oyekan places Priority on Formal and Informal Education.

To cushion the resultant effects of the Prevailing economic hardship and Fuel Subsidy Removal in the country, Prince Oyekan distributed Free Assorted Food Items to the Vulnerable on Lagos Island Local Government and its adjoining communities.

During Festive Seasons, He distributed Bags of Rice, Live Chickens and Cash Gifts across Lagos Island Local Government for Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
He also organized End of The Year Party for Children.
A Social Gathering designed to celebrate the Youngsters and Inspire them for the future.

The Physically-Challenged were not left out as they received Relief Items from Prince Oyekan annually.

HON. PRINCE TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN
Constructed Borehole Water Systems on Lagos Island Local Government to curb Water Supply shortage and meet daily usage of Residents.

He Organised Periodic Environmental Sanitation Exercise to ensure a Healthier and Habitable Community.

On Monday, January 1, 2024,
Prince Oyekan Presented Gift Items to New Year Day Babies and Nursing Mothers in Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos.

In one of his Medical Outreach Programmes,
A One-Day Seminar was organised for Residents of Lagos Island to create Awareness on Personal Hygiene and Community Health.

To promote Grassroot Sports Development and Talent Hunting, Prince Oyekan organised Football Match Competitions for the Youths across Lagos Island Local Government.
This is to further Provide a Veritable Platform for Young Footballers and Athletes.

The Frontline Council Legislator has Sponsored several Sporting Events.
In November 2023, Prince Oyekan Sponsored St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Inter-House Sports Competition.

On Friday, 22 December 2023,
Prince Oyekan donated Utility Bus to a Lagos Community Security Outfit, The Isale Eko Community Anti-Crime Team (Folumo).
This is to further improve Security of Lives and Properties on Lagos Island Local Government and the Mainland.

On Thursday 18 January, 2024, Hon. Prince Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan organised Free Medical Outreach named JIGI Taiye on Lagos Island Local Government across Isale Eko, Olowogbowo and Oko Faji Communities.

Over 500 Beneficiaries Received Free Eye Glasses and Medications.

In his renewed effort to promote Sports and mobilise support for the Nigerian Super Eagles Football Team at the AFCON 2024 Final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Hon. Prince Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan Set Up Viewing Centre for Residents Of Lagos Island Local Government; across Isale-Eko, Olowogbowo and Oko Faji Communities.

Thousands of Residents joined him to watch the football match amidst excitement and commendations.

As part of his Social Welfare Schemes, Hon. Oyekan disbursed Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) to uplift residents across Isale Eko, Olowogbowo and Oko Faji Communities amidst prevailing economic challenges in the country.

Two Hundred (200) Households received (N25,000) each. One Hundred (100) Widows were gifted N25,000 each while 100 Elderly Men got N25,000 each.

In addition, five Artisans were presented with industrial Sewing Machines while over 150 Residents received 5Kg Bags Of Rice.

On Sunday 7, Aril 2024, Hon. Oyekan once again Shared Free Food Items Door-To-Door across Isale-Eko, Olowogbowo and Oko Faji Communities to Provide Succour, ameliorate Hunger and Complement Government’s efforts amidst Economic Challenge.

According to him, the
community Food Items Distribution is a Social Welfare Scheme for Locals.The First of Its Kind in Lagos

Friday 19 April, 2024, Hon. Oyekan partnered with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to organise Sensitization Exercise on Fire Prevention and Practical useful safety tips for Residents and Traders across the Island.

The Community Intervention Initiative became necessary following persistent Fire Incidents on Lagos Island Local Government Area, Particularly in Market Places and Homes.

This is to forestall future occurrence.

He urged Locals to shun practices that could cause fire outbreak.

Thursday, June 8, 2024, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan’s Non-Governmental Organisation, Kolawole Ajibade Oyekan Foundation Partnered with Amal Outreach To Provide Free Health Care Service For Hundreds Of Lagos Island Residents at the Iduntafa Community, Isale-Eko, Lagos.

He urged the Beneficiaries To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle and Do Regular Checkup.

At the Social Intervention Programme, Community Leaders and Residents Commended Hon. Oyekan for his
Unmatched Intervention Initiatives.

Again, On Thursday June 13 2024, Hon. Taiwo Oyekan Gifted 10Kg Bags Of Rice To Constituents amidst Encomium from Community Leaders and Party Chieftains.

On Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July, 2024
Hon. Prince TAIWO AJIBADE OYEKAN Presented N5 Million Grant To Petty Traders, Each received N50,000 To Support their Businesses.

He also Donated Assorted Food Items and Cash Gift to Physically Challenged Persons On Lagos Island Local Government Area.

The Beneficiaries Testified that Hon. Oyekan Is The Best Honourable Councillor Ever Elected In Lagos State.

August 15, 2024, Hon. TAIWO OYEKAN gifted 25Kg Bags Of Assorted Food Items to Lagos Island Residents.

Party Chieftains and Stakeholders Reeled Out Council Deputy Leader’s SocioEconomic Interventions.

The Beneficiaries Across ISALE-EKO, OLOWOGBOWO And OKOO FAJI Communities Applauded Hon. OYEKAN

*Amidst Excitement, Hon. Prince TAIWO OYEKAN presented Scholarships to three most outstanding Students in the Third Edition of the Kolawole Ajibade Oyekan Foundation Annual Summer Coaching on Thursday 29 August, 2024 at the Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute-Ero, Lagos, Nigeria.*

*One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) each was gifted to the three students; Totaling Three Hundred Thousand Naira(N300,000) from the Junior and Secondary Categories.*

*Hon. Oyekan said he was poised to continually complement efforts of the Lagos State Government in Human Capital Development and Citizens’ welfare*

*He charged the Beneficiaries and other students to work harder and concentrate on their Studies.*

In one of his inspiring Speeches, the Deputy Leader of Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm reiterated his commitment to People-centric Programmes and Community-Social Intervention.

… About The People And Our Communities

…Determined To Do More For Betterment Of Humanity

Monday 7, October 2024

*© PTO Media & Strategy Centre*

A Voice Silenced: The Political Persecution of Asaolu Gaffar

By Korede Oladepo

In the heart of Ogun State, a tale of ambition, determination, and political strife unfolds, centering on a young man whose dreams have been overshadowed by the heavy hand of political persecution. Asaolu Gaffar, a promising graduate from Babcock University and University of Bradford UK, stands at the crossroads of his future, trapped in a situation fueled by political animosity and the machinations of power.

Asaolu’s journey began like many others, filled with aspirations and the desire to effect change. With a degree in hand, he emerged as a beacon of hope for the youth of Ogun State, advocating for progress, transparency, and the empowerment of his generation. His passion for social justice and community development quickly caught the attention of his peers and local political figures alike. However, his rising profile soon became a double-edged sword.

Reports indicate that Asaolu has faced relentless persecution under the governance of Prince Dapo Abiodun, the current Governor of Ogun State. Friends and supporters allege that the governor’s administration has targeted Asaolu due to his outspoken nature and affiliation with opposition parties. This political vendetta has resulted in a series of legal troubles that many believe are baseless and motivated by a desire to silence dissent.

In a recent statement, Asaolu’s family expressed their fears for his safety and well-being. “He is a young man with so much potential, yet he finds himself in a situation that threatens to derail his future. We fear for his life and his freedom,” they lamented. The family has called on influential figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene in what they describe as a clear case of political oppression.

Asaolu’s plight reflects a broader issue in Nigeria, where political persecution often stifles the voices of young leaders advocating for change. The pattern of targeting opposition figures has raised alarms among human rights organizations and activists, who argue that the silencing of dissent is detrimental to the democratic process.

Observers note that the persecution of promising youths like Asaolu not only affects individuals but also resonates throughout society, stifling innovation and discouraging political engagement among the younger generation. The ramifications of such actions can lead to a disillusioned youth, perpetuating a cycle of apathy and disengagement from the political process.

As the nation watches, the call for justice grows louder. Supporters of Asaolu have organized protests and social media campaigns, urging the governor to reconsider his stance and for President Tinubu to step in to ensure that political persecution does not claim an innocent life. “We cannot stand by and watch as our future leaders are crushed under the weight of political power struggles,” said a close friend of Asaolu during a recent rally.

The story of Asaolu Gaffar is not just about one young man’s fight against political persecution; it embodies the struggles faced by many in a democracy still grappling with the shadows of autocracy. As the situation unfolds, the hope remains that justice will prevail, and that the dreams of promising youths will not be extinguished by the flames of political hatred.

In the end, the question remains: Will the voices of the youth be heard, or will they continue to be silenced by the very systems meant to empower them? The answer lies in the hands of those in power and the collective will of a nation yearning for change.