…Impartial Judiciary Key To Achieving ‘Greater Lagos’, Says Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described impartial judiciary as key to achieving his administration’s vision of greater Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Wednesday during the swearing in ceremony of the Chief Judge of Lagos, which held at the State House in Alausa.
Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba took the oath on Wednesday as the 17th Chief Judge of Lagos State, with a pledge to sustain the independence of the judiciary and also to embark on reform of the administration of justice system in the state.
Alogba, who had been presiding over the affairs of the state judiciary in acting capacity since June 13, was confirmed yesterday (Tuesday) as substantive Chief Judge by the Lagos State House of Assembly, following ratification by National Judicial Council.
Justice Alogba was sworn in at a ceremony held in the Banquet Hall at Governor’s Office in Alausa. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led members of the executive council, while the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa, led members of the legislative arms to the ceremony.
The new Chief Judge said his tenure would witness transformation of judicial arm of government, promising to create what he described as “smart judiciary”. This, he said, would be achieved by deploying technology tools that would enable the courts to dispense complicated cases on time.
He said: “With a sense of responsibility, I stand before you all to accept the onerous tasks, which this office requires of me to perform. I seek the guidance of Almighty Allah in carrying out those responsibilities of the office. In performing my duties, I shall key into the vision of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration in ensuring that we have smart judiciary by providing first class judicial services in line with international best practice.
“We will be deploying more tools of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the provision of our services. In-video conferencing of court proceedings has already started and we will be doing more in this area.”
Justice Alogba, an indigene of Ikorodu, said there would be “rigorous training” for judicial staff to enhance capacity, promising that he would maintain zero tolerance for corruption within the arm of the government.
The Chief Judge, however, lamented the dearth of judges in the state, pointing out that Lagos had 54 judges in its employment to dispense on thousands of cases filed daily in courts. This situation, he said, was as a result of paucity of fund.
Alogba praised Gov. Sanwo-Olu for what he described as “unique benevolence” towards the state’s judiciary, noting that the Governor had been attending to the needs of the judicial arm of government since he assumed office.
The Chief Judge, however, pleaded with the governor to increase funding of the state judiciary for improved service delivery.
Sanwo-Olu said his administration would strengthen the cordial relationship between the executive and the judiciary, without eroding impartiality and independence the courts. The Governor pledged to support the judiciary to enable it provide the needs of judicial officers and discourage the people to recourse to self-help.
He said: “Your Lordship, I rejoice with you on this historic and momentous occasion, which will usher in a glorious chapter in the history of Lagos State judiciary. I have no doubt that your tenure as the head of judicial arm would further consolidate and advance the course of justice delivery for the benefit of those who seek redress in court.
“The ultimate goal of the judicial reforms which our Chief Judge has been part of is the need to ensure speedy delivery of justice to all parties irrespective of status. This is the only way to strengthen the confidence of our people in the justice system.
“I wish to use this opportunity to declare the total support of the executive arm. The objective to achieve a ‘Greater Lagos’ would not be possible without having impartial and independent judicial arm of government.”
Sanwo-Olu described Alogba as a “plain judicial officer”, expressing confidence in the capacity of the Chief Judge to lead the state judiciary.
The event was the first official function of the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, who presented Justice Alogba to the public.
Also at the event included the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Sotobi, Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Fatai Ojora, and Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Basiru Sotonwa.
The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.
The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.
According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.
“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.
He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.
Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.
Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”
“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.
Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”
“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.
The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.
In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.
It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state
Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.
Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.
Nigeria’s popular and multiple award-winning children’s animation series, Turtle Taido, produced in Hausa is now set to air on television channels across the Northern States. This groundbreaking Hausa production of Turtle Taido is a collaboration between Tayekeni Productions and Arewa24 Network, bringing world class animation and the compelling power of African storytelling to millions of families across the country.
Turtle Taido is the story of a lively magical turtle who travels across the country in search of knowledge. On his journeys, he makes friends, visits places of interest, encounters magical stories and learns about other animals. Above all, he learns that understanding other people’s cultures makes us treat them with respect while promoting a peaceful and happier world.
Muyiwa Kayode, Creator and Executive Producer of Turtle Taido.
The Turtle Taido series has won multiple international awards including Best Children’s Short at Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles, and Best TV Series at the Buddha International Film Festival, India.
Broadcast Sponsorship of Turtle Taido series in Hausa is powered by Checkers Africa Limited, makers of Checkers Custard brand.
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