…Lauds Kyari, Utsev on outstanding performance

The Reformed Afenifere Youth Group (RAYG) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his exemplary leadership in addressing food security and water resources in the country.

The group also applauded the outstanding performances of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev.

In a statement signed by its President, Aare Yemi Adenifuja, the Afenifere youths said the Ministers’ stewardship and dedication have led to significant progress in the agricultural and water sectors, boosting the socio-economic growth and prosperity of Nigeria.

“Under Kyari’s visionary leadership, the agricultural sector has witnessed significant growth, with initiatives boosting production and ensuring food security,” he said.

“The successful launch of the 2023-2024 dry-season farming program has empowered thousands of farmers, while the distribution of 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice has enhanced food availability.

“Additionally, the development of 23 improved crop varieties has increased crop yields, and the enhancement of food security and nutrition has improved the overall well-being of Nigerians.

“Furthermore, market access has improved, and employment opportunities have been generated, contributing to the sector’s growth.

“The Agric ministry undertook significant measures to boost agricultural production and control food inflation which he itemised to include; the distribution of improved seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and equipment to farmers.

“The ministry has also partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to distribute 2.15 million bags of fertiliser free of charge to farmers.

“In rural infrastructure development, the ministry has constructed 77.8km of asphalt roads, including 130.9 km of earthen roads and boreholes, and installed solar street lights which have created nearly 60,000 jobs in rural areas with other initiatives to manage agricultural lands and address climate change including soil analysis, water conservation training, and climate-smart agriculture practices.”

Similarly, Adenifuja said Professor Utsev’s expertise and experience in water resources and environmental engineering have led to groundbreaking initiatives addressing the nation’s complex water challenges.

“His strategic leadership has resulted in significant progress in water infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and water supply expansion, enhancing the nation’s water security,” he added.

“The implementation of innovative technologies and sustainable practices has ensured equal access to clean water and sanitation for all citizens, a critical step towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“The adoption of cutting-edge technology has also boosted the agricultural sector and water resources with the use of precision farming to enhance crop yields and reduce waste.

“The use of advanced technologies like water management software and data analytics has optimized water distribution, reduced leakages, and improved efficiency in the water sector.

“Moreover, the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power has reduced the carbon footprint of water treatment and pumping stations.”

The group, therefore, said adopting more innovative approaches will further enhance food security and water resources in Nigeria and urged the Federal Government to continue prioritizing these sectors.

“The FG should explore international collaborations to enhance food security and water resources, promote sustainable agriculture practices, develop innovative water management systems, improve access to clean water and sanitation, and support the growth of the agricultural sector,” the statement added.

“We commend President Tinubu, Minister Kyari, and Minister Utsev for their dedication to the socio-economic growth and prosperity of Nigeria.

“Their stewardship has led to significant progress in the agricultural and water sectors, and we look forward to continued success in these critical areas.

“We also appreciate the efforts of farmers, agricultural extension workers, and water resources managers who have worked tirelessly to implement these initiatives.”

….Unveil Dapo Abiodun Viewing Center, Energize, Install Ogunmakin Village Transformer 

— Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

In a bid to stop the spread of cholera in Ogun state, The executive chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Ambassador Adesina Lanrewaju Ogunsola fcpa. has listed the second phase of the projects to be commissioned on the 11th of July 2024.

The projects to be commissioned are: Borehole Project at Ijemo Molusi, Onidundu, Asipa, Mokoloki, Eleworo, Oba Erin, A Block of Classrooms, construction of Prince Dapo Abiodun viewing center and Electrification of Ogunmakin village Amebo Newspapers NG learnt.

However, Ogunsola highlighted several projects commissioned during his three years tenure which is expected to expire on the 17th of July 2024 on a live program on Splash Fm today 2nd of July 2024.

According to him, Several sectors such as Health, Education, Security, Economy, Rural Electrification, and Infrastructure Development were adequately touched.

When he was asked to highlight his achievement in his 3 years in office as the chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government by Ayomide Quality, he said he would continue to give Almighty God the glory for securing the lives and properties of residents of Obafemi-Owode, he said the security has been drastically dealt with since the year he started his tenure appreciating the executive Governor of Ogun state, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s support in ensuring people are protected from kidnappers, robbers and others.

He restated his commitment and confidence on Security Agencies for their unalloyed support, he said he engaged the local securities and the police in a collaboration to ensure security is taken seriously.

Reacting to the land matters, Ambassador Ogunsola Lanrewaju Adesina assured the aggrieved persons in the ongoing land tussle in Obafe area of Ogun state of urgent solutions to promote peaceful coexistence between the dwellers of the local government.

He said he would do everything possible to find lasting solutions to the land tussle, noting that he was aware of the protest staged to the Ogun State House of Assembly today by the aggrieved persons saying he would meet the parties involved after they honour the invitation of the state house of assembly tomorrow 3rd of July 2024.

He said Obafemi-Owode Local Government being the largest local government in Nigeria sharing boundaries with Remo North, Ikenne, Sagamu, Odeda, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, and Lagos state, he embarked on road projects for the farmers transporting farm inputs starting from Onidundu, Oluwo village, Asagbe, Eleyele, Soseri, Akinlagun, Akogun, Oke Odofin, Laloko, Erunbe, Erunwon, Itori, Mosanre and others numbering to thirty was graded to be motorable for farmers and residents.

“We have successfully graded Kobape, Akorede, Alaafia community, and others, We moved to Oba area wheew we graded Alagada, Kajola, Baase, and others because we believed we are sorrounded by rural communities, we graded Laderin and stopped due to thr raininb season” Said Ambassador Ogunsola Lanrewaju Adesina

Health, he said Ofada general hospital we resuscitated it by buying needed facilities,In Ajura health center we have been able to be on equal ground to deliver quality health delivery.

We constructed market stalls and complexes for our market people and their issues are always attended to promptly.

When he was asked about where he got the funds to execute all the projects, he said he got a lot of assistance from Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and the internal generated revenue was managed to ensure they deliver, noting that his executives understood him after he made them understand some points by making sacrifices to serve the people diligently.

– Lagos Assembly urges NASS to criminalise acts against Parliamentary independence

– wants more recognitions for past Speakers

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday called on governors in Nigeria to avoid seeing state legislatures as appendages of the executive but instead, treat lawmakers as partners in the progress and development of states.

The House, which described the legislature as the bedrock of democracy, further called on the National Assembly to criminalise any action that violates the independence of the parliament.

The House passed the resolutions in commemoration of the 2024 edition of the International Day of Parliamentarism celebrated on June 30.

The House further urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to recognise past speakers of the Lagos Assembly for their contributions to the state’s growth and development.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, emphasised the significance of honouring past speakers who have served and contributed to the development of the state.

Dr. Obasa asserted that without the parliament, there is no democracy. He highlighted the institution’s crucial role in governance through lawmaking, motions and resolutions.

He described the International Day of Parliamentarism as a day to “do more to draw the attention of Nigerians to the importance of the legislature.”

While congratulating parliamentarians across the country for their contributions toward the nation’s development, Obasa said: “It is also important to note that a government has three arms, and if one is missing, there is no government.

“Since 1979 when this House was established under Alhaji Lateef Jakande, none of the past speakers have been celebrated.

“We should celebrate those who have represented us well and convey to the National Assembly the need to allow Houses of Assembly to practise what the constitution says about the parliament effectively and to provide the necessary support.

“The governors should also give the political will to the parliament to enable it to perform its duties as stated in the constitution,” Dr. Obasa added.

Other lawmakers who contributed supported that the parliament should be celebrated while applauding the leadership of Speaker Obasa.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa constituency 2, said the role of a parliament cannot be overemphasised.

“Democracy is all about the parliament. It is a bridge between the people and government, but we are sometimes underappreciated as representatives of the people. There is no gap between the parliament and the people. There is no type of government that can exist without parliament,” he said.

Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere ) noted that nothing occurs in a state without the input of the parliament while Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh described parliamentarians as stabilisers of the polity who deserve to be celebrated.

Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu urged that the House should consider being a part of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

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