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Lagos state to unveil portal for 2020 Teachers Merit Award application By Ifeoma Ikem

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The Lagos State Ministry of Education says it will unveil the portal for the 2020 Teachers Merit Award application barring any unforeseen circumstance.

Mrs Lai Koiki,who disclosed this to Newsmen in the office of honoourable minister of Education in Lagos said the portal will be open for application from December 21, 2020 to February 12th 2021.

 

Lai said the merit award is an initiative of the Lagos state Ministry of Education to honour teachers during their active service years.

 

Mrs Lai Koiki who is also the Chairman of the merit award and Executive Director of Greensprings school, said that this year’s edition is very special because of the peculiarities of the global challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The onset of the pandemic challenged the CAN DO spirit, resilience and creativity of all our teachers and leaders as they all tried to minimise the learning lost in their students.

 

 

“Although, that is part of what makes this year’s award very special, as it is an opportunity to recognize, showcase and appreciate teachers in our government schools.

“It aims to appreciate teachers who risked it all to excel and distinguished themselves through their teaching and learning practices which ensured that no child was disadvantaged or left behind’’.

According to her, education is the bedrock of development of any society and it is in recognition of this that these awards found a place in the prime educational transformation agenda of the Lagos state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

“This award bears in mind the universal call to action through the UN sustainable Development Goals and the THEMES agenda developed by the Lagos State government’’.

She pointed that the committee came up with a sustainable vision for the award to promote the prestige of education in the state.

“The state government has made huge investments in education, especially leveraging technology and providing an environment for learning: tough job I must say but despite that, the Ministry of Education under the able leadership our amiable commissioner of Education Mrs Folashade Adefiayo has continued to be a trailblazer.

“In addition to that, we hope this intervention will motivate our teachers and others to start respecting this noble calling as a profession.

“This award will not only celebrate promising and innovative practices but also shine a spotlight on these outstanding ideas and innovations so that other educators can replicate them to enhance learning outcome in all schools’’.

She said the application timeline for first stage will open Monday December 21, 2020 and close Sunday January 17 2021, while the successful applicants from the first stage are notified of their qualification for the second stage of the application.

“Second stage of application portal will open Monday February 1 2020, and close Monday February 12th 2021, while the successful applicants from the second stage are notified, then 30 finalist will emerge’’.

She said that the finalists will be invited for two-day retreat during which the 20 winners will emerge, then followed by gala night where winners of the Lagos state teachers Merit Awards will be unveiled and presented.

“The following categories are the number of exceptional educators leading cutting edge learning, using innovative tools that will be selected in 7 categories across the state.

1) 3- Teachers in primary School

2) 3- Teachers in junior secondary school

3)3- Teachers in senior secondary school

4).1- Head Teacher in primary

5) 1-Principal In junior secondary

6) 1-Principal in senior secondary

7) 1- principal in Technical college

She added that previously the awardees were being nominated but this year it will come with proof and evidence of their works such as voice recordings, video clips etc. then we carry out our investigations based the evidence they provided.

“We are encouraging all outstanding teachers and administrators to apply for this prestigious award and recognition so we can shine a huge spotlight on their amazing contribution to the society and work towards the broader perspective of adding value to the education.

“Educators must be constantly encouraged and frequently reminded that their jobs are important and appreciated and continue to support each other and exchange ideas and strategies to move forward together,’’ she said.

She said that while unveiling the merit award, seven distinguished educators and industry leaders from private sector were selected as committee members, they are:

1) Mrs Yinka Ogunde, CEO Edumark Consult

2) Mrs Funke Amba, Administrator Vivian Fowler Memorial College

3) Mr Bolaji Olagunju CEO, Workforce group

4) Ms Oyindamola Egbeyemi,Director,the Foreshore School

5) Mrs Sherifat Ogboye,Director of Education,District IV(Retired)

6)Mrs Abisola Obasanya ,Director Arc-Lights Foundation for Education

7)Mr Adebisi Adetutu,Regional Manager,Public Sector,Ecobank plc.

The honourable commissioner of Mrs Folashade Adefisayo commended the initiative for setting up the award in a very unique way to honour teachers.

Adefisayo said, `because teachers are professionals who train and teach all professionals in life we are proud of them, they need to be celebrated.

She also said that teachers do their possible best making sure individuals in all ramifications become someone in life.

“You need to know how they manage, encourage and nurture their students with skills and passion, in fact, they are the best,’’ she said.

Mrs Funke Amba, Administrator, Vivian Fowler Memorial College said, `change has come and we represent the change.

She pointed out that nobody can be anybody without education, it means without teachers, the world would not have great leaders and heroes that make us better .

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

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NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

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“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

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In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

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Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.

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*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*

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*Go out and vote, it’s your right - Ogun APC charges electorate*

*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*

 

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

*Go out and vote, it’s your right - Ogun APC charges electorate*

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

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Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

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Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

 

 

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.

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