Her excellency, wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, welcomed the first babies of year 2020 in four government owned health facilities in the state.
Sanwo-Olu presented gifts items to the babies during her visits to Ijede General Hospital, Agbowa General Hospital, Ketu-Ejirin General Hospital and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital.
The first baby of the year, a boy weighing two kilogrammes, was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Agede at 12.01 a.m. at Ijede General Hospital, Ikorodu.
Agede was followed by a girl, born at 12.07 a.m to the family of Mr and Mrs Agbor, at Agbowa General Hospital, weighing 3.1 kg.
The third baby boy, weighing 2.6kg, was born to the Momoh family at 12.09 a.m at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, while the fourth baby was born to Mr and Mrs Kazeem at 1, 40 a.m weighing 3kg at Ketu-Ejirin.
Sanwo-Olu said the birth of a child was not by chance and required that the mother’s adequate care to ensure that she lived a healthy life whilst pregnant and got skilled care during labour and delivery.
According to the Lagos First Lady, the birth of a child brings good fortune to a society, symbolising the assurance that human heritage and life is preserved to the next generation.
“We are here today not just to celebrate new lives but also to seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people who need our assistance.
“Bearing in mind always that our show of love, kindness and compassion is only an extension of gratitude to our maker for the same grace granted to us,” she said.
According to her, two new Maternal and Child Centres (MCC) at Alimosho and Eti-Osa areas of the state were commissioned to complement the existing ones and strengthen the health sector toward halting the trend of maternal and child mortality in the state.
Sanwo-Olu added that Neonatal Care Units, equipment and resources were also provided at some general hospitals to enhance the quality of maternal and child care services, adding that the state government was poised to doing more this year.
She commended the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and his team, for improvements recorded in the state health sector in the last few months.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the commissioner’s commitment toward infrastructure upgrade, provision of relevant equipment and human resource development was exemplary.
She disclosed that for the first time since the inception of 1st Baby of the year celebration 18 years ago, the event was marked for the first time at Ijede, Agbowa and Ketu-Ejirin General Hospitals, respectively.
Sanwo-Olu prayed that the babies would grow to become great and responsible citizens that would advance the course of the society.
She advised pregnant women to ensure healthy lifestyle that would guarantee wellbeing and posterity of the society
Earlier, Abayomi said that celebrating the first baby of the year was one of the state’s way of showing its commitment to the total health of the mother and her child after conception, pregnancy and child delivery.
Abayomi noted that the event was symbolic as the first annual activity of the state government, focusing on health.
“Its significance is demonstrated by the priority visit of the wife of the governor and the presence of important dignitaries, who could have been elsewhere on this great day but chose to spend their first few hours of the New Year in our public hospitals.
“They make it a duty to be here to rejoice with our mothers on the birth of their children and that, in itself, speaks volume.
“As such, events like this give our dignitaries the chance to evaluate where we are, as against the year before and recognise opportunities to create partnerships that can further improve health service outcomes,” he said.
Abayomi restated the state’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality through the implementation of mother and child survival interventions.
The Medical Director Ijede General Hospital,Dr(Mrs)Odubiyi Adenike ,in her speech commend the Lagos state government for the quality of health care delivery system enjoyed by populace within the state metropolis.
She expressed appreciation to the health service commission for their support throughout the year that make Ijede hospital the best and also impacted to lives positively.
According to her ,we have keyed into Mr Governor’s “Themes” Agenda because only a healthy populace can achieve the other pillars. Our gratitude to him and his amiable wife for the conducive working environment and all efforts to enshrine quality care in the state.
However,”our main challenges is acute space constraints, the hospital is very small for our catchment area which has exploded over the years. We need both vertical and lateral expansion. We also need ICT centre to ensure smooth take off of e-health in the facility”.she said
Mrs Bukola Agede, 31year old mother of the first baby of the year and mother of three,chatting with our correspondent appreciate the governor ,Lagos State government and entire staff of Ijede hospital for their kind gesture . Also return all the glory to God for save delivery.
Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos
stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.
Leading The Charge :
At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.
Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.
Valued Members :
The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :
– Afonja Gbajoba
– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu
– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie
– Ejire Akewi Oba
– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi
– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo
– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji
– Aishat Irepo Obi
– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)
– Alh. Dasola Abeke
– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki
– Ameerat Oninure
– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya
– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi
– Alh. Mujidat Damilola
– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.
– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe
– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola
– Sakirat Yeye Oge
– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi
– Queen Abebi Ayala
– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)
– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella
– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.
A Legacy of Excellence :
The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.
Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu … As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders
By Ifeoma Ikem
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.
CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.
He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades
“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.
To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said
In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .
He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;
it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty
He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.
According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.
Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025
“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.
“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement
“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded
Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited
The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.
Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Bullion Records, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing record labels, has officially released its highly anticipated debut EP album, A Billion Things, sung by its sensational artist, GyC. Born Fortune Kingsley, GyC is making waves in the Nigerian music industry, and this five-track EP marks a significant milestone in his career and the label’s history.
The EP, which dropped today, Wednesday, December 12, 2024, features an eclectic mix of tracks, including Mailo, Shayo, Woman, Kpang Kpang, and Kokan Aye. The standout track, Kokan Aye, features collaborations with Nigerian music icons 9ice and Eedris Abdul Kareem, further solidifying GyC’s place in the music scene.
Speaking about the project, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chairman and CEO of Bullion Records, described the album as a blend of inspiration and artistry. “Every track in this album is not only a masterpiece but also delivers profound messages. From love to resilience, and from societal consciousness to celebration, A Billion Things resonates with listeners on different levels,” he said.
The production team behind the album includes some of Nigeria’s most talented producers. YoungSmith worked on the hits Shayo, Woman, and Mailo, while Philkeyz produced the electrifying Kpang Kpang. Shockerbeat added his signature touch to Kokan Aye, ensuring the album delivers a diverse yet cohesive sound.
Mr. Elegbede Ajibola, the entertainment director at Bullion Records, emphasized the label’s strategic timing for the album’s release. “We deliberately chose December to launch this EP because it’s a season when people connect through music. We want fans and good music lovers worldwide to vibe to these amazing tracks during the festive period,” Elegbede noted.
GyC, the star of the moment, expressed his gratitude to the team behind the album’s success. “This project is the result of collective effort and dedication. I want to thank the executive members of Bullion Records for their unwavering support. Special appreciation also goes to the incredible music producers who brought my vision to life,” he said.
The release of A Billion Things marks a bold statement from Bullion Records as it cements its position in the Nigerian music industry. With a lineup of motivational, soulful, and dance-worthy tracks, the EP is expected to become a favorite among music lovers globally.
Fans can now stream or purchase the album on all major music platforms.