Politics
SUCCOUR AS GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU SUPPORTS INDIGENT LAGOSIANS THROUGH “SANWO-OLU LISTENS”
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday brought succour to some families in the State through “Sanwo-Olu Listens” initiative, presenting cheques to vulnerable Lagosians, especially those whose sources of income were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the first set of beneficiaries of the “Sanwo-Olu Listens” initiative, held on Tuesday at the LCCI Hall at Alausa in Ikeja, the Governor assured Lagosians that his administration will not relent in assisting the poor, the less privileged and vulnerable citizens in Lagos State.
“Sanwo-Olu Listens” is a life impacting initiative social welfare programme designed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to provide financial assistance to vulnerable citizens in Lagos State.
During the programme, 50 struggling Lagosians, comprising the elderly, nursing mothers, youths and small scale business owners who were first set of beneficiaries of the programme, received cheques from the Governor to meet up with urgent needs.
Presenting cheques to 50 beneficiaries, who sought financial assistance from Lagos State Government few weeks ago through the “Sanwo-Olu Listens” initiative to meet up with urgent personal, family and business demands as a result of challenges faced during COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu advised them to use the money provided by the government appropriately.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser, Office of Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said the execution of the programme would not have been possible but for the approval and release of funds by “our magnanimous and compassionate Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”
She said the Office has equally put in place a monitoring team that would monitor the beneficiaries so as to ensure that whatever assistance received is utilised appropriately.
Princess Adebowale said the 50 beneficiaries were among those whose walk-in applications and nominations from various platforms in the public domain were received, screened and shortlisted by the Office of Civic Engagements according to the degree and nature of their various financial challenges.
She said the process of selecting the beneficiaries for the financial support was transparent and rigorous, noting that “An Intra-Ministerial Screening Committee was set up in the Office of Civic Engagement to facilitate the selection process.”
Princess Adebowale said: “Sanwo-Olu Listens is borne out of the continuous aspirations of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Administration to support struggling individuals in the State as clearly stated during Mr. Governor’s electioneering campaign. It is an understatement that a lot of people need financial assistance to solve a lot of challenges ranging from chronic ailments, accidents, diverse degrees of disasters, to loss of jobs, businesses and livelihoods occasioned by the prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic which has ravaged the world.
“This situation has prompted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to initiate practical and progressive solutions towards providing succour to vulnerable Lagosians. As a listening Governor that cares for the citizenry, Mr. Governor has risen to the occasion by assisting the needy in the State, hence our gathering here today.”
Princess Adebowale also disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday July 16, through the Office of Civic Engagement completed the disbursement of the financial assistance to 2,000 Lagosians under the ‘EkoCares’ initiative with the theme: ‘Go Forward – Grow Lagos.’
She said with the funds provided under the scheme, beneficiaries were exposed to business and investment opportunities requiring minimal start-up capital.
Appreciating the Governor’s gesture, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adelaja Bamigbosu, said there is nothing more inspiring than Governor Sanwo-Olu’s demonstration of love and care to Lagosians through the “Sanwo-Olu Listens” initiative, which provided the immediate needs of all the beneficiaries.
Among the beneficiaries were Mrs. Mercy Adetoun, who needed help to boost her pure water business and Mrs. Elizabeth Franklin, whose husband abandoned after child birth. Mrs. Ayodeji Migbope and Aminat Oyeyinka were also supported financially to improve their businesses to be able to take care of their respective families.
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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