….‘Grassroots support, a testimony of working partnership’ – Governor
By Moses Adeniyi
No less than 4,270 Community Development Associations (CASs) in Lagos have thrown their weight of support behind the reelection bid of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The resolution of the CDAs was made known on Thursday by the Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council, Azeez Amusat, at the Community Day Celebration held at Ikeja, the Lagos State Capital, in recognition of projects executed by the CDAs in the State for 2022, themed “Strengthening Community Engagement for Inclusive Governance.”
Declaring that the CDAs have endorsed the Govenor for a second term, Amusat who presented an endorsement flag to Sanwo-Olu, called on all residents to troop out massively on March 11 to vote for Sanwo-Olu for a second term.
This, he said, was deserving following iconic projects he listed were carried out by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Administration in less than four years in fulfillment of his campaign promises.
He mentioned that critical interventions on key public matters saved the day “from losses of lives and troubles.”
He appreciated the State Government for recognising and rewarding the efforts of CDAs across the State, applauding the Governor for projects executed across the State in fulfillment of his campaign promises for his first term.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the endorsement was proof of the commitment of his government to good governance “of raising the standard of the people, through the delivery of dividends of democracy.”
He said all wards and all nooks and crannies of the State have been touched by critical projects.
He said the prizes, including operational vehicles among others, were dolled out to outstanding CDAs to acknowledge their roles in supporting government intervention, “as an important arm of communities.”
Describing the CDAs “worthy partners,” “eyes and ears for progresses in various communities,” he applauded their support since inception of the Administration.
He said his government in response would keep on the track of strategic development and growth with “meaningful and massive development,” while continuing to encourage with support system to enhance growth and development.
Stating that his administration would ”do more not to put your confidence to shame,” he said his government “will not fail to do the right things at all times.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, said the event was designed to support and appreciate CDAS for contributions to socio-economic prosperity of the State.
He said the role of community development remains important to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration as captured in the THEMES Agenda, which the government has sustained.
According to him, the commitment is a part of the demonstration of the dividends of democracy explored for the development of the State.
He applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for the support and rewarding the CDAs, stating that the prizes and awards were designed to recognise outstanding communities which executed key projects.
He called on residents of the State to support the reelection of Governor Sanwo-Olu for his second term, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all other APC candidates in the 2023 General Election.
…Sanwo-Olu promises salary increment for Lagos street sweepers
This is just as Waste Managers in Lagos on Thursday at a mega rally held in support of Sanwo-Olu’s reelection bid, drummed support for his second term.
Sanwo-Olu at the event disclosed that his administration is already working on salary and allowance increment for the personnel of the State Waste Management, particularly the street sweepers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made this known while addressing members of the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) at the mega rally organised by the union to endorse presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor’s re-election bid.
Announcing upcoming salary increment to the union members that filled Mobolaji Johnson Arena formerly known as Onikan Stadium to its capacity for the rally, Sanwo-Olu assured them that their welfares were his government priority because of the role they are playing in the State.
He commended the union for deeming it fit to reciprocate the kind gesture of his administration and Tinubu’s initiative which paved way for the union to contribute its quota to the society.
According to him, the support by waste managers becomes imperative as Tinubu is the brain behind establishment of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in Lagos, which many States in Nigeria have replicated.
Sanwo-Olu charged the union’s members not to stop by just endorsing Tinubu and him alone, but to go to the grassroots to mobilise every elegible voters to vote for APC.
The Governor implored all elegible voters who did registration for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and are yet to collect it, to take advantage of extension of PVC collection date by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat who was also present at the rally, appreciated the crowd for their support as he urged them to vote wisely and ensure they pick up their PVCs ahead of the general elections.
He charged electorates to vote Tinubu because of his past record, experience, achievement and contribution to the development of Lagos State.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, LAWMA, Mr Ibrahim Odumboni said that the rally was an opportunity for the waste managers to appreciate Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu.
Odumboni said that what had become AWAMN today had its foundation solidly laid by Tinubu many years ago.
He said that since one good turn deserved another, it was only worthwhile that the association mobilised its personnel in hundreds and thousands, for APC’s victory in February’s elections.
“Today, we cannot effectively discuss waste management in Lagos State without mentioning PSP and AWAMN. Since a stream will not forget its source, we use this opportunity to thank our Jagaban (Tinubu) for the legacy of a lasting waste management structure for Lagos State.
“Very importantly, I commend AWAMN, its executive and the teeming PSP personnel in attendance here, demonstrating a massive show of support for our leader’s presidential ambition, and the re-election bid of our performing governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his able deputy, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat.
“I must specifically note, that while this mobilisation is very encouraging, we must equally translate the massive support to electoral votes on election day. This is the only way to truly appreciate and help actualise the worthy ambitions of our leader, as well as our governor.
“If all of us here today can cast our ballots for the tickets of Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat; and for other APC candidates, you know what that means in number.
“Therefore, let us actualise their ambitions by actually voting. For those who are yet to collect their PVCs, the opportunity is still open. Ensure you collect yours, to ensure victory for our leader, our governor and other APC aspirants,” he said.
Giving his welcome address, the President of AWAMN, Dr David Oriyomi said that in 1999, when Tinubu became the Governor of Lagos State, he inherited a State which was overcome with waste, and was labeled one of the dirtiest States in the world.
Oriyomi said that Tinubu had the option of bringing a foreign company to manage the waste in Lagos, but chose to empower the people with his famous quotes – “If our people can not clear their cities, what can they do?”
He said that Tinubu nurtured and empowered the waste managers through the small-medium business model, and successive governments had built the solid foundation.
According to him, Lagos was transformed and received numerous accolades as one of the cleanest States in Nigeria and Africa.
“When our livelihood came under attack and 350 businesses were faced with the risk of bankruptcy, Asiwaju came to our rescue, by speaking out for us and hereby securing our livelihood.
“Today, the small business model established by Asiwaju has been replicated in over nine states in Nigeria and other West African countries.
“It is, for this reason, we as an association are fully and wholly committed to voting and campaigning for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria.
“To our amiable Governor, we recall that we were the first organisation that endorsed his candidacy in 2018. We are pleased that he has proven us right by the great work that he has done in the State and for the environment.
“You will all recall that he inherited a heap of waste across the State, he started by declaring a state of emergency and backed it up with action, leaving Lagos better than what he inherited.
“Now, under his leadership, waste is now seen as a resource and we are humble to be his foot soldiers to making circular economy a reality. We are committed to a Greater Lagos Rising!” he said.
The waste managers’ boss promised that the members would embark on a door-to-door campaign, as they had the reach to every nook and cranny of the State they operated in.
He pledged to secure 10 million votes for the association’s Grand Patron, Sen. Bola Tinubu and Shettima, and secure 2 million votes for Gov. Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The Chairman, APC, Lagos State Chapter, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi urged the waste managers to vote massively for Tinubu for laying the foundation for a solid Lagos.
“Vote for him to become president. Collect your PVCs, tell others to go and collect their PVCs so that we can vote for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu,” Ojelabi said.