Inside Lagos
Lagos LG, NDLEA partner to fight drug abuse
The Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has partnered National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb drug abuse in various communities in the area.
Executive Chairman of the Council, Mr Adebayo Olasoju, said this while receiving the new Mushin Area Commander of NDLEA, Mr Roland Owonifari, in his office in Isolo.
Olasoju said that the global menace of drug abuse must be reduced to the barest minimum through the cooperation of the residents and the law enforcement agencies.
“It is upon us, as government, to continually support the activities of designated agencies like yours in this fight,” he said.
The chairman said that a drug-free Isolo LCDA was an integral part of the “Isolo of our dream” blueprint.
“There is no denying the fact that drug abuse is a global menace.
“It’s not peculiar to a particular society or nation, but who says it cannot be brought down to the barest minimum if not totally eradicated?
“This is why, as a government, we will synergise efforts with NDLEA in the fight,” he added.
Olasoju said that many young and promising individuals found themselves addicted to drug intake due to ignorance and peer pressure among others.
He added that with continuous advocacy, sensitisation and other hands-on strategies, the authorities could remold them into exemplary individuals in the society.
The Chairman said that the council’s had been supporting the Police Anti-Cultism Squad which had yielded positive results in the recent time.
“We express optimism that dealing with drug menace will not be a hard nut to crack as the council will support the agency in any way possible.”
Owonifari, in his remarks, appreciated the council boss for the pleasant reception.
He said that all mechanisms would be employed to make Isolo and other areas under his jurisdiction such as Oshodi, Ejigbo and Mushin, free of the menace.
The NDLEA commander sought for the cooperations of the council and the entire residents to fight drug abuse in the community.
By Sodiq Adelakun
A total of 188 Lagos State pilgrims who participated in the 2024 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia have arrived in Lagos, safely.
The pilgrims, including the elderly, those with health issues, and international pilgrims from the USA and Europe, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on a Flynas flight from Jeddah.
According to the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, the remaining pilgrims will be airlifted according to the schedule set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He assured that another batch of 320 pilgrims will be airlifted on Monday, June 24, 2024, and urged pilgrims to remain calm and patient.
The successful return of the first batch of pilgrims marks a positive start to the return journey of Lagos State pilgrims from the holy pilgrimage.
Recall that Lagos State airlifted a total of 1,869 pilgrims for the holy pilgrimage exercise. Thus, with the arrival of the 188 in the first/special batch, the number of Lagos pilgrims yet to be airlifted is now 1,681.
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has launched the Lagos State Upskill Programme (LAG-UP) in partnership with GFA Technologies and Wema Bank Plc.
The program is set to address the digital divide and equip young people in the state with essential skills for self-reliance and innovation.
At the launch event held at Alausa, Commissioner Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende emphasised the program’s importance in promoting innovation and enhancing learning opportunities for young people and SMEs across the state.
The LAG-UP program is set to play a vital role in empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in Lagos State.
He said, “We must embark on this transformative journey together. Technology is shaping our present and defining our future. The rapid advancements are creating new opportunities, industries, and solutions. It’s crucial to equip our youth with the skills and knowledge to navigate and thrive in this digital era.”
He reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to investing in and supporting the development and growth of its young population, emphasising Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
“The Ministry, in its efforts to achieve the Governor’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, will continue to implement impactful initiatives, independently or in partnership, to ensure our youth are empowered to take their rightful place as partners in development and contribute to the state’s economic growth,” he added.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu described LAG-UP as a groundbreaking collaboration that will pave the way for the future of young entrepreneurs and leaders in Lagos. She highlighted the programme’s focus on providing participants with hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies, mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to real-world projects.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged participants to maximise the opportunity by giving the programme everything required to acquire the much-needed skills that will make them self-employed and be able to contribute their quota to the economic growth and development of the State.
On his part, Industry leader and CEO of GFA Technology, Mr. Debo Omololu disclosed the transformative potential of LAG-UP, saying, “The Ministry of Youth and Social Development plays a vital role in improving quality of life. When youths are employed, it benefits everyone. We should all be ambassadors for LAG-UP and work to transform the lives of our youth.”
He maintained that the LAG-UP initiative demonstrates the Lagos State Government and partners’ commitment to empowering young people for success in the digital age, adding that through the initiative, participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive in the ever-evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.
Wema Bank Plc Head of SMEs, Mr. Arthur Ikeme, stated that the bank’s involvement in the Lagos State Upskill Programme (LAG-UP) is part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, aimed at promoting digital transformation in the community.
He further announced that Wema Bank will provide technical support, offer startup resources to participants, and connect them with experts in the tech ecosystem, thereby contributing to the growth and development of young people and SMEs in the state.
…Says Lagos will not condone people with evil intentions
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday vowed to arrest perpetrators behind the recent kidnapping of the three Lebanese nationals, including the Managing Director of Fouani Nigeria Limited, Muhammed Fouani, saying his government would not condone people of evil intentions in the State.
He assured Lagos residents, particularly business owners and religious tourists, of adequate security in the state, saying his administration is committed to making the State peaceful, attractive and homely.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd. Israel Akanji, and his entourage at the Lagos House, Alausa, on Wednesday.
The Governor, while confirming the kidnapping and release of three Lebanese, said the incident happened on the big water on their way to Ikorodu and not around Five Cowry in Falomo, as reported.
He said, “The security of life and property is paramount, and we do not leave anything to chance on that. The very recent incident that happened in Lagos was about the kidnapping of three members of our Lebanese community.
“We are happy that they have been released, and this morning (Wednesday), I met with them, and we have useful information to ensure that the perpetrators of the act are not going to be spared.
“We know we have an idea of how far they have gone, and we will do everything to ensure that we do not give them a space in our city and state. I want to assure all our citizens and businesses, both national and international, that Lagos will continue to remain safe and peaceful.
“People thought the incident happened around the Five Cowry, Falomo. No, it actually happened on the big water on the way to Ikorodu. So they were not even around Falomo.
“We want to assure you that we are on top of it. The security operatives are combing all the necessary areas. This is a strong signal that Lagos will not condone such people with evil intentions.
“They do not deserve any sort of recognition. So, we will continue to make Lagos peaceful. We will continue to make it attractive and homely. We will continue to ensure that businesses thrive. We will ensure people live and work in a conducive environment.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while responding to the request of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to host the annual Baptist World Alliance in Nigeria for the first time in over a century, promised to ensure a safe and delightful experience for all foreign religious tourists coming to Lagos next month for the convention, noting that religious organisations are stakeholders in governance.
He said, “Nigeria and Lagos are ready to host the world. We believe it is a thing of joy and celebration to be acknowledged and identified with not only the African body but the global body of the Baptist Convention.
“We want to assure all the international visitors that will be coming that Lagos State Government will support you.
“We will ensure that we provide additional security in and around the hotel environment so that everybody will feel safe and will also taste the hospitality of Lagos.”
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd Akanji, commended the giant strides of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, especially in food and transport palliatives for residents during these economic challenges in the country.
“We want to appreciate a lot of reforms going on in Lagos State. We want to thank you for the transportation. Rail transportation has brought a lot of conveniences to our people.
“We want to thank you for your consideration concerning the staggering number of days of work for staff. That has brought relief to so many of our people. We want to thank you for your proactiveness all the time when it has to do with health care. We also thank you for the security in Lagos State,” he said.
Revd. Akanji, who is the President of the African Baptist Convention, solicited the support of the Lagos State Government to host the annual Baptist World Alliance, which has its headquarters in the United States of America.
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