The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso has clarified that the state has not increased its minimum wage for workers to N70,000.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Omotoso noted that the Governor was erroneously quoted as saying that a new minimum wage of N70,000 had been announced.

Providing clarity, Omotoso said, “The Lagos State Government has not increased the minimum wage, contrary to the impression in some media reports, which emanated from the unveiling of Eko Cares – the umbrella for the various interventions to protect the poor against the effects of the prevailing economic hardship. The event was held at the Governor’s Office in Ikeja on Wednesday.”

“Mr. Governor never said so. He said since January, civil servants had been earning the N35,000 wage award directed by the Federal Government.  In other words, those earning N35,000 now earn N70,000. He did not announce a new minimum wage of N70,000.”

He quoted the Governor as saying, “I know that by the grace of God very very soon we’ll see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the Federal Government and for the state government. The civil servants and all public officers know that since January we have continued to pay the minimum wage allowance of N35,000 over and above what they were earning before.

“People that were earning a minimum of N35,000 to N40,000 before, they are now earning over N70,000. So, it’s important for people to know and for us to lay this thing very clearly. This government has doubled up and has not left its citizens on their own…”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Mr. Tunde Onakoya, the National Master of Chess and the current Guinness World Record Holder for the longest Chess Marathon in history, the Sports Ambassador of the State.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known on Thursday when he received Mr. Onakoya in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also  announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition to be held in all parts of the state in honour of Mr. Onakoya.

Abiodun, who was impressed with the achievement of the National Chess Master at the global stage, said this could not have been possible without determination and resilience and hard work.

“I can see why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and breadth of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and a future.

“Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival in the next nine months or thereabouts and we are boasting  that we are set to host the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.

“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breadth of the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.

“But we as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition,” the governor explained.

The Governor likened the travails of the Chess Master to that of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something out of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties is a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth or parent’s status in the society.

He commended the longest Chess Marathon holder in the world, for his resolve to succeed without engaging in dubious activities, noting that with the feat, he has joined the league of illustrious sons and daughters who have done Ogun State proud in their chosen endeavours.

Mr. Onakoya had earlier told the Governor of his immense gratitude for the support he received from Nigerians in his march to stardom, adding that he felt proud to be a Nigerian.

He also recalled his challenges while growing up, noting that he saw chess as a way out of poverty and ability to think critically beyond the surface.

“I am proud to be a Nigerian and from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, I felt highly honoured and happy in the way Nigerians all over the world supported me immensely to achieve this feats and the honour accorded me by our royal fathers and His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, my state Governor,” Onakoya said.

…Approves N1.57bn for 2024 WAEC fees for 58,188 students

…Re-absorbs 13,000 out-of-school children into basic, secondary education

The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently fulfilled its promise to pay the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for all public school SS3 students in Lagos State.

This was announced by Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun on Thursday at a ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to him, the Lagos State Government has consistently paid the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for all public school SS3 students over the past four years, 2020-2023, totaling over N4.2 billion.

Building on this commitment, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved N1,571,076,000 to cover registration fees and other costs for 58,188 SS3 students taking the WASSCE in the 2024 school year.

He highlighted the achievements of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the first year of his second term, showcasing the government’s continued investment in education and its commitment to the well-being of Lagos State’s youth.

According to him, “The Administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has never defaulted in the payment of WAEC fees of all public school SS3 Students in the 4 years of his first term in office. The State Government paid over N4.2b between 2020 and 2023 to keep our promise of full payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees.

“In the current school year, (2024) The Governor has approved the sum of N1,571,076,000 as registration fees and other cost for 58, 188 SS3 students writing the West Africa School Certificate Examination. “

In the same vein, the commissioner announced that the Lagos State Government has successfully reabsorbed 13,000 out-of-school children into basic and secondary education over the past four years.

According to him, over 2,600 of these children were rescued and reabsorbed into the education system in just the last one year alone.

In addition to this achievement, the Commissioner highlighted the state’s efforts to motivate teachers in public primary and secondary schools through prompt salary payments, wage awards, training, and improved teaching environments.

This has helped to boost teacher morale and improve the overall quality of education in the state.

The Commissioner also addressed recent issues in education, including the denial of admission to Nigerian children at a school in Ilupeju.

He assured that the ministry has taken swift action, visiting the school and promising appropriate sanctions for any wrongdoing.