News
Sanwo-Olu commits to strengthening financial partnerships for socio-economic growth
By Sodiq Adelakun
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with financial institutions, particularly First Bank of Nigeria, to address the needs of Lagos residents and enhance the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
During a courtesy visit at Lagos House Marina on Tuesday Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank, expressing optimism about the bank’s role in driving economic progress.
He emphasised the significance of the banking sector in supporting the state’s development initiatives, stating: “Part of the consequences of our position in Lagos State is that we are home to many people. And since we are the commercial, economic, and financial nerve centre of our country, there will always be a need for the Lagos State Government to be pulled here and there by different stakeholders.”
Highlighting the historical ties and achievements derived from their partnership, the Governor underscored the state’s commitment to sustaining and expanding these relationships:
“We have enjoyed a very cordial and forward-looking relationship with First Bank, and we believe that during your (Alebiosu) tenure, the relationship will be further enhanced and improved upon.”
Alebiosu reciprocated the commitment, expressing First Bank’s readiness to collaborate with the Lagos State Government, particularly in infrastructure development.
“Power infrastructure is important, and we know what happens in Lagos is what everybody in Nigeria copies. So, we look forward to the framework that the Lagos State Government will set up.”
He emphasised the potential for significant impact on employment and revenue generation through strategic infrastructure projects, affirming First Bank’s dedication to supporting the state’s initiatives.
“There are many special projects the Lagos State Government is doing, and First Bank will continue to support the Lagos State Government to develop the projects.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu added to the meeting by charging Alebiosu to prioritise value creation for shareholders and stakeholders of the bank, reflecting his administration’s proactive stance on economic growth and development in Lagos State.
Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, condoled with the newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan and former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, over the death of his son-in-law, Barr. Oyedele Clement Akintola.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also commiserated with Chief Akande’s daughter, Mrs. Bolaji Akintola, over the demise of her beloved husband.
The Governor said the demise of Barr. Akintola on Wednesday, at age 60, is an irreparable loss, which would have created a vacuum in the family. He prayed that God would give the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the grace to bear the great loss.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the good people of Lagos, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of our leader, Chief Bisi Akande and the late Barr. Oyedele Clement Akintola on this great and irreparable loss.
“The late Barr. Akintola was an epitome of humility and uprightness, and he was a pillar of support for his wife and children. His family will miss him greatly, because of the vacuum his death has created. I urge family of the deceased, friends, and associates to take the death of Barr Akintola in good faith, knowing that he lived a fulfilled life.
“I pray that God will grant the late Barr. Oyedele Clement Akintola eternal rest and grant the family, particularly his wife and children, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Go Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyicenth Alia has disclosed that a commission of enquiry will be set up by the state government to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the violent protest that took place in Ukum local government of the state.
Alia made the disclosure on Thursday night during a live broadcast on the mayhem that occured in Ukum local government area, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents of the state.
He vowed not to sit back and allow anyone or a group of persons to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize government activities.
The governor sympathized with victims of the attack, said government was intensifying efforts in collaborating with security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the violent and criminal acts to justice as well as work on preventive measures to ensure such incident does not reoccur.
Governor revealed that combined security agents had raided the hidout of bandits in Ukum and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycle, two English pistols, a Toyota camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms.
He explained that as a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft target and killed six civilians at Ayati in Ukum, believing that the members of Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and hidouts.
The governor further explained that the action led to an initial protest of anger and frustration by family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera but Regretted that the peaceful protests was hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.
He appealed to the people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint, emphasized that his administration for the last time, extends hands of fellowship to all youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens.
He stressed that his government was running out of patience and shall no longer guarantee the olive leaf branch extended to them.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that representative of Kastina-Ala, Ukum, Logo federal constituency, Solomon Wombo who was at the broadcast, thanked governor Alia for the steps taken to restore calm in the area promising to collaborate with government to find lasting solution to the insecurity in the constituency.
By Atondu Titus
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has assured the people of Ukum Local Government Area in the Sankera axis that normalcy will soon return to the area, following an incident involving criminal elements on Wednesday.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, condemned the actions as “barbaric” and reiterated that the government will not tolerate anything less than peace and security of lives and properties.
“We are committed to ensuring that peace and normalcy return to this area. The curfew imposed on the area from 6pm to 6am daily will remain in place until further notice,” Governor Alia said.
The Police Commissioner, Mr. Hassan Steve Yabanet, also reassured residents that normalcy has returned to the area, saying, “We are on top of the situation.”
The Governor’s visit to Ukum was seen as a move to show solidarity with the affected communities and to reiterate the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served. During the tour, the Governor’s delegation visited several locations, including Ukum Local Government Secretariat, INEC office, Government College Zaki Biam, Benue State High Court, Benue Links Park, St Paul Nursery Primary and Secondary School, Magistrate.
Sanwo-Olu commiserate with Akande over death of son-in-law
Benue Govt to investigate Ukum protest, sets up commission of enquiry
