Month: <span>October 2021</span>

– Assembly takes report of recent stakeholders’ meeting

– Says residents’ concerns would be captured in 2022 appropriation bill

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, and members of the House, on Thursday, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to intensify enlightenment against drug abuse.

The House also tasked the Office of Civic Engagement in the State to regularly sensitise Lagosians and school students on the effect of drug abuse.

The Assembly made the call while taking reports of the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held simultaneously in all the 40 constituencies of the State recently.

With the theme: ‘Increasing Wave of Drug: A Threat to Nation Building’, the lawmakers, in their different constituencies, brought together stakeholders and leaders to discuss and suggest solutions to some challenges faced by the State.

Discussing the report on the floor of the House, Speaker Obasa expressed hope that the demands of the residents of the State would be captured in the Year 2022 appropriation bill.

Speaking on the outcome of the event in his constituency, Obasa said the people commended the government for its developmental efforts in Agege.

He also noted that officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, visited the Assembly after the parley in appreciation of the concept, which was described as noble.

He said the NDLEA officers, during the visit, called for partnership between the agency and the lawmakers to tackle the menace of drug abuse.

Obasa lamented the refusal of some organisations to honour invitations for such meetings, but that these organisations are always quick to send petitions against government.

“We urge them to partake in such fora when invited,” he said.

Concerning the unanimous recommendations by the people that the meeting be observed twice in a year, the Speaker said that the suggestion would be deliberated upon adding that all other suggestions and concerns would be directed to the Governor.

Obasa said: “We shall consider it but we all know there are financial implications. We want the people to know that their demands are placed before government and that we shall continue to represent them effectively.”

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokuni-Sanni, said the event was accepted by residents of Lagos Island constituency 1, who he represents at the House, especially as it focused on drug abuse in the State.

His position was supported by Hon. Noheem Adams, the Deputy Leader, who added that the constituents of Eti-Osa 1 were excited over the way the government responded to their concerns in the course of the year.

Hon. Rotimi Olowo noted that in his Somolu 1, the constituents were elated concerning the theme and outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting.

He said the residents implored the House to promote the discussion into a Lagos Government project and make it a recurring event for the benefit of the State.

On his part, Hon. Fatai Oluwa said his Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency 2 commended the House for organising the meeting.

He added that some of the constituents that were victims of the #EndSARS protest appealed to the Assembly for the dispensation of the compensation promised them.

Similarly listing the yearnings of his people, Hon. Femi Saheed noted that the residents of Kosofe 2 appealed to the government for the construction of Stadium as it would put the area on the map of the State as a revenue-generating constituency.

He added that his constituents want the government to look in the area of cultural celebration of arts and crafts for the people.

Affirming that the expectations of the people would be considered by the House, Obasa directed the Acting Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send a clean copy of the resolution and report of the event to the Governor.

… Says Access To Primary Health Care Important

The Chairman of the Committee on Health at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Hakeem Sokunle, has said a society can only be healthy if its inhabitants have easy access to health care.

Sokunle said this while inspecting the Eti-Osa East Local Government Health Center on Wednesday.

According to him, “The main role of primary health care centres is to provide continuous and comprehensive care to patients and also to offer quality health and social services to the underprivileged sections of the society.

“This is key to their healthy living.

“It is a known fact that primary health care offers the first set of professional care to patients by incorporating a proactive approach that utilises several preventive measures, management of chronic disease, and promoting self-care.”

He said the committee would continue with the inspection of facilities in other to ensure all equipment are in good shape and working conditions.

The Medical Officer of Health Care centre in Orile Agege, Dr A. A. Shodanya, also told the Committee that he was doing everything possible to ensure the residents of the area get the best.

He also said primary health care provides increased accessibility to advanced health care system for the community, “which results in excellent health outcomes and prevention of delay.”

Health centres visited by the Committee are the ones in Èbúté Meta, Orile Agege.

Others are the Agege Maternity Health Centre, Kola Alagbado Health Centre, Ifako Health Centre, Ojodu Health Centre, among others.

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday restated their commitment to the protection of consumers in the State.

The lawmakers spoke when they read for the second time ‘A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency for the Protection of the Interest of Consumers, Settlement of Consumer Disputes and for connected purposes’.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, later committed the Bill to the Committee on Commerce and Industry.

The Bill states the need to address some of the critical changes and procedures that are not in tandem with the interest of the consumers, especially concerning manufacturers compromising standards of valued service and products, invariably turning consumers’ into victims.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Hon. BIsi Yusuff, in his contribution, criticised the state and quality of most products currently around the country.

He complained of lack of enforcement in regulations as he expressed belief that the bill would address all such irregularities.

On his part, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, Majority Leader of the House, said the Bill will give more powers to the Consumer Protection Agency.

“The extant Law has been used over time and because we are reflective in Lagos State such that our Laws are not stuck in stone, we made it easy to evaluate the functionality and impact of the Law in order to ease enforcement, either to amend or repeal such Laws enacted,” he said.

He added that by repealing the extant Law, the loopholes that are being exploited by people would be revealed and curbed.

Hon. Femi Saheed argued that “if this Bill is passed, it will affect the economy of the State positively and increase the consciousness and advocacy of what we sell in our shops.”

He further noted that the Bill would create employment opportunities for people in the commerce and technology sector as it would have people who would always relate with manufacturers and service providers to make them obey the Law.

Hon. Olanrewaju Afinni noted that though the State Consumer Protection Agency is similar to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Bill when domesticated in Lagos, would protect and uphold the fundamental human rights of Lagosians.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu positioned that the Bill seeks to protect the interest of Lagosians.

He said the Bill creates a more robust penalty and fine and makes provisions that would guide and expand the powers of the proposed agency.

The House Committee on Commerce and Industry is to report its findings concerning the Bill in two weeks.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has reiterated the importance of training law enforcement agents in the country.

Obasa said training and retraining officers and personnel of security and para-military agencies would help to boost service delivery in relation to the protection of lives and properties.

The Speaker, represented by Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, Deputy Speaker of the House, said this on Wednesday, during a one-day public hearing on ‘A Bill For A Law To Establish the Lagos State Enforcement Training Institute, Provide For the Training of Law Enforcement Officers and For Connected Purposes’.

According to the Speaker, the bill will provide the operative mechanism and procedures for the training of officers through through an institute.

He noted that the cardinal responsibility of government, as provided for in the Constitution, is to protect and secure the lives and properties of the people.

“This sacrosanct responsibility of the government is achieved with the efforts of courageous and dutiful officers in the law enforcement sector,” he said adding that it is, this, necessary to always train law enforcers.

While welcoming stakeholders to the public hearing, Hon. Victor Akande, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, said the bill would help create an agency of government saddled with responsibility of training and retraining of law enforcement personnels in the State for efficiency.

He explained that the institute would liaise with the concerned Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAS, to design appropriate courses that would address the training needs of law enforcement officers.

He further said the institute would provide online training programmes for officers in various cadres, among other objectives.

Hon. Akande also stated that the bill would address certain standards for recruitment of officers into law enforcement agencies in the State, prescribe training curricular; courses of study; requirements for relevant employers of the agency as well as prescribe ethical and disciplinary standards in line with international best practices.

Presenting the overview of the bill, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Leader of the House, explained that the bill, which has 22 clauses, woukd help sanitise the State law enforcement agencies and promote better human relations.

In his contribution, Barr. Steven Ejiofor, a stakeholder and lawyer, urged the House to properly define the term ‘secondment’ as proposed in the bill.

He suggested that a training module of each law enforcement officer be defined by creating a security template to guide the process.

Mr. Ayodele Aribisala of the Falana & Falana Chambers, suggested that human rights courses be added.

Contributing, a Commander of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ade Oshun, suggested a synergy between the institute and the Civil Service Commission in the recruitment concerning recruitments.

Engr. Olayemi Olumide of the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, suggested that the Civil Service Commission should be in charge of promotion of officers in the institute.

He also suggested that officers should not be meant to pay for trainings.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker noted that all submissions would be considered as part of the recommendations of the Committee.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria for having the grace of God to witness this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

In a statement by his media aide, Eromosele Ebhomele, Speaker Obasa noted that the prayers of the faithful and God’s love for Nigeria have kept the country and its citizens going in spite of the challenges witnessed so far.

While urging Muslims in the country not to relent in their prayers, Obasa urged residents of Lagos and citizens of Nigeria to continue to sustain religious tolerance as this was one of the surest means to unity, peace and progress.

“In the face of seemingly daunting challenges, God has continued to give us the opportunity to remain thankful to Him. We should not relent in this regard.

“As Muslims, we must, at all times, follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (SWS), his teachings and the Muslim doctrine. If we consciously do these, our dear country would be the ultimate beneficiary.

“We must constantly pray for our country, show passion and commitment towards nation building and tolerate one another.

“Here in Lagos, we have shown examples through effective legislations, policies and through the relationships between the legislative, executive and the judicial arms of government.

“Our laws have always been those that have the residents at the centre of every consideration. We will continue to place importance on the people for the advancement of Lagos State.

“I, therefore, felicitate with all Muslim ummah over this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration and pray that we are alive to witness many more, Amin,” Obasa prayed.

– Speaker explains why Lagos is ‘epicenter’ of drug abuse
– Says Lagos particular about security of lives and property
– Argues that fight against corruption cannot be left to FG alone

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has promised that the state legislature will continue to support the fight against drug abuse and its effects on the youths and residents of the state.

Obasa made the promise when he played host to top officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by its state commander, Mr. Ralph Igwenagu, on Thursday evening.

The Speaker expressed hope that a collective fight against the societal challenge would help to further sustain a safe and well-protected Lagos.

He said he was not surprised that Lagos has been described as one of the epicentres of drug abuse in the country saying with an influx of people from other states, it should be expected.

“I am not disappointed that Lagos has been rated number one. Lagos has become an abode for everybody – the good and the bad – and this has become a challenge to the government.

“That is why it is difficult for the Lagos Government to project. When you project for a certain number of people this year, before you know it, more than three times your projection will enter the state.

“That is why we make efforts to support the Federal Government by equipping the Rapid Response Squad. We also set up the Security Trust Fund, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and others to ensure that lives and property are protected,” he said adding that collaboration by stakeholders was important because the negative effects of drug abuse affects everybody since some engage in criminal activities.

The Speaker commended the NDLEA officials for attending a recent stakeholders’ meeting organised by the House to enlighten residents against drug abuse.

Earlier, Mr. Igwenagu thanked the House for organising the Stakeholders’ meeting saying it helped in reaching the grassroots of the state.

“We want to request that you sustain that exercise. We know that with you, it is possible because members of the House of Assembly are grassroots politicians and can reach out to the youths.

He said Lagos has a fair share of the challenges of drug abuse in Nigeria promising that the NDLEA would continue to work with the House to ensure continuous reduction in cases of drug abuse.

In a related development, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has promised to collaborate with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Lagos state.

The Speaker said this when Mrs. OK Popoola, State Director of the organisation, led other officials on a visit to the House.

Obasa said the House had always ensured that accountability and transparency in all its dealing adding that the need to tackle corruption had resulted in the passage of motions and resolutions.

He said the House recently passed a law against corruption adding that even though some people misinterpreted it, the lawmakers have a consciousness that fighting corruption should be the responsibility of everybody, not just the Federal Government.

Popoola earlier commended the lawmakers for their swift responses to their asset declaration obligations.
She also urged for collaboration between the House and the CCB.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday approved N1.25 trillion as an amendment to the 2021 budget.

This followed a request brought to the House by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu recently.

The approval was made through a voice vote of members at the sitting presided over by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, Obasa, thereafter, ordered the Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to pass a clean copy of the report to the Governor for his assent.

Governor Sanwo-Olu had in September, 2021 requested the House to approve the amendment to this year’s Appropriation Law of N1.164 trillion passed by the lawmakers on December 29, 2020.

Obasa said the governor was requesting the House to authorise the reordering of N460.58 billion to N496.26 billion for the recurrent expenditure; and N702.93 billion to N759.59 billion for the capital expenditure.

During the deliberations leading to the passage of amended law, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, read the various sectoral allocations and announced the new appropriation law as N1,256,567,592,651 trillion.

According to Yishawu, a sum of N513,343,338,737 was approved for recurrent from the consolidated revenue fund.

He added that a sum of N743,224,253,914 from the Development Fund was approved for capital expenditure both for the year ending December 31, 2021.

Meanwhile, the members of the Lagos Assembly have agreed that law enforcement agents operating in the state needed to be trained always.

The lawmakers made their positions known as they read for a second time a bill for the creation of law enforcement training institute in the state.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, described the bill as very important adding that the proposal should have the stipulations that would make it a good law.

He committed the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary to report in weeks.

Earlier during the debate on the bill, Hon. Victor Akande, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, said it was long overdue.

“Policing in Lagos State has a little lacuna. Thus we have to put up a centre for the training of our own to teach them the modern way of doing it,” he said.

On his part, Hon. Bisi Yusuff said the institute was necessary because “most of our law enforcement agents do not understand the job. When well implemented, the institute will help to remold the agents.”

In his contribution, Hon. Rotimi Olowo noted that Lagos, being a mega city and economic hub of the country, has some challenges in relation to security.

“There are certain criteria for recruitment. The training institute will be able to look at that area,” he said adding that the institute would help train enforcement agents on use of modern technology in intelligence gathering and prosecution.

“Some of our security personnel do not even know how to use the smart phones. So this bill is apt,” he added stressing that the institute would help agents treat people with dignity.

Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu also argued that having an institute to train and retrain law enforcement agents would help them keep abreast of modern ways of securing the society.

For Hon. David Setonji, the bill is the first of its kind among states of the federation.

– Say roads, other infrastructures already affected

– Urges Governors Sanwo-Olu to apply for ecological fund

– Pleads with relevant authorities to act fast

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and relevant authorities to rescue shoreline communities in the state.

The House also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to apply for the Ecology Fund created by the Federal Government for the protection of communities against environmental threats.

The challenge faced by the communities was raised on the floor of the House by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, who urged his colleagues to support the motion.

Hon. Adams, who listed some of the affected communities, wondered why Lagos was not benefiting from the Ecological Fund released so some states by the Federal Government.

According to him, the affected communities are on the verge of extinction except something urgent is done to protect the shorelines.

He said ocean surge had claimed a size-able landmass of the communities leaving many families displaced.

Supporting the motion, his colleague, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, urged the State Government to also consider palliative work to protect the affected communities while the fund is sought from the federal government.

“My take is that either through collaboration or application to the federal government, let’s first put palliatives in place,” he said as he commiserated with the people of the affected areas.

Highlighting that illegal dredging in the areas were part of the causes of the challenge in the communities, Hon. Mojeed Fatai suggested that a task force be established to curb such activities.

On his part, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon said the House had a responsibility to ensure the protection of the communities and act to save the lives of the people on the coastal line.

The Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, suggested that the House Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure should embark on an oversight to the communities mentioned as it would help with eventual solutions.

He added that there should be a caution to residents of the state concerning waste disposal in line with the law.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Sani-Eshinlokun, who presided over the sitting, directed the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko to send a clean copy of the resolution of the House to Governor Sanwo-Olu.