Thugs Invade ADC's Rally In Lagos

Miscreants, suspected to be political thugs, yesterday, invaded a rally organised by the Lagos State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by a former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

The rally, held at Lion Field in Alimosho Local Council of the state, was organised to receive and welcome the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, and the party’s 2023 governorship flag bearer in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

It was gathered that shortly after the kick-off of the programme, miscreants stormed the venue and sacked all the participants.

The rally was also organised to sensitise residents on the importance of obtaining their Permanent Voter Card (PVC), and urge members to mobilise youths to register during the exercise in preparation for the 2027 general elections in the state.

The miscreants, who were suspected to be supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, inflicted varying degrees of injuries on their victims.

However, policemen deployed from Lagos State Police Command were apparently overwhelmed as the miscreants went berserk, sending everyone in different directions.

Despite the police takeover of the venue earlier chosen for his declaration of defection to the ADC on Saturday and suspected attacks on a church premises later chosen as an alternative, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has gone ahead to make good his planned action. Rhodes-Vivour said: “We are not holding a political rally, but we are holding a political meeting, which we have constitutional rights to do.

However, we will go right now to meet with the Commissioner of Police to know why his men are here and find out if their presence is to carry out their constitutional duty of providing security and protection or not.”

Meanwhile, Publicity Secretary, Lagos chapter of the APC, Seye Oladejo, when contacted, absolved the ruling party of involvement in the incident. Oladejo said: “The opposition is certainly not helping our democracy to grow by accusing the ruling party of being the cause of their internal rifts.

“It is a well-known fact that the opposition in the country is a house divided against itself. The APC, as the ruling party, is the greatest stakeholder when it comes to maintaining peace and tranquility in the state.

“The opposition, as currently constituted, poses no threat to us and we are not interested in their inability to put their house in order.

“They are already looking for excuses for their imminent defeat come 2027.

“We vehemently deny any role in the failure of their rally and want to urge them not to throw the state into turmoil.”

RELATEDLY, a pro-democracy advocate, Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, has raised the alarm over what she described as “brutal acts of thuggery and kleptocracy” unfolding in Lagos State. She, however, condemned the weekend’s forced displacement of residents in Oworonshoki and the disruption of opposition political activities.

Majekodunmi-Oniru, who accused entrenched political actors in Lagos of eroding democratic space through intimidation and violence, said: “These incidents are symptomatic of a broader authoritarian streak that has dogged Lagos politics for decades. From the suppression of student movements in the 80s to the more recent clampdown on the #EndSARS protests in 2020, the state has often been criticised for deploying state-backed might to muzzle dissent and maintain a one-party stranglehold.

“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are brutalised, opposition voices are silenced, and laws of humanity are disrespected. Nigerian citizens must stand tall against kleptocrats, thugs, and warmongers.”

Meanwhile, the ADC has condemned Saturday’s attack on its members at the rally venue. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdhllahi, the party said: “The African Democratic Congress is outraged by the attack that occurred at an ADC gathering in Alimosho, where its leaders and members had gathered for a peaceful meeting.

“The ADC particularly condemns the invasion of the church premises where the meeting was meant to be held. This attack on the church premises is a profound act of desecration by a jittery ruling party that would stop at nothing to silence opposition voices in the country.”

It, therefore, called on the police to rise above partisan interests and demonstrate that they are not compromised.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Felicitates Chief Of Staff At 59

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has felicitated his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, as he turns 59.

Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary (CoS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Ayinde as a worthy and trusted partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

He also described his CoS as a loyal, dependable, selfless, hardworking and God-fearing man, who had contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State.

The governor said Ayinde had displayed high capacity in service, hence, the decision to return him in the same capacity was a testament to his high level of performance, competence, hard work and loyalty.

The governor further described Ayinde as a beacon of grassroots mobilisation and support, hard work, loyalty and sincerity, saying that the celebrant is a man of integrity, diligence and a model of excellence, whom he is pleased to call his Chief of Staff.

According to him, Ayinde is an asset to his administration because of his loyalty, selflessness and hardwork, and further described him as God-fearing and a quintessential gentleman who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State as a member of the State Executive Council.

“Happy Birthday to my Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, a reliable, trusted, loyal and hardworking gentleman in the Greater Lagos agenda. Ayinde is a committed public servant who has displayed a high level of competence, accountability and transparency in public office.

“He is indeed a ‘Buffalo,’ as he is usually called by his friends and political associates, because he depicts the true strength and survival instincts of a buffalo.”

 

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Ilaje Community Rejects The Renaming Of Street After Sunny Ade

The Ilaje community in the Bariga area of Lagos State has vowed to resist the renaming of Ilaje Street after the music legend, King Sunny Ade, accusing the local council authority of attempting to erase its historical identity.

Last Friday, the immediate past Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area, David Kolade Alabi, announced the renaming of several streets, including Ilaje Street, as part of efforts to honour notable figures.

However, the move has sparked intense backlash both on the streets and online, where critics allege it reflects ethnic bias and a disregard for local history.

Protesters from the Ilaje community took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding a reversal of the name change, arguing that the council’s decision undermined the cultural and historical heritage of their people.

The President General of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, Raphael Irowainu, condemned the renaming as a “calculated attempt to decimate” the Ilaje people in Lagos State.

“It was a calculated attempt by the political elites and some Yoruba ethnic groups to erase the historical and cultural involvement of the Ilaje people in the creation of Lagos State.

“The Bariga community was founded in 1948 by our great-grandfathers. The entire place was like a forest. They were the ones who made the road before the state government took over later,” Irowainu said.

He further alleged a pattern of targeted and deliberate marginalisation of his people in the state.

He said, “On March 7, the Lagos State Government, in connivance with some persons, went to another Ilaje community and demolished the area.

“A monarch in Oworo sent people to demolish parts of Ilaje in Oworonshoki. Go to Majidun, and you will hear a similar story. These are calculated events to erase and decimate the Ilaje people.”

Highlighting the group’s historical significance, Irowainu added, “The Ilaje are among the three early settlers of Lagos State —alongside the Awori and Ijebu.

“We are not strangers. We are Yorubas just like any other Yoruba. Ilaje is a recognised sub-ethnic group in Yorubaland.”

He also questioned the rationale behind honouring King Sunny Ade in an Ilaje territory when other areas could be named after the revered music icon.

He said, “They now want to rename Ilaje Street to King Sunny Ade Street, when we have Ondo Street in Ebute Meta. Why not rename that one if they truly want to honour him? This is a war against the Ilaje people.”

Disclosing that the community had already filed a petition against the decision, Irowainu threatened legal action, arguing that the LCDA lacks constitutional authority to rename streets.

“If it requires going through legal means, we will do it. Even the so-called LCDA is illegal.

“The constitution recognises only 20 local governments—not LCDAs. It’s only the local governments that have the power to rename streets, and even at that, there must be consultation with the affected communities,” he maintained.

The former council chairman, who initiated the renaming, had defended the decision, saying it was meant to celebrate individuals who had brought global recognition to Bariga.

“As an administration, we took our time to reflect on a number of our people who have put the name of our local council out on the global map through their respective God-given talents and crafts,” David had stated.

 

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Lagos PDP Faults The Renaming Of Streets In The State

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the recent renaming of streets in some local government areas of the state.

The recent renaming of streets and public landmarks in the state has sparked angry reactions  and  protests,

Reacting in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, the PDP Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr. Hakeem Olalemi, who advised the ruling party to tread carefully, alleged that the remaining targets are a section of society.

“The Lagos PDP is hereby rejecting in totality the renaming of streets by some council chairmen. We should not erase history because of politics.

“It is against the spirit of unity in diversity, and it will certainly affect the image of the state as a cosmopolitan state.

“We should be seen to be promoting unity and not to give the wrong impression to non-indigenes in the state.

“We have various ethnic nationalists in our state, who have contributed immensely to the development of our state, hence the reason why some streets were named after them initially.

“This current action by some council executives should be reconsidered. Most of the streets affected were bearing Igbo names before and this leaves  so many questions in the heart of non Indigenes,.”

Describing the street renaming as totally unconstitutional, Olalemi said that the decision and consequent reactions showed that some leaders failed to consult widely.

“The APC should, as a matter of fact, revert to the status quo.

“If the steps were not reversed, the party could seek legal redress in court in order to preserve the identity of Lagos State as a cosmopolitan state.

“We cannot erase history in the name of politics. The ruling party should know that this renaming of streets arbitrarily can lead to riot, unrest and serious chaos if care is not taken,” he said.

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, has also recently condemned the change of street names as unconstitutional.

 

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Lagos APC members protest, Demand Chairman’s Removal

AGGRIEVED members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from 57 Local Government Areas, LGAs, and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, yesterday, stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly in protest over alleged manipulation and meddlesomeness in council affairs by some party leaders.

Armed security agents, however, prevented a possible breakdown of law and order during the protest.

The protesting APC members chanted solidarity songs and demanded the removal of the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and a member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, accusing them of poor leadership and manipulating party processes.

The protesters, however, urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other senior APC leaders to intervene in the matter, warning that unresolved grievances could deepen internal party divisions and threaten the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections in Lagos.

One of the protesters from Onigbongbo LCDA, Talibu Lawal, who spoke to newsmen, said: “We are loyal members of the APC, but we are not happy with how things are going.

“The leadership at the state level is not doing well. If this continues, it will affect our chances in subsequent elections in Lagos State.

“There were lots of manipulations in the processes leading to the emergence of chairmanship candidates in the last primaries.

“Candidates were imposed on party members over popular wishes by our leaders in Lagos.

“There are moves to impose candidates in the appointments of council executives on newly sworn-in chairmen. We will resist this move.”

The Spokesperson of the party, Mr Seye Oladejo, while reacting to the development, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the reported protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly concerning the constitution of local government cabinets.

“We wish to recognise, acknowledge and respect the rights of party stakeholders and members to express grievances democratically.

“Peaceful protests are a legitimate feature of civic engagement, and we commend those who have conducted themselves calmly and orderly.

“We wish to reassure that the selection of cabinet members for the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas will follow the laid down rules and the internal party guidelines, and the proposition by local leadership of the party after due consultations.

“Please note that the party at the state level only plays an advisory role. The party vehemently denies any allegation of imposing nomination on any local government.

“We want to advise interested members to approach their local leadership, who are the custodians of the powers to nominate.

“We remain committed to constructive dialogue to review concerns and disputes to ensure fair outcomes in line with party values.

“We appeal for constructive participation and plead with the protesters to channel their concerns through official party organs. Our structures exist precisely to address dissent, evaluate claims, and foster unity.

“APC remains confident in its capacity to resolve internal issues without external escalation. Our ultimate goal is stability within both the party and the state governance structure.

“We trust our leadership at various levels to follow the guidelines and endeavour to be fair to all and sundry. 

“We urge patience and understanding on the part of the protesters to achieve the desired objectives.”

 

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Charly Boy: Falana condemns Lagos Street renaming As Illegal, Authoritarian

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the recent renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos State, describing

the actions as unconstitutional, illegal, and authoritarian.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Falana accused certain individuals and local council officials of usurping powers exclusively vested in local government

councils under Nigerian law, particularly as it concerns the naming of streets, roads, and public places.

He cited specific cases, including the controversial renaming of the iconic “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former Chairman of Bariga

Local Council Development Area, Kolade Alabi.

He also referenced the naming of two streets after President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as the alleged naming of streets by billionaire

industrialist Aliko Dangote in honour of his late friend, Herbert Wigwe, and President Tinubu, actions Falana claimed lacked proper statutory approval.

“It is pertinent to point out, without any fear of contradiction, that the naming of roads and streets, and numbering of houses in any part of Nigeria

is one of the exclusive functions of Local Governments outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as

amended,” Falana said.

He further referenced a legal precedent in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, where the High Court ruled that only the Abuja Municipal

Area Council possessed the authority to name roads and streets within its jurisdiction.

“The usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State

cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.

Falana was especially critical of the renaming of Charley Boy Bus Stop, a notable landmark long recognised in the Bariga and Gbagada communities.

He described the move as an erasure of local history and identity.

“We have confirmed that the Charley Boy Bus Stop was not named by the authorities of the Bariga Local Council Development Area but by the people of Bariga

and Gbagada communities.

“Notwithstanding that fact, it should be adequately appreciated that the Charley Boy Bus Stop acquired its name sociologically due to its functionality

and the positive impact which Charley Boy has historically made in the area.

“Renaming it without consulting the Bariga and Gbagada people smacks of authoritarianism,” Falana said.

The senior lawyer also expressed concern over what he described as misplaced priorities, noting that many colonial-era names honouring figures linked to

oppression remain unchanged, while names celebrating Nigerians who contributed positively to society are being hastily discarded.

He urged local government legislative councils across Lagos to reject arbitrary renaming of public spaces and instead adopt structured legal processes,

including community consultations and public hearings, before making such decisions.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Swears In Newly Elected 57 Council Chairmen

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, swore in newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 local government areas(LGAs)and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Sports Ground of the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged the council leaders to deliver inclusive governance, fairness, and quality leadership at the grassroots.

He charged them to uphold trust, accountability, and to use the autonomy granted to local governments wisely for the benefit of their communities.

“This is not the time for politics, govern with empathy and equity regardless of those who voted or those who did not vote for you.

“You have been called to service and I strongly believe that you will deliver good governance being the closest government to the people.

“We have given you the platform, the tools and the opportunity. This is not the time for politics, it is a time to work.

“I urge all of you to use your office to drive the THEMES+ development agenda in your various councils. Govern with empathy and equity,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to support and train the newly elected officials to help them maximise their leadership potential.

He also advised them to be deliberate and thorough in constituting their cabinets, stressing the need to appoint competent and people-oriented individuals.

“Your emergence is a call to duty,” Sanwo-Olu said adding, “You must show Lagosians that they made the right choice.

“Be deliberate about service delivery and align with our vision of a greater Lagos,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Bolaji Robert, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, said the election results reflected public confidence in the newly elected leaders.

“The victory of today’s sworn-in chairmen and their deputies is not just political, it is a demonstration of public trust and a call to deepen democracy at the grassroots,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the new council leaders, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Mr Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude to the governor for creating an enabling environment and for his continued support for local governance.

“We are grateful to the electorate for this mandate and to governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support.

“We assure the people that we will not disappoint—we will deliver grassroots governance that works for all,” Olowa said.

The event drew party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and residents who gathered to witness the historic ceremony. 

 

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Sanwo-Olu Launches Produce For Lagos ₦500b Offtake Guarantee Fund

Sanwo-Olu Launches Produce for Lagos ₦500b Offtake Guarantee Fund

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Produce for Lagos Programme and the ₦500billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, an initiative of the State Government aimed at boosting food security, reducing imports, and enhancing agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the programme and the fund reflect his administration's commitment to achieving food security, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth not just for Lagos State but for Nigeria.

Speaking during the launching of the programme at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is Nigeria’s largest food market, consuming over 50 per cent of the food traded in the South-West with a food economy valued at ₦16.14 trillion.

The Governor expressed optimism that the programme would provide guaranteed off-take contracts, access to financing, and logistics support, connecting Lagosians directly with Lagos’s dynamic food economy.

He said the initiative, which is a partnership between government and the private sector, will boost agricultural production.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, also announced and commissioned the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.

He stressed further that the initiative "will boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on informal and uncoordinated supply channels, create jobs for our youth and increase economic returns for all ecosystem stakeholders.

"It will be implemented through the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO) and supported by key Special Purpose Vehicles like the Lagos Bulk Trading Company, Ekolog (Eko Logistics), and the Produce for Lagos Fund.

"This ₦500 Billion Offtake Guarantee Fund will provide working capital for bulk traders, finance for logistics operators, liquidity for aggregators, and credit support for food producers across Nigeria. It is a demonstration of our understanding that our food economy cannot thrive on policy alone – it requires financing.

"This fund is not a subsidy; it is an investment vehicle that will catalyse private capital, stabilise food prices, and de-risk agricultural operations across the value chain. What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem, one that rises to meet the demands of today and of tomorrow—combining policy, financing, infrastructure, and data.”

Speaking during the event, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Usman Ododo of Kogi commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for the bold initiative on food security.

The governors, whose states are expected to be major beneficiaries of the Produce for Lagos Programme and ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, expressed readiness to partner with Lagos State in the areas of comparative advantages in boosting food security, not only in Lagos but in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Minister for Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; the Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha; and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Aniete, hailed the Lagos State government for the Produce for Lagos Programme, noting that it underscores the state’s commitment to food security and partnership with other states.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed his confidence in the initiative, stating that it would work well in addressing food security challenges in the state.

He also expressed the readiness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support the Produce for Lagos Programme initiative, which, according to him, will tackle hunger in the country.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative aims to centralise agricultural aggregation to cut post-harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and create an efficient urban food supply logistics system.

She said the Lagos State Government has launched several programmes, including the Lagos Innovation Club, Lagos Food Festival, Lagos Agriculture Scholars Programme, and Lagos Apprenticeship Programme, to support agricultural entrepreneurs and promote food culture.

 

 

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LASG Steps Up Monitoring Of Physical, Environmental Infraction Within Estates

Lagos State Ministry of Housing has stepped up monitoring of the physical and environmental state of Lagos State government-owned estates to detect infractions, ensure situations capable of causing unwholesome damage to infrastructure, aesthetic and general livability are quickly nipped in the bud.

The Ministry, through the deployment, training, and provision of work tools to environmental health and monitoring officers in the Ministry, is ready to enhance its oversight on all government-owned estates to achieve a safe and sustainable environment.

The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, stated this while inspecting vehicles provided for the Monitoring and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry to boost monitoring of compliance with physical and environmental regulations in government estates. 

According to him “the sustainability of all our estates is a task we take seriously and the provision of these vehicles for patrol of Lagos State Government estates is a deliberate action to prevent deterioration as a result of deliberate infractions by residents of government estates”.

He stated that the allottees of government estates are required to observe strict adherence to physical planning laws and obey all laws as regards safety and environmental sustainability. He further reminded residents of government estates that “The obligations of allottees are clearly stated in the letters of allocation and other subsequent documents shared afterwards, towards ensuring total compliance to sustain the infrastructural values of the estates”.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola explained that the vehicles are assigned to the Monitoring and Enforcement units to make monitoring operations easier for the staff. He pointed out that the Ministry has government estates spread across the five divisions of the State, and the vehicles are meant to ensure that enforcement personnel cover more ground in real time.

Recall that the Lagos State Government has commissioned 23 housing estates in the last six years, and the Ministry has developed strategies to ensure the sustainability of all the State Government housing estates spread across the five divisions of the State. 

These sustainability interventions include the appointment of facility managers to ensure coordination of all-year maintenance of the estate's infrastructure in conjunction with residents. 

Others include stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment, regular monitoring, and enforcement of rules in the estates.

 

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Sanwo-Olu Launches Wee Policy Roadmap To Break Barriers Against Women Potentials

In line with his administration's commitment to break the barriers hindering the realisation of women’s potential, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap.

The WEE Policy Roadmap launched at Muson Centre in Lagos is developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address the systemic challenges faced by womenfolk.

Speaking during the launching of the policy roadmap document, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the initiative reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth.

Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration will ensure that the WEE Policy Roadmap is not just a policy on paper but a living instrument that transforms lives across Lagos.

The Governor assured that his government will continue to work collaboratively with all state ministries, partners, the private sector, and civil society to ensure the successful implementation of the policy roadmap.

He said: "The Lagos State WEE Policy Roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, is a strategic, forward-thinking framework designed to address these systemic challenges. This roadmap aligns not only with our state’s developmental agenda but also with national policy frameworks and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"The development of this roadmap was underpinned by a robust stakeholder engagement process. From government ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, to non-governmental organisations, private sector players, community leaders, and women’s groups across the state, including women with disabilities, we ensured that no voice was left unheard.

"This participatory approach helped shape a contextual and inclusive understanding of who a woman is in Lagos State: a woman is not only defined by her biology but also by her social, cultural, and economic realities. Her aspirations and challenges, from youth to old age, must be central to the policies we design.

"This roadmap is not just a document; it is a strategic tool for unlocking the full potential of the women of Lagos State. Empowering women economically does not only lift individual households; it strengthens our communities, grows our economy, and secures a prosperous future for generations to come.

"I urge every stakeholder to come together with purpose and conviction. Through true collaboration, we will shape a Lagos that stands as a beacon of inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment—a city where every woman is not only welcomed but actively empowered to realise her full potential and lead the way to lasting progress.”

Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the roadmap seeks to harness opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, the traditional labour market, emerging industries, education and skill acquisition.

"In agriculture, we aim to increase women’s access to digital tools, e-commerce platforms, and targeted financing to grow agribusinesses and connect them to broader markets.

"In entrepreneurship, the roadmap recommends designing gender-friendly financial services, simplifying access to capital, and strengthening mentorship networks.

"For women in the traditional labour market, we plan to improve working conditions, enforce labour laws, promote family-friendly policies, and expand digital tools that ease access to market information.”

Speaking earlier, Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, said the policy roadmap is a bold step in addressing challenges facing women in Nigeria.

Dr Sanwo-Olu said the policy roadmap, if fully implemented, will empower women. She said domestication of the policy is very important and also urged women to stay focused.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by Mrs Agnes Abraham, said, “Lagos is a beacon of diversity and development. Lagos reflects the possibility of gender inclusivity. As we launch the Lagos State Women Economic Empowerment, I urge you to increase budget allocation for women empowerment.”

Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the launching of the policy is an affirmation of a collective resolve to break barriers, expand opportunities, and elevate the economic power of women across Lagos State.

She disclosed that the roadmap would break down gender stereotypes that inhibit women’s participation in high-growth and non-traditional industries.

“This roadmap offers a well-defined strategy to address the systemic challenges limiting women's participation in the economy, from limited access to finance and skills to gender-based constraints in both traditional and emerging sectors," she said. 

  

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Lagos Holds Second Centralised Personnel Management Board Meeting For 2025

The Lagos State Ministry of Establishments and Training has convened the second phase of the Centralised Personnel Management Board (CPMB) for the year 2025.

The meeting, which was done virtually, was part of the continued effort to foster career development and academic advancement amongst Officers of the State Public Service.

Declaring the session open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olubusola A. Abidakun welcomed members of the Board and described the meeting as another significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of the State Government to build a competent and knowledge-driven workforce.

Speaking during the opening remarks, Mrs. Abidakun recalled that the first phase of the 2025 CPMB meeting, held earlier in the year, was a follow-up to the virtual meeting of the Board held the previous year. She stated that the meeting’s primary purpose was to consider staff applications for further studies for the 2025/2026 academic session, which was in alignment with extant rules and civil service regulations.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry has painstakingly collated 3,730 applications for further studies from 64 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the State. She emphasised the need for the Board to discharge its responsibilities with fairness, objectivity, and a clear commitment to the continued transformation of the State Public Service.

“The decisions we make here today must reflect justice and equity, and be targeted at advancing the knowledge base, productivity, and efficiency of our public servants,” she added.

Mrs. Abidakun expressed her gratitude to members of the Board for their continued support and collaboration, and urged them to approach the deliberations with diligence and a vision of a globally competitive public service.

The Centralised Personnel Management Board is a strategic platform for vetting and approving public servants' requests for further academic pursuits, in line with the capacity-building mandate of the Lagos State Government.

 

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Lagos APC Slams ADC Over criticisms On Tinubu's Appointments

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointments by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as “mischievous” and “emblematic of the party’s long-standing tradition of political irrelevance.”

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the APC accused the ADC of resorting to “petty, uninformed commentary” aimed at undermining the President’s appointments, which the APC described as “merit-based and inclusive.”

The APC noted that President Tinubu’s appointments reflect a commitment to competence, regional balance, and institutional reform, adding that the ADC’s criticism reeks of “political desperation, not patriotic concern.”

The party challenged the ADC to point to a single state, local government, or constituency it governs where its “inclusive” model has produced tangible results, questioning the party’s credibility to lecture the President on leadership.

The APC expressed confidence in the President’s administration and its direction, urging Nigerians to focus on performance rather than propaganda.

The party also called on the ADC to elevate its discourse and resist the temptation to weaponize ethnicity, cynicism, or political bitterness.

The statement read: “President Tinubu’s appointments so far have reflected a deliberate commitment to competence, regional balance, and institutional reform. From technocrats and reformers to seasoned administrators, every appointment made under his leadership has reflected Nigeria’s diversity and the urgency of national renewal.

“Unlike the ADC — which has failed to evolve from a platform of recycled slogans to a body of real policy alternatives — President Tinubu and the APC are focused on nation-building, not optics. The composition of his cabinet and key agency leadership reflects individuals with verifiable track records in both public and private sectors — individuals capable of delivering results in these crucial times.

“It is laughable that the ADC, a party with negligible electoral impact and no real governance experience at the federal or state level, would presume to lecture the President of the Federal Republic on leadership. We challenge the ADC to point to a single state, local government, or constituency it governs where its own so-called ‘inclusive’ model has produced tangible results.

“Criticism, when constructive, is welcomed in any democracy. But the ADC’s rhetoric reeks of political desperation, not patriotic concern.

President Tinubu’s administration continues to engage all Nigerians, regardless of party, ethnicity, or religion, in the quest to restore trust in government and revive the economy. The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the President’s decisions and urges Nigerians to focus on performance, not propaganda.

“The real test of appointments is not where appointees come from — but what they do with the privilege of public service. On that score, we remain confident in this administration’s direction and vision.

“The Lagos APC calls on the ADC to elevate its discourse, if it still wishes to be taken seriously, and to resist the temptation to weaponize ethnicity, cynicism, or political bitterness in moments that demand unity and competence.”

 

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