Lagos State Gov, Direct PSP operators, to resume door-to-door evacuation of waste.

---Appoints former General Manager of LAWMA, Ola Oresanya as a consultant

The Lagos State Government has directed the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAM), known as PSP operators, to resume door-to-door evacuation of waste.

Government gave the directive during a meeting with the waste managers on Tuesday in Lagos.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, said in a statement that the PSP operators should go back to their various areas of operation and restore the door-to-door evacuation of waste.

Bello said that the directive was in making good the government’s promise to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment.

He said that Lagos State Government had constituted a committee, headed by him, to thoroughly review the situation and design template for the restoration of the services of PSP operators.

”This move is to reassure you that we are set on a new beginning and it is to consolidate what we have achieved. Everybody must work together to restore the glory of Lagos,” Bello said.

He also said that government had appointed Mr Ola Oresanya, former General Manager of LAWMA, as a consultant to work with the state to fashion out a format for the restoration of door-to-door waste collection.

Bello urged the PSP operators to be ready for work and set aside any misgivings, adding that he was in constant touch with the leadership of AWAM who had assured him of their cooperation.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, urged all stakeholders to recognise the urgent need to clear the backlog of waste in the metropolis, while a holistic solution was being worked out simultaneously.

”Being aware that PSP operators were in business to make profit and sustain employment, government therefore enjoins residents to pay for waste collection by the PSP operators,” Durosinmi-Etti said.

The Chairman of AWAM, Mr Oladipo Egbeyemi, expressed appreciation to the government for the development.

Egbeyemi urged for thorough situation review and provision of enabling environment for unhindered performance by members of the association.

APC NATIONAL CONVENTION: 14.8M VOTES AFFIRMS BUHARI AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole and APC National Secretary Maimala Buni as PMB is declared the Presidential Candidate and Flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress at the APC Presidential National Convention at Eagle Square.

Buhari’s speech at APC’s convention

Acceptance speech by President Muhammadu Buhari at APC Special Convention in Abuja.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Convention Committee for planning and conducting this convention. The same appreciation goes to the chairmen of National and State Executive Committees of our party. Thank you very much for doing a difficult job well.

2. I would like to pay tribute to Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande the first chairman of our great Party and to Chief John Oyegun who led the party until this year and all the APC Governors.

3. The result of the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress this time is different because I am the only candidate. I thank all other eligible candidates who deferred to me in the interest of our party unity and over-all national stability.

4. Fellow party members, it is with a deep sense of humility that I stand before you today to accept the nomination of our party, the All Progressives Congress to be its candidate and flag-bearer in the 2019 presidential elections.

R-L:APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, PMB, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Deputy Speaker Hon. Yusuf Lasun, Senate Majority Leader Sen. Ahmed Lawan and APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

5. As I stand today before you, there is no honour greater than the confidence given to me by all of you when you affirmed my nomination. I thank you for your support. I thank you for your guidance. I thank you for staying committed to the CHANGE agenda.

6. I accept this honour as a tribute and mark of confidence to carry the responsibility as we all join hands to continue the good work of the APC government to 2023 and beyond.

7. We are very proud of our record from 2015 to date:

We have arrested and checked the slide to anarchy on the security and economic fronts.

Boko Haram is reduced to dastardly attacks on soft targets. Normalcy has returned to much of North East and neighbouring North West states.

Our currency has stabilised. Our reserves are now $44 billion, a lot higher than we had in 2015.

Power generation capacity has reached 8,000 megawatts against less than 4,600 when we came into office. As we invest in new power generation infrastructure we are strenuously working to address the legacy deficiencies and challenges of transmission and distribution networks across the country.

We are executing Independent Power Projects in 9 Federal Universities to deliver uninterrupted power supply and we intend to expand to a total of 37 Universities

We have revived most of our capacity to produce fertilisers locally.

The Government through its Anchor Borrowers Programme and other incentives has empowered more than 2 million farmers to go back to the land. We now produce 80% of our rice requirements. Many farmers who nearly lost hope are now millionaires.

We have introduced primary school feeding programmes to encourage attendance and enrolment. We also have introduced the conditional cash transfer to help small and medium businesses, the men, the women and young people who drive our economy.

We have repaired and are repairing major arterial roads and starting major railway projects with the aim of linking the 36 states with efficient road and rail transportation systems.

We are attacking corruption head-on. With international support we are recovering Nigerian stolen assets and applying them to infrastructural developments.

Today the corrupt are facing the wrath of law and leakages have been generally blocked.

Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies, Members of the APC.

8. We can be proud of our achievements. CHANGE has come. Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow Nigerians, think how much PDP Governments earned between 1999 to 2015. Think what they did with it.

L-R: APC Lagos State Governorship candidate Hon Babajide Sanwo-Olu, APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Infrastructure down!

Security down! 18 local governments of Nigeria under control of a hostile army of insurgents,

Reserves depleted!

Bankruptcy around the corner.

9. What did they do with your money?

10. Internationally, Nigeria is now respected. My inter-action with foreign heads of state and government has been very encouraging. The international community is very supportive of our efforts to put our country in order.

11. Ladies and gentlemen, Members of APC. I thank you deeply for your support and confidence in me. I will not let you or the people of Nigeria down.

On to victory in 2019!

Long live APC!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Thank you and God bless you all.

ATIKU CLINCHES PDP’S TICKET TO FACE BUHARI, OTHERS

PDP Presidential Canididate Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as clinches the Peoples Democratic Party tick at the end of the count of the votes at the presidential primary of the Party in Port Harcourt, Atiku polled 1,532 to emerge as winner.

Atiku will face the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of APC and Mr. Donald Duke of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and some others in the February 2019 presidential election in the February 2019

About 3,274 delegates were at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt and took part in the primary which produced the following results.

The Score:

Atiku Abubakar – 1,532

Aminu Tambuwal – 693

Bukola Saraki – 317

Sanator David Mark – 35

Sule Lamido – 96

Kabiru Turaki – 65

Donald Jang – 19

Datti Ahmed – 5

Attahiru Bafarawa – 48

Ibrahim Dankwanbo – 111

Ahmed Makarfi – 74

Rabiu Kwankwanso – 158

AMBODE CONGRATULATES SANWO-OLU, THANKS TINUBU

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode as Congratulate Babajide Sanwo-Olu after NWC declare him winner of governorship primary.

He ask Lagocians to support All Progressive congress (APC) come’s 2019. “I congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urge all Lagosians to immediately support our party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections”

Ambode also thanked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all the party leaders and members.

“I wish to use this opportunity to thank our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of our great party at state and national levels, all party faithfuls and all Lagosians”

The full text of his message:

“Fellow Lagosians, the last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity. I strongly believe that the time has now come for the State to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.

Dear Lagosians, APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved State must always supercede that of any person or group. It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urge all Lagosians to immediately support our party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of our dear party.

As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.

I therefore appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party, so that we can continue to move this state forward.

The progress of Lagos state is non-negotiable. It is a project that I have passionately worked for in the last three and half years as your Governor and one to which I will forever be devoted.

I wish to use this opportunity to thank our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the leadership of our great party at state and national levels, all party faithfuls and all Lagosians.

I thank all Lagosians for their faith and trust in me. I urge you not to relent in your support for our party as we prepare for the General Elections.

Long Live Nigeria

Long Live Lagos State

Long Live APC

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo jewa Logun”

SANWO-OLU THANKS AMBODE, APC LEADERS

The All progressive Congress (APC), Governorship Candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In his acceptance speech, Sanwo-Olu praised the APC's national leader, Bola Tinubu, for his fatherly role in his emergence as the party's flag bearer. He also thanked the entire structure of the party that endorsed him over Ambode and ensured his victory on Tuesday.

He said, "I think it's appropriate I thank our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has provided the platform for all of us, so many of us that have looked up to him, the fatherly role, a political landscape that one cannot take for granted.

"I want to also use this opportunity to thank the national chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, His Excellency Adams Oshiomhole and the national working committee for giving us tremendous support, for encouraging us and for letting true democracy reflect, for sustaining this direct primary and for letting it be the true test of what it should be.

He also thanked his opponent Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, for putting up a good fight in the race to win the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

I wish him the best in the remainder of his tenure," he said.

He thanked the entire leadership of the party from the GAC, fathers has demonstrated leadership to the highest level, who have demonstrated impeccable integrity at all levels.

"I want to thank all the 57 chairmen and all our 57 local government areas. I want to thank all our ward chairmen, our councillors."

Sanwo-Olu noted that he'll not take the party's trust for granted and run an inclusive government if elected governor next year.

He said, "Lagosians, I think with what you have done for me, I cannot take you for granted, I cannot take this mandate and this confidence for granted, I'll cherish it for the rest of my life but more importantly, like I've always said, I'll remain committed, I'll keep an inclusive government, I'll be responsible, integrity will not run far from me and I will not do things that in any form would make you to begin to doubt my capacity or capability."

Ambode concedes defeat, congratulates Sanwo-Olu

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Governor Ambode conceded defeat during a press conference on Wednesday, October 3, and congratulated Sanwo-Olu over his victory.

He said, "Dear Lagosians, APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved State must always supercede that of any person or group.

"It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and urge all Lagosians to immediately support our party's gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of the party."

The governor further noted that he is committed to working towards a smooth transition for the next governor of the state and beckoned on all party members to ensure the party is successful at the polls in 2019.

SENATE 2019: I AM STILL IN THE RACE – OSINOWO

Hon. Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo popularly called Pepperito

as affirmed his intention to contest for the Lagos State Senatorial seat he denounced the rumor going round on the social media that he was disqualified from the race.

Hon. Osinowo represents Kosofe Constituency I in Lagos house of Assembly since 2015 – 2019 till date.

He is an experienced politician that understand the game very well, a well respected politician.

“My attention has been drawn to news circulating over the social media that I was not cleared for the Senate election taking place next year.

I want to inform my supporters and party members in the All Progressives Congress (APC) particularly at the Lagos East Senatorial District that the report is not true and unfounded.

Our opponent and detractors faced with obvious defeat at the coming primaries of our party cooked up this lie to cause confusion especially among our supporters.

For the avoidance of doubt, I fulfilled all conditions put forward by our party. I was duly screened and cleared by our party in Abuja.

I urge our supporters to remain calm and prepare to cast their votes for me during the coming primaries.”

Other contenders for the seat are; the incumbent Senator Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa, a second term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Otunba Ganiu Abiru, former Clerk, Lagos State House of Assembly and current Chairman, Ikorodu Development Association and Chief Lanre Razak.

Lagos Is Now One Party State, Says Salvador

We are going to secure 3.5 million vote for Lagos State governorship candidate

L-R: Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Lagos All Progressive  Congress (APC) Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun, Former Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Moshood Salvador And APC Chieftain, Senator Anthony Adefuye During The Presentation Of APC Flag To Salvador As He Officially Joins APC Along With His Supporters At Agege  Stadium, In Lagos, On Saturday. 

The former Lagos State chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Moshood Salvador yesterday said the state has become a one party state, following his defection with  thousands of PDP members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing thousands of party members and stalwarts at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. He said with his exit, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was completely dead in Lagos.

Salvador added that in the 2015 election, the PDP and APC polled over 98 percent votes, leaving less than two percent for the other parties.

He said with his defection with thousands of former PDP members to the APC, there was no more opposition for the ruling APC in Lagos.

"I must say with all emphasis that Lagos is now a one party state.  With these people that move with me to join the progressives PDP is dead in Lagos”.

"We don't expect people to join any other political party except the APC.

"We are going to secure 3.5 million vote for Lagos State governorship candidate and over five million for the President in the 2019 election.

" This will be my contribution to the APC in the 2019 election. We hope to garner 99.5 percent votes for the party."

Salvador urged the Southwest to return to the progressives, noting that they have nothing to gain with the PDP. 

He urged Osun State electorate to vote the APC candidate in the September 22 election, noting that the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration had impacted on the state.

In his remarks, Lagos APC chairman, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun said Salvador had always been a progressive and would remain in fold.

He thanked the new members for throwing away their torn umbrellas, stressing that the APC is a family where justice and equity is the hallmark.

Balogun maintained that the new members would enjoy their stay in the party. 

Lagos 2019: Jide Sanwo-Olu Declare's

+ Promise to restore Lagos glory

Former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki; APC) governorship aspirant, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Cacdinal James Odunbaku and others

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s main contender, on Sunday announced his bid for the job, promising he would embark on full restoration of the glory of the state and make the people the cornerstone of government. and call for change in Progress in Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu the former Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pension, and Director General, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, (LSDPC) who spoke during his declaration  at the City Hall, Lagos Island on Sunday.

He said that he would consolidate on the feats of the builders of modern Lagos if given the chance to govern the state, which he said were implemented by former Governor Bola Tinubu and his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Sanwo-Olu declared  “I, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu shall be a true party man in the real definition of the word by running an inclusive government, according to the ideology of the APC and the long-term benefits of the great citizens of Lagos State. Loyalty is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of Lagos State, the organs and the leadership of the party.

“I call on party members and citizens to join me to elevate our State in all facets of human endeavour through improvement, enlightenment and development.”

“I call on party members and citizens to join me to elevate our State in all facets of human endeavour through improvement, enlightenment and development.”

“History is not made in a day, but it is made on the day that you start to make the labours of the past and the hope for the future the touchstone of our endeavours. That day is today. I pray that God Almighty shall crown all our efforts with resounding success.”

Sanwo-Olu, paid tribute to illustrious pathfinders, including Herbert Macaulay, Sir Kitoye Ajasa, Dr. John Randle, Sapara Williams, Henry Carr, Candido da Rocha, Dr. Adeniji Jones and Dr Caulcrick, said Lagos history had been shaped by their primacy and values of democratisation.

He also said future generations will treasure the contributions of two former governors – Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson and Alhaji Lateef Jakande – and others who had worked for the progress of the state in the last 50 years.

Sanwo-Olu paid special tribute to the party stalwart and former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he described as the celebrated tactician and renowned certified accountant, who laid the foundation of modern Lagos. “ Tinubu has applied his knowledge to democracy and development, thereby earning the applause of progressives and other stakeholders across the country.

“The media has filled our consciousness with the courage displayed by our leader in reforming and modernising the revenue collection operations of Lagos State, converting government operations from analogue to digital and establishing a transparent, measurable and predictable system for running Lagos as a modern smart government.”

Also called party faithful to vote for him at the September 25 direct primary, saying that he will not disappoint the platform as a loyal, committed, tested and trusted member.

“I am sending a clarion call to our party members, men and women, youth and the elderly, that there is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.”

Among the Prominent APC leaders and elders that present at the event, including James Odunmbaku, vice chairman (Lagos West District), Prince Sunny Ajose,  Senator Gbenga Ashafa, former deputy chairman, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, former Rural Development Commissioner Dr. Tola Kasali, Dele Onabokun, Demola Seriki, Omolola Essien and all the chairmen of 57 Local Government and Development area called chairman of Conference 57, former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki, House of Representatives member Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, Alawiye King, Israel Ajao, Abdullahi Enilolobo, Kola Perry Grillo, Setonji Bamgbose, Ayodele Adewale, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, Sola Giwa, Bolaji Ayinya, Segun Dawodu, Lanre Ope, Bolanle-Akinyemi-Obe, Afolabi Sofola, Abiodun Mafe, Ladi Balogun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Omolola Essien, Sesan Daini, Ademorin Kuye, Owolabi Martins, Adekunle Alli, Tunde Olorogun, Wale Adelana, and Mr. Bagostow. 

Pa Yusuph laid to rest

Late Pa Hamzat Olawoyin Yusuph

It was celebration time as Pa Hamzat Olawoyin Yusuph (aged 120), father of Tosin Yusuph, a graphic artist with The Nation newspaper, was laid to rest on Wednesday 29th August, 2018 in his home town, Ola-Ejigbo, Osun State. Firdaus prayers and final burial ceremony were held at Baptist Primary School, Madoga, in Ogun State.

L-R: Tajudeen Yusuph, Tosin Yusuph, Tunde Yusuph, Oyekunle Yusuph and Maryam Yusuph. 

L-R: Afeez Yusuph and Nurudeen Yusuph. 

L-R: Hawaw Yusuph, Afusat Yusuph-Saka, Oyinlola Yusuph and Haulat Yusuph.

Lagos initiates construction of multi-purpose centre

In its bid to provide succour for women experiencing challenges in different areas in the state, the Lagos State government has initiated the construction of a multipurpose centre.

L-R: Secretary to State Government, Tunji Bello; Dr. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande;  WAPA Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation Abiola Liadi and Women leader, All Progressive Congress, (APC) Jumoke Okoya-Thomas at the groundbreaking event

The centre, which is located in Agidingbi, Ikeja, is being constructed by the state government as part of efforts to achieve some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pertaining to the empowerment/welfare of women and girls as well as poverty eradication.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project during the week, Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, reiterated that the construction of the centre was an affirmation of his administration’s commitment to social inclusion, empowerment, and protection of women.

Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, assured women in the state that the multipurpose centre will be speedily completed.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure all our women of this administration’s commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all, irrespective of gender differences. We will also sustain the campaign against all kinds of gender-based abuse and violence by strengthening the capacity of relevant government institutions to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice,” Ambode said.

In a message, the wife of the governor, Bolanle Ambode, who was represented by Dr Arinola Oluwo, said when the centre becomes operational, the one-stop-centre which would house another skill acquisition centre, a care-giver training institute, as well as event centre would have tremendous impact on the lives of women and girls.

While welcoming the guests, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Lola Akande, described the women multipurpose centre as another milestone in the series of creative and sustainable efforts of the current administration in the state.

Lagos to host conference on fertility

The association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) Nigeria will hold its eighth international conference in Lagos this month, with the theme: New Frontiers in Assisted Reproductive Technology (A.R.T)

Participants from different facets of medicine will be coming into Nigeria from the United Kingdom, United States, Asia, Europe and other African countries.

L-R: CO-Chairman of Local Organising Committee, Association for  Fertility and Reproductive Health, (AFRH) Mrs. Abiola Adewusi; Chairman of Local Organising Committee (AFRH), Dr. Abayomi Ajayi; President, (AFRH) Dr. Faye Iketubosin and Vice- Chairman (LOC) (AFRH) during the media briefing on the (AFRH) 2018 conference in Lagos.

Obstetricians, gynaecologists, surgeons, embryologists, ultra-sonographers, health regulators, as well as other support service industries are expected at the epoch event

According to the local organising chairman of the conference, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, “the conference will explore the integration of innovative technology in treatment option being offered by practitioners and impact knowledge to participants from masters of various fields of specialisation in reproductive medicine.”

 Ajayi stated that there are about 12 million infertile persons in the country which is about ten percent of the total population, “so to this set of people, any form of access to effective treatment is priority. It is their valid or legitimate right in a democratic society like ours to have this right to life’s treatment. Also the Nigerian cultural background of social isolation for infertile couples has made Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) practice in the country pertinent.”

Oshodi community backs Ipesa-Balogun’s HoR bid

 Hon. Afeez Ipesa-Balogun

The Oshodi/Isolo Local Government community association has assured Hon. Afeez Ipesa-Balogun of its support in his quest for a seat in the House of Representatives, HoR.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the community association, Canon Babajide Otegbade, said the community supports Ipesa-Balogun, a former local government chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, because of his contribution to the development of the area.

Ipesa-Balogun, an aspirant to HoR under the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently met with the community leaders under the aegis of Community Development Committee (CDC), the umbrella body of all Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the council area, to formally inform them of his intention and to seek their support in the build up to his party’s coming primaries for the ticket of Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 1.

Reacting to the warm reception, Ipesa-Balogun said he was overwhelmed with the lavish praises poured on him by the people for what they termed his record of outstanding performance, humility, accessibility, maturity and friendly disposition to all and sundry for the period he was chairman of the local government, saying they had not found such in any other that has occupied the office since he vacated it.

The community leaders recalled his landmark projects and compassionate disposition to all and sundry during his tenure as chairman of the council area, and how he strengthened and encouraged the activities of CDAs across the local government area by building and supporting them in all areas.

According to the CDC members, the former council chairman introduced and institutionalised a monthly subvention to the CDC to run its operations, provided space and funded the construction of a Community House, comprising a hall and offices for the CDC to the level it has remained since he left office seven years ago and stood out as the first council chairman in the state to compensate CDAs in the council area, when he released N3.8million to them for successfully monitoring and supervising local government projects across the area under construction to completion. Also, the community leaders, who pledged to give him all the necessary support to ensure that he wins the 2019 election into the House of Representatives once he gets his party’s ticket, recalled that he was the first council chairman in the state to provide a CDC with an official car, stating that the provision of that vehicle by him for them in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area made the apex body of all CDAs in the state, the Lagos State Community Development (Advisory) Council, to write and appeal to all other council and LCDA chairmen in the state to provide official vehicles for their CDCs. Women members of the CDC present also added their voice, stating that under the former chairman, members of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government chapter, were always sponsored by him to their annual national convention in Abuja but that it has since stopped as they are not able to attend the convention again since he left office. 

The CDC members were unanimous in their opinion about Ipesa-Balogun, confident that he will not only make a good representative of Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 1, if he gets the APC ticket and wins the election.

 The aspirant, who was surprised at the encomiums poured on him, was emotionally overwhelmed and only managed as he struggled in between tears of joy to thank the leaders, promising to mobilise funds within a space of time, if elected, to ensure the completion of the CDC Community House to a befitting status.

Senate 2019: Osinowo wants Ashafa's seat

The member representing Kosofe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo, aka Pepper, has formally joined the race for the senatorial ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East senatorial district thereby signifying his intention to replace Senator Bareehu Ashafa come 2019.

He declared his interest in the race during a well-attended ceremony at the CMD Event Centre, Shangisha, Lagos State.

Media Consultant, Lisa Olu Akerele, (left), Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr.  Mudasiru Obasa, Chairman, Lagos House of Assembly Land Committee , Mr. Bayo  Osinowo with Prince Albert Adelowo Adedeji during a visit to the Speaker after Osinowo declared his interest in the race for the Lagos East Senatorial District, yesterday.

The event had nearly all notable political leaders in the district, all the members of the House of Representatives in Lagos East District, all local government and local council development area chairmen and their deputies in the district and most traditional stakeholders in the district in attendance.

Also, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were part of the adoption of Osinowo by party faithful as the preferred candidate for APC in Lagos East Senatorial district.

“Permit me to say it with every sense of humility that with my sixteen years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, I have acquired enough legislative experience to propel me for greater achievement in the Red Chamber (Senate). I have also been actively involved in the political activities of Lagos East Senatorial District for over two decades, and I know where the shoe pinches,” Osinowo said.

Speaking on the declaration, the deputy chairman of APC in the state, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, said all APC chieftains in the race must see themselves as ambassadors of the party while seeking the ticket of the ruling party. He begged them all to work with party leaders to ensure a successful conduct of the primaries.

“We want to appeal to all aspirants to eschew bitterness during and after the primary so that we will all support whoever emerges as a winner. We should go to the poll proper as one united family and win the 2019 elections for our party, not only in Lagos, but throughout the country,” Kaoli assured.

The council of traditional rulers in the district, as well as several other organisations and groups were unequivocal in the support for Pepper as the candidate of the party in Lagos East. The traditional rulers said based on Osinowo’s antecedents, they have no doubt that he is fit for the important job ahead.

Former commissioner in the state and a leader in the district, Dr. Tola Kasali, confirmed that the APC will conduct a primary election that will be very transparent and fair to all. “Our party believes in democratic norms. We don’t have any preferred candidate every aspirant will be treated equally,” Kasali assured.