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Sanwo-olu Commissions 110-Bed Maternity Home, Housing Scheme In Badagry [PHOTOS]

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Badagry, one of the five traditional divisions of Lagos State reaped bountiful dividends of the development programmes of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

A 110-bed Maternal and Childcare Centre (MCC), School of Anaesthesiology in Badagry General Hospital, and 252 units of a two-bedroom housing project in Idale; all completed and delivered in the ancient town by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

On Saturday, the boundary town literally stood still for the formal inauguration of the projects, as residents and traditional rulers, led by the Akran of Badagry, trooped out to receive the Governor, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of their entourage.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu flagged off the construction of the 5.5 kilometer-long Hospital Road being rehabilitated to create easy access to the Badagry General Hospital and the new housing estate in the town.

The Governor said the projects were part of his administration’s efforts to bring development in Badagry at par with other areas of the State. With the completion of the four-floor MCC, which is already being operated, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government had expanded healthcare infrastructure and improved access to quality health services in the town.

“Today’s commissioning activities are in fulfillment of part of the promises we gave our citizens in Badagry and I am delighted to be inaugurating three key projects that will enhance standards of living and boost the development of human capital, particularly the 110-bed MCC we have completed in this part of Lagos.

“This is just a testimony to our assurance to the people and our commitment to deliver quality projects that will turn around the lives of our citizens. Not only the MCC we are handing over for public use today has an emergency service, but it also caters to obstetrics and gynecology. There are also a laboratory, radiology, pediatrics and immunization departments.”

The Governor said the rehabilitation and expansion of the School of Anaesthesiology in the Badagry General Hospital were aimed at increasing the number of trained professionals in the field. He said such pivotal projects were being replicated in other locations across Lagos.

He said: “The people of Badagry and the adjoining communities now have increased access to quality and safe healthcare, and reduction. This will bring about the complete eradication of maternal and infant mortality, as well as a general improvement in all maternal and child health indices in this local government. All these benefits will, in turn, have a positive ripple effect on the development and socio-economic indices of Badagry.”

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the Badagry MCC was immediately activated for operation after its completion last November, disclosing that the facility had already delivered healthcare services to over 3,000 outpatients and 600 children. The facility, the Commissioner said, has taken 49 successful cesarean deliveries.

The MCC, Prof. Abayomi noted, would complement the capacity of the 21 primary healthcare facilities across the three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Badagry axis.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government acknowledged the effect of affordable housing on the socio-economic wellbeing of the residents, which was why his administration went into a joint partnership with a private investor, Echostone Development Nigeria Ltd, to deliver the 252-unit two-bedroom terrace bungalows for low- and middle-income families.

The housing project was designed with eco-technology and EDGE Advanced protocol, which is a green building certification that making buildings to be more resource-efficient.

Sanwo-Olu said the same technology would be employed to build the proposed Workers’ Village in Ipaja later in the year. This scheme, he said, will provide 600 affordable housing units to workers and their families.

He said: “The 252 units of two-bedroom terrace bungalows being commissioned today incontrovertibly proved our sincerity about closing the housing deficit and delivering our housing promises through the relationship we have cultivated with the private sector for housing development. This Idale-Whedako Scheme is indeed a direct result of our faith in the capacity of the private sector to play a supportive role in housing development.

“This housing scheme has come with the lowest of prices, which makes it affordable to the targeted population. The payment plan will be spread over a longer period of time. I thank our development partner, Echostone Development Nigeria Ltd, for supporting the State Government in this regard.”

Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the housing project was uniquely designed and came with the convenience of low-cost maintenance in terms of water usage and energy efficiency.

He added that the project had security and comfort features, such as streetlights, water treatment plant, central sewage treatment plant, strong perimeter fence, and good road network.

“No doubt, the housing scheme has added great environmental and economic value to Badagry community,” Akinderu-Fatai said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu took about a 1.17-kilometer road walk with Badagry residents to flag off the reconstruction of the decrepit Hospital Road that connects the city center to the Badagry General Hospital.

While declaring the project open, the Governor noted that the project would be expanded to a double carriageway and will be done in two phases, with the first phase spanning 3.2-kilometers.

The second phase is 2.3 kilometers and it will commence immediately after the completion of the first phase.

Sanwo-Olu said: “This road construction flag off is a demonstration of our readiness to serve our citizens on this part and it doesn’t matter how long it takes. It doesn’t matter how far Badagry is from the State capital; we will never neglect this city in our development drive. We will continue to justify the confidence you reposed in us when you voted us in.”

The Hospital Road also links five communities- Idale, Akarakunmoh, Pivota, Topo, and Ajido – to Lagos-Badagry Expressway via Joseph Dosu Road.

 

 

BIG STORY

Rejoinder To Daily Trust Article: President Tinubu Positioned For Victory In 2027 — By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

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President Tinubu is well-positioned to secure victory in the 2027 elections. His achievements, leadership experience, and the significant strides made across key sectors of governance solidify his place as the frontrunner.

  • Key Achievements and Factors for Victory

1. Direct Funding to Local Governments:

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the 774 local government chairmen will receive funds directly from the federal government starting this month. This bold move decentralizes resources, empowers grassroots development, and strengthens loyalty to the man who initiated this transformative policy—President Tinubu.

2. Empowering Citizens:

President Tinubu’s administration has rolled out impactful programs, including student loans, consumer credit initiatives, and direct cash transfers. These initiatives have touched millions of lives and earned him unwavering support from beneficiaries who recognise the positive impact of these policies.

3. Political Dominance:

APC remains the most dominant political party in Nigeria, controlling more states than any opposition party. APC governors will rally behind Tinubu in 2027, leveraging the party’s expansive structure to consolidate support.

4. Regional Strength:

South West:

President Tinubu will sweep all six South West states. APC currently controls four states, and Tinubu’s win in Oyo during the 2023 elections further demonstrates his stronghold. By 2027, even Osun, which narrowly escaped APC control, will fall back in line.

South-South:

Tinubu will likely secure Cross River, Rivers, Edo, and Delta while achieving the required 25% in other states. APC’s current control of Edo and Cross River further reinforces this projection.

South East:

The establishment of the South East Development Commission has endeared Tinubu to the region. He is expected to win Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi while securing 25% in Anambra and Abia. APC governs Imo and Ebonyi, and with strategic campaigning, Anambra might surprise everyone in 2027.

North West & North East:

These regions remain APC’s strongholds, and Tinubu’s track record ensures that they will deliver the necessary states.

North Central:

States like Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau are expected to align with Tinubu, given his strong rapport and ongoing development efforts in the region.

5. Resilience and Leadership Experience:

Tinubu’s journey from private sector success to public service is unparalleled. He served as a lawmaker, a transformative governor, and now a results-driven president. His international experience in oil, gas, and finance, coupled with his fearless leadership style, makes him a standout leader. Tinubu is the only president in Nigeria’s history to take bold steps like subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity

6. Economic Reforms and Policies:

Tinubu’s tax reforms exempt minimum wage earners and small businesses (earning less than ₦25 million annually) from federal taxes. By 2027, Nigeria will become a major exporter of refined petroleum products, with all four refineries operational.

The federal government’s agriculture policies, in collaboration with states, will yield significant results.

Security will improve, potentially with the full implementation of state policing.

Electricity management, now involving states, will lead to a more reliable power supply.

Mass transportation systems, including local, state, and federal rail services, will transform mobility.

With growing FDI, increased earnings from oil and gas, and direct investments, Nigeria will witness unprecedented progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

7. Broad-Based Support:

Tinubu’s influence transcends party lines, garnering support from private enterprises, public institutions, and even opposition leaders. Some PDP governors from the East may align with Tinubu’s vision in 2027, recognizing his ability to unify and deliver results.

8. Legacy of Leadership:

Tinubu’s record of governance in Lagos—one of Africa’s largest economies—is unmatched. When he assumed office in 1999, Lagos generated ₦400 million monthly against expenses of over ₦600 million. By the end of his tenure, Lagos’ monthly IGR had risen to ₦8 billion. This same transformational leadership is now evident at the federal level, with Nigeria’s reserves growing and states receiving triple their previous allocations.

Under Tinubu, local governments will receive significant funds. If each of the 774 local governments spends ₦2 billion monthly, the ripple effect will transform communities and improve lives nationwide. Without constitutional reforms, Tinubu is restructuring Nigeria by empowering states and local governments while maintaining harmony with governors, legislators, and the judiciary.

9. Strategic Reallocation of Subsidy Funds:

Funds from subsidy removal on petrol and exchange rates are now being redistributed across federal, state, and local governments. The judicious use of these funds will catalyse development, creating visible progress that further cements Tinubu’s leadership legacy.

10. A Leader for the Future

By 2027, Tinubu’s achievements will speak louder than promises. Nigeria will see improved security, stable electricity, a revitalized economy, and a robust transportation system. His reforms will deliver real, measurable results, leaving opponents to merely speculate on what they could do better.

If God grants him life and strength, and he chooses to contest in 2027, President Tinubu’s re-election will not just be a possibility—it will be a certainty. His vision, achievements, and widespread support make his victory inevitable.

 

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare .

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Fuji Icon K1 Loses 105-Yr-Old Mother Days After Wife’s Death

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Nigerian Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as “K1 de Ultimate,” is in mourning following the death of his mother, “Halimotu Anifowoshe,” just days after the passing of his former wife, “Hafsat,” at the age of 65.

It was gathered that the mother of the music icon was declared dead by medical professionals in her hometown, “Ijebu Ode,” Ogun State, where she resided.

A family source revealed that the centenarian passed away in the early hours of Saturday, causing the entire community of “Ijebu Ode” to mourn her loss.

It was further gathered that the deceased would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites later that day in her hometown.

According to a source, the Fuji musician has been deeply affected by his mother’s death, as they shared a close bond. He often praised her during his stage performances.

The centenarian’s death followed the artist’s earlier revelation that he inherited his musical talent from his mother, who, despite her own potential, was not permitted to pursue a career in music.

He explained that his mother was the daughter of a king, and her parents did not allow her to sing because they wanted her to marry.

K1 added that his mother was highly talented, but her parents feared that her career in music would delay her marriage.

“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess.”

“She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess, and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king.”

It should be noted that the singer’s former wife, “Hafsat,” passed away after battling an undisclosed illness and was buried following Islamic traditions at “Abari Cemetery,” Lagos State.

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Nigerians Recruited As UK Prison Officers Sleep In Cars, Camp Near Jails

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The United Kingdom’s prison service has started recruiting prison officers from Nigeria and other countries to address staffing shortages.

However, many of these new recruits, including Nigerians, are facing accommodation difficulties, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars or camping near prisons to save on housing costs, according to a report by The Telegraph on Thursday.

This is the first time the UK prison service is sponsoring skilled worker visas for international recruits, following a rule change in 2023 that added prison officers to the list of eligible professions.

Many of the new recruits are Nigerians, including some who transitioned from other visa routes to the prison service.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has reported cases of Nigerian recruits arriving at UK prisons under the assumption that accommodation would be provided.

Mark Fairhurst, the president of the POA, shared an example of a recruit who commuted 70 miles daily from Huddersfield to Nottingham, eventually deciding it was cheaper to sleep in his car outside the prison.

At another location, some officers set up a camp in a wooded area near the prison after learning they would need to arrange their own housing.

“We have got problems with people who turn up at the gates with cases in tow and with their families saying to the staff: ‘Where is the accommodation?’,” Fairhurst stated.

Sources from the Ministry of Justice in the UK indicate that approximately 250 foreign nationals have been recruited into the UK prison service after Zoom interviews and vetting.

In 2023, a significant portion of the 3,500 monthly applicants were from Africa.

Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, attributed the influx to word-of-mouth promotion by Nigerians already working in the UK.

“It’s turned into an approach that has been promoted online by the expat Nigerian community,” Wheatley noted.

However, he acknowledged challenges, including language barriers and the difficulty of integrating foreign recruits into rural communities.

Despite these challenges, the UK prison service insists its recruitment and training processes are thorough.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service told The Telegraph, “all staff – regardless of nationality – undergo robust assessments and training before they work in prisons. Our strengthened vetting process roots out those who fall below our high standards.”

The reliance on virtual interviews has also raised concerns, with some questioning the suitability of officers recruited this way.

Fairhurst has called on the prison service to return to face-to-face interviews, stating that six weeks of training is insufficient for recruits to manage prisoners effectively.

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