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GREATER LAGOS VISION: SANWO-OLU UNVEILS 2052, 30-YR DEVT. PLAN .

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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…As Lagos records 71 per cent of Nigeria’s $1.5bn FDI in Q1 2022 – LCCI

Lagos State will be on another 30-year journey in pursuit of physical development, social growth and economic prosperity.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu broke this news to business leaders and the organised private sector at an interactive meeting, on Tuesday.

The Lagos State Development Plan 2052, Sanwo-Olu said, will be officially rolled out at the forthcoming 9th Economic Summit of the State (known as Ehingbeti). The 30-year plan, the Governor said, was developed with clear objectives from four strategic dimensions aimed at positioning the State to achieve its vision.

The meeting, held at Commerce House on Victoria Island, was at the instance of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). It was also attended by members of the diplomatic community. Established in 1888, the LCCI is the oldest chamber of commerce in the West Africa sub-region.

Sanwo-Olu hinted that each of the four dimensions in the development plan would be achieved through over 400 policy initiatives that would be implemented throughout the period.

He said: “The Lagos State Development Plan 2052 has been developed with a set of clear objectives across four strategic dimensions, which are to position Lagos on the track to achieving its vision.

The dimensions to this plan are to keep a thriving economy that will make Lagos a robust, healthy and growing economy with adequate jobs and strategic investments to sustain growth. We are building a human-centric city in which every Lagosian will have access to affordable and world-class education, healthcare and social services.

“There will be deliberate effort to keep modernising our infrastructure, by providing reliable and sufficient infrastructure that meets the needs of a 21st century city. The plan will also bring about sustenance of effective governance. Lagos will have a supportive and enabling environment that creates opportunities for all Lagosians.

This is a huge task that must be achieved between now and the nearest possible future.”
Sanwo-Olu believed the plan would not be realised when the private sector – the drivers of the State’s economy – is not carried along in the implementation of the identified policy phases.

The Governor thanked the business community for supporting the State Government in dealing with arising issues in the challenging period of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pushback, noting that more social burden could have trailed the pandemic had the private sector not considered the Government’s entreaty that prevented mass retrenchment of workers.

Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to reel out interventions initiated by the State Government in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, security, environment and technology to improve ease of doing business in Lagos.

He said: “In road construction, I make bold to say that our impacts are being felt across the State, because we have taken up the total rehabilitation of major roads and creating new highways. In the Central Business District of Victoria Island and Ikoyi, we have delivered key infrastructure projects that are improving mobility and giving businessmen new experience. Reconstruction of Idowu Taylor, Adeyemo Alakija, Adeola Hopewell is a major facelift we have signed off in this corridor.

“For the first time, we are seeing a sub-national Government building rail lines to improve mobility. Lagos is expecting two brand-new light rail projects in a few months and we took this audacious decision about three years ago to deliver this important transport infrastructure. Our intervention in education has yielded a highly encouraging outcome, given the results of our students in national examinations. All of these have confirmed that we are on the right track.”
In the last one year,

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had recorded massive influx of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to the tune of $750 million in the technology sector, attracting global tech brands, such as Equinox, Google, and Microsoft, among others. This, he said, is complementing the rollout of metropolitan fibres by the State Government to promote e-commerce, traffic management and improve security.

The Governor expressed the hope that the meeting would lead to creation of new pathways that would facilitate a more robust relationship with the private sector.

LCCI President, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, said the meeting with Sanwo-Olu indicated the Chamber’s continued faith in the Governor’s administration for a better business environment.
Noting that Lagos had continued to be the investment haven for FDIs coming to the country, Olawale-Cole said the State alone accounted 71 per cent of the $1,573 billion foreign investment Nigeria recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

He said: “Policy direction is critical for a thriving and supportive business environment in any economy. The quality of the policy is a key consideration for local and foreign investment decisions. With an improved business environment, Lagos can attract more capital inflows from Nigerians in Diaspora as a more sustainable funding for the provision of required infrastructure. Enormity of needs in Lagos requires the cooperation of both the public and private sector.”

The LCCI boss announced that Lagos would be the official chief host of the international tech and telecommunication (ICTEL) expo coming up in August.
LCCI Deputy President and Group Executive Director at Dangote Group, Mr. Knut Ulvmoen, said Sanwo-Olu took his most important decision to come out and meet with the investors.
The Norwegian, who has lived in Lagos for 36 years, said he had witnessed the city transformed before his eyes into a blossoming economy.

He said: “The Lagos narrative is a story in progress. The city is now cleaner than it used to be. I implore the Government to focus more on education and make it accessible to the teeming young people. This is what will sustain the city in the long term. Government leaders should demand more than donations from the international community; they must come and create jobs.”

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ICDA Honour Renowned Radio Nigeria Journalist with Community Service Award

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By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Igala Cultural and Development Association (ICDA), Federal Capital Territory and Surroundings (FCT & S) has honoured a renowned Abuja-based Radio Nigeria Journalist, James Itodo with a meritorious award.

The award ceremony took place Saturday, July 19th, 2025, during the association’s monthly meeting in Abuja

The Chairman, ICDA, FCT & S, Alhaji Ahmed Usman said the Award is a show of appreciation for commitment and dedication to the development of ICDA, FCT & S.

James Itodo, also the Chairman, ICDA, Kuje Branch in his appreciation speech while expressing surprise and appreciation said, “I dedicate this award to my community in Kuje and all ICDA executives and, members in the FCT”

“Thank you very much” , he concluded.

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Appreciation: “We Are Grateful for Your Support” – Ajia

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By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Ajia Ogbonde family of Ilorin has expressed deep and heartfelt appreciation to individuals, families, religious leaders, institutions, dignitaries, and well-wishers who stood by them during the mourning period following the passing of their beloved matriarch, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia.

In a press statement personally signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar Fune, on behalf of the family, the Ajia Ogbonde clan expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences received from across the country and beyond.

Describing the support as overwhelming, the family acknowledged the role played by those who participated in the Janaza rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, and those who made time to attend the 3rd Day and 7th Day Fidau prayers held in Abuja and Ilorin respectively, despite their tight schedules.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who stood in solidarity with us during this painful moment. Your presence, prayers, and words of comfort meant so much to us,” the statement read.

The family offered special thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Mai-Martaba Sheikh (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for his fatherly support and spiritual leadership during the mourning period.

They also appreciated His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fune, Dr. Idris Saleh Uthman, for honouring the family through a powerful delegation led by the District Head of Cubana to the Abuja Fidau prayer.

The statement listed an array of dignitaries and high-profile personalities whose presence and messages of condolence brought great comfort to the bereaved family. These include former Senate Presidents Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) and Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin, and former Inspector-General of Police IGP MD Abubakar (CFR).

Also acknowledged were former Kwara State Governor, HE Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, current Senator representing Kwara Central, Sen. Saliu Mustapha, Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, former DG of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, and Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.

The sitting Governor of Kwara State was represented by Alhaji Abdulrazak Jidda at the 7th Day Fidau prayer in Ilorin.

Other prominent individuals and community leaders recognized for their support include Alhaji Tajudeen Ibrahim Eleku, Alhaji Toyin Abubakar, Prof. Zanna Mohammed (Nile University), Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, Sarkin Sumaila Alhaji Bello Dansumaila, Engr. Musa Saidu, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, Engr. Kamaldeen Ubandawaki, Barr. Ismail Ahmed, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu Cimo, and executives of Saiha Network.

Particular gratitude was extended to the Council of Ulama of Kwara State, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir (CON), and the FCT Council of Ulama, including Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, and Sheikh Sharafudeen Aliagan, for their spiritual guidance and physical presence during the mourning.

The family also commended members of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Courses 21 and 36/2002, various youth groups, political party stakeholders from the PDP, APC, and a new coalition party, as well as War College Estate Muslim Community and Resident Association, members of the National Assembly, Federal Executive Council, and the business and academic communities.

Also mentioned among the sympathizers were Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapasanpa (Danmasani of Ilorin), Sarauniya of Ilorin, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Hajiya Saadat Dogobauchi, Princess Aisha Bubaram (ED North, First Bank Plc), Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Sen. Haliru Jika, Hon. Ibrahim Jimba Baba, Hon. Nalaraba, Hon. Kabir Tukura, Hon. Jaafar Mubi, Chairman of Sobi FM, Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, Hon. Ladi Hassan, Engr. Kale Kawu, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya, Alhaji Hakeem Shagaya, former Kwara Assembly Speakers, Hon. Ali Ahmad and Hon. Razaq Atunwa, as well as the executives of IEDPU and IEYDPU.

“We are indeed overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during our moment of grief. The legacy of our beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia, lives on in our hearts,” the family stated.

The Ajia Ogbonde family concluded the message by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and asking for divine blessings upon all who shared in their pain.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants our dear mother Aljannatul Firdaus and continues to unite us in peace and brotherhood. We shall forever remain grateful.”

Late Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia was a revered matriarch known for her piety, wisdom, and compassion. Her life, the family said, remains an enduring source of inspiration and spiritual strength.

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Ododo Mourns Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ododo in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described President Buhari’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.

He described President Buhari as a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.

Ododo further described the death if the former president as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.

“President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility.

“He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”

“Kogi State will remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption.

“His efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.

“We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the late statesman, and indeed all Nigerians, as we mourn a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation.

“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

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