Random News

Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Tag: Lagos State

Man bags 17-year jail term for defiling 7-year old

Our Reporters02 mins

Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, convicted and sentenced a man, Sunday Okoronkwo, to 17 years imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old granddaughter. His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State. The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, sentenced Okoronkwo following his guilty plea to the amended two counts of child sexual abuse by penetration. Oshodi said: “You sexually abused a seven-year-old child who was your neighbour’s granddaughter.” “The prosecutrix’s evidence, which was corroborated by both your confessions, established that you had sexual intercourse with her.” “You have elected to enter into a plea bargain agreement wherein you pleaded guilty to attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. “The maximum sentence for attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration is 14 years imprisonment, whilst sexual assault carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.” According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 262 and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Okoronkwo was therefore sentenced to 14 years imprisonment on count one and 3 years imprisonment on count two and both jail terms would run consecutively.

Read More

Pasuma launches free JAMB forms for Lagos students

Our Reporters01 mins

Frontline Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma Wonder has launched free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for secondary students in Lagos State. The initiative, according to the Musician, is aimed at giving back to grassroots in memory of his late mother Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola. “I hereby launch free JAMB forms to all Secondary Schools in and Omole Phase 1 (Ikeja), the Musician wrote on his X handle formerly Twitter. Pasuma was raised by his mother, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola, also known as Iyawo Anobi, whom he frequently acknowledges in his music as a significant source of support.

Read More

Sanwo-Olu gives contractor 12 months to complete 280-bed Ojo General Hospital

Our Reporters06 mins

The pace of work on the General Hospital project being constructed in Ojo town in Lagos State may improve rapidly, given Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment to push the project to completion. The Governor, on Tuesday, gave a 12-month deadline to the contractor handling the project when he led an on-the-spot tour of the project site to assess the progress of the construction work. Besides, the Governor also flagged off the construction of 27-block shopping complex along LASU-Iyana Iba Road. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State cabinet, was received by Ojo residents led by their traditional leaders. Sited on 6.5 hectares along Lagos-Badagry corridor, the Ojo General Hospital is a 280-bed infrastructure being developed by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ramp up medical care in Lagos West Senatorial District. When completed, the multi-specialist hospital will be the biggest healthcare facility in the district, complementing other primary and secondary care facilities operating in the zone. The hospital borders Ojo military cantonment, Lagos State University and also Lagos Rail Mass Transit (BLUE LINE) infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the hospital was being developed to address inadequate medical facilities in the area, stressing that the infrastructure would bring about a new care experience for residents in the area. He said: “We have just taken a tour to see the construction work being carried out on this hospital project. Our word here is to encourage the contractor, who, we believe, is dealing with a big task, given the magnitude of the project. We will give the contractor all the support and encourage them to give their best. Whatever is to be done on our own part, we will fulfil our obligations. “Based on the pace of work, we are hoping the project should have been completed in the next 12 months, which means that the contractor should hand over the project by the end of the year. We will push everything to ensure that this task becomes a reality in the next 12 months. We extend our appreciation to stakeholders in the community for being part of this journey but we urge them to be patient while the construction continues.” Sanwo-Olu said when the project is completed, the hospital would be part of the infrastructure initiated by his administration to bring improvements to the Ojo area. Listing other ongoing projects in the area, the Governor noted that the hospital project had been sited in front of the Blue Line which will terminate at Okokomaiko. “There is a complete renewal of infrastructure in this axis, which shows that our Government is working to fulfil its promises to our residents in Ojo and Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said. Aside from the medical departments, the project is being developed with four blocks of Doctors’ residence. The semi-detached accommodation comprises eight units of three-bedroom apartment in each block, making a total of 64 apartments. Facilities in the main hospital building will include delivery theatre and wards, paediatrics, pharmacy, Oncology and Gynaecology, Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, surgical wards, dialysis centre, administrative unit, and outpatient department The ancillary facilities include morgue, central laboratory, equipment storage facility, laundry, bank, engineering department and parking lot. Turning the sod to flag off the construction of the Platinum Shopping Complex, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is an attempt to achieve regeneration not only to improve infrastructure but also to reclaim the aesthetic properties of the environment and improve people’s lifestyles. All the infrastructure projects being sited in this area are designed to improve the socio-economic power of our citizens in this corridor.” The shopping complex is being developed by Almera Global Investment Services — a private developer— in collaboration with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), and Ojo Local Government Areas. The project will be constructed in four phases. Each block will have 30 shops, resulting in a total of 1,500 shops.

Read More

Lagos Govt. reaffairms commitment to sustainable development

Our Reporters05 mins

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to partner with stakeholders to make Lagos a model of sustainable development in Africa. The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at CIBN Centre, Victoria Island, adding that to make a meaningful impact; collaboration is essential as government policies alone will not suffice. “We need the private sector, civil society, and our academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth”, he said. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who represented the Governor, said the annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the need to harmonize economic aspirations with preserving the natural environment. He added that the 2025 theme speaks to the heart of a pressing challenge as the evidence of climate change is all around and poses significant threats to communities, especially in Lagos, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding and erosion. He said that Climate-positive growth entails integrating sustainability into every facet of economic planning and development, stressing that Lagos has implemented several key initiatives to drive this change. He explained that the Lagos State Energy Master Plan aims to create a stable environment for investment and expand renewable energy policies, carefully considering factors such as energy access, affordability, environmental impacts, and investment needs. He said complementing the aforementioned is the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s energy initiatives, adding that this plan sets ambitious goals, which include the provision of a reliable and sustainable power supply as well as significantly improving electricity supply to critical public infrastructure. He explained that the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project is actively working to create a cleaner and more secure energy future for the state by leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across the board. He said these initiatives have resulted in a demonstrable increase in solar energy adoption in the past few years, showcasing the commitment to clean and a sustainable urban planning initiative. Examples, according to him, include the development of green spaces in previously underutilized areas, which have also contributed to a healthier environment. Sanwo-Olu added that the transformation of the dumpsite at Olawale Dawodu Road in the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a 5-A-side Astro-Turf Football pitch, consisting of parking and open space for recreation, has helped mitigate the urban heat. He said the legacy of Chief S.L. Edu reminds everyone that environmental stewardship is a responsibility everyone shares; as such, there is a need to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in building a greener future. He added that this could involve supporting environmental clubs in schools, organising community clean-up drives, or promoting educational campaigns on sustainable practices. The Governor stated further that there is a need to prioritize environmental education and community engagement for the young people who are the custodians of tomorrow to understand the value of conservation and sustainability.

Read More

Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment

Our Reporters03 mins

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.

Read More

Lagos lawmakers impeach Speaker amid fraudulent allegations

Our Reporters02 mins

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, accusing him of multiple statutory and financial infractions. Mr Obasa was subsequently replaced by his deputy Lasbat Meranda. Mrs Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the House. The removal came days after it was reported how Mr Obasa oversaw the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for back up vehicles for lawmakers, as well as other controversial activities. Mr Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, resuming office alongside former one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, Peoples Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos. He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.

Read More

Gov. Sanwo-Olu signs N3.366trn budget into law

Our Reporters09 mins

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill tagged “Budget of Sustainability.” Sanwo-Olu signed the budget, which is N3.366 trillion, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, during a ceremony attended by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat; Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Barr (Mrs.) Bimbola Salu-Hudeyin; members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh; and members of the State Executive Council, among others. Speaking after signing of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the budget was structured around five key pillars, which are Infrastructure Sustainability; Economic Diversification; Social Inclusion and Human Capital Development; Environmental Sustainability; and Governance and Institutional Reforms. The Governor urged Lagos residents to join hands with his administration as it deploys resources in line with the provisions of the budget. He said, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I perform this task of signing the budget into law. This is the second of four budgets that I will have the honour of assenting to during my second term, and it represents another opportunity to advance our vision of a Greater Lagos for the benefit of all Lagosians and Nigeria at large. “As I noted during my budget presentation speech in November 2025, the Lagos State Budget is structured around five pillars: Infrastructure Sustainability; Economic Diversification; Social Inclusion and Human Capital Development; Environmental Sustainability; and Governance and Institutional Reforms. These five pillars fully capture our determination to build on the gains of the past and scale up impact for the future. “I would like to call for continued collaboration between the Executive, who will implement the budget, and the Legislature, who will provide the much-needed monitoring and oversight and ensure that we achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of our people with the limited resources available to us. “On our part as the Lagos State Government, we will also live up to the responsibility of delivering governance that is respectful of and responsive to the people at all times. I am charging the civil service and all other concerned stakeholders to once again deliver an impressive level of budget implementation in 2025.” Sanwo-Olu commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the state lawmakers, unseen heroes, and everybody who participated from the preparation of the budget to the presentation, the passage, and the signing of the Appropriation Bill. Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, said the budget will focus on the development of Lagos State. He said, “I want to say categorically that the THEMES agenda in the first term of Mr. Governor and the THEMES+ agenda have been meticulously packaged, and Lagosians have been benefitting from the agenda of Mr. Governor. “We can see that Lagos is the first in almost everything that is done in this country. For the first term, our internal revenue service has crossed the N1 trillion mark in terms of IGR. That tells the dedication and purposefulness in your (Governor Sanwo-Olu) leadership, and I want to celebrate you. “I want to also celebrate your excellent relationship with the House of Assembly. The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has always been in the forefront of ensuring that whatever Mr. Governor wants the House to do, it is done, and we will continue to do that to ensure that Lagos moves forward. “This budget was meticulously looked through during the budget defence period. Everything we did, we did it together to ensure that we got to where we are. We have carefully looked into the Electricity Bill. We have looked into the issue of variation, and we have looked into so many things that are dear to the government. We celebrate you and appreciate what you have done in terms of road infrastructure, and we want to pray that you continue in this light.” Speaking earlier, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said the budget is not only the largest in history but also positions Lagos as the first sub-national government in Nigeria to pass a budget of the magnitude. George said the 2025 budget reflects the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration unwavering commitment to economic growth, infrastructural development, and the welfare of all Lagosians. He said: “This historic budget underscores our commitment to prioritising infrastructure with 62 percent allocated to capital expenditure and 38 percent to recurrent spending. This allocation represents our focus on driving long-term investments while maintaining efficient delivery of essential services. “Our revenue framework, which projects N2.342 trillion from total Internally Generated Revenue and N626.137 billion from federal transfers, is anchored on innovation, accountability, and fiscal sustainability. A deficit financing of N398.662 billion has also been carefully structured to ensure financial prudence.” It would be recalled that the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday approved a budget of N3.366 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, injecting an additional N360.88 billion into Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s initial proposal of N3.005 trillion. The budget allocates N1.3 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N2.07 trillion for capital projects, with the financial year ending on 31st December 2025.

Read More

Sanwo-Olu greets Lagosians at Christmas, assures of better 2025

Our Reporters03 mins

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the State, particularly the Christians as they join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Speaking at the Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday during the presentation of a book, titled “Beyond Rhetorics: Sanwo-Olu Unprecedented ” which was written in his honour by the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration will do more for Lagos residents next year. “We wish you all the very best of the season. We say to you that, next year, we will work better, smarter, bigger for the citizens of Lagos,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating LAGOCO for the book, described journalists, particularly those covering the Lagos State Governor’s Office as the “real engine of growth.” He said: “We want to assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will ensure that the book is available in every nook and cranny of the State and even beyond the State. “Through its pages, readers will find insights into the governance and leadership principles that guide our administration, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives our vision for a better Lagos. “I extend my gratitude to LAGOCO for this initiative and to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this book. Together, we will continue to work towards a Lagos that is not only a hub of innovation and opportunity but also a beacon of hope for future generations.” Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Mr. George Okojie, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has endeared himself to the residents through the projects executed in various sectors as captured in the book. He commended the Governor for sustaining the giant strides being recorded in the development of Lagos State. The book presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and other cabinet members.

Read More