Ashafa, taking FHA to promise land, actualizing APC mass housing vision for Nigeria

By Modestus Umenzekwe

Part of the goals of every reasonable, responsible and responsive government, is to provide the citizenry with decent and affordable shelter; for outside air, water and food, the next most essential need of man is shelter, hence the importance of shelter cannot be over stressed.

Since coming into power in 2015, the APC government has shown that it has mass housing mantra as the fulcrum and major trust of its central policy, as housing over the years has become a measurement index for good governance. In this regard, both the federal government and the states under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mass housing see mass housing as an oxygen that has sustained the party and they have continued to implement mass oriented housing policies across the country.

Beyond that, having the right policies is good but the most germane in policy implementation is having the right personnel to oversee the government policies are implemented to the letter. No wonder, the man at the helms of affairs of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) since 2020, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has displayed unalloyed sense of passion, professionalism, hard work, courage in the implementation of the APC housing agenda right from the time of former President, Muhammadu Buhari and now the Renewed Hope Administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

I was present on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Federal Housing Authority which took place on November 23, 2023, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, and I watched with admiration the humility, confidence and courage of Senator Ashafa, as he read his address, reeling out achievements of the Authority under his watch. In the end I have no objection to all that he said, and the entire guests nodded their heads in concurrence and agreement to all he said.

The Federal Housing Authority as we all know, was created by law which came into effect on 1st October, 1973 with the functions of the Authority being the preparation and submission from time to time to the Government of proposal for national Housing programmes; the making of recommendations to the Government on such aspects of urban and regional planning, transportation, communications, electric power, sewage and water supply development as may be relevant to the successful execution of housing programmes approved by the Government; the execution of such housing programmes as may be approved by the Government, among other responsibilities.

As a management, the authority under Senator Ashafa has taken a number of proactive steps to reposition the authority in the delivery of its mandate, first when he took over the affairs of the Authority was to restore the confidence of the staff by clearing the protracted issue of backlog of promotions, which was contentious between staff and management of the authority. Through the support of the then board and parent ministry, the Authority under Ashafa was also able to strengthen the manpower by bringing in staff in the lower rung of FHA’s organogram, towards ensuring a planned and seamless succession.

With his management team, he ensured that lands belonging to the Authority across the country were recovered and secured from encroachment.

The authority also completed and commissioned the Zuba Housing Estate in Abuja, with a dedicated Independent Injection Power station that services the estate. Ashafa has also kick-started the construction of the phase one of the Bwari Housing Estate and commenced the FHA Golden Jubilee Estate in the Mbora District of Abuja, a project that will be replicated in all the geo-political zones of our country.

Also arrangements are ongoing for the commencement of the Diaspora Smart City in Kabusu, Maitama 2. The project was conceptualized as a response to the challenges the compatriots in the diaspora face in acquiring befitting houses back in Nigeria. It will also cater for Nigerians at home, by providing such standard environment and infrastructure that can compete anywhere in the world in line with the Green Environment Regime.

The CEO, known for showing gratitude, also expressed appreciation to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his Blueprint in the Housing industry, by giving Nigerians a separate Ministry of Housing. He also appreciated the President for appointing a very competent professional in the housing financing, in the person of Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa as the Housing Minister and Abdullahi Tijani Gwarzo as the Minister of State for Housing.

For efficient and effective mass housing delivery Ashafa pleaded with the President and the leadership of the National Assembly to continue to support the authority in the effort to timeously complete the amendment of the authority’s enabling laws. Of course with such laws they would enhance operational capacity of the housing authority.

Other partners that have contributed to the success of the authority according to Ashafa include the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Family Homes Funds Limited, Shelter Afrique, the Nigerian Navy and other numerous partners and contractor.

Since coming into the office in 2020, it was revolution in the housing sector, nothing else matters to Ashafa, his only preoccupation is to see the accomplishment of the mandate of the government in power, from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Ashafa is doing this with all the amount of energy in him to ensure affordable and sustainable housing.

The coming of Ashafa in the FHA was a game changer that transformed the trajectory of housing in Nigeria, for the first time, government housing provision performance became the face saver of an administration. When it became too obvious that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was being dimmed by the activities of terrorists, bandits, and general insecurity, it was the works and housing ministry that provided something to cheer for that administration as infrastructure sprang up in all the nook and cranny of the six geopolitical zones in the country. And who made it happen? Ashafa was the man in the saddle of FHA to implement the housing vision of the minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). Since then it has been good news after another in the housing sector.

Even when during the Buhari’s Administration, the Management of the FHA was reshuffled, the objective of which was to enhance the implementation of the maintenance of FHA Estates across the country which will generate new businesses and jobs in the construction industry in pursuance of the Federal Public Assets Maintenance Policy approved by the Federal Executive Council, yet Senator Gbenga Ashafa, remained the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Authority; when President Tinubu took charge, Ashafa is still there, then there must be something unique, exciting, reassuring, beautiful, transparent, accountable about the professionalism and personality of Senator Ashafa.

Senator Ashafa of course is not alone in this success story as he has a team of management and staff that have keyed into his vision for the housing agency to achieve its assignment. Working with him are Barr (Mrs) Hajara Kadiri, in charge of PPP;  Engr. Chinonso Sam Omoke, Executive Director, Projects Implementation; Hauwa Babakobi, Executive Director, Estate Services; Adama Kure, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Samuel Omole, Ag. Executive Director, Management Services and his team of General Managers and Zonal Managers. These are tested hands in their various callings.

Estates under Ashafa’s jurisdiction include Festac Town, Lagos; Ipaja New Town, Lagos; Abesan 1&4, Lagos; Satellite 2, Lagos;  Abesan 2; Lagos; Gwaninpa 11, Abuja; Maitama, Abuja; Asokoro, Abuja; Kado Phase 1 & 11, Abuja; Old Karu Phase 1, Abuja; New Karu, Phase 11, Abuja; Kubwa Phase 1, 11, 111, & 1V, Abuja.

Other estates include Rumueme/TransAmadi, Port Harcourt; Sharade, Kano; Mariri, Kano; Gonin Gora, Kaduna; North Bank, Markudi, Benue State; Runjin Sambo Phase 1&2, Sokoto; Old Airport Road, Sokoto; Egbeada, Owerri; Irete, Owerri; Iguosa, Benin, Edo State; Osogbo, Osun State. Lugbe, Abuja; Apo/Guzape, Abuja; Zuba, Abuja.

These estates are not just estates, but they sit on acreages that if combined may be bigger than some African countries and an indication that Senator Ashafa is a good manager of resources, superintending over a conglomerate of estates and he is managing them effectively, and he deserves all the support, funding, and latitude to excel in this national assignment of housing infrastructure of the federal government of Nigeria.

 

Fashola as an advocate of affordable housing policy in Nigeria

By Modestus Umenzekwe:

On Thursday, 23^rd November, 2023, the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was the Special Guest at the 50^th Anniversary of Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

To refresh our memory, the FHA was created by law which came into effect on 1^st October, 1973 with the functions of the Authority being the preparation and submission from time to time to the Government of proposal for national Housing programmes; the making of recommendations to the Government on such aspects of urban and regional planning, transportation, communications, electric power, sewage and water supply development as may be relevant to the successful execution of housing programmes approved by the Government; the execution of such housing programmes as may be approved by the Government, among other responsibilities.

Of course, the issue of housing in Nigeria has become a huge challenge not just for the citizens alone, but also to the government. To the people there are so many things associated with the ability to obtain or build affordable houses, such challenges as poor economic condition, cost of building materials, land availability, among others. On the part of government, there are also issues of prioritising and managing available scarce resources in the midst of competing demands making provision of mass housing for the citizens a bit of a herculean task. Land availability is also an issue to government. Therefore, it becomes a serious challenge to build houses that are decent and at the same time affordable.

In is keynote, Fashola delivered a paper titled ‘The Future of Housing in Nigeria and 50 Years of FHA: A Call to Action for Political Leaders and Policy Makers for Decent and Affordable Housing’.

The former Governor of Lagos State said the anniversary should be an opportunity to look forward and to ask what the next 50 years holds in stock for FHA and the way forward.

For the Fashola these issues of decent and affordable accommodation are possible with the right housing policies towards ensuring decent and affordable housing to majority of Nigerians.

A man who believes in practicality and whose leadership in Housing sector for over eight years was phenomenal; he made suggestions as to how practicable it is to realise mass housing especially giving the right financing, housing types, affordability, people’s participation and maintenance, among other suggestions.

He made it clear that perhaps, unknown to members of the public, the resources available for housing at the federal level are insignificant and not proportionate to the expectation of the people. He called for adequate funding towards ensuring that commensurate and substantial funding is available for housing delivery generally and to FHA and allied agencies particularly.

Not minding the challenges and obstacles faced by the authority, Fashola was able to suggest to the agency ways the Federal Housing Authority can raise funds to make more housing available to Nigerians. He said “As owners of very large estates, and vast tracts of land which are very valuable assets upon which financing can be raised, the Authority is in a vantage position to enhance affordable housing for Nigerians.

“I hold the view that if these assets are properly valued, titled and managed they can unlock vast financial resources for FHA to build more estates, sell or mortgage them, recoup the outlay, pay off any debts, and make profit. In this way, FHA can become a proper business run on very strict corporate governance principles that conform with global best practices and this will be consistent with previous attempts to commercialise or privatise the authority.”

According to Fashola if private organisations are buying land at open market value, building on them and scaling for profit, nothing stops FHA which already owns vast acreages of land from competing successfully in this space except FHA herself.

He said no doubt, the FHA has demonstrated its capacity to build and manage estates in FESTAC, Gwarimpa, Zuba, Guzape and such other estates as Bwari still under development.

Part of the challenges faced by Nigerians in realising affordable housing include the type of houses that FHA chooses to build which most times poses a challenge to the buyers because the houses are either too large, some out of reach, making it difficult for the actual category of buyers from accessing them. He spoke on corporate governance and the role of public officers in the sale and acquisition of FHA houses and the type of houses that FHA chooses to build. Speaking on the latter issue of type of housing in relation to whether FHA can successfully sell, he said FHA should recognise that the market demand is probably dominated by those in the age bracket of around 25 to 35 years and it would be helpful for FHA to conduct a highly professional survey of what their needs are before designing and building. This, according to him, is very instructive with the abundant evidence of empty and unoccupied houses, partly accounted for by the fact that they are no longer fit for purpose and market based on design.

He also looked at the payment mode, how can we get affordable houses for our teeming majority? In this regard the learned SAN urged FHA to factor in digital platforms for advertising, sale, and payment as the language of present class of buyers, because if FHA expected these class of buyers to go to their offices to come and collect forms to buy houses and go through some of the ancient red tape that time has tied away for FHA, then there is a risk to success.

Fashola as an advocate of affordability which he has consistently supported has remained unchanged. He said housing is a product that must respond to the realities of the economy such as demand and supply, inflation, interest rates and exchange rates. He said “Therefore, while there is scope to reduce cost of housing delivery by research, materials innovation; affordability is a two-way street not a one-way one. In the first part it is influenced by how much the house is built for, also how it is paid for.”

One of the clogs on the wheel of affordable housing is the payment mode, and that is why Fashola, in trying to marry issue of Cost and Affordability together maintained that the cheapest house can be unaffordable to the income group it is built for if it has to be paid for at once while the most expensive house can become affordable if payment is spread over a reasonable time. 

Using Lagos as example of a workable housing policy he said, “The Lagos housing programme which I superintended as Governor, delivering 200 units of housing monthly for three years with a 10-year single digit mortgage payment, had no affordability issues for the income bracket it was built for.”

Admitting the sad but painful truth that not everybody will be able to afford to buy a house, he argued that rental housing is the best way to achieve affordable housing; “I strongly believe that rental housing for all is possible, not only based on how we build but also how people pay rent.”

The former Minister stated that homelessness is the most undignifying experience for a human being and must be confronted with the necessary resolve by political leaders and policymakers. “Therefore, our housing policy must focus on rental as it focuses on ownership. Consequently, rent to own initiatives that started in the last administration must not be allowed to die. Instead, there is scope in my view for improvement in expanding rent to own schemes at Federal and State levels, and also increasing advocacy for state legislators to make laws that make the payment of rent convenient and convergent with wages and salaries.                                            

He also advocated an end to the era of 2-3 years rent payment in advance “One of the pillars of President Tinubu's economic policy is the creation of credit to finance basic needs. He started with the student loan policy on education, and it is my view that this ministry can deepen the expectation of Renewed Hope by leading the advocacy with states to end the era of 2-3 years rent payment in advance. It is the antithesis of affordability.”

 

He also encouraged Nigerians to maintain what has been built. “Nothing built by man lasts forever, but restoration, repairs and maintenance certainly help to preserve, not only design life of buildings, but their utility, value and liveability.”

 

Fashola encouraged the authority to leverage on an Executive Order Number 11 for National Infrastructure maintenance which was signed on Wednesday 6^th April 2022 in the last administration.

 

He said FHA can leverage on the Order to preserve the value of all her assets and to create sustainable jobs for artisans and professionals who run small businesses. “Going forward, all FHA estates must incorporate maintenance contracts, paid for by occupiers to cover painting, repairs, restoration, waste management, water supply and power supply to mention a few.”

 

 

 

Lamentations in Lagos as government targets the poor, destroys their means of livelihood

Early Monday Morning, November 27, 2023, tears flowed like river as petty traders at Mile 2, Suru Alaba and Alaba Suru, along Badagry Expressway in Lagos, went to market only to behold debris of their shops, kiosks, counters and their wares.

According to the traders while many of them were at the church praying to their God on Sunday, the government rolled out caterpillars to destroy their shops and goods.

Some of the traders who narrated their ordeal to journalists disclosed that they could not pick even a pin of their goods since they were not informed of the intended demolition.

The traders also disclosed that the government came with a team of soldiers, police and other security agencies who were armed to the teeth to carry out the assignment hence many of the traders out of fear could not get close to the site of the demolition for fear of being shot.

They also revealed that at Alaba Suru a young man who dared to video the demolition had his phone snatched from him and was whisked away, even though report indicated he was later released.

Many of the traders also queried why the demolition should be embarked upon now that the economy is not looking up.

One of the traders, who wanted to be identified as Okey who spoke to some journalists said, “I was in the market attending to my customers and fiam, everybody was running helter-skelter, you could not pick anything self, I could only pick a bag of the clothes that I am selling, other ones were destroyed by caterpillars. The security people intimidated us; we just ran away and watched from a distance. Why are they destroying our source of livelihood now that we can hardly make ends meet?”

Another trader who deals in foodstuffs said she does not know where to go to because she is the breadwinner of her family. “I am just tired of this life as you see me so; I don’t know what government means since all they know is to punish the people. Early this year we all went out to vote, I voted Sanwo-Olu, I voted for Tinubu, now where is the benefit of all that, if not pain and suffering.

“I feed my family, my husband is okada rider, but since the fuel something, subsidy removal, he was not meeting up, so the owner of the okada has taken it from him. So while he is still looking for what to do, I am the person feeding him and four children. What do you want me to do now? They didn’t even tell us that they are coming at least we would have removed our things. It is not fair. But why on Sunday, why?” she lamented.

All efforts to find out the agency that carried out the demolition have failed to yield result, even though all fingers are being pointed at the Lagos State Government which allegedly has been working to achieve a cleaner Lagos by pulling down offending structures around major roads and markets, which has affected many markets in Lagos including Ladpo Market, Oyinbo, Alaba International, Trade Fair Markets, among others.

Hon Nwogu is a selfless political leader, he’ll work for Imo State, Nigeria despite political affiliation-Umenzekwe

Hon (Chief) Modestus Umenzekwe, Onwa Achina, is a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview, he speaks on the Appeal Court’s affirmation of the election of Hon (Dr.) Matthew Nwogu, the lawmaker representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives; Imo politics, how APC will wrest power from Governor Charles Soludo in Anambra, among other burning national issues. Excerpt:

The Appeal Court recently affirmed the election of Honorable Dr. Matthew Nwogu, how did you receive the judgement considering the fact that he trounced your party member in the election and also won him at the court?

Well, it is not a matter of party now; I am talking about the person of Dr. Matthew Nwogu. Since I came in contact with him I have not seen anything to suggest that he will not excel in any field of his endeavor irrespective of party affiliation because party politics is a matter of interest, where one feels he can get a more comfortable position to serve the nation, because we are talking about serving the nation and serving humanity, that is what we are talking about. So Nwogu is a selfless political leader, right from the time he was in APC, he has been a very very dogged fighter, and don’t forget that he was made board member of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and his performance there remain excellently indelible. So he is a very popular Nigerian, a dogged fighter, unassuming, and very simple in nature. So wherever he is, whether he is in APC, Labour, PDP, the much I know him, he will always win, in as much as I will like him to rejoin APC, because that is his family, that is his political family, the much I know. And in all, I congratulate him, the people of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala will in no distance time reap dividend of democracy as attracted by Matthew Nwogu.

Imo State for quite sometimes now has been in the news for the wrong reasons of security infractions, what do you think Nwogu can do, now that he has connected to the national grid, as you normally say, what can he do, giving his national influence, regarding the security situation in his constituency in particular, and Imo State in general?

You know security is not a public something; you don’t discuss the strategies in public otherwise the information will go out to the criminal which is not good, so he is doing something which I will not tell you on the pages of newspaper, but I know he is on top of the situation, he has made a lot of proposals, he has taken some steps to make sure the security in the Imo State, and in Nigeria at large is brought under control. That is the much I can tell you about that, the blueprint is not what I am going to say in the public, but I know he is working seriously to make sure that there is improvement. And look he is for Imo irrespective of party affiliation, and he is committed to that, because if things go wrong, they would not so, oh, members of APC, member of Labour or PDP, or who will be affected, so when you through a stone inside the market, you don’t know who it will hit, it might fall on your mother, or your son, or your in-law, or your daughter, so that is the philosophy with which he is going, he believes that he is working for Imo State, he is working for Aboh Mbaise/Okpala, he is working for Nigeria, he is working for all states, because he is in Imo State does not mean he cannot help out in Anambra which is APGA state, does not mean he cannot help out in Lagos which is APC state, that is the philosophy that he is driving with, and I commend him for that, I admire him for that.

Your party member and incumbent Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma also won his election, what advice are you giving to Hon. Nwogu to collaborate and work with Hope Uzodinma to bring Democratic dividend to the people of Imo State?

I have said it before, irrespective of party affiliation, Nwogu is accommodating, and Uzodinma is accommodating, whatever they bring to Imo State is for the whole of Imo State, it is not for Nwogu, it is not for Uzodinma alone, it is not about Nwogu or about Uzodinma. I know them as two old friends, and still remain friends, yet, the much I have spoken with Nwogu, at no material time did he cast aspersions on the Governor, all he was saying was, wherever you are, bring dividend of democracy to Imo State. So my advice is that as they have been collaborating, they should keep on collaborating and make Imo State better.

Your state whether we like it or not, in a year plus from now electioneering activities will resume fully sequel to the off cycle election to choose a governor of the state. How prepared is APC to unseat the incumbent, His Excellency, Professor Charles Soludo? As it is now Soludo is working, so what magic is in place by your party to win Anambra State?

I cannot tell you the strategy of APC; we have our own internal arrangements which will come to limelight any moment from now. And then for Soludo, I still have to commend him, but that does not mean that he has done enough to attract another term expressly, but I won't say much about him until 2024 ending, because he said he should be given time.

 

However, on road infrastructure, he is doing well, as I told a journalist the other day, he is doing well at least the only major road that passes through my town, he is doing it; I cannot deny that. In the past, you can't come to my town unless you employed a caterpillar, but today we can manage to drive there, the small road that leads to my own house is nothing to write home about, I believe he will still come to our help, but the major road that passes through my town, is being done. As I am talking to you work is going on there.

But in as much as we are preparing we have to be on our toes to wrest power and he too has to be on his toes to continue, it will be a fierce contest, in as much as if my party wins it is better for me. But then we must be on our toes, but I can't deny that he is working.

Recently a political bigwig, an Anambra born politician in the name of Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah left his party and joined your party, APC, what do you think is going to be the impact of Ubah in APC?

It is a very big boost to our party in Anambra State. Yes, Ifeanyi Ubah is a fighter, he is a goal getter, it will help to reshape the composition and structure of APC in Anambra State. It is a very big boost, so I welcome him, and I congratulate him on his joining us. Whatever may be his ambition, God will grant it, and we will give him good support.

 

 

LG Electronics, Fouani renovate United Christian Junior Secondary School in Lagos; install solar energy

LG Electronics Nigeria, in partnership with consumer electronics retailer, Fouani Nigeria Limited has partnered to renovate and equip the United Christian Junior Secondary School building in Apapa, Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos State. This joint effort will help to improve educational standards at the school by providing students with a modern, safe, and comfortable learning environment.

Speaking at the ribbon-cutting and commissioning ceremony held at the school premises, which brought together partner of LG Electronics, Fouani Nigeria Limited, representative of Lagos District IV Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS), the school principals, Vice Principal Administration and Academics, Parents Forum Association of the School, students and members of the community, and Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. D.Y. Kim noted that the renovation of the school is part of the firm’s commitment to quality education.

The organization, according to him, has embarked on multiple CSR initiatives and has in the past eleven years honed its yearly CSR strategy around socio-economic development, particularly equipping the health sector; capacity building and holistic education interventions across all levels, including young professionals; and general philanthropy where most needed.

He urged the students and management of the school to make good use of the facilities and guard them jealously so that they will serve the purpose for which they are provided.

“The youths are the future, and today’s youths are the first generation of those born and raised in a fully digital age. They are also key contributors to creating social value in the future, and for this reason, we need to really consider how we can provide these young talents with a growth-enabling environment and practical opportunities so that they can gain knowledge, improve their employment skills, broaden their horizons, and realize their value”.

He disclosed that the organization would be committed to helping nurture the future of the children by constantly sending professionals that would hold classes to educate them and motivate them towards an impactful future.

Also at the ceremony is the Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohamed Fouani, said the school, which he said had been in existence before the organization started operating in the environment, deserves to benefit from the operation of the Consumer Electronics firm, which majors in Electronics—Home Entertainment and Home Appliances. Stressing that the renovation was a priority for the company, he pledged that the company would do more and continue its quest across other aspects of the school.

Fouani said the inspiration behind the project is aimed at providing a conducive learning environment for schoolchildren, who are the future leaders.

 “We are giving back to society. Most of us who are partners with the firm now obviously went to public schools, and then things turned around. Now everybody wants to go to a private school, and we just thought that it was important to put ourselves back where we came from.

The principal of United Christian Junior Secondary School, Mr. Olumide Badmus, who was full of excitement while responding, thanked the management of LG Electronics and Fouani Nigeria Limited for the gesture.

The Director, Education Management Information Service, representing the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Education District IV, Mrs. Abosede Ajayi, noted that the gesture was one that will spur the students to be more dedicated to their learning, stressing that an investment in education is securing a better future for not only the benefiting individuals but for the country at large. She promised LG Electronics and Fouani Nigeria Limited that the classrooms would be efficiently maximized

In his vote of thanks, the principal of the school, Mr. Olumide Badmus, said that he was delighted by the gesture done during his time. “Out of the six schools in Apapa Local Council Development Area, this school was chosen to do this CSR project. I can boldly say that our school can now be put on par with most Lagos Model Schools; the students are better motivated and feel more comfortable”.

LG Electronics, in partnership with Fouani Nigeria Limited, renovated the school by restoring light to the classrooms, adding doors and modern windows, painting the school, rehabilitating the basketball court, making new seats for the classes, installing solar power, planting green plants, and equipping the home economics lab with products. This renovation and equipping of the school building will help the students to receive a better-quality education and improve their learning experience. LG Electronics and Fouani Nigeria Limited are proud to be part of this important initiative and look forward to further developing the school's infrastructure and educational resources.

SCOAN: Thousands of worshipers set to attend Thanksgiving Service, December 3

Synagogue Church Of All Nations has fixed Sunday, December 3, 2023, as date for its second year Thanksgiving Service.

According to a release, thousands of worshipers are expected to converge at the church as it marks  the commemoration of the commencement of church services after the glorious passing of its founder, the renowned spiritual healer, televangelist and uncommon philanthropist, God's General, Prophet TB Joshua.

The church disclosed that the anniversary would be held simultaneously all over the world. 

Recalled that TB Joshua passed on June 5, 2021. But up till then the church had remained closed to weekly services following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and the Senior Prophet's decision to further suspend general public services until God would so direct. 

With the new mantle of leadership falling on Pastor Evelyn Joshua, the SCOAN formally opened its cathedral for the regular worship and service that had been in suspense for over a year.

Speaking on this year's anniversary, Pastor Evelyn Joshua stated that the Thanksgiving service would be for the celebration of God's faithfulness and glorification of His Holy Name for His goodness and wonderful works in SCOAN. "God has been tremendously good and faithful to us in SCOAN. He has been doing wonderful works in our midst all over the world for the glory of His Holy Name and better humanity as He anchored it through His servant, Prophet TB Joshua".

She added "It's another moment of rejoicing in God's presence, acknowledging His grace, mercy and favour as our refuge, shield and fortress".

To precede the anniversary is a  prayer line on Friday, December 1,  for deliverance and healing service for the sick across the globe with different health conditions. 

This year's anniversary according to Joshua is also another time of specifically reaching out to the needy of different segments in the society in God's ineffable love and will as He has commanded.

 

Prof Olagunju cautions on herbal medicine, urges government to enforce law on advertising to protect citizens

Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Joseph Abayomi Omoniyi Olagunju, has cautioned the public on the use of herbal medicines, even as he urged the government to enforce law on advertising of herbal medicine to protect the public. 

Prof. Olagunju took the position while delivering the 92nd Inaugural Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) at the Buba Marwa Auditorium of the institution on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

He said even though the herbal medicines have some curative efficacy, such medicines do not come without their attendant negative consequences, hence the need to regulate their use.

The erudite Professor said that a growing population of Nigerians is suffering from chronic, debilitating illnesses with its attendant escalating healthcare costs hence they have resorted to patronizing herbal medicine with the general belief that the use of the herbs would pose no side effects and that this treatment option is cheap and generally accessible. He added that this assumption is not entirely true “Many have resorted to patronizing herbal medicine with the general belief that the use of these herbs will pose no side effects and that this treatment option is cheap and generally accessible.”

Prof. Olagunju queried government inability to monitor the activities of the medicine sellers and advertisement of such products saying “Our airwaves is also full of misleading advertisements that herbal remedies are effective in treating all ailments and pose no threat of any side effects and this has remained unchecked. Is it because our government lacked the capacity to control and check wrong information being disseminated through various adverts in this country? I do not think so. In my opinion, government appears not to enforce the mechanism put in place to control and regulate advertising of herbal products and claims.”

The expert disclosed that information coming out of research in natural products indicated high level of toxicity of these products, and therefore called on the government to immediately put the necessary mechanism in place to check the abuse of herbal products. “With a lot of information coming out of research in natural products (medicinal plants inclusive) indicating high level of toxicity of these products, government should immediately put the necessary mechanism in place to check this abuse and ensure that only herbal products whose efficacy and safety have been scientifically proved are advertised on our airwaves. This is the only way the health of the community could be safe guarded,” he maintained.

He further recommended Surveillance systems to monitor and evaluate adverse events arising from herbal therapies which for now are either weak or non-existent. “There is the urgent need for government agencies charged with pharmacovigilance in Nigeria to effectively monitor safety of herbal products through research in order to identify the safest and the most effective with tolerable side effects and liaise with the appropriate agency of government to promote their rational usage.

“In addition, government should develop regulations for the evaluation of TM/CAM with a view to ensuring authenticity, safety and efficacy of therapies, the promotion and maintenance of good practice, compulsory accreditation/registration of practitioners, education structures for practitioners and also strengthen the existing national research institutes in the field of TM/CAM by providing adequate funds and manpower for research,” he said.

He recommended that Researchers in the area of Medicinal Plant need the support of the University to carry out cutting-edge research. He added that construction and equipping of a Central Research Laboratory with state-of-the-art facilities is long overdue and appealed to ensure this is achieved in her tenure.

Speaking on his researches he said “I have been able to provide scientific evidences that lent credence to the folkloric usage of many of the plants studied in Medication Therapy where Medicinal Plants occupy a central and an important place. I have also deployed my experience and expertise in Medicinal Plants’ research to make modest contributions to manpower development and I want to use the opportunity created by today’s occasion to invite any individual who may wish to develop his or herself in this beautiful, interesting and very challenging area of research to come and work with me as a graduate student or as joint researcher before I finally retire from service.

”My research output has proved beyond any doubt that the general belief that herbal preparations are relatively safe and have no side effects is not true after all. The biochemical, toxicological and histopathological effects enumerated for the plants sampled and discussed in this lecture are inimical to human health and they cannot be ignored. Consequent upon the last point made, I have the following|”

 

 

Group kicks as Lagos State Government denies Ndigbo appointments

An Igbo group under the aegis of Concerned Igbo Elites (CIE) has cried out over the non-representation of Ndigbo in the government of state.

The group made their position known after examination, verification and scrutinization of the cabinet formation of the Government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In a release made available to the media on Thursday, November 16, 2023, the group decried what they called a misnomer calculated at marginalizing the Igbos in Lagos.

CIE made it clear that Ndigbo in Lagos are are not happy considering the cordial relationship existing between the Igbos and the Yorubas in Lagos especially since 1999, when the former Governor of Lagos State, now President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was in power.

The group maintained that such cordiality and peaceful coexistence between the two groups which have been the hallmark of the host and her visitors which have been jealously guided should not be thwarted for any reason.

Coordinator of the group, Aji Ibe said his group, the Concerned Igbo Elites, are surprised that no persons of Igbo extraction are found in the current government of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, despite the struggle and efforts even at personal discomfort of some Igbo people in ensuring that the All Progressives Congress won Lagos and Nigeria at large.

Mr Ibe therefore called on the governor and the relevant stakeholders to halt what they call total marginalization of the Igbos in Lagos especially when viewed against the quantum of revenue which the Igbos add to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

Ibe said “We are concerned and we are not happy. We have our illustrious sons and daughters in Lagos, especially somebody like Honourable Jude Idimogu, who has served the state in the Assembly for eight years as a lawmaker; we think that such a man should be compensated especially when you look at what he did for APC, he campaigned vigorously, organizing press conferences, town hall meetings and explaining APC manifesto to his kinsmen, he should be compensated. He should have been given something like commissioner or Senior Special Adviser, it is not too much for him. What we are saying is that such a position can still be created for him and others like him.

“Hon. Idimogu through his brainchild network, Abundance Movement, was able to mobilse his constituents for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Presidency and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the number one Governor in Nigeria. He also played key role in so many other associations formed to mobilise support for Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, such group as Igbokwenu for Asiwaju. Remember he also supported the election of Tinubu through Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other Igbo groups.

“He is not the only one, there are many Igbo people who worked for APC in this Lagos and across the nation, they should be appointed into Boards so as to give them a sense of belonging,” Ibe stated.

Secretary of the Group, Mazi Cyriacus Nnaji, a media practitioner, also spoke in condemnation of the serial marginalization of the Igbos in the government of Lagos. He said that there is no problem between the Igbos and the Yorubas. He recalled what happened on the day of elections where a few individuals tried to cause trouble on both the side of the Igbos and the Yorubas due to differences in political opinions, but said such disagreements were subdued by the responsive interventions by people like Honorable Jude Idimogu.

“Our people are being marginalized, many see this as an oversight but this is a serious oversight and should be reversed. The Igbo race is not a negligible population, I can tell you authoritatively that the Igbos are second only to the Yorubas in the population of Lagos and so, they should not be ignored. We are not taking Lagos from the Yorubas, God forbid that anybody should ever think along that line. What happened during the election was a misunderstanding between two friends who were opposed politically but not our Igbo leaders and touch-bearers in Lagos. So the Governor who has been a friend of the Igbos should be advised rightly to correct this impression of marginalization,” Nnaji added.

Nnaji maintained that Honourable Jude Chukwuemeka Omobowale Idimogu, former member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02, who contributed so much in the House thereby emerging Chairman, House committee on Employment and Wealth Creation should be compensated with an appointment.

 

 

Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria ready in March, 2024, as Director General, Spirit Slovenia leads delegation

New date for the Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria has been confirmed and all arrangements for a successful outing are in top gear even as the Director-General of the Spirit Slovenia will lead the delegation.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria – Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Uche Udungwor, made the disclosures at the Business Briefing on Slovenia Delegation/Trade Mission to Nigeria, which took place at the TFC Place, Festac Town, Lagos, on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Udungwor said that the earlier scheduled date for the Slovenia Business Delegation to Nigeria from November 06 - 12, 2023 in Abuja and Lagos was shifted for some very obvious reasons, essentially, in the best interest of both countries, and the event has been moved to first quarter of 2024.

He said “I wish to announce that the Ministry of Economy Republic of Slovenia and the Spirit Slovenia have moved the Trade Mission to hold in March, 2024. The delegation will be jointly led by the Hon. Minister of Economy of the Republic of Slovenia and Mr. Rok Capl, the Director General of Spirit Slovenia accompanied by major Blue Chip companies of Slovenia and private Entrepreneurs.”

He stated that the Mission will be focusing on critical areas such as Renewable Energy; ICT; Agriculture; Pharmaceuticals; Manufacturing; Oil and Gas; Mining and Steel; Commodity Trade/Commerce; Machineries and Equipment; Engineering and Construction, among others.

He revealed that the purpose of the press briefing was to further keep members of the Nigeria – Slovenia Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, and the Investing Public up beat on the grand economic entry to Nigeria.

Udungwor spoke on the significance attached to the Delegation to Nigeria, as the Honourable Minster of Industry, Trade and Investment; The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); and the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) are all in contact with the Chamber waiting to receive the Delegation for bilateral economic discussion, with the common goal of having a mutually rewarding business relations and interests.

He added that the aforementioned Ministries and Agencies are saddled with the arduous responsibility of undertaking all issues bothering on Commerce, Trade and Investment in Nigeria, hence it is worthy of note that Nigeria government is very much interested in Foreign Direct Investment - FDI.

Udungwor stated that the Chamber will also be partnering with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce to hold a robust Business Forum with her members where the visiting Trade Mission will hold B2B, B2G and other forms of Business interactions with captains of industry, Entrepreneurs and Investors. “In Lagos, the Delegation will have Economic Session with the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, and also interface with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce - LCCI for another business networking and interaction.”

On his part, Ifeanyi Nwankwo, a Pharmacists and a Council Member of the Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce explained to intending members what benefits they stand to gain as members of a bilateral chamber of commerce. He said being a member of a bilateral chamber of commerce, there is a difference between being a member of a bilateral chamber of commerce and city Chamber of commerce. He mentioned integrity, as membership of the chamber brings integrity. “Nigeria-Slovenia Chamber of commerce can give you letter of origin as a member, they can give you reference letter. So on issue of integrity you are covered. Any letter of reference from Nigeria Slovenia Chamber of commerce is recognized anywhere in the world.” 

 

Some of the benefits derivable from being members of the chamber include facilitating Credit facility, attestation of a member’s integrity, issuance of reference letter, and Letter of participation, among other benefits.

 

He said that the Slovenia people are coming with so many business packages in different sectors including ICT, Real estate, security, health, education, agriculture, building materials, as many of the foreign companies are desirous to enter Nigerian market.

 

Some of the benefits derivable from being members of the chamber include facilitating Credit facility, attestation of a member’s integrity, issuance of letter of reference letter, and Letter of participation, among other benefits.

 

 

LASU graduate shines at NYSC competition, wins N1m cash prize

A graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), Peter Osagie Ifagbuyi has emerged the winner of a Chemistry oral/verbal quiz competition at the orientation camp, National Youth Service Corps, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

The competition put together by NYSC, Lagos, took place on Friday, 10 November 2023 at the ongoing orientation camp, that started on Wednesday, 1 November and will end on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.

The 2022 graduate of Chemistry, Faculty of Science emerged tops after answering all questions, from the first and second rounds, beating other nine (9) contestants in the process. 

Before the final rounds, Ifagbuyi, with the number LA/23c/1422 took part in an online screening to reach the last round, where he alongside the nine contestants represented their various platoons.

For his effort and emerging as the winner of the maiden Chemistry contest supported by VSP Botanics, Ifagbuyi smiled home with a cash prize of N1,000,000 million.

The winner graduated from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, LASU with a strong Second Class Upper grade.

The duo of Jolaolu Balogun, LA/23c/3690, graduate of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG) got #500,000. 00 for coming second and Bethrandi Chukwudi, LA/23c/4637, graduate of Medicine, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), who came 3rd, walked away with a cash prize of N250, 000. 00 . 

Meanwhile, the Head of Department, Chemistry, Faculty of Science, LASU, Prof. Razak Olowu has hailed the performance of the winner, saying this is a testament to the impact the University had on the young man, while he studied at the University of excellence. He added that the University has the capacity to mould students academically and otherwise.

While congratulating Ifagbuyi, he advised him to remain focused and wished him more successes in the future.

 

 

LASU VC approves appointment of Dr. Surajudeen Abiodun Fatai as Acting Dean, Students' Affairs

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU) Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM has approved the appointment of Dr. Surajudeen Abiodun FATAI as the new Acting Dean, Students' Affairs Division of the University.

Dr. Surajudeen Abiodun Fatai is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University.

In a release signed by Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, LASU, the appointment is for a period of one year, with effect from Tuesday, 7 November 2023 to Wednesday, 6 November, 2024.

Dr. Fatai replaces the former Dean, Prof. Tajudeen Abayomi Olumoko, of the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences, Lagos State University who was removed from heading Administrative position pending conclusion of the ongoing investigation into the case of allegation of certificate racketeering in the University.

Umenzekwe applauds Fashola for lecture on late Justice Idigbe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Modestus Umenzekwe has applauded the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) for the powerful lecture he delivered on Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe.

Umenzekwe who made the commendation while speaking to journalists in Lagos, weekend, stated that the lecture which was delivered by Fashola on the 1st day of November, 2023 at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Edo State, at the19th Justice Idigbe Memorial Lecture showed that Fashola is a man who believes in positive and symbiotic social contract and nothing less, adding that through the lecture Fashola reawakened Nigerians on their duties as citizens.

The title of the lecture was “Duty and Citizenship–The Social Contract”, which according to Umenzekwe was a clarion call on Nigerians to think of what they can do for Nigeria first and not what the nation will do for them, even though their protection is intrinsically tied in the social contract.

The APC Chieftain described Fashola who served the nation consistently for 24 years, as a born leader, philosopher and lecturer per excellence, adding that Fashola has continued to impact society in so many other ways, keeping his brain brilliantly busy by delivering lectures which involve research; “He still burns the midnight candle in search of new knowledge despite attaining the pinnacle of his political career in Nigeria. This, for me, is to say that Fashola still has a lot to offer to this nation.”

The lecture was organized in honour of a truly outstanding Nigerian, jurist and patriot, the late Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe, who sadly departed this world on 31st July, 1983.

Umenzekwe stated that the basis for the lecture was to point out what is expected of citizens just as Justice Idigbe who used his good office to safe the country from judicial catastrophe when he persuaded a full panel of the Supreme Court to reverse their previous decisions which were binding precedents and constraints to doing justice. “Fashola talked about Idigbe’s judgement in the case of Bucknor-MacLean vs Inlaks report in (1980) 8 11 SC 1. That case for Fashola demonstrated Justice Idigbe’s humanity, compassion, sense of justice and fairness to his fellow citizens,” Umenzekwe stated.

Umenzekwe acceded to Fashola’s view when he stated that it is unfortunate that citizens are quick to ask for their rights without a corresponding request for duties and obligations, adding that such state of affairs is not helpful for national growth and development. He said that citizens should consciously acknowledge that they owe a debt or duty of allegiance to Nigeria in their relationship with the country when they assert their rights.

Umenzekwe asserted that Fashola was right on some of the roles he said the government of Nigeria has played in the protection of the citizens as enshrined in the social contract. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we all recall that the Nigerian Government closed the international borders to all traffic as many other Governments did in their countries in order to contain the pandemic. But I recall vividly that whilst some countries, for fear of spreading the virus further, refused entry to their own citizens, Nigeria's government granted entry to Nigerian citizens who were returning home even at the risk of bringing in the virus to the country.

“That was, for me, a profound expression of citizen protection offered by our country, in contrast to the seeming status of statelessness other countries dealt to their citizens when they refused them entry at that time of extreme vulnerability. During the outbreak of war between Russia/Ukraine, Nigeria arranged the evacuation and return to Nigeria of her citizens caught in the war. She had no business with citizens of other countries,” Umenzekwe  said.

He maintained that these are instances of government offering its protection in exchange for citizens’ allegiance. He maintained that the question is whether Nigerians understand that these acts are acts of protection because they are citizens.

He also agreed with Fashola on his claim that security of lives and property is the responsibility of all. “Let me place on record my thoughts about section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This has often been understood or dare I say misunderstood as suggesting that this is the responsibility of a particular level of Government.

Still quoting Fashola, “Further readings of the responsibilities of Governments set out in the second and fourth schedules of the constitution for Federal, State and Local Governments will show that no particular one of them bears responsibility for ‘security,’ although the Federal Government has responsibility for the Army, Police and Arms. This is not the same as having sole responsibility for security.”  

He said the social contract is an offer of duties by the citizens in exchange for the protection of the state and not the other way around, “It is eminently clear that the social contract is an offer of duties by us, in exchange for the protection of the state and not the other way around. If I may say so, the country that some of us choose to denigrate with our words and actions really owes us nothing because there is no social contract if we offer no duties.

Umenzekwe commended Fashola’s verdict on Justice Idigbe when he said “This is what must commend the life and times of Hon. Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe of blessed and noble memory, to us as citizens. Like him we must offer service and duty in private and public capacities to Nigeria first, before we can expect protections and assertion of rights. This is the proper order for the working of the social contract.”