‘LAGOS’ GDP RECORDS 50 PERCENT GROWTH RATE UNDER MY WATCH’ — SANWO-OLU

From the vibrant heart of Africa, Lagos State stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary governance and strategic partnerships. Under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has witnessed an unprecedented economic upswing, with its GDP soaring by a staggering 50% in just five years—a growth rate that eclipses the economic output of over 40 African nations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, addressing the esteemed audience at the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Nassau, highlighted the pivotal role sub-national entities like Lagos play in sculpting the continent's economic landscape. With a keen emphasis on bolstering internal revenue and fostering collaborations with federal authorities and private stakeholders, Lagos has redefined the narrative of African prosperity.

The city's journey from a fiscal deficit in the military era to a beacon of investment and innovation is nothing short of remarkable. This economic renaissance can be attributed to the relentless pursuit of enhancing business operations and harnessing the technological prowess and entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens.

"Lagos' success story is not merely a local phenomenon but a blueprint for development that resonates across the continent. The state's adeptness in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) has set a standard now emulated nationwide, proving that African ingenuity is key to solving African challenges."

The transformation of Lagos into Nigeria's most economically viable state is a narrative of resilience and innovation. Initiatives like the Eko Atlantic City stand as a global exemplar of environmental stewardship and climate action, while projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Lekki Deep Seaport pave the way for a robust and enduring economy.

Governor Sanwo-Olu's administration has also tapped into the dynamism of Lagos' youth, fostering a culture of creativity and digital innovation that has given rise to fintech giants and a thriving tech ecosystem. This commitment to nurturing talent and providing an enabling environment has positioned Lagos as a global hub for digital technology.

Moreover, the Governor underscored the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a groundbreaking initiative poised to catalyze the full spectrum of trade potential across Africa. Lagos, with its meteoric rise, serves as a beacon of hope and a model for the future of African development.

TOKE BENSON-AWOYINKA: EMPOWERING WIDOWS ON A SPECIAL DAY

 

In a touching tribute of thanks, the esteemed Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, marked her birthday with a special gathering—the Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme. This meaningful celebration was hosted by the International Women’s Society at their Lekki centre, reflecting Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka's passion for service and support for society's unsung heroes.

The Commissioner mingled with the widows, sharing uplifting words and joining in activities that bolstered their skills and economic prospects. Her choice to spend her birthday this way speaks volumes of her empathy and dedication to societal upliftment.

Echoing her sentiments, the Society's President, Dame Olabisi Alokolaro, inspired the women to embrace their brilliance and uniqueness, encouraging them to continually seek knowledge to boost their financial independence.

Mrs. Banke Adeola, leading the Widows Trust Fund, highlighted their commitment to enhancing widows' lives, acknowledging their fortitude. The event saw the distribution of practical tools like sewing machines and kitchen appliances, fueling the widows' journey towards self-reliance.

Lagos on Cholera Alert: Etiosa, Ikorodu, on top alert. Commissioner issues Proactive Steps Against Threat”

In the wake of over 60 hospitalizations and five tragic fatalities due to severe gastroenteritis within 48 hours, the Lagos State Government has sounded the alarm for increased vigilance and preventive action against a potential cholera outbreak. The affected areas include Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe LGA.

Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi has reported a surge in severe vomiting and diarrhea cases, particularly in densely populated urban slums with inadequate sanitation. The state has initiated a comprehensive surveillance and response strategy, with environmental health officials investigating suspected water contamination sources, especially around the Lekki Victoria Island axis.

Cholera, a highly infectious disease marked by intense diarrhea, poses a significant risk in regions lacking proper water treatment and sanitation facilities. The disease is transmitted through contaminated food or water and can lead to rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and in severe cases, collapse.

For treatment, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are recommended for mild to moderate dehydration, while Intravenous Fluids are reserved for severe cases under medical supervision. To prevent the spread of cholera, the public is advised to boil or chlorinate drinking water, avoid untreated ice, practice safe sanitation, and maintain rigorous hand hygiene.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health, alongside the NCDC, is providing guidance and updates on cholera prevention, treatment, and management. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected cases through emergency hotlines 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 112.

Emphasizing the critical need for high hygiene standards and proactive measures, Prof. Abayomi reaffirms the government’s dedication to the health and safety of its citizens, urging everyone to embrace these preventive practices to protect the community.

EBUKA & DOZIE EZE FORFEITS 20 HOUSES AND 10 CARS TO BILLONAIRE, ARTHUR EZE

(Authur Eze)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved a significant legal victory. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of an array of assets to Arthur Eze, a prominent businessman. This order includes 20 properties, 10 vehicles, and three luxury wristwatches, which were in the possession of brothers Olisaebuka and Onyeka Nnadozie Eze. The court's decision, delivered on June 7, 2024, by a panel of three justices, marks a pivotal moment in a case that has been unfolding since 2020.

The properties, all situated in the prestigious Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, are believed to have been purchased with funds misappropriated from Arthur Eze. These properties range from a seven-bedroom duplex in the Mabushi District to multiple plots of land in various prime locations within the city. The vehicles include models from Toyota, Honda, Mercedes Benz, and a Kia SUV, showcasing a fleet that reflects both luxury and utility. The wristwatches, including a golden Piaget, are symbols of opulence and were also deemed to be bought with illicit funds.

The forfeiture was affirmed after the brothers' appeal was dismissed by the court. They had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the legitimate acquisition of the said assets. Justice H.A. Barka, who read the judgment, emphasized that the appellants did not present any material that could challenge the findings of the lower court. Consequently, the appeal was deemed to lack merit and was dismissed, upholding the judgment of the lower court.

This legal battle traces its roots back to a petition filed by Arthur Eze in 2020. He accused Olisaebuka Eze, the administrative officer of his company, Oranto Petroleum Ltd, of theft, criminal misappropriation, and money laundering

. According to the petition, Olisaebuka, in collusion with his brother Nnadozie, siphoned off billions of naira and millions of dollars belonging to Arthur Eze. These funds were allegedly used to acquire the contested properties in Abuja and Enugu.

South-West Governors Unite in Lagos: A Meeting of Minds"

In a show of unity and cooperation, the South-West Governors Forum converged in Lagos today for a crucial zonal meeting. Host Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed his counterparts from Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti at the Lagos House, Ikeja, setting the stage for a productive discussion.

Accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, Sanwo-Olu received the visiting governors, including Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Dapo Abiodun, Seyi Makinde, Ademola Adeleke, and Biodun Oyebanji. The closed-door meeting, which began at 12 noon, aims to tackle pressing issues affecting the region and Nigeria as a whole.

This gathering of the South-West Governors Forum, the umbrella body for the six governors, promises to foster collaboration and drive progress in the geo-political zone. As the meeting continues at Governor Sanwo-Olu's office, expectations are high for meaningful outcomes and a united front from the South-West governors.

Global University Rankings: Nigeria Left Behind

Quacquarelli Symonds a leading higher education analytics firm that publishes annual world university rankings, evaluating institutions based on academic excellence, reputation and global diversity, released its recent ranking to the astonishment of many Nigerian scholars as Nigerian universities were not found anywhere in the top 1000 names of the best universities in the world 

According to the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings for 2025, featuring over 1,500 institutions across 105 countries, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is the best in the world, followed by Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, Harvard University, respectively as the top citadels of learning across the ranked countries. 

Others are Stanford University, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, UCL London, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, United States.

The University of Cape Town, South Africa, ranked 171 is the highest ranked African country, followed by the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa ranked 267, and Stellenbosch University, South Africa ranked 296.

Other African universities at the 1000 of QS ranking are the University of Johannesburg, South Africa ranked 312, Cairo University, Giz Egypt ranked 350, University of Pretoria, South Africa ranked 354, and the American University in Cairo, Egypt ranked 410.

The University of Kwazulu-Natal, Pinetown, South Africa ranked 587, Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt ranked 592 and Addis Ababa University Ethiopia ranked 771

The University of Ibadan and University of Lagos are the only two top Nigerian higher institutions both ranked in the 1100-1200 groups.

Sanwo-Olu Unlocks Dream Homes: 270 Affordable Flats Inaugurated in Egan-Igando Estate

 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated 270 units of two-bedroom flats at the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

 The project, located in the Ikeja Division of Lagos State, is the first cluster of a larger development that will consist of 101 blocks of 846 home units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments on a 17.358-hectare land area.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged to complete the remaining home units in Clusters Two and Three of the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate, which will benefit more residents regardless of their background. He emphasized the importance of community ownership and urged residents to protect the project from vandalism.

The Governor also expressed his administration's readiness to partner with the private sector to develop more affordable housing estates in Lagos State, providing decent accommodation for suburban dwellers. This initiative aligns with the state government's commitment to addressing the housing deficit and ensuring that residents have access to quality and affordable housing.