By Seyi Babalola
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tasked Lagos Journalists to promote activities of Lagos State Government.
He made the call during a courtesy call by the Executive Members of Lagos State Council of NUJ led by the Chiarman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said,
“The Government of Lagos State is doing a lot in the area of interventions to better the lives of Lagosians.
“Before the palliatives being enjoyed in Lagos, we have had Ogbonge Women Initiative. We also gave out free cows to Abattoirs and eggs at a cheaper rate.
“People don’t have enough information as they should get in Lagos State and we need the media to keep spreading the information.
“Our 27 facilities across the state are always full to the brim for capacity building at all times,” he said.
The deputy governor thanked Chief Chris Isiguzo, National President of NUJ for deeming it fit to honour Governor Sanwo-Olu as the Grand Patron of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
On his part, Ajayi commended the governor and his team for the giant strides recorded in the last five years and some months.
“The governor came up with the Themes Agenda and today he has accomplished this and graduated to Themes Plus Agenda.
“This comprises: Traffic Management & Transportation:- The Red and Blue rail lines were commissioned, 8 train stations were constructed.
High capacity ferries were commissioned while new jetties and terminals were also commissioned.
“Health & Environment:- Over 1 million residents captured in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (llera- Eko).
“Environmental Regeneration: Government dislodged illegal occupiers from black spots across the state.
“Education Technology:- Nine new schools established to complement the existing 1,723 public schools. Over 3,000 teachers recruited for effective teaching.
“Innovation, Science & Technology. Making Lagos a 21st century Economy through Investments worth trillions of naira attracted by state government.
“Entertainment & Tourism:- The ground-breaking of the Lagos Film City in Epe was performed.
“Security & Governance Gender Equality. Social Inclusion: over 3,000 People With Disabilities nominated for empowerment skill acquisition and training programmes.
“Youth Development: state government equipped the youths with skills in vocations like catering, tailoring, shoe making, ICT, hair dressing and governance,” the NUJ Chairman said.
Speaking further, Ajayi lauded the humanitarian gesture of Lagos State Government as the victims of Docemo Fire Incident were duly compensated.
“We commend the state government for all these giant strides and for turning Lagos to a mega city of our dream.
“On the part of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, we can assure you of our firm and consistent support and collaboration with the state government.
“We, therefore, propose Quarterly Media Engagement between the Governor and the Media to promote Lagos State Government initiatives and policies.
“Together, we are going to accomplish more for the betterment of lives of the people of Lagos state, ” he said.
Ajayi also appealed to the state government to equip the NUJ secretariat with furniture and generator; look into pilgrimage opportunities; issues of contract staff; snd Housing Scheme for journalists of Lagos Council, amongst others.
Top officials of Lagos State Government who were in attendance were Mr.Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Segun Ogundeji; Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, Special AdviserMedia & Publicity to the Governor and Mr Jubril Gawat; Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Governor.
Other NUJ Executive Members in attendance included Mr Philip Nwosu, Vice Chairman; Mr Tunde Olalere; Secretary; Mr Olayide Awosanya, Assistant Secretary; Mrs Adeola Akindele, Treasurer; Mr Innocent Anaba; Financial Secretary; Mr.Kemi Ishola, Internal Auditor; Dr Adeola Ekine, NAWOJ Chairperson; Mrs.Alaba Igbaroola Ex-Officio; and Mr. Gboyega Oni Ex-Officio.
