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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

Gbajabiamila commiserates with Shitta-Bey Family of Lagos over death of Former State Lawmaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commiserated the Shitta-Bey family of Surulere, Lagos over the demise of a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who once represented Surulere 1, Hon. Lateef Shitta-Bey.
Gbajabiamila said Shitta-Bey, who represented Surulere Constituency 1 from 2003 to 2007, worked tirelessly for his people.
The Speaker recalled how Shitta-Bey contributed immensely to the development of his constituency, noting that he was one politician worthy of emulation.
He sent his condolences to the people of Surulere Constituency 1, especially the Shitta-Bey family, for the loss.
Speaker Gbajabiamila prayed Allah to reward the late Lateef Shitta-Bey with Jannatul Firdaus.
February 1, 2022
We’ll continue to provide funds for the Health sector – Gbajabiamila
…says Covid-19 exposed Nigeria’s health institutions
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the National Assembly will continue to provide funds to strengthen the Nigerian health sector.
Gbajabiamila said since the inception of the 9th House, there have been a lot of unprecedented interventions in the health sector, including addressing issues related to strike action by health workers.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of a 3-day training for health workers in Plateau State held in Jos on Monday, the speaker said the Nigerian health sector needs a lot in terms of infrastructure and others.
Gbajabiamila noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had exposed the country’s health institutions, which necessitated some interventions from the House.
He said: “We’re all aware that in Nigeria, we have health problems: problem with our infrastructure, problem with our health personnel and so many other things.
“But in the last couple of years, the covid pandemic exposed the underbelly of our health institutions.
“It was that covid experience, I believe, that triggered a lot of interventions that the House of Representatives and my office have made in the health sector.
“We have our Legislative agenda in the House of Representatives and health reform is a cardinal part of our Legislative Agenda. We have been doing all we can in terms of budgeting and other things. It was because of the deficit that we faced that we approved a lot of money to go into the health sector.
“It may not be enough, but we’re going to continue. We’re trying to tighten some of our laws. I make bold to say that we’ve been very supportive of the health workers.
“Never before has the House of Representatives involved itself with the health sector in Nigeria, including trying to resolve health issues and getting involved in the strike action between health workers and the government. There are a lot of those interventions.
“Health workers are very important. There’s no telling how many lives will be lost by just one health worker embarking on strike not to talk about a whole association. That’s why during our time in the 9th House, any time we sense the possibility of health workers downing their tools, we act quickly. I’ve been to your headquarters in Abuja to talk to your members, and I’m glad that they’ve been very cooperative.”
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, the speaker enjoined the NMA to join forces with the National Assembly to tighten health laws to enable some health workers to sit up.
In a remark at the event, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, said the training has been very engaging, revealing and educative for the participants.
While commending the speaker for setting the pace for strengthening healthcare workers, the governor said the training would help eliminate negligence and promote good medical practices.
“This will help in improving the health indices in the state and the country as a whole,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Yakson Sanda, thanked the speaker for organizing the training in Plateau State.
“We want to sincerely appreciate you for the good work you’ve been doing. We the people of Plateau appreciate you. We pray that God will continue to protect and bless you.”
Also, the president-elect of the World Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said medical practioners have been clamouring for the political will to advance healthcare and thanked the speaker for his intervention.
“We are calling on others to emulate this kind of brilliant example. It’s through such things that we can advance health issues. It shows that Mr. Speaker understands the nexus between good health and ethical conducts.”
On his part, the president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Ujah, noted the speaker’s “noble and innovative approach to health issues.”
He called on the speaker to ensure the continuation of such interventions, noting that medical ethics is an important part of medical practice.
January 31, 2022
Gbajabiamila condoles Senator Folarin over wife’s Death
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commiserated with the senator representing Oyo Central, Sen. Teslim Folarin, over the death of his wife, Barr. Angela Nwaka Folarin.
Gbajabiamila, who expressed shock over Barr. Angela’s demise said the late Mrs Folarin lived a good life in service to humanity.
The speaker noted that losing one’s wife, especially in her prime, is not only painful but heartbreaking.
Gbajabiamila prayed God to console the Folarin family, especially the senator and his children, over what he called an irreparable loss.
He also prayed for a peaceful resting place for Barr. Angela Folarin
January 29, 2022
Gbajabiamila, NBA strengthen collaboration with MoU on law reform
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the private sector.
Gbajabiamila said partnerships between the public and private institutions are bound to promote good governance and sustainable development.
The speaker Gbajabiamila said this on Monday during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on law reform.
The leadership of NBA was led by its National President, Olumide Akpata.
According to Gbajabiamila, the collaboration between the two bodies since the inception of the 9th House has witnessed positive results in the passage of some critical laws in the country
He said: “This is basically the formalization of something that’s already working. The signing of the MoU may seem symbolic, but I see it beyond that. I see it as a way of deepening our democracy and developing the country, which we all so passionately love.
“Contrary to what a lot of people think, I always believe that governance is about collaboration; it’s about everybody. It’s not about politicians alone, it’s about everybody, so we’ve got to maximize our efforts and potential to bold, bigger and better things for this country.
“For me, this is a critical collaboration between two very important sectors. This is a public-private partnership between the Legislature and the NBA.
“I’m glad that law reform is a core mandate of the NBA, and for us too, law reform is part of our core mandate. When we repeal laws and amend laws, we are reforming laws. It’s gratifying to know that we actually have a shared mandate, but what we do with that shared mandate is what will determine how far we can take this”.
The speaker commended the leadership of the association and what it has been doing for the profession while emphasizing the commitment, speed and diligence with which it worked and collaborated with the House on Police and Electoral law reforms, among others.
“I don’t think there’s been a time that the Legislature and NBA have worked so seamlessly together towards making Nigeria a better place”, he noted.
Earlier in his remarks, the NBA President, Akpata, appreciated the speaker and the House for being most accommodating with regards to collaboration and the potential of making progress together.
Saying that at the heart of the association’s mandate is the pursuit of law reforms, Akpata noted that the NBA is desirous of working with the Legislature to bring to bear legislation for good governance while noting that law associations are part of the legislative process in some countries.
He added that the signing of the MoU was to remedy the past situation where the NBA seemed not to be keen on working with the Legislature.
He recalled the signing into law of the Police Service Commission law as a result of the collaboration between the House and NBA following the 2020 #Endsars protests, saying it showed what collaboration of this nature can achieve.
He informed and solicited the speaker’s assistance about the Legal Practitioners’ Bill that is before the two chambers of the National Assembly.
He also commended the speaker and the House for the office space given to the NBA within the National Assembly complex.
The Special Adviser to the Speaker on Policy and Strategy, Dubem Moghalu, had earlier explained that the MoU was to formalize the ongoing operation between the Office of the Speaker and the NBA particularly on the issue of law reforms.
January 24, 2022
We’ll help transport industry to thrive – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured that the Green Chamber will continue to help the transport industry to thrive.
Gbajabiamila said the government would continue investing in the sector to improve infrastructure so as to contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy.
Commissioning the national headquarters of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) on Thursday in Abuja, Gbajabiamila noted the critical role played by the transport industry in the country.
He said the men and women who make up RTEAN play an essential role in facilitating trade and commerce in the country, noting that “Every day, you move millions of people and transport cargo worth billions across the towns, cities and states of our federation.
“In this manner, you contribute immensely to the operation of the Nigerian economy,” he said.
Gbajabiamila said he accepted to commission the RTEAN national headquarters to acknowledge the vital role of the association and assure them that their value to Nigeria’s economy and the country as a whole is recognised by governments at all levels.
He said he looked forward to supporting RTEAN and working with them to achieve national development goals.
“As you are all aware, the world is still amid a global pandemic that has significantly upset the balance of our world. Here in Nigeria, we are still grappling with the effects of this pandemic on our economy.
“The road transport sector, like other sectors, has not been spared from the consequences of the economic contraction. At the same time, you are grappling with regulatory, technological and policy changes that have adversely impacted your businesses and your business model.
“Government is not unaware of these realities. We will continue to do what we can to help your industry thrive. We will also continue investing significantly in road transport infrastructure, which will expand your routes and ensure that you can cover more ground quickly, safely and at substantially less cost.”
Gbajabiamila encouraged the RTEAN members to understand that they are operating at a time of rapid social and economic change due to technological advancement, changing public tastes and policy and regulatory responses to both.
“You cannot standstill. You must be ready to adapt to new realities, modify your practices, and make sure that you thrive in whatever circumstances.
“This new RTEAN House stands today as a tribute to your ability as a union to mobilise people and resources to serve noble objectives. It is only through unity and dedication of purpose that you will achieve the best objectives for the men and women who make up your union. Therefore, I encourage you to continue in this regard.”
January 20, 2022
Gbajabiamila pledges to assist in lifting Igbobi College
…as school marks 90 years anniversary
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has promised to join hands with other notable persons to lift the Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.
Already, the speaker has attracted some infrastructural projects to the college.
Gbajabiamila, who is an old boy of the college, said he would personally attend the events lined up for the 90th anniversary of the college, which comes up on February 2.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) led by the 1st Vice President, Yomi Badejo, Gbajabiamila expressed delight that Igbobi College is already 90 years old.
“On the 90 years, it’s amazing. It sounds just like yesterday. A lot has changed, and we must try as much as possible to change with the times and maintain the nature and the feel of Igbobi College.
“January 29th is a day that I’ve already marked. It’s going to be our pride, our joy that we’re here to celebrate our college at 90. Together, we will do most of the things we set out to do for the college,” he said.
Earlier, the 1st Vice President of ICOBA, Badejo, said they have a list of things they want to do for the college, including the improvement of infrastructure in the college.
For this reason, he said, they have put together a series of events to raise the sum of N1 billion during a fund-raising dinner on January 29.
“You’re one of us, so we’re looking forward to you to bring the kind of personalities that are worthy of this 90th Anniversary,” he said, and requested the speaker to commission some of the projects executed in the college on February 6.
He also said ICOBA would honour the Speaker on February 6 during its merit award where some key personalities would also be honoured.
January 20, 2022
AFCON: Gbajabiamila congratulates Super Eagles for qualifying for the knockout stage, obtaining maximum points
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for qualifying for the knockout stage of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) taking place in Cameroon in grand style.
Gbajabiamila expressed delight that the Super Eagles qualified for the next stage by obtaining the maximum points in the group stage after defeating Guinea-Bissau two goals to nil.
The Eagles defeated all their opponents in Group D, namely Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, and obtained nine points in the process.
Gbajabiamila said the spirit with which the Super Eagles have been playing at the tournament showed they are ready to come back home with the trophy.
He commended the players for working as a team and lauded the technical crew for giving them the right guidance to confront their opponents.
The speaker, who is the leader of the Federal Government’s delegation to cheer up the Super Eagles during the tournament, wished them well in their next encounter.
January 20, 2022
We’ll reintroduce Electoral Act Bill tomorrow, quickly work on it – Gbajabiamila
…says state assemblies to get first set of constitution review documents in February
The House of Representatives will tomorrow, Wednesday, reintroduce the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill and quickly work to pass it and send same to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has said.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in December last year declined assent to the amendment made to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly after raising some concerns.
But Gbajabiamila, in an address to welcome his colleagues back from the Christmas and New Year break on Tuesday, said the House would not lose sight of the benefits of the amendment, hence it would introduce it and lawmakers would ensure its passage on time so that the president would assent to it.
The speaker reiterated the fact that the inclusion of direct primaries as the only mode of producing candidates by political parties was to open up the political space and allow more Nigerians to participate in the democratic process.
He said: “Now, we have to choose between sticking to our guns regarding the provision to mandate direct primary elections for political parties or reworking that provision to save the rest of the Bill.
“Now let it be clear to all that our only objective in introducing that provision was to strengthen the foundations of our democracy so that it works for all of our nation’s people. The process by which political parties nominate candidates for election is essential, perhaps even just as important as the general election itself.
“A primary nomination process that deprives the majority of party members of the opportunity to choose who represents them in the general elections is susceptible to bad outcomes and ought to be fixed.”
The speaker said the argument in some quarters that political parties do not have proper registers of their members, which was a reason to reject the direct primary option was “an appalling admission that political parties in the country do not have credible and up-to-date registers of their members.
“We are left to question how those parties have thus far managed their affairs, including conducting congresses and primary elections, whether by direct or indirect means.
“Besides, it can be inferred that the failure to maintain a proper register of members violates the spirit of the constitution, as it makes it impossible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the constitutional requirement for political parties to ensure that their membership reflects the federal character of Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Gbajabiamila said “it is disappointing that the failure of political parties to adequately document their membership is being used to not give the Nigerian people the power to fully participate in our nation’s politics.
“If nothing else, including a direct primary mandate in the law, would have forced political parties to properly register their members within the shortest possible time. This would have been the singular most significant reform of our political party system in a generation.
“I remain convinced that the proposal for direct primary elections is valuable for building accountability in our political system. But we must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Therefore, the House will reintroduce the amendment tomorrow. And we will work quickly to address the mitigating concerns, pass the Bill and send it back to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.”
On the ongoing constitutional review effort, Gbajabiamila said: “Amending our nation’s constitution to address longstanding areas of disagreement and remove the vestiges of militarism from our democracy is one of the central commitments we made in the 9th House.”
He said the states houses of assemblies would get the first set of the constitution amendment documents before the end of February, based on the information from the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, who is the chairman of the Special Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review.
“It is a commitment we must meet or risk the harsh judgment of history. Therefore we will prioritise action to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives. Fortunately, we are in the final stages of that effort and will shortly conclude this all-important work. According to the deputy speaker, the first set of amendments will be forwarded to the state assemblies for consideration before the end of February.
Gbajabiamila commended his colleagues for their efforts in passing some key legislation including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Police Service Commission Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (amendment) Bill and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act (amendment) Bill, amongst others.
He urged the lawmakers not to be complacent in providing dividends of democracy to their constituents.
January 18, 2022
Gbajabiamila Wants Educational Qualification For Presidential Aspirants, Others Reviewed
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has stressed the need for the National Assembly (NASS) to raise the minimum educational qualification for presidential aspirants of Nigeria.
The Speaker, who was a guest lecturer on Monday at the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said there is also a need to increase the minimum educational qualification for other top offices including the National Assembly as against the current minimum requirement of secondary school certificate or its equivalent.
According to Gbajabiamila, the provision in Section 131(d) of the 1999 Constitution is a product of a different time and reflected the reality of that time.
He maintained that raising the minimum educational qualification will be another step in reforming the nation’s electoral system and providing strong leadership for the country.
“As we have reduced the age for eligibility to contest those offices, so also, we should increase the minimum educational requirement. We cannot be talking about raising the standard of education and requiring the barest minimum for people vying for political offices.
“It is time to take another look at the provision. Let us lift our gaze from considerations of small things to focus on the pursuit and achievement of grand ambitions that lift us all and save the future.
“Let us raise a generation in whose hearts the light of understanding is lit and cannot be put out,” he said.
While recalling that prior to the 2019 elections the constitution was successfully amended to effect the ‘Not too young to Run’ request and ensure the eligibility of young people to aspire to high offices, he expressed that towards the 2023 elections, a direct primary election method will increase greater participation in the leadership recruitment process.
January 18, 2022
AFCON: Gbajabiamila congratulates Super Eagles for victory over Pharaohs of Egypt
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt during their first Group D match at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday in Cameroon.
Gbajabiamila was elated that the Super Eagles put up a superlative performance to defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt, who are considered one of the favourites of the tournament.
The Speaker, who is the leader of the Federal Government’s delegation to cheer up the Super Eagles, noted with delight the team spirit among the Eagles players.
He urged the Super Eagles to maintain the same spirit and tempo throughout the tournament so that they would come back home with the trophy.
Gbajabiamila also lauded the technical crew of the Super Eagles for doing a good job.
He also applauded the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare and his team, and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation.
January 12, 2022