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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • Gbajabiamila rejoices with Nigerians on 62nd Independence Anniversary

    Gbajabiamila rejoices with Nigerians on 62nd Independence Anniversary

    …says ‘let’s keep hope alive’

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.

    Gbajabiamila said as a country, Nigeria has come a long way and made tremendous progress in the 62 years of her independence, noting that the citizens have a lot to celebrate despite the challenges facing them.

    As a nation, the Speaker noted, Nigeria remains a force to reckon with in the comity of nations, calling on both the leaders and followers to remain steadfast.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the speaker expressed optimism that Nigeria and Nigerians would come out stronger in the face of daunting challenges, including insecurity.

    He reiterated the need for citizens to continue to remain patriotic and keep hope alive ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to maintain peace, unity, law and order ahead of the country’s polls, maintaining that the country would get it right.

  • Strike: House leadership to dialogue with Buhari over ASUU demands next week, says Gbajabiamila

    Strike: House leadership to dialogue with Buhari over ASUU demands next week, says Gbajabiamila

    The leadership of the House of Representatives will seek an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari on the resolution of the ongoing face-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) with the outcome of its interactions with stakeholders in the dispute, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said on Thursday.

    This is as the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AOGF) revealed its readiness to accommodate issues of concern to ASUU over the payment platforms, Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) that constituted a major part of the issues that led to the strike.

    According to the Speaker, the leadership, in the next couple of days, will put up a report of its interactions with key stakeholders in the dispute and come up with recommendations that will enable the President to view the issues at stake from an informed second option.

    Speaking at the last meeting of the House leadership with stakeholders, Gbajabiamila said the information gathered from the extensive interactions would assist the leadership in arriving at fact-based recommendations for the resolution of the crisis.  

    Those in attendance included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Sen Chris Ngige; Head of the Civil  Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan;  the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Sylva Okolieaboh; the Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze; the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, represented; as well as the Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta among others. Also present was the delegation from ASUU led by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke. 

    Saying that the interest of the children that had been at the receiving end of the trade dispute should be paramount, Gbajabiamila appealed to both sides to give in and make concessions from their initial demands.

    He said: “We will put together our recommendations and our thoughts and take it to Mr. President, that’s why we are here to interface and look for solutions.

    “Again let me repeat, we are running a government, nobody, no individual, no group, whether you are legislative, judiciary or whatever can be above the government, can be above the law.

    “We can’t be against and I’m speaking specifically to ASUU, we did not say because the court has given judgment, that’s the end of our conversation. In spite of the court judgment, we are still looking for solutions, we didn’t even address it here, I don’t want to address it.

    “Otherwise, we could’ve said, if government has given judgment, I don’t know if there’s a stay of execution, I don’t know.

    “We are appealing to you, the Judiciary has spoken, the Executive has spoken, the Legislature is about to speak together with the Executive; everybody cannot be wrong and only one person is right. For me I’m happy with the solution on UTAS, no victor, no vanquished, everybody is being carried along.

    “for the sake of emphasis, the House is pleading with you, let’s put all interest aside and look at the interest of our children.

    “The white paper we told you we’ll get, the letter is here, it’s now waiting for the President’s final approval.

    “On revitalization, I asked the DG budget here if provision has been made in the budget. We made a promise to you, and we are staying by that promise.

    “Regarding the issue of UTAS, you said you haven’t seen the report; we have it here, so we’ve been working for you”.

    During the interactions, following questions from the Speaker, the AGF, Okolieaboh revealed that his office was ready to accommodate issues of concern to ASUU over salary payment if that would bring the crisis to an end.

    While the Director General of the NITDA, also disclosed the readiness of the agency to continue the integrity test on the payment platforms.

    Following complaints of the federal government’s attempt to strip the Universities Governing Council of its administrative power through the deployment of the IPPIS, the Head of Service, Yemi-Esan allayed the fears of the striking lecturers that the government would not take away the responsibilities of the Governing Council of Universities in the administration of the schools.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila assured the striking lectures that the House leadership would invite the ASUU leadership following the outcome of the meeting with the President as soon as it was held.

    “When we make our recommendations, we are going to meet with Mr. President and interface on your behalf”, he assured them.

  • Gbajabiamila condoles Wase over brother’s death

    Gbajabiamila condoles Wase over brother’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has condoled with his deputy, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase, over the passing of the latter’s elder brother, the Emir of Bashar, Alhaji Adamu Idris.

    Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said the late Alhaji Adamu was a symbol of peace and unity among his people.

    He said the late Emir of Bashar, who died on Sunday at the age of 96, lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

    The Speaker sent his condolences to the family of the Deputy Speaker, the people of Bashar, Wase Local Government and Plateau State in general over the loss.

    Gbajabiamila prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant the soul of Alhaji Adamu eternal rest.

  • Gbajabiamila Seeks More Focus on NIPSS 

    Gbajabiamila Seeks More Focus on NIPSS 

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed concern over the dwindling recognition of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

    Gbajabiamila said being important and strategic to national development through its core mandates, the institution should not lack all the required assistance it can get towards the attainment of its mandates.

    Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the research institute led by its Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, the Speaker expressed the readiness of the House of Representatives to expeditiously attend to requests of NIPSS as soon as presented to the parliament.

    The Speaker, however, emphasized the need for more engagement and collaboration between the House, the National Assembly and the institution considering the mandates of the two that are anchored on research and national development.

    He said: “NIPSS is a familiar household name with a reputation, it’s not an institution that anyone will allow to die.

    “There’s definitely a need for government to give NIPSS focus and there’s a need for more collaboration between NIPSS and the National Assembly, and we will be more than happy to be available.

    “There’s no doubt research is key to development in every sector, therefore your role is very pivotal in our national development”.

    As a result, Speaker Gbajabiamila encouraged the DG and his delegation to expeditiously forward the proposed draft amendment Bill of the institution while assuring that the issue of funding affecting the institution as highlighted in the proposed draft document would be better appreciated to act on.

    He, however, advised the institution to henceforth work closely with the relevant Committee of the House for better synergy.

    Earlier in his remarks, Prof Omotayo informed the Speaker that even as the generator of developmental policies in the country’s public and private sectors, NIPSS is almost going unrecognized while lamenting the negative effect of the paucity of funds on the implementation of the institution’s mandate.

    He, therefore, sought the support of the House to ensure that the institute meets its mandate, noting that they would bring a proposal for the amendment of the Act establishing NIPSS to strengthen its operations.

  • Why I’ll continue to Empower People – Gbajabiamila

    Why I’ll continue to Empower People – Gbajabiamila

    …as leadership BootCamp for Lagos community leaders, youth, others holds

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that he would continue to empower people at various levels to improve their capacity to become good leaders in a better society.

    This is even as the Speaker once again organized an international leadership BootCamp for community leaders, youth and mid-career professionals in Lagos State. This followed a similar leadership training for young people held late last year in Lagos and Plateau States.

    Speaking at the event held at the Eko hotel, Lagos, Gbajabiamila, represented by the chairman of the APC in Surulere Local Government of Lagos State, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, said such training would avail the participants of the opportunity to learn more.

    He said: “Our gathering here today is motivated by the idea that with the proper conditioning and under the right circumstances, ordinary citizens from all walks of life can become leaders of men. 

    “Therefore, this training Bootcamp intends to empower the participants to understand what leadership entails and provide the personal resources to be influential leaders in their various walks of life.”

    He noted that great leaders are effective communicators, hence “Throughout history, the one consistent traits all successful leaders have is the ability to articulate a clear vision that inspires others to rise above limitations and achieve great things.

    “When things are going well, the best leaders cede credit. When things aren’t going so well, they take responsibility for finding solutions that work. Great leaders are, at the same time, idealistic and ruthlessly practical.

    “Whereas grand ideals are necessary to inspire, attention must be paid to the practical things that make success possible. Above all else, great leaders are people of integrity who understand that the highest obligation of leadership is to serve the people you lead.”

    Gbajabiamila added that Nigeria needs leadership at all levels, arguing that “In our families and communities, our states, and our places of work and worship, there is a shortage of capable leaders who can guide, inspire and motivate people to greatness.

    “You have an opportunity today, and I urge you to take advantage of this occasion, and every other chance that may arise, to empower your mind and soul to become the kind of leader our society desperately needs.”

    He said one could not effectively lead if they engage with people based on their language, tribe, the religion they practice, or their political affiliation.

    “In my career as a public servant, I have strived to live up to the lessons of leadership I learned from observing other leaders and studying leadership principles. One of the things I’ve learned in that time is that leaders must endeavour always to be unifiers rather than dividers.”

    As the member representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency and as the Speaker, Gbajabiamila said he has sponsored development projects across his constituency and in neighbouring constituencies, which include over 200 completed road projects, hundreds of new and renovated classroom blocks and ICT centres, among many others.

    “In all these, my paramount consideration has always been to ensure the welfare of the people. When citizens ply the roads, use the renovated hospitals, and send their children to the new classrooms and ICT centres, it doesn’t matter which tribe they come from, the language they speak or the religion they practice. It only matters that through the effective use of government machinery, we have improved the living conditions of many and enhanced the quality of their lives.”

    He urged the community leaders to commit themselves to a consistent effort to try to be the best leaders they could be, eschewing division, embracing unity and ensuring progress.

  • Gbajabiamila mourns Akeredolu’s Mother

    Gbajabiamila mourns Akeredolu’s Mother

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described the death of the mother of the Ondo State Governor, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu, as a sad development.

    Gbajabiamila said Evangelist Grace Akeredolu, who passed away at the age of 90, lived a life worthy of emulation.

    The Speaker noted that the late Akeredolu matriarch dedicated her life to the service of humanity through her various community engagements over the years.

    As a frontline evangelist, Gbajabiamila said the late Grace Akeredolu served the Lord the best way she could and ensured that people in her immediate environment worshipped God accordingly.

    Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the entire Akeredolu family, especially Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and other members of his family for this irreparable loss. 

    He equally prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.

  • Gbajabiamila greets Chief Kola Daisi at 90

    Gbajabiamila greets Chief Kola Daisi at 90

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with an Ibadan-born industrialist, Chief Kola Daisi, on his 90th birthday.

    Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said it was commendable that the Bashorun of Ibadan has dedicated his life to the service to humanity.

    The Speaker also expressed delight that Chief Kola Daisi has metamorphosed from an industrialist to an educationist with his Kola Daisi University, which is one of the private universities to be proud of.

    Gbajabiamila noted that “For those of us who have had the indescribable pleasure of knowing you, learning from you and benefiting one way or the other from your life, your birthday is an opportunity to say thank you for your generosity of spirit, and to thank God for the gift of you.

    “I join the rest of the family, friends and admirers to wish you well, and to pray that the grace of God continues to guide you and watch over you all the days of your life,” Gbajabiamila said.

  • N’Assembly renovation: Gbajabiamila inspects projects, seeks delivery of quality work, early Completion

    N’Assembly renovation: Gbajabiamila inspects projects, seeks delivery of quality work, early Completion

    …Says 2023 budget presentation likely in 1st week of Oct.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday called for the speedy completion of the ongoing renovation of the National Assembly complex ahead of the delivery deadline of August 2023.

    Gbajabiamila made the call in Abuja as he toured and inspected key aspects of the work, particularly the House of Representatives Chamber, the dome and foyer of the complex.

    However, he warned that this must not compromise the quality of the work to be delivered.

    The Speaker said that though the renovation, which began last month, had progressed well, he would still ask the project managers to speed up the pace and beat the deadline.

    At the chamber, Gbajabiamila was briefed on the details of the upgrade and the adjustments to be made to the sitting areas of lawmakers, the chamber staff, the presiding officers, the press gallery, the roof and the adjoining rooms to the chamber.

    Speaking with House of Representatives correspondents after the inspection, Gbajabiamila said the changes introduced were “impressive” and would greatly assist the lawmakers in their legislative duties in line with global standards.

    Gbajabiamila stated, “This work started in August, a few weeks behind schedule, but for a good reason. So far between August and now, giant strides have been made; you can see the whole chamber has been ripped apart, and the innovations are going to be state-of-the-art.

    “We will be proud to have a chamber that matches the best standard all over the world; so I am quite impressed with the work so far.

    “I would encourage them to double the pace because, as it is, this is not for the benefit of the 9th Assembly but for the benefit of the 10th Assembly.” The whole chamber isn’t going to be ready until sometime in August next year; so we are talking close to a year, and that tells you the level of work that is going on.” 

    However, the Speaker insisted that speeding up the pace of completion must not compromise the quality of the work.

    While the renovation, which is being carried out by Visible Construction Limited, is ongoing, members will reconvene from their annual break next week to hold plenary sittings in a temporary chamber already prepared at Hearing Room 028.

    Giving his impression of the temporary chamber, Gbajabiamila said, “So far so good, we are happy and this temporary site where we will be sitting for the next 9-10 months, is obviously a far cry from where we used to be…

    “This used to be a hearing room to a legislative chamber, a lot of adaptations and a lot of innovations have been made and we are quite pleased with the work so far; so we are ready to go.”

    The Speaker said the 10th Assembly would most likely be inaugurated in the temporary chamber, except the project managers would be able to complete the renovation of the main chamber months before the scheduled deadline.

    “The 10th Assembly more than likely will kick off from here unless work can be accelerated, but you don’t want to accelerate work and compromise the quality of the work, so it’s better late but done well. Anything worth doing is worth doing well”, he added.

    Asked if the temporary chamber would accommodate all 360 lawmakers, Gbajabiamila replied, “The configuration is not just this place but upstairs. So, I think there are about a 100 and something seats in terms of accommodation on this level and about 200 and something upstairs.

    “But, it has been configured in such a way that everything is connected and you can see the screen. I can see everybody upstairs; whoever is presiding can see everybody upstairs and you can see everybody downstairs.”

    Gbajabiamila gave hints that the 2023 budget presentation would likely be done in the first week of October.

    The Speaker rounded off the project inspection at the permanent site of the National Assembly Service Commission building, which is also being constructed within the National Assembly complex. 

    He said he was satisfied that the project was being executed according to plans.

  • Gbajabiamila greets SGF Boss Mustapha at 66

    Gbajabiamila greets SGF Boss Mustapha at 66

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has eulogized the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha on his 66th birthday.

    Gbajabiamila said Mustapha remains one Nigerian who symbolizes humility, commitment, and dedication.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the speaker noted that Mustapha is a perfect gentleman and a core progressive who is committed to nation building.

    Gbajabiamila also said Boss Mustapha has been able to stabilize government activities as the engine room of the executive arm.

    “Boss Mustapha is one man that Nigeria and Nigerians should be proud of because of his sacrifice and dedication to the fatherland. Despite occupying one of the most tasking positions in the land, he remains calm and humble.

    “Anyone that has been following his activities as the SGF since 2017 would attest to the excellent way he handles government business. To me, and to many of our citizens, Boss Mustapha is counted among patriotic Nigerians. I believe he should be celebrated,” Gbajabiamila said.

    The Speaker prayed for many more years in good health for the SGF.

  • Why we prepare Nigerian children for global competition – Gbajabiamila

    Why we prepare Nigerian children for global competition – Gbajabiamila

    …excitement as speaker’s Summer Coding Camp winds down

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Gbajabiamila has restated the need to prepare Nigerian children for future challenges and global competition with the right modern tools.

    Gbajabiamila said the need to make Nigerian children globally competitive was responsible for his several interventions in the nation’s education sector through proactive laws and personal efforts.

    One such effort among others was the Gbajabiamila Summer Coding Camp held across five secondary schools in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, where children from all parts of Lagos State were taught about coding to introduce and enhance their computer literacy and artificial intelligence.  

    Speaker Gbajabiamila launched the Gbaja Summer Coding Camp facilitated by Pearl Africa on August 16.

    During the closing ceremony via zoom on Friday, participating students made presentations about what they learnt at the coding camp to the excitement of guests and a panel of judges, Fent Hughes from Harvard Business Group, Ms. Adefunke Akinola, a computer engineer who scored the technology-driven solution presentations by the young participants, and Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, CEO of Pearls Africa Foundation.

    The participants presented ten projects in total with two projects from each centre.  

    At the Ajigbeda Centre, Life Comrades, a platform that helps people identify drugs using images, in addition to enlightening people more on drugs that can also help to identify drugs that look or sound alike was developed.

    Iponri Centre where the tutor/facilitator, Juliana Chukwu taught the children how to deploy lessons learnt to create life-changing Applications (App), the children created an App about HIV/AIDS that creates awareness about the disease, where victims can also access counselling, link up with care groups and others.

    The centre also created Techspace, another APP designed to ease the use of small or major electrical home appliances with the use of smart bracelets, among others, to solve the problems of charging cords, cables and wires. The APP also doubles as a marketplace for products and spare parts.

    At the Ansar Ud Deen Centre, the children created Stop it, a platform for awareness about human trafficking, its dangers, effects on individuals and society, while the solution to the challenge was also proffered on the platform.

    It was about the protection of and the solution to the challenges confronting the wildlife through the Wildlife Rescue Foundation and Operation Fuzzy for the children at the Muritala Animashaun Centre.

    In a word of encouragement to the participants, an impressed Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Olanrewaju Smart, said Speaker Gbajabiamila was impressed with the presentations of the students and said that the building block for advance computer literacy has been laid in them.

    While urging them not to relent in seeking knowledge, Smart said, “Keep the fire burning, keep the spirit alive. Irrespective of your background, the knowledge you have gained here is priceless and will help launch you in any sphere of life you choose to take.

    “Whatever you want to be, whether a medical doctor, engineer, lawyer, or teacher, with the knowledge you have gained here, it is indeed your world”

    He further disclosed that the impressive outing of the children and the positive feedback from the Camp has compelled Speaker Gbajabiamila to promise a subsequent edition of the programme. 

    “The Speaker appreciates the instructors and is very happy and impressed with what you (participants) have put in place here while wishing you the best in your chosen careers. He also hopes that what you gained here will be put to best use as schools resume from the holidays”.

    In her closing remarks, Pearl Africa’s CEO, Ajayi-Akinfolarin, also encouraged the participants to seize the opportunity provided by the Summer Camp, saying, “This platform has provided you with a tool, the world is yours to take”.