2023: Obasa hints on type of leader Nigeria deserves
– Says Tinubu laid foundation that makes Lagos a successful state
– Lists competence, knowledge and experience as characteristics of a good leader
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday said Nigeria desires a leader with an experience of success in previous assignments.
Dr. Obasa said this at the Anchor University’s first Distinguished Public Lecture of the faculty of Humanities in Lagos stressing that leaders can only succeed when they have the requisite capacities to meet the desires of their followers.
Noting that Nigerians currently yearn for more from their leaders in the face of daunting challenges, Obasa expressed hope that the country would meet the collective dream of the citizens soon.
“If you place our country side by side some countries and compare developments in the last 50 years, you would agree that we have challenges.
“However, we are all leaders in our various spheres. Leadership has to do with the roles you play in your various communities.
“Today, people choose to go to Dubai instead of some other countries. Look at their development in the last 50 years. We heard stories of how their leaders visited Ibadan for medical checkups.
“Now, what do we have? Nigerians visiting the country and others for medical reasons.
“Today, China is a super power because of its growth and development.
“That is why we have to talk about leadership and the most important thing for us now is to have a leader who understands and can handle our situation such that a man living in a corner in Ipaja, who does not have interest in who the leader is, enjoys what should be simple amenities of life,” he said.
The Speaker Obasa argued that fixing Nigeria requires good governance and that the country currently has an opportunity to get it right ahead of 2023.
“And as you are aware, if anyone applies for a job, the first things that are asked for are the person’s credentials and experience.
“So in chosing who would be our leader in 2023, we need to ask questions about who is competent enough and had done something similar to what we desire.
“We can still remember that not long ago, we had someone in Lagos State who laid a solid foundation, particularly in relation to revenue. We know that without revenue, there is hardly anything we can do.
“We had that person who used his intelligence to move the revenue from just N600 million to billions of naira and today, the State gets multi-billion naira revenue for development.
“See the infrastructural development in Lagos State now and you will agree that we need people who are experienced and highly exposed for leadership positions.
“Leadership is not about who is old or young. We have had some young governors who have no positive thing to show about the development of their states,” he stressed.
Obasa, who was honoured by the institution, promised a robust relationship between the university and the government. He also urged the management to assist the government by making suggestions that would help the State.
The guest lecturer at the event, Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, corroborated the Speaker’s position emphasising that the right leadership is what Nigeria needs.
The Professor of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, also commended the Lagos State government for the giant strides recorded so far.
The late Adediran served as a member of the House representing Surulere Constituency 1 between 1999 and 2003.
In a tribute by his media office, Dr. Obasa expressed sadness at the former lawmaker’s demise saying the late Adediran died at a time her legislative and political experiences were still very important to Lagos and Nigeria.
Obasa described Adediran as a passionate woman who wanted the best for her society adding that to achieve this, she played major roles in the Fourth Assembly of Lagos State.
“Hon. Adetoun Adediran is leaving behind fond memories of her roles as a lawmaker in the emergence of a more modern Lagos.
“As a principal officer at the House, she was passionate and active making sure her voice was heard among her colleagues who were mostly men.
“It was this same passion for service that got her the position of Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos. She also later became the Chairman of the Lagos State Building and Investment Company.
“We mourn her demise as it came at a time her experience and wisdom were still desired for the progress of our state. We mourn because death has snatched one of our finest politicians.
“While I pray that God grant her a peaceful rest, I also pray that He strengthen those she left behind and give them the fortitude to bear this huge loss,” Obasa said.
New Year: Let’s Unite To Make 2022 A Better Year For Nigeria, Obasa Urges Citizens
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged residents of the state and the citizens of Nigeria to enter the New Year with renewed vigour and hope for a better 2022.
Dr. Obasa gave the advice in his New Year message to Nigerians while praising the resilience of the citizens of the country in the face of the various challenges that came with 2021, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that has continued to ravage the world.
The New Year, Obasa noted, holds a lot of promises for the citizens, “but all that we need is the collective decision to unite, fight against our common enemies and work towards making our nation a greater place to live in.”
The Speaker, who noted that Nigeria is a great country peopled by hardworking and passionate men and women determined for success, urged the citizens to continue to play roles that would put the country in positive light.
“While I congratulate Nigerians, I dare say that together, we can make a better country happen just like we are making good things happen in Lagos, the economic centre of Nigeria. Today, no doubt, Lagos is one of the most peaceful states of the federation despite its population and factors that make it a mega-city.
“The successes recorded by Lagos State in 2021 happened because of the cordial relationship between the arms of government, the determination of the government to scale whatever hurdles it had before it as well as the support and cooperation from residents.
“At the Lagos Assembly, we ensured that our activities, bills, motions and resolutions had to do with the happiness of the residents, their safety, and the protection of lives and property as enshrined in the constitution.
“Just days ago, we passed the 2022 budget to enable the government hit the New Year running. We also passed the bill establishing the Lagos State University of Education to encourage more prospective teachers and make it easy for them to get employed upon graduation so that they can make positive impacts on the society.
“In the course of 2021, we passed other important bills that have helped to keep Lagos at its enviable position.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly with very brilliant and zealous representatives, would continue to be at its best in 2022,” Obasa promised as he congratulated residents of the state and Nigerians.
Obasa To Police: You Must Treat Every Lagosian With Respect, Dignity
– As Outgoing Commissioner Odumosu, Others Visit
– Speaker Kicks Against Harassment Of Residents
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday cautioned the police in the state against harassment, intimidation and extortion of residents if they wanted to be respected.
Dr. Obasa said this on the floor of the House when the lawmakers honoured the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and due to retire in January 2022.
Obasa said Odumosu was honoured as the first commissioner of police in the state to stand before the lawmakers in the hallowed chamber and address Lagosians on his experience and issues with policing Lagos because he is considered to have effectively managed the security of the state.
The Speaker thanked Odumosu for his openness and responsiveness each time there were issues affecting the peace of the state.
“It is important to call on those behind you to know that the relationship between the police and the people need to be constantly improved upon,” Obasa said adding that men of the Nigeria Police Force needed to build more trust among the people and make the latter know they are truly being served.
“Everybody must be treated with respect, dignity and honour and that is how we can earn our respect. Policing should not be about harassment and extortion but building trust among the people and making them comfortable,” Obasa advised.
The Commissioner of Police, who led a team of officers to the House, thanked the lawmakers for their support. According to him, nothing could have been achieved in terms of security and peace in the State without the assistance of the House led by Speaker Obasa.
He said he would remain grateful to Lagos and Lagosians for making it possible for him and his team to effectively manage the security of the state and making it the most peaceful in the country.
Odumosu, who described Lagos as a mini-Nigeria, noted that the proactiveness of the Lagos Assembly resulted in the laws that have helped the police remain successful in the state.
He said the Cultism Prohibition Law, has helped to reduce illegal associations in tertiary institutions in the state and also helped with adequate enlightenment of property owners and residents.
He listed other laws that have helped the police to include the Land Use Charge amendment law which has reduced the activities of land grabbers, the Anti-Open Grazing law, the Neighborhood Safety Corps law, which has ensured synergy among security agencies, the Coronavirus Pandemic Law, which enforcement helped reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Transport Sector Amendment law, which has helped with traffic management and the law stopping parade of suspects to protect their fundamental rights.
“We promise to continue to excel in providing water-tight security for the people of the state,” he told the lawmakers.
He also promised that he would encourage his successor to sustain the relationship between the police and the House while urging the lawmakers to extend their support to whoever will take over from him.
“Policing Lagos is not a tea party. Without the laws in Lagos, it would have been difficult to police the state. Don’t get tired, don’t relent in making the laws that would make Lagos state maintain its place as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he urged.
In their contributions, the lawmakers commended Odumosu for his success adding that his experience would always be needed in the state even after his retirement.
How God’s grace kept us throughout 2021 – Speaker Obasa
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged Nigerians not to despair but be thankful to God for His grace.
According to Dr. Obasa, it was only the grace of God that has kept Nigeria and Nigerians till December 2021 despite the many challenges the country and her citizens have had to face within the year.
The Speaker said this on Thursday at an end of the year thanksgiving and Christmas outreach organised for staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly and their wards at the Assembly complex.
He explained that the House had every reason to thank God for the year because of the successes it recorded in legislative activities including in the passage of bills, motions and resolutions that are meant to improve living, peace and happiness among the residents of the state.
“I will sing praises because, together with my colleagues, members of staff of this Assembly and my team at the Office of the Speaker, we recorded huge successes in terms of legislative activities this year,” Obasa said.
Concerning ‘Abundant Grace’, the theme of the thanksgiving, Speaker Obasa noted that the Bible is replete with verses emphasising the grace of God upon individuals which make them victorious each time they have to face some of the challenges of living.
In his sermon, Prophet (Dr) Samuel Kayode Abiara, the General Evangelist Worldwide of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), who was the guest minister, emphasised the need for Nigerians to be closer to God at all times.
2022 Budget: Work On Projects To Alleviate Poverty, Empower Lagosians, Obasa Urges Sanwo-Olu
– Speaker calls on Buhari to rejig economy to boost employment
– Says interference of executive in state legislature should be criminalised
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Mudashiru Obasa has urged the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to work more on policies to bring more dividends of democracy to the people of the State.
Obasa gave the advice when the governor visited the Assembly on Wednesday to present the 2022 Budget Of Consolidation put at ₦1,388,285,459,990.51.
Speaking after the presentation by the Governor, Obasa who passed a vote of confidence on Mr. Sanwo-Olu for the achievements of the current administration, said the dividends still need to get to the grassroots.
The Speaker also called on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the economy of Nigeria to reduce unemployment, insecurity and poverty.
He praised the House of Assembly for its pro-people orientation and for constantly supporting the Governor to meet the yearnings of the people of the State.
He said the support the Governor enjoys from the Assembly had reflected in the successes so far achieved by the government
While commending the seven-man judicial panel of inquiry into cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in the state, for completing its task, the Speaker urged Lagosians to remain patient and not stoke controversies while a white paper on the report is being expected.
Below is the full speech by the Speaker:
REMARKS BY RT HON. (DR) MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA, SPEAKER, LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE Y2022 BUDGET BY MR BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU, GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATE, AT THE ASSEMBLY HALLOWED CHAMBER, ON WEDS, NOV 24, 2021
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. On behalf of my colleagues and our highly dedicated staff, it gives me a great pleasure to heartily welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of the Year 2022 budget by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State.
2. Before anything at all, we cannot but give praise and adoration to the Almighty Allah, the giver and taker of life, the One who reverses the irreversible; for giving us the opportunity to witness another budget presentation.
3. Dear Lagosians, without further ado, we have all listened with rapt attention to how the wealth of our state will be utilized for our common good in Y2022 with the presentation of the budget size: ₦1,388,285,459,990.51 themed: BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION. This will be the last full year budget to be implemented by this administration. Expectedly, the responsibility is now on the members of this Honourable House to do the needful, by meticulously performing our constitutional duty.
4. Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, permit me to commend your astuteness, courage, forthrightness as well as your determined spirit all geared towards a greater Lagos within the period you have been in office. No doubt, you have maintained a track record of resourceful consistency in the state.
5. Distinguished guests, as you all know, our dear state of Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, has continued to be seen both within and outside our country as the very place where good governance is the norm, which readily explains why our state is home to all Nigerians, having attained the enviable status of a mega city.
6. Here in Lagos State, the three tiers of government: the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary have always been striving to put our people first in all that we do. Despite their distinct status, these government institutions have continued to regularly collaborate to deliver the dividends of democracy and the very best for our dear state and the people. For instance, this House of Assembly is evidently endowed with industrious, brilliant and diligent men and women who are making a difference in their various constituencies.
7. It is, however, pertinent to note that the very cordial relationship existing between this Legislative House and the Executive has not stopped us from performing our constitutionally assigned roles of exercising control over the state’s purse. This has obviously resulted in the First Class position that our dear state has attained in our country today, which makes Lagos the symbol of good governance.
8. It is on the record that while the legislative arm of other states of the country fights the executive, here in Lagos, it is the other way round. This has, indeed, paved way for the establishment of LAHASCOM, career advancement among the legislative staff as well the promotion of same staff to the position of permanent secretary in the state.
9. You will all agree with me that the responsiveness and readiness of this honourable House to pass pro-people and pro-development legislations is on the right course in giving Mr. Governor the much needed enabling environment to perform creditably well to the admiration of our people. This, indeed, is the confirmation that behind every performing Governor there is a pro-active, pro-people and pro-development House of Assembly like ours.
10. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, around this time last year, Governor Sanwo-Olu was here to present the Y2021 Budget, itemising his projections for the ongoing year. Today, with the remarkable support of this House, we are all witnesses to the outstanding performance of the budget as regards infrastructural renewal and wealth creation among other things.
11. That Lagos State is working is more or less an understatement. That notwithstanding, we need to look inward and devise more methods of improving our Internally Generated Revenue beyond the sources identified so far. We, at the same time, need to ensure that the revenues collected are promptly accounted for.
12. While the projections of this administration are being guided by its THEME agenda, we need to further strengthen it to touch the lives of the people. Despite the numerous infrastructural developments going on in the state, the impact is not yet fully getting to all and sundry as it should be. For instance, the traffic issue in the state has become intractable such that we cannot but look for a holistic approach for solution. The lawlessness of the road users is so noticeable and daring. Of course, we need to focus more on the implementation of the law that addresses this ugly situation.
13. It is a known fact that Lagos State has the highest foreign debt profile. Of course, this loan has been the secret behind most of the infrastructural developments we all see all over the state. Nevertheless, I will advise the Executive to focus more on intense projects that will be geared towards alleviating poverty in our society with most of these loans.
14. At the same time, our policies must be channelled towards fighting poverty in our society and empowering our people, particularly those below poverty line. In doing this, land has become the sole and natural belonging of the people, which can be used as a source of fund to lift them out of poverty. But as it were, the policy seems not to be helpful when it comes to acquisition. As such, there is the need for the government to readdress the issue of land vis-à-vis landowners in acquisition, excision and compensation.
15. Having said that, may I use this medium to address some of the recent developments in our dear state especially the building collapses as well as the issue of END SARS panel report, which has been generating some controversy of late.
16. The issues of building collapse, recently, need to be paid full attention to in the state. The executive must ensure constant and close monitoring of all the agencies in charge of building. These agencies must be up and doing in the discharge of their duties regarding the monitoring, supervision and evaluation of building processes from one stage to another. Any government official who decides to collaborate with unscrupulous building engineers or found wanting in any way should be promptly charged for criminal liability.
17. May I use this medium to commend the seven-man judicial panel of inquiry to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in the state, chaired by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi. No doubt you were chosen to saddle this task based on your pedigree, integrity and creditability. We have utmost trust in you. As such, what you have been able to put together for about a year must not be jeopardised by mere unwarranted statements that can generate controversy. Let’s not forget that Lagos has never been a police state and it will not start now. Our state has always been a free state for all. We have absolute faith and confidence in our Governor that he will not descend so low to incite violence against any member of the panel irrespective of the decision or interest of the members of the Panel.
18. Based on this, I will plead with Lagosians and Nigerians as a whole that, while we await the White Paper of the ENDSARS Panel report, people should remain calm and not rush to judgment. You can rest assured that justice will surely be served based on the outcome of the report. Of course, we are aware that justice is the basis of any democratic government.
19. Likewise, it has come to my notice that in virtually every street in Lagos of today, there is a Baale or Oba parading themselves. This has become so ridiculous and unwholesome that it requires urgent intervention by the government before the institution becomes a laughing stock. I assure you that this honourable house will do everything within its ambit of power to review the chieftaincy law in the state so as to address this before it gets out of hand.
20. Be that as it may, there is need to remind us that to further strengthen democracy and rule of law. Party politics must not be limited to the fun of electing the party leaders. I say this vis-à-vis the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention.
21. At the same time, separation of power is pivotal in the system of government that we practice in this clime. As such, this should be accorded its sacrosanct respect. Of recent, we see cases of the Executive going beyond their boundary in respect of recent development in Plateau State where police invaded and locked up the parliament. Same thing happened in Edo State. If we love democracy, we must all fight for it and protect all its democratic institutions.
22. The National Assembly too should be interested in criminalising invasion of the parliament by anybody, by taking the advantage of the ongoing constitutional review. Anybody found wanting be it Governor, irrespective of the immunity attached to the office or honourable members of the state must be sanctioned. At the expiration of such governor’s administration, he should be made to face the law accordingly. Any police officer that colludes with such illegal invasion should likewise face criminal charges. We at the Lagos State House of Assembly are willing to address this frontally by amending our own Administration of Criminal Justice Act to make a provision for the criminalising of parliament invasion or any other action that undermines the parliament institution. It will interest you that such litigation can be initiated by any individual, CSO or agency. So, you don’t have to wait for government to bring such up.
23. Let me also use this medium to call on our President, Muhammed Buhari to do everything within his power in addressing the state of economy. You will all agree with me that the level of unemployment, inflation, insecurity, infrastructural decay in the country is at an alarming rate. As such, I urge Mr President to work towards rejigging the economy. The federal government should at the same time work with the component units, which are the states, to further empower them to develop the natural endowment resources. This will no doubt boost the economy. Some provisions in the constitution should be reviewed as well such as the railway line and distribution of electricity. For the umpteenth time too, state police should be well considered now as a way of tackling insecurity in the country.
24. Nevertheless, I cannot but salute and commend all Lagosians for their unalloyed support given to us. This can be confirmed in the last Local Government elections in the state where they threw their weight behind us by voting enmasse for our party, the All Progressive Congress, which led to us winning all the Local Governments in the state. It is likewise worthy of note to praise Lagosians for their prompt response to our policies and the payment of their taxes too.
25. It is on this note, however, that I urge those who are still failing in this constitutional obligation of tax payment to make adjustments. Without tax, there will be no Lagos of our dream.
26. All our party leaders and followers in Lagos, particularly our National leader and the GAC members, let us be resolute, determined, focused and stand together in unity. Surely, we will always remain upright on our feet and victorious in every situation and condition.
27. In conclusion, may I use this medium to appreciate and commend all the well wishers who reached out to make 11/11, being my birthday, a colourful day. All the paramount rulers, the ALGON, my people from Agege, Mr Governor who took time to call in the midnight, members of the Executive Council of Lagos State, especially those who attended the party, the Attorney General, Head of Service, members of Permanent Secretary, and all my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly for their love and support, especially for daring the torrential downpour of that day when we were playing football. I also appreciate all my colleagues from my Alma Mater: LASU and Law School for the dance that went viral. At a time in one’s life, you let go your worries and discomfort and be cheerful. Of course, that was a moment I found myself that night. I had no means to exhibit that than engaging in dancing.
Once again, I thank you all for coming and wish us a fruitful Y2022.
Igbega Ipinle Eko, ajumose gbogbo wa ni.
– Rt. Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
Oyewale, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, describes the Lagos Speaker as a legislator with courage, forthrightness and diligence in providing exemplary and broadminded leadership for the Lagos Assembly.
He noted that the speaker’s leadership in the Assembly has steadily provided cohesive ambience for the executive to implement peoples oriented policies which have turned Lagos into a mega city.
In particular, Oyewale saluted the nationalistic inclinations of the Lagos Assembly Speaker who is always lending supports to NAOSRE in its national security objectives as well as his genuine concerns for Nigeria’s security situation.
Comrade Femi Oyewale
“Obasa’s greatest strength lies in his ability to look beyond religious, ethnic and political stereotyping, embracing the reality of Nigeria as one entity,” Oyewale said.
Meanwhile, aides of the Speaker had also visited an orphanage, a foundation and a school which take care of indigent children and those with special needs.
The visit, which was also part of activities to mark the Speaker’s 49th birthday, had the aides distributing various gifts, including rice, cartons of noodles, clothes and other materials.
At the Compassionate Orphanage Homes in Igando, Prince Sunday Ladipo, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, said the aides decided to celebrate with the children because of Obasa’s love for youngsters, especially those in need.
“Speaker Obasa has a large heart towards people that are disadvantaged,” he said, adding that the aides would take back the requests of the home to the right quarters.
“This visit will be in our memories. Places like this are special to our principal,” Ladipo added, according to a statement by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker.
Head of the Compassionate Orphanage Homes, Dr. Gabriel Oyediji, while thanking the group for their visit, urged the government to provide grants and assistance to homes because of the financial challenge they face taking care of children.
He said the home had raised over 200 children and given out some for adoption through the assistance of the government.
The home, he said, had also produced some graduates, some of whom are currently serving the nation.
He added that some of the grown children also enrolled into vocational institutions.
“Last year, we had our first wedding here and the family of the man was here from Osun.
“On behalf of the pupils and students, we send our love to him. We pray that his tenure would be the best,” Oyediji said as he prayed for the Speaker.
The aides also visited the Inclusive Unit For Children With Special Needs (inside the Dairy Farm Primary School), Agege and the Tunji Adebayo Foundation.
We Will Assist NDLEA Tackle Drug Abuse In Lagos – Obasa Lagos Assembly Speaker
Speaker Obasa with NDLEA officials led by Ralph Igwenagu
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has promised that the state legislature will continue to support the fight against drug abuse and its effects on the youths and residents of the state.
Obasa made the promise when he played host to top officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by its state commander, Mr. Ralph Igwenagu, on Thursday evening.
The Speaker expressed hope that a collective fight against the societal challenge would help to further sustain a safe and well-protected Lagos.
He said he was not surprised that Lagos has been described as one of the epicentres of drug abuse in the country saying with an influx of people from other states, it should be expected.
“I am not disappointed that Lagos has been rated number one. Lagos has become an abode for everybody – the good and the bad – and this has become a challenge to the government.
“That is why it is difficult for the Lagos Government to project. When you project for a certain number of people this year, before you know it, more than three times your projection will enter the state.
“That is why we make efforts to support the Federal Government by equipping the Rapid Response Squad. We also set up the Security Trust Fund, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and others to ensure that lives and property are protected,” he said adding that collaboration by stakeholders was important because the negative effects of drug abuse affects everybody since some engage in criminal activities.
The Speaker commended the NDLEA officials for attending a recent stakeholders’ meeting organised by the House to enlighten residents against drug abuse.
Earlier, Mr. Igwenagu thanked the House for organising the Stakeholders’ meeting saying it helped in reaching the grassroots of the state.
“We want to request that you sustain that exercise. We know that with you, it is possible because members of the House of Assembly are grassroots politicians and can reach out to the youths.
He said Lagos has a fair share of the challenges of drug abuse in Nigeria promising that the NDLEA would continue to work with the House to ensure continuous reduction in cases of drug abuse.
Speaker Obasa, his aides and officials of the CCB
In a related development, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has promised to collaborate with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in Lagos state.
The Speaker said this when Mrs. OK Popoola, State Director of the organisation, led other officials on a visit to the House.
Obasa said the House had always ensured accountability and transparency in all its dealings adding that the need to tackle corruption had resulted in the passage of motions and resolutions.
He said the House recently passed a law against corruption adding that even though some people misinterpreted it, the lawmakers have a consciousness that fighting corruption should be the responsibility of everybody, not just the Federal Government.
Popoola earlier commended the lawmakers for their swift responses to their asset declaration obligations.
She also urged for collaboration between the House and the CCB.
Townhall meeting: Why we must urgently curb drug abuse in Nigeria, Obasa, stakeholders speak
Speaker says Lagos Assembly passing vital laws against drug abuse
Egunjobi pleads for more efforts in fight against substance abuse
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday decried the increasing rate of drug abuse among youths and even parents in Nigeria.
The Speaker, who spoke at the 7th Annual Constituency Stakeholders‘ Meeting in his Agege Constituency 1, warned that this menace must be urgently checked to prevent its devastating effects on the growth and progress of the country.
According to Obasa, the Lagos State House of Assembly has been at the forefront of the fight against drug abuse through various legislations.
“At the Lagos State House of Assembly, the leadership and members of the House have always taken matters affecting residents and especially the youths very passionately.
“The House has continued to be proactive in the consideration of viable laws and policies that would enhance youth potentials and development.
“Some of the recent laws that are passed attest to government’s efforts on this matter and these include the law to amend the Lagos State Sports Commission law of 2015 to promote youth and sports development in Lagos and for connected purposes.
“The law will ensure that youths are provided with great opportunities not only in the area of recreation but where they can nurture, explore and utilise their potentials in sporting activities to become professional sportsmen and women.
“This would also take the minds of many of them off drug abuse and criminal activities,” the Speaker said.
Obasa listed other youth-oriented bills considered by the House to include two recent ones for the establishment of a university of education and another for the establishment of a university of science and technology, which aims to address the inadequacies in polytechnic education system in Nigeria.
“While the passage of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps is aimed at ensuring the safety of all in our neighbourhood, the prevalence of drug abuse amongst adults and youths, if not effectively addressed and curbed, will jeopardise the entire efforts of the House in the establishment of a safe, peaceful, and livable society.
“Consequently, we call on all stakeholders, residents, parents, teachers, students, school proprietors, religious organisations, celebrities, social media influencers, professional bodies, the academia, civil society organisations and community leaders to work in concert with the government for the common good of our society by saying ‘no to drug abuse trafficking’,” he said.
In his address at the event, the chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, lamented that drug abuse had become so alarming that Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), recommended tests for public office holders, intending couples and admission seekers.
“If we continue in this manner and fail to salvage the situation, in no distant future, there would be an increase in the population of persons with drug abuse-induced health problems,” he warned.
Guests, who spoke at the event, commended the Speaker for the various projects he had attracted to the constituency. They also emphasised the need to effectively curb drug abuse with the clergy promising to carry the campaign to worship centres.
Ease of doing business: Speaker Obasa challenges NIPOST on new ideas
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has promised that the House would collaborate with any organisation that aims to assist the state with the ease of doing business.
Speaker Obasa made this promise on Wednesday when he received a team from the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) led by Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Post Master-General of the Federation.
“I want to assure you that Lagos is always ready to collaborate with any institution that is willing to work with us for the progress of the state.
“This House of Assembly is ready to work with you. The House is always ready to support with legislations and resolutions to enhance the ease of doing business in the state,” Obasa told the team.
The Speaker expressed optimism that NIPOST will succeed especially with the recent amendment to a law with the result being that the organisation now has the opportunity of a public/private partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“I commend the Senate, particularly the chairman, Committee on Communications, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the good job done in amending the NIPOST law,” he said while urging the officials to take advantage of amendment to revolutionise the organisation’s mode of operations.
Noting that Nigerians now device various means of getting goods and services to their targets including using commercial bus drivers, the Speaker said he looked forward to that period when people’s interests in NIPOST would be rekindled like it was in the past.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Adewusi, who said he was proud to be associated with Lagos as a result of the successes recorded by state, commended Speaker Obasa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for playing roles that have assisted the state with its growth and development.
Adewusi, a former commissioner for economic planning in Lagos, however, lamented that internet technology had altered the operational efficiency of the postal services across the world, but added that this had not deterred his team at NIPOST.
“We have started the process of reform which is culminating in the unbundling of the Nigerian Postal Service to now have a property company, a logistics and transport company, and a bank. We have started this process and I believe that by the time I conclude my five-year tenure, we would have succeeded,” he said.
Adewusi explained that by virtue of its assignments, NIPOST is supposed to regulate logistics and courier companies and that this include licensing of motorcycles used for such businesses.
He said his organisation needed the support of the House with legislations that would help ease the task before it especially as it relates to registration of dispatch riders, issuance of identity cards and tracking locations.
He also sought the support and collaboration of the House in the area of training arrangements for motorcyclists and the use of the ‘address verification solution’, an idea of NIPOST aimed at tackling insecurity and crime in the country.
