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Oreoluwa Finnih leads Stakeholders in charting path for building sustainable Lagos….

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4 months ago

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A 2022 report by the Office of Sustainable Goals revealed a startling statistic: about 3 million Lagosians, that is 10 percent of the total population, live in hard-to-reach or underserved communities.

 

This figure, compounded by the city’s rapid population growth, urbanisation, and projected rise in sea levels is posing a threat to the resilience of Lagos.

 

In a bid to change this narrative and build a resilient and sustainable Lagos State, Oreoluwa Finnih, the special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sustainable Development Goals recently gathered stakeholders across the country to discuss how best to achieve sustainable development goals for Lagos State.

 

 

Themed ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos,’ Finnih hinted that the Lagos State Sustainability Summit is symbolic of Nigeria’s unity and commitment towards achieving a sustainable future for Lagos and significantly reflects the country’s shared purpose, collective responsibility, and resoluteness in guaranteeing a better and more sustainable Lagos for future generations.

 

 

Finnih said the summit is only a result of a genuine collaboration and a thirst for excellence, adding that beyond this summit, she and her team have pooled resources, expertise, and resolve together to align their activities with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that the vision of a sustainable and resilient Lagos becomes a reality.

 

 

This, she said, is because her commitment is not merely superficial; but demonstrated through the integrated policies, strategic partnerships, and concerted efforts that they are witnessing.

 

This summit, she said, is one major outcome and an example of these endeavours. The theme for this summit, ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Lagos’ was neither randomly decided, nor is it out of place. It is a deliberate choice that mirrors our ambition of Lagos Sustainability Vision.

 

“In fact, it is built around the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG), fundamental principles of social responsibility, equitable development, and the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable growth and development.

 

“Building a sustainable Lagos has never been more important than now because of the surmounting pressures ahead. Going by the United Nations 2030 sustainability agenda, we are left with just six years to attain the sustainable development goals.

 

“Although Lagos remains ahead in the sustainability journey, we still face unique challenges that range from rapid urbanisation to a growing population, and increased vulnerability to the impacts of climate change,” Finnih explained.

 

 

She recognised the tireless efforts of three critical bodies who have been instrumental to the realisation of this summit: the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (OSDG), the Lagos State Safety Commission, and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

 

She said the OSDG’s mandate has evolved to lead as the principal SDG coordinator in Lagos by championing initiatives that accelerate the attainment of the 17 goals. For us, sustainability is the practice of meeting today’s needs without compromising the future generation’s ability to meet their own needs.

 

She stressed that the OSDG execution strategy is and will remain characteristically innovative, inclusive, and practical.

 

Finnih said she and her team has refined strategy on four pillars: Strategic Planning which aligns state-level initiatives with global sustainability targets, resource mobilisation, which secures the financial, technical, and human resources including forming strategic partnerships, advocacy and awareness which engages all sectors on the importance of sustainability, and of course monitoring & evaluation to track their progress, assess impact, and make informed adjustments to meet her objectives.

 

In essence, she added that these pillars are directed towards the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, closely aligned with the SDGs, to reinforce our commitment to establishing Lagos as Africa’s Mega City.

 

 

For this cause, we have commissioned the OSDG Lighthouse Project, a flagship programme targeted at improving the livelihood of thousands of Lagosians in hard-to-reach or underserved communities.

 

“We have also commenced the Lagos Minds Project geared towards bettering the mental well-being of our teeming young population.

 

“We are also building a comprehensive data repository to guide the OSDG and other stakeholders in evidence-based decision-making.

 

“The OSDG has also designed a comprehensive framework and assembled a dedicated team for extensive monitoring and evaluation across both the public and private sectors. This is to compare our baseline and target outcomes and drive the change we seek,” she said.

 

 

During his keynote address, Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary and chief executive officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria said the FRC plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability practices through several key functions and initiatives which includes establishing and enforcing reporting standard, promoting best practices in corporate governance, training and education, facilitating transparency and accountability, monitoring and compliance, encouraging innovation and adoption of sustainable practice and collaboration with stakeholders.

 

 

Olowo mentioned five thematic levers for aligning financial strategies with the sustainable development goals to include better prioritization of resource allocation ( Budgeting), focusing on service delivery and outcomes, sustainable financing, economic empowerment and sustainability reporting.

 

 

He said FRC is not relenting on its efforts to promote and enforce sustainability practices, support innovation, and collaborate with various stakeholders.

 

“By doing so, we will help drive Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

 

“The FRC alone cannot handle this task and that’s why partnerships like this are the only way to advance sustainability practices in Lagos. This is a responsibility that the FRC is happy to execute with all the seriousness that it deserves,” he added.

 

Also speaking at the summit, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State said the summit serves as a pivotal moment to build consensus and forge new partnerships around the priorities shared.

 

 

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, Lagos State said Lagos State Development Plan (2022–2052) sets the framework for our long-term vision. It emphasizes four key pillars: economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, and environmental sustainability.

 

 

At the heart of this plan, he said, is a commitment to using technology, innovation, and inclusive governance to build a city capable of adapting to an unpredictable future.

 

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, like many urban centers worldwide, faces increasing pressures from rapid urbanization, climate change, and social inequality.

 

He said but instead of being daunted by these challenges, he sees them as opportunities to shape a Lagos that thrives on resilience and sustainability.

 

“Sustainability has always been central to our developmental agenda. In 2021, Lagos became the first sub-national government to activate the $1 trillion Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Program, paving the way for sustainable finance in urban development.

 

 

This bold move is more than just a financial milestone, It is a testament to our commitment to building a greener, smarter Lagos.

 

“Our Lagos Climate Action Plan sets ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It encompasses critical sectors such as energy, food systems, manufacturing, transportation, and urban infrastructure.

 

 

By mobilizing resources towards green projects, we are driving the systemic changes needed to foster sustainable growth without compromising our environment or the well-being of our people,” the governor explained.

 

He disclosed that Lagos is also pushing forward with projects such as the Circular Lagos Project, which promotes zero waste and a circular economy.

 

These initiatives, he said underscore its focus on long-term strategies that unlock the potential within the sustainability ecosystem and support Lagosians in living more harmoniously within the city.

 

 

Sustainability is not just about the environment; it is about creating a city that works for everyone. The future we envision for Lagos is one where no one is left behind. Our city planning must address the needs of all residents—urban and rural alike—and consider the cross-sectoral impact of our policies.

 

 

We are dedicated to creating public spaces and services that promote social interaction, safety, and inclusivity. Cities are made by people, and they must be for the people.

 

“This means ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or background, have

access to the resources and opportunities that will enable them to thrive,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oreoluwafinnih_lagossustainabilitysummit-sustainablelagos-activity-7239992144046751744-Zc4O?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android

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Federal High Court Asked To Wind Up Sunrise Products Ltd Over Alleged Debts

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7 hours ago

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January 14, 2025

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The Federal High Court In Lagos State is set to hear a case, seeking the liquidation of a Lagos-based firm, Sunrise Products Ltd, due to alleged failure to settle a debt amounting to $2,587,891.21 and N276,567,150.63.

The suit alleged that the Lagos company is bankrupt and ignored demands for payment, despite being served the statutory three-week notice required under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).

Nova Commercial Bank, a financial institution, brought the suit, asking the Federal High Court, Lagos, to grant an order winding up Sunrise Products Ltd for failure to liquidate the debts.

The petitioner made the winding-up prayer in a petition filed on December 19, 2024, by its counsel, Mr. Kemi Balogun (SAN), in a suit FHC/L/CP/2357/24 and obtained on Monday.

Specifically, the petitioner prayed for “an order granting leave to the Petitioner/Applicant to advertise the winding-up petition of the respondent in the Federal Government Official Gazette, one national daily newspaper, and other newspapers circulating in Lagos State, where the registered office and principal place of business of the respondent are located, or in such other newspaper as the Court may direct, in compliance with the Companies Winding-Up Rules 2001.”

Furthermore, the bank informed the court that there is “a real and imminent risk of the Respondent dissipating and disposing of its assets within jurisdiction.”

It prayed the court to make other orders to preserve the debtor’s assets; otherwise, the judgment of the court in the suit, if given in favor of the Petitioner, would be rendered nugatory, and the petitioner would be left with nothing.

Joined in the suit are the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and 21 banks.

The motion on notice prayed for several reliefs, including “an order appointing the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Lagos, as Provisional Liquidator to take over and oversee the affairs and continuous running of the Respondent’s company, pending the grant of the winding-up order.

“An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Respondents, their directors, members of staff, management, employees, officers, agents, privies, or any other person or group of persons whatsoever under the Respondent’s authority or any other authority (howsoever derived or sourced) from operating, withdrawing from, and/or otherwise tampering with the Respondent’s funds under whatsoever name or guise in the cited financial institutions, pending the grant of the petition.

“An order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Respondent, their agents, servants, and/or privies from tampering with, alienating, transferring, and/or otherwise dissipating or appropriating the Respondent’s fixed and movable assets, howsoever described and called, pending the grant of the winding-up order.”

 

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I have voice, video evidence that’ll expose Gov Yusuf, Kwankwaso – Sacked SSG, Bichi

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4 days ago

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January 10, 2025

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Former Secretary to the Kano State government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, has threatened to unveil details about Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Bichi said he had compromising documents, voice recordings, and videos that he would expose “when the time is right.”

He spoke while addressing the public for the first time since being dismissed from his position, along with five other commissioners, by the governor in December 2024.

Addressing his supporters on Thursday, shortly after his return from Saudi Arabia, the former SSG promised to reveal the actions of his previous political allies.

He said, “I’m happy that I have finished my tenure in peace. As you know, this is not the best time to talk, but at the appropriate time we will expose them so that people will understand the kind of people they are.

“They are not trustworthy people. They’re very deceptive. They don’t know anything except treachery and betrayal. They are not people to be trusted.

“We have documented everything from written to audio and video evidence.”

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Interview

Works Minister threatens to terminate road construction contract over delay

Published

5 days ago

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January 10, 2025

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned the contractor of the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction – Onne Junction), Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, to deploy more resources to hasten the pace of work or face re-scoping or termination of the contract.

While expressing satisfaction with the quality of work done, the Minister reminded the contractor that it has up to the end of April 2025 to deliver a section of the carriageway.

He handed down the warning on Wednesday while inspecting the progress of work on the project.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Thursday said Umahi began an inspection on ongoing road projects in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones, starting with Section III of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Umuahia – Aba).

“The ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor who does not meet his contractual obligations will face consequences, cumulating into a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract,” he warned.

The minister also expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on Section IV (Aba – Port Harcourt) of the same alignment being handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company.

According to him, only N7bn out of the N21bn provided for the project, last year has been accessed.

Consequently, he instructed the Federal Controller of Works, Rivers State, to issue a warning to the contractor, promising to terminate it if there were no improvements in the tempo of work.

He applauded the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. on the quality of work but instructed them to deploy in two more sites to speed up the construction and, most importantly, meet the set dateline.

The tour of duty, the statement said, also took the minister to the Bodo-Bonny Road, where he, again, voiced discontent with the level of work achieved.

He prodded the contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc to upscale their deployment of men, materials and machines, despite working throughout the Yuletide holidays.

The project, a critical component of the South-South zone’s infrastructure development, is a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island.

The statement added, “At all construction sites visited, Umahi stressed the urgency to meet deadlines, emphasising that all federal contractors must intensify their efforts to ensure the timely realisation of projects, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, succinctly captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The essence is to improve connectivity, as well as stimulate socio-economic growth.”

The minister further issued clear directives to federal controllers of works to present at least four completed projects, each, for commissioning from February to 20th May, this year.

“The expectation is that every controller delivers on his mandates, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays,” he declared.

In light of the delay in the delivery of some projects, the minister cautioned that the Ministry is poised to take decisive action.

According to him, such actions would apply to all underperforming contracts.

Despite the challenges, he reassured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects, as well as the four legacy projects he initiated.

“The President has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors, who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course,” he assured.

Umahi said the ministry will continue to closely monitor all ongoing projects, ensuring that they align with President Tinubu’s vision for accelerated national growth and development.

He concluded by calling for greater teamwork from all stakeholders in the management and delivery of road and bridge projects.

“We all need to work together – government, contractors and the general public towards ensuring that deadlines are met. No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects,” he stated.

Last year, the minister terminated 10 stalled projects, which had lasted over 17 years.

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