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400 traders, artisans empowered as Gbenga Daniel launches microcredit scheme
The Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Gbenga Daniel, has flagged off a multi-million naira interest-free microcredit scheme for petty traders and artisans in markets across his senatorial district.
No fewer than 400 traders and artisans from the nine local government areas of Ogun East Senatorial District were selected as beneficiaries of the first phase of the revolving loan scheme.
The launch of the scheme for Remo Federal Constituency took place at the Asoludero Hall, GRA, Sagamu on Sunday while a similar exercise was held on Monday at the Obalofin Hall, Conference Hotels, Ijebu-Ode for the Ijebu Federal Constituencies.
Speaking at the events organised by the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), Daniel said the microcredit scheme was consistent with his mission to uplift his constituents and improve their socio-economic well-being.
According to him, the scheme would provide the beneficiaries with the needed financial support to expand their businesses and also help to alleviate poverty.
The lawmaker, who stated that he envisioned a thriving and prosperous Ogun East, disclosed that the disbursement of the loans would take place every three months.
He used the occasion to thank the traders and other stakeholders for their huge support for him and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections.
Daniel assured that he would use the National Assembly as a platform to continue to render selfless service and impact positively on the lives of his people.
He said, “What we have done today is not because of elections; it’s because of our resolve and the covenant with God that we must render assistance to the people. My prayer is that destiny helpers would locate us all.”
“What I want to tell you is that anything we are given, let us not say it is small or big. Let us use it judiciously. You have heard that it’s interest-free loan that would benefit a lot of people. The beneficiaries of this revolving loan should not default so that others can also enjoy the privilege.”
“If we continue like this, poverty will be eradicated in our land. A lot of our politicians often disappear from the radar after the elections only to resurface when another round of elections is approaching. That’s not our own style.”
Daniel, who was former governor of Ogun State, noted that poverty would drastically reduce in the country if the elite carry out initiatives to empower the less privileged.
He restated his commitment to impactful legislation, responsive leadership and adequate representation towards bringing governance closer to the grassroots and deepening the dividends of democracy.
The lawmaker pointed out that he had already identified key areas requiring urgent legislative intervention and would specifically sponsor bills to address the strategic needs of his teeming constituents.
In his remarks, the Babalaje General of Remoland, Chief Joseph Ogunfuwa, commended the Senator for his kind gesture and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the loans for the intended purposes.
News
Cross-River workers embark on warning strike over non-implementation of minimum wage
Civil servants in Cross River state have commenced a strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had slated November 25 and 26 for the warning strike.
They warned that the industrial action would be followed by a total strike should the government fail to do the needful before December 1.
Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, appealed to the unions to shelve the plan and “support the government in its quest to improve the lot of our people”.
The governor made the appeal at the 5th edition of the state solemn assembly at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Otu said his administration is committed to the welfare of workers.
“I appeal to the leadership of organised labour and all affiliates of the NLC and TUC to suspend their planned strike,” he had said.
“I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law. The legislation increased the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
On November 11, NLC announced November 30 as the deadline for all state governments to implement the new minimum wage.
The union ordered its members to embark on an indefinite strike in states where the new minimum wage is yet to be implemented.
However, several states have begun implementation of the new wage.
News
Driver escapes death as 40ft container falls on car in Lagos
A yet-to-be-identified driver luckily escaped death on Monday morning when a 40-foot-laden container fell onto a Toyota Camry, with registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa Ports, Lagos.
The accident, according to an eyewitness, happened at about 8 a.m.
Fortunately, the driver of the car was rescued by the prompt intervention and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.
Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.
Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container.
As of 9.30 am, efforts to evacuate the fallen container were in full swing, while LASTMA officers managed the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.
He stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
News
Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island
The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.
The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.
“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.
“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.
The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.
Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.
At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.
She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.
The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.
He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.
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