Politics

Lagos Health Commissioner Abayomi, SA Assume Duty

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2023

The recently inaugurated Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, officially assumed their duties in Lagos State. They jointly pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders in a comprehensive effort to rejuvenate, remodel, reposition, and repurpose the state’s healthcare sector, with the ultimate goal of becoming the premier medical tourism destination in Sub-Saharan Africa.

During a reception ceremony hosted in their honor by the Ministry of Health’s management and staff, Abayomi and Finnih-Awokoya implored the support and cooperation of all healthcare stakeholders. Their objective is to align with the present administration’s health mandate, which centers on enhancing access to high-quality and efficient healthcare services while achieving universal health coverage.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve a second term as the Commissioner for Health, Abayomi acknowledged the trust bestowed upon him by the Governor and the people of Lagos. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system. Abayomi highlighted the critical initiatives his team will prioritize, including the transformation of healthcare infrastructure and addressing the issue of medical personnel brain drain.

Moreover, the Commissioner underscored the Ministry of Health’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by alternative health practitioners. He announced plans to provide them with essential training, accreditation, and integration into the state’s healthcare system.

Abayomi extended his appreciation to the Permanent Secretaries in the State Health Sector, particularly Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, Permanent Secretary of the Health Service Commission, and Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, for their dedicated service during the period after the dissolution of the last cabinet.

In alignment with the vision of healthcare progress, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, affirmed her commitment to fostering partnership, collaboration, and friendship within the health sector. Leveraging her extensive experience, particularly at the primary health level, she pledged to rectify shortcomings and collaborate with all stakeholders to deliver high-quality, efficient, and equitable healthcare services to the residents of Lagos.

Finnih-Awokoya expressed gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for granting her the unique opportunity to serve the people of Lagos. She promised to serve with diligence, compassion, empathy, and impartiality.

In his welcome address, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, hailed the appointments of Prof. Akin Abayomi and Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya as Commissioner and Special Adviser, respectively, as a positive sign for the state’s healthcare sector. He declared it the commencement of a transformative era in the sector.

Acknowledging the complexity and public scrutiny surrounding the healthcare sector, Ogboye recognized the challenging task ahead. However, he pointed out that the restructuring of the health sector into health districts for streamlined administration will greatly aid in achieving the health mandate.

The Commissioner and Special Adviser were warmly received in the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Health by senior government officials within the health sector.

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Politics

Lagos State House of Assembly powers justify suspension of Alimosho chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 8, 2024

Lanre

The Lagos Assembly clarifies that its suspension of Alimosho chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, is legally backed, in line with statutory provisions.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, citing legal provisions, defends its power to suspend the Alimosho council chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, amidst public outcry.

The Lagos State House of Assembly exercised its legislative powers to suspend Alimosho Local Government Area chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, citing statutory provisions as the legal basis.

The Assembly responded to criticism from Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr Abdul Mahmud, clarifying that their actions were in line with the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Section 24(a) of the Local Government Administration Law empowers the Assembly to suspend or remove council officials following investigations.

Furthermore, Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to investigate matters under its jurisdiction.

The Assembly’s response stressed that local government councils, including their chairmen, derive authority from state law, which the Assembly creates and enforces.

The Assembly criticised attempts to sway public sentiment with emotional rhetoric, arguing that the laws are clear on legislative oversight.

It highlighted previous suspensions of the same chairman for violating local government regulations, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to accountability.

It also rebuffed any comparison between the powers of the National Assembly and state legislatures in local government affairs, stating that only the state legislature holds such authority.

This legal stance ensures that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains the guiding force in maintaining order and transparency within local governments, further dismissing counterarguments that misinterpret legislative boundaries.

Politics

Lagos Assembly imposes indefinite suspension on Alimosho local government chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 7, 2024

Lanre

Indefinite Suspension of Alimosho Local Government Chairman

The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued an indefinite suspension to Jelili Sulaimon, the chairman of Alimosho Local Government, effective immediately.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has placed Alimosho Local Government Chairman Jelili Sulaimon under indefinite suspension. The suspension takes immediate effect following a plenary session where lawmakers reached a unanimous decision.

Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson is appointed to oversee the council’s operations during this period. The Assembly has instructed the council’s management, including the treasurer, to support Johnson fully.

Also read: Lagos waterways tourism boosted by innovative marine investments

The suspension stems from allegations of non-compliance and misconduct by Sulaimon. Honourable Sanni Okanlawon, chair of the Local Government Administration Committee, initiated the motion. He recounted a serious incident in April 2024 that led to the death of Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Okanlawon’s investigation revealed Sulaimon’s role in the chaos. Despite invitations to stakeholders, Sulaimon demonstrated ongoing defiance toward the Assembly. His mismanagement of public funds and failure to follow directives warranted immediate action.

Majority Leader Noheem Adams supported the suspension, emphasizing the need for accountability among local government leaders. Other lawmakers echoed concerns about Sulaimon’s disregard for procurement processes and budget adherence.

Honourable Nureni Akinsanya highlighted a report from the State Auditor-General that identified significant financial irregularities in Sulaimon’s records. The report’s findings reinforced the call for suspension.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, confirmed the Assembly’s resolution and directed the Clerk to inform relevant authorities.

Politics

Makinde suspends Oyo monarch

Published

12 months ago

February 3, 2024

Lanre

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Council of the state.

The government, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

“I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido local council.