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Exclusive: Jide Sanwoolu Joins Lagos APC Governorship Race

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A former Special Adviser to Mr. Femi Pedro as Deputy Governor of Lagos State as well as Special Adviser to former Governor Bola Tinubu before becoming a full Commissioner for Establishment in 2007, Mr. Jide Sanwoolu, has joined the governorship race on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC)

Below is the details of Jide Sanwoolu:

SANWO-OLU Babajide Olusola is widely regarded as a public sector expert in
human resources and policy formation a power sector consultant per excellence,
an astute banker, a compelling public speaker and an inspirational leader. Apart
from a robust public sector service experience which spanned over eight years during
which he was Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Honourable
Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Honourable Commissioner for
Establishments and Training, Lagos State, at different times, the very dynamic Babajide
also has an enviable background in the private sector and close to ten years of exemplary
banking experience during which he contributed immensely to the growth and
development of Lead Bank Plc, UBA, and First Atlantic Bank (now First City Monument
Bank) in various critical capacities.
He has distinguished himself as a boardroom guru and has since become a widely
recognised force in both the private and public sector, serving as Board member,
Department for International Development, DFID/DEEPEN Fund; Member of the Board
Audit Committee of Caverton Offshore Services Group, PLC and as Director, Light Level
Nigeria Limited, the foremost digital signage company in Nigeria.
He also serves as Chairman for a number of thriving organisations, including Baywatch
Group Limited – a multifaceted company with interests in construction, property
development and human capital development – where he has served as Chairman/CEO
since July 2011. First Class Group Limited, a cooling, power and maintenance solutions
provider recognised widely for providing critical support for all major
telecommunications company in the area of specialised cooling. Powercap Consulting, a
leading power consulting boutique with vast experience in power privatisation exercise.
Beryl Shelter, an estate management rm that specialises in research, marketing
intelligence and sales of high end properties. Wow! Interiors, an interior design services
and luxury furniture retail store for high end corporate and residential clients.
As Treasurer at Lead Bank Plc between 1994 and 1997, Babajide managed the liquid asset
of the bank and general funding requirements on a daily basis. At United Bank for Africa,
UBA, he was Senior Manager (Head, Foreign Money Market) managing the bank’s
liquidity position vis a vis protability. He was also responsible for articulating and implementing the bank’s strategy in Investment Banking activities and Issuing House and
Portfolio Management.
Subsequently, Babajide rose to the position of Deputy General Manager (Divisional Head)
at First Inland Bank Plc, where he was Corporate Financial Advisor to several
multinational companies. He also supervised the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
privatisation projects including the concession of the National Arts Theatre, and the Lagos
Trade International Fair Complex, the acquisition of Ikoyi Hotels Limited as well as the
Federal Government Debt Conversion Programme.
His meteoric rise within the system of the Lagos State government is particularly
exemplary; testament to his unique leadership abilities and exceptional contributions to
good governance within the State.
Babajide’s appointment, in 2003, as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the Deputy
Governor, took the government circles by storm. However, the consequent recognition
which he quickly gained, coupled with his outstanding performance earned him the same
job title and description again, this time, with the Executive Governor himself after only
one year.
Working directly with the Governor, he was responsible for creating an environment that
fosters private sector participation and was instrumental to the present situation where
members of the private sector see themselves as stakeholders in the governance of the
State. He also formulated policies and programmes to improve the relationship between
government and Organized Private Sector (OPS).
In conjunction with other agencies of government, Babajide was able to initiate, identify,
promote and structure new projects and programmes in areas like the Environment,
Transportation, Commerce, Finance and Infrastructure while also preparing and tracking
the Internally Generated Revenue from various agencies including the BIR and analysing
same for the Governor.
He was also responsible for the preparation and publication of the Lagos State Economic
Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS).
While still serving in this capacity, Babajide was appointed acting Honourable
Commissioner, Economic Planning and Budget, owing to his hard work and attention to
details. He became responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for the State
Government and the processing of the annual budget of the different parastatals; a duty
he performed judiciously.
It was no surprise therefore, when in 2007, he became the Honourable Commissioner for
Commerce and Industry until the end of that administration. At the start of the next
administration, Babajide was again appointed Honourable Commissioner, this time, for
Establishments, Training and Pensions.
Babajide’s stirring team playing ability was evident in the critical roles he played within
the government in partnership with several units and ofces. For instance, in conjunction
with the Head of Service, he was responsible for timely review of salaries, wages and
allowances while he also articulated the state government’s Conditions of Service. As a
security awareness expert, he helped set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and
subsequently became a board member for over four years.
Although he holds an MBA and a B.Sc in Surveying from the University of Lagos, his
quest for knowledge has taken him to several courses and trainings in several continents
of the world, including Europe, USA, Asia and Africa. He is an alumnus of the prestigious
Kennedy School of Government, USA; the London Business School as well as the Lagos
Business School, LBS.
Babajide is also an associate member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel
Management (CIPM) and fellow of The Nigeria Institute of Training and Development
(NITAD).
A man of admirable social skills, he also nds some time for leisure and social activities
amidst his demanding itinerary, as he is a member of the Ikoyi Club, the Island Club, as
well as the Clear Essence Health Club.
Babajide’s laudable achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has received several
awards in recognition of his tremendous contributions to society. They include the
Symbol of Excellence award from the Civic Enlightenment Association of Nigeria, a Gold
mentor award from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives (NANNM), a
Platinum award from the Lagos State Public Service Club and the 2009 Best in Human
Capital Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He has also received
several merit awards from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered
Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN) amongst others.
He is happily married to Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and they are blessed with children.

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Again, DStv, Gotv Jack Up Subscription Rates

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Broadcasting company Multichoice has jacked up the prices of its offerings in Nigeria four months after its last increment.

The company reviewed prices in its packages across the board. The new prices will take effect from May 1, 2024.

With the latest price hike, the DStv Premium package increased from N29,500 to N37,000. Similarly, the DStv Compact+ went up from N19,800 to N25,000 while the Compact package increased from N12,500 to N15,700.

The Comfam package moved from N7,400 to N9,300. Yanga package moved up from 4,200 to N5,100 while Padi package increased from N2,950 to N3,600. HDPVR was increased from N4,000 to N5,000, the Access Fees package from N4,000 to N5,000, and XtraView moved from N4,000 to N5,000.

Meanwhile, the Gotv Supa+ package moved from N12,500 to N15,700, Supa package from N7,600 to N9,600, and Max package from N5,700 to N7,200.

While the Jolli package was jacked up from N3,950 to N4,850, the Jinja package moved from N2,700 to N3,300, and Smallie package from N1,300 to N1,575.

READ  Niger Coup: ECOWAS leaders in Abuja for emergency meeting

It will be recalled that the company implemented an upward review of prices in December 2023, days after announcing a $72m loss in its financial statement for the third quarter of the year.

Checks on the company’s reviewed price list then showed a 20 per cent per cent hike in the company’s packages across the board.

 

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I’ll Resign If Yaya Bello Eacapes Prosecution, EFCC Chair Vows

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Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has sworn to follow the prosecution of the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to a logical conclusion.

In a chat with journalists at the EFCC Headquarters in the Jabi area of Abuja on Tuesday, the anti-graft crusader vowed to resign as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.

He added that all those who obstructed the arrest of the former governor would be brought to justice.

The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

He said that no matter what anyone does or the amount of attack against the anti-graft agency, he and his men will not relent in helping to sanitise the country.

Olukoyede said the EFCC needs the support of Nigerians to succeed, emphasizing that if the agency fails, Nigeria fails. He stated that the efforts made currently have helped the value of the Naira and the foreign market.

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Kwibuka 30: Nigerian Community In Rwanda Visits Kigali Genocide Memorial

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By Dolapo Aina

The 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi commenced in Rwanda on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The commemoration is called Kwibuka which in Kinyarwanda means “to remember.”
For clarity and context, April 7th 2024 marked the start of Kwibuka 30, the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which began on April 7th 1994. As with other commemorations, the Kigali Genocide Memorial was a focal point as the flame of remembrance was lit and global dignitaries placed wreaths at the mass graves. The memorial is normally closed to the public for part of the day on April 7th, with attendance at the lighting of the flame by invitation only.
In and around Kigali during the first week of the commemoration, a plethora of commemorations took place to mark Kwibuka 30 and different events took place during its first week in particular. Bars, clubs and public leisure facilities are usually closed for the week and this was so, this year.
The Nigerian Community in Rwanda marked Kwibuka 30 with a walk to the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Saturday, the 13th of April 2024. The walk had members (old, new and friends) of the Nigerian Community who gathered in the rain and walked to the location of the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi where the remains of over 250,000 people are interred.
A tour of the memorial complex ensued and the members of the Nigerian community watched a documentary in the viewing room. The documentary featured survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi who usually visit the memorial to pay their silent respect and reflections to loved ones who are buried in the burial grounds of the Genocide Memorial.
Walking through the hallways and rooms, Nigerians read the stories on the hallways and discussed amongst themselves. For some, it was their first time at the memorial, for others, it was the umpteenth visit. For Dolapo Aina, I have been visiting the memorial since April 2014 and for each visit (numbering close to 70 visits), I come out with a newer and clearer understanding. It was a sombre period going through the hallways and rooms as some people could not go through the emotions of going into the children’s room. Wreaths were laid at the grave site section and the members of the Nigerian community proceeded to a serene area of the complex facing the amphitheatre where there was a deep hour conversation with one of the officials of the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Mr Jean Claude Mugisha (an official of the memorial in Gisozi) practically took the Nigerian community through the genesis of the history of Rwanda and the beginning of pogroms from the 1950s culminating in the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi. In Mr Mugabe words; “I have been able to forgive. Also, I am involved in unity and reconciliation activities and learning from the power of forgiveness.” Discussions also centred on justice systems, the role of Gacaca court system, reconciliation and nation building. Members of the Nigerian Community asked questions which were answered. Some of the questions triggered areas of collaboration.
Dolapo Aina got the thoughts of some Nigerians resident in Rwanda and who took part in the walk to the Genocide Memorial. Their responses were based on the following questions. Why did you partake in the walk organised by the Nigerian Community in Rwanda to commemorate Kwibuka 30? What was the experience like? Do describe your thoughts when you visited the Genocide Memorial? What stood out to you from the conversation the Nigerian Community had with officials of the Kigali Genocide Memorial? What lessons did you learn from the visit of the Nigerian Community to the Genocide Memorial?
Mr David Oboh in his words; “I partook in the walk to identify with a nation that experienced one of the worst crimes to humanity but today has become a beacon of hope to African nations that things can actually turn around for the better if you decide to. It was heart-wrenching seeing the bones and pictures of the victims murdered in cold blood by family members, neighbours and long-time friends.” On the third question about what stood out during the conversation, Mr Oboh said; “That a man after 15 years in jail came out and still committed murder because he thought he had killed everyone in a family. His mind had not left the past.” He also stated that; “The memorial is a reminder to all that history not forgotten cannot be repeated.”
In Ms. Mercy Odebode’s words: “It not my first time visiting the memorial but this was a different experience for me because it made me realise why Rwandans tend to certain things and also don’t do certain things. For example, viewing religions especially religious institutions like the church differently from the way Nigerians would view it.” She stated that what stood out for her was: “The peace education stood out for me.” On lessons learnt from the visit by the Nigerian community; “First spread peace and not hate. Secondly, forgiveness is not an obligation, you choose to forgive. However, it is good to educate people about forgiveness, educate to forgive and then you proceed with reconciliation.”
Mr. Ogah Ogbole stated that: “The walk by the Nigerian community is something I would not want to miss anytime. I have the opportunity to do so with my fellow countrymen. My experience visiting the memorial and my thoughts can be summed up as ⁠heartbreaking to see fellow Africans killed in cold blood, by their own brothers. Something must have gone wrong somewhere. What stood out for me during the conversation with the officials of the memorial was that Rwandans understand history; they know how to resolve conflict and they know how to move forward. And I learnt to love my brother and my neighbour. More especially, seeing the Rwandans committed to remain one despite the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi blows my mind.”
Another Nigerian, Mr Kelechi Anyanwu stated that: “Partaking in the walk organised by Nigerian Community in Rwanda to commemorate Kwibuka 30 is a civic responsibility which I owe the host country; to stand in solidarity with them at this time of remembrance and in all times. I have visited the genocide memorial site more than 20 times within the short period that I’ve lived here in Rwanda. And every time I visit, I weep. Never will I stop visiting because it offers and brings me close to the reality of sober reflection that one day we shall all be gone and will only be remembered by those we left behind and how we left, will matter. Did we impact their lives positively or negatively? What will you be remembered for?”
On the experience and thoughts about visiting, Mr Anyanwu went thus: “It is also a constant reminder of how desperately wicked people’s hearts can be. With few exceptions. Lions, the king of the jungle don’t kill lions even as animals. Howbeit human beings with 6th sense got to the level of committing such crime against humanity! Therefore, visiting the Genocide memorial site is to provoke the whys and hows and arrive at a conclusion of never again should we condole or tolerate the killing of each other. Let’s love and not hate. The tour and the speech by the officials were quite insightful and significant as it left us with a better understanding of the effects of genocidal damage to humanity. The process of restoration. restitution, rehabilitation and reuniting to rebuild a nation for all; are the testaments of genocide survivors.”

Another Nigerian, Mr Cosmas Anakwue stated; “I took part in the walk to support the Nigerian community and to support Rwanda’s commemoration of Kwibuka 30. My experience at the memorial was good as it was an eye opener; it was informative and educational. What stood out for me was the attention given to the Genocide events and how we can relate it to our history as Nigerians. And one of the lessons I learnt was that we should use our bad history as a building block for our various nations in unity, peace and progress.
According to Kwibuka Rwanda, Kwibuka marks a generational cycle since The Genocide Against The Tutsi was put to an end. And it is a time to reflect on Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding strength, resilience, and unity. It now falls to new generations to sustain and carry forward this progress, adapting to today’s global challenges to achieve Rwanda’s aspirations.
The Nigerian Community in Rwanda commenced commemorating Kwibuka with a walk to the Genocide memorial in 2019.

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