EXCLUSIVE: 2023: Crack in Lagos APC as Speaker, Obasa sacks aide for eyeing Sanwo-Olu's job

By Dansu Peter 

Therẹ appear to be a 

major crack in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos State as the speaker of  State Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has sacked his Special Adviser on Islamic religion, Hon Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef. 

He was sacked for declaring to vie for the coveted Lagos State governorship position currently occupied by Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, News Proof exclusively learned.

As contained in his sack letter seen by News Proof, Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, a former Commissioner for Home Affairs was sacked for declaring an ambition to run for the governorship election in 2023.

Mr Abdul-Lateef is known as a member of the governing All Progressives Congress and incumbent Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is in his first term, is expected to seek reelection in 2023.

Mr Abdul-Lateef made his governorship declaration during the inauguration of “Iyepe 2023 We Fit Do Am” project, a movement meant to create political awareness among Lagosians.

“There is apathy in the county; not so many people are involved in voting these days. It has been going down in Lagos State.

“Out of about 24 million people in Lagos State, during the last voting exercise we witness less than 1.5 million voters.

“You can see that there is gradual level of disinterestedness by the populace. So we have started this movement to raise political awareness to encourage people to have hope that we can have transformation.

“By the time we encourage more people to participate in politics, we believe that things will change for the better by the grace of God,” he said.

According to him, “Iyepe” is a symbol of unity which reminds us that we are all from Adam who was created from sand.

“A leader who bears Iyepe will bring about unity among the people,” Mr Abdul-Lateef said.

Mr Abdul-Lateef, who was yet to name his party of choice to contest the governorship election, said that he was optimistic that Lagos residents would support him when the time comes.

BACCIMA MEETS WITH LASWA TO COLLABORATE FOR IMPROVED WATER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN BADAGRY

By Sehude Akande 

A delegation of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), led by its President, Alhaji Fatai Shokunbi, has met with the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Oluwadamilare Emmanuel,  today 29th September, 2020 in  a bid to collaborate for improved water transportation system in Badagry Division. 

This was revealed in a press statement signed by the Director of Communications of the City Chamber, Mr. Sewhude Akande.

The statement revealed that the chamber sought to collaborate with LASWA in the areas of regulating the operations of boat operators and building their capacities. 

The Director General of BACCIMA, Mr. Opeyemi Oke urged Mr. Oluwadamilare Emmanuel, to use his office as the General Manager of LASWA to advocate for improved Infrastructure across the Badagry coastline in order to rejuvenate and harness the socio-economic potentials of the Division, adding that the deplorable state of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway has hindered access to market for major businesses in Badagry Division.

"The Director General also appealed for employment opportunities for the youth of Badagry in LASWA and other sister government agencies as this is the only way we can curb the involvement of our youth in  illegal business activities across the border; giving them sustainable and dignifying jobs. " The statement reads.

Responding, the General Manager, LASWA, appreciated the Chamber for it's visit and objectives, and promised  to work hand in hand with it towards bringing sanity to the waterways in the Division.

He further stated that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given approval to LASWA to organize a stakeholders meeting in the area and he will be happy to collaborate with the Chamber in implementing this.

The mission of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) is to regulate and promote the use of Lagos inland waterways, encourage sustainable investments and develop lasting water transport solutions for the people of Lagos State.

More photo:

"Thanks for believing in me" - Afonja, the new SSA tells Gov. Sanwo-Olu

By Saheed Ade Akanbi (Afonja) 

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION.........

 "Ambition is the path to success, Loyalty, Persistence and Perseverance is the vehicle you should board". _ Afonja 

In Dalai Laima words, "The root of all goodness lies in the soil of appreciation for goodness". Am indeed elated and honoured to receive the love, wishes messages via social media platforms, SMS, calls, gifts amidst others on the occasion of my birthday and appointment.

I thank you ALL. 

Undoubtedly, it is a double blessings which i thank Allah for giving me the grace to witness it. Alhamdullilah! Alhamdullilah! Alhamdullilah Robbil Alamin

My topmost and sincere appreciation goes to my Father, my forever mentor, my leader, one man like hundreds men,  an innovator, a builder of young folks, a quintessential and stupendous being, a simple reflection of progress at all spheres, the National leader of our great party APC, a visionary man with intellectuals, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Thank you so much Sir for all and the ones you're yet to do. 

Victory is certain in all your endeavors. Your ideologies pave ways for us. To the mother of all, whose love and encouragement knows no bounds, a woman of valour and integrity whom i share birth month with, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu (OON), thanks so much our one in a million Yeye. 

Lagos indeed in all spheres reflects the giant strides and activeness of a man of integrity, highly focus and intelligent, the Governor of a State with Innovative Youths, the Numero Uno of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu. 

Thanks for believing in me, thanks for the honour Sir as your Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development. Am delighted to join the progressive team of *#Greaterlagos*, this is a challenge and task in which i pledge to exhibit the maximum use of this great opportunity to change, unite, develop and entrench Youths developments in the State. 

Respectively, the Second Citizen of Lagos, a man whose encouragement and advice is part of my achievements so far, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, am indeed grateful Sir. With this, i extend my appreciation to the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola and the Chief of Staff,  Mr. Tayo Ayinde, your support is indeed worthwhile, am greatful and the entire Greaterlagos Executive Team and Management cabinet, thank you all. 

Going back the memory lane, Zigziglar opines that "there is no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs. I have indeed climbed on several stairs and each of them i ensured the best comes from it. To mention few of my innovation and struggles includes; Asiwaju Grassroot Foundation, I Stand With Bola Tinubu Loyalty Walk, Bola Tinubu Ambassadors, Change Volunteer, Bola Tinubu Youth Summit and Eko e-report, a magazine and online media where we disseminate Lagos News from the grassroot to the top. 

My father's, mother's and leaders in our great party are obviously many and they are all dear to my heart as they nurture and correct my wrong doings at all times. Thank you all, may you all live longer for us and the state. Agba yin a dalé,  Ire loju yîn ma ma ri, ko ní rî íbi. 

Like i do say, when you ask me of my journey into this great field, i don't hesitate to appreciate and mention some of those kind minds whose intention is always "Afonja you can make it", Senator Ganiyu  Solomon (GOS),  Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, Dr. Mrs. Idiat Adebule, Chief Mutiu Are, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Segun Dawodu HKT, Hon.Babajimi Benson, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi, Oluomo Segun Olulade, Hon. TemiTope Adewale, Hon. Lukman Olumoh,  Hon Mufutau Adewale Egberongbe, Hon. Miranda, Hon. Hon Ayodeji Joseph, HRA, IBMA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, Steady, Hon. Rotimi Makinde Soludero, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. HUNPE, Hon. Fatai Ayoola Ebie, Mr. Tunde Rahman, Mr. Demola Oshodi, Taiwo Olawale Okanlawon, Hon. Muniru Hakeem, Hon. Bola Ilori, Otunba Dengel Anifowoshe,  O.K. Falodun, Sen. Omoworare, Hon. Omowunmi Olatunji Ohwovoriole, Mama Omolola Essien,  Valentine Buraimoh, Hon. Hakeem Bamgbola,  Adeniyi Saliu, Onilude Segun Adeniran, Samola, Hon. Bankole, Hon. Olufunmi,  Alhaja Abiodun Bankole, Engr Mojeed Alabi Balogun, Hon Airat Mojirade Alamu, Hon. Fuad, Princes Rasheedat Abiodun Adu, Fatai Shuaib Ajidagba,  Princess Aderemi, Pham. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf Moremi, Mr. Adewunmi Adebanjo, Hon. Rasulu Idowu, Mama Funmi Mohammed, Bisoye Coker, Mama Adegeye, Uncle Femi Odutade,  PLS, Barr Emmanuel-Sunday Kappo, Uncle Tunji Olawuyi Ajuloopin, Hon. Lado Suleja, Hon. AbdoulBaq Ladi Balogun, Abdoul Diallo,  Hon. Johnson Babatunde, Toba Oke, MTT, Ayodele Adewale,  Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, Tayo Sanyaolu, Idiris Aregbe, Uncle Herdebanjo Awesu, Olanrewaju-Smart Wasiu, Ayekooto Akindele, Sal Dos NG, Hon AbdulHamed Salawu Dullar, Olatunbosun Nurudeen Koleosho, BTA, Iyen Na Nice, Kunle Oduah, Casey Adejuwon Moyosola Michael,  just  like yesterday, i will forever be grateful Sir/Ma.

To my bosses who have trained me and still training me, Mr. Seyi Tinubu (ST), CEO Loatsad PromoMedia, Mr. Segun Banjoko, Mummy J, Mr. Gboyega, may the Lord continue to favour you in all your endeavors.

My ALGON pride, the transformer, Hon. Kolade Alabi and all the Council Chairmen in the state and Nigeria at large, thank you very much.  Victory is ahead of us with God's grace. 

My dearest family, I owe you alot for the unending love, care, support and guidance at all times.

Thank you so much. 

To my ever amiable, loyal, supportive and focus team, Team Afonja, you're the best, may this grace continue to flow to all, thank you so much. My friends, followers, well wishers i say a very big thank you to you all,  you shall all be celebrated, it's never too late, be optimistic. 

To the entire youth of Lagos, *"Isé tí ya ooooooo"*. This appointment is for all us, not Afonja alone.

 _"I do the very best i know how to do and i mean to keep on doing so until the best is more than enough". _ Afonja

Signed:

Akanbi Ade Saheed (Afonja),

Senior Special Assistant on Youth  Development,

Lagos State Government