Lagos State Assembly Backs Ongoing Demolition Of Illegal Buildings, Shanties

Lagos State assembly backs ongoing demolition of illegal buildings, shanties. Mr Sanwo-Olu assured affected citizens that the government was prepared to provide support and assistance,where necessary.

The Lagos State House of Assembly says it backs the state government’s  ongoing demolition of structures and shanties erected along shorelines and under high-tension cables.

The chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, said this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Lagos government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,has  embarked on the demolition of illegal structures, especially in the Oworonsoki and Makoko areas.

Makoko residents had on Thursday  protested at the Assembly complex over the demolition of their structures, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stop further demolition.
Mr Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency-01, said the exercise was  a necessary step to safeguard the lives and property of residents.

He said, “It is quite worrisome that we have  ramshackle structures, sheds and shanties, especially along shorelines. The shorelines have turned into abodes of miscreants, street urchins, kidnappers, touts, street traders and hawkers, who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens.

“Although the demolition exercise may be painful for those affected, it is a necessary step to protect the larger society and uphold the rule of law. The government’s action reflects a commitment to preventing avoidable disasters and ensuring sustainable urban development.”
He said the assembly’s leadership viewed the exercise as responsible and forward-looking.

Mr Ogundipe called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with government officials, assuring them that their concerns would not be ignored. He also urged citizens to always comply with building regulations and planning approvals, to prevent future occurrences, stressing that collective responsibility is key to avoiding disasters.

Lagos Assembly

Mr Sanwo-Olu recently explained that the affected structures were cleared to avert potential future tragedies. The governor noted that many of the buildings posed serious environmental, structural, and safety risks to residents and the general public.

According to Mr Sanwo-Olu, the state cannot afford to wait until disaster strikes before taking decisive action.

He said that although such measures might be difficult, they were essential to prevent loss of lives and large-scale destruction.

Mr Sanwo-Olu assured affected citizens that the government was prepared to provide support and assistance,where necessary.

Strike Continues As JUAC Rejects FCTA Statement On Meeting Workers’ Demands

Strike continues as JUAC rejects FCTA statement on meeting workers’ demands. Offices shut in the FCT on January 19 as workers commence strike.

The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed claims by the FCTA management that most of the workers’ demands have been met.

The workers began an indefinite strike on Monday over “authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands”.

Subsequently, Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said in a statement that 10 of the 14 demands have been met by the FCT administration, with work ongoing on the remaining four.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by Abdullahi Umar Saleh, its secretary, JUAC said no “formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented”.

JUAC denied claims that the payment of wage awards, rural allowance, 2023 promotion arrears and compliance with public service rules had been achieved.

According to the union, such claims are “false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff”.
The union also clarified that it has neither suspended nor relaxed its industrial action, insisting that the strike will continue.

“JUAC has not suspended, withdrawn or relaxed its position on the industrial action because none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or verified,” the statement reads.

Addressing reports attributed to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA), JUAC said the comments do not reflect the collective position of workers.

“The statement credited to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) does not represent the collective position of workers under JUAC and cannot be used to justify the false narrative that issues have been resolved,” it said.

JUAC listed several unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension deductions, alleged illegal tenure elongation, a flawed promotion examination process, intimidation of staff, inadequate training, and salary portal restrictions.

FCT, Abuja

The union also faulted attempts by the FCTA management to transfer responsibility for statutory deductions to workers, describing the move as “unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations”.

“The ongoing strike action remains lawful, justified and in full compliance with labour laws, having followed due process after expiration of the seven-day ultimatum,” the union said.

“All workers should remain resolute, united and committed to the collective struggle until all demands are fully implemented.”
While expressing willingness to engage in talks, the union warned against misinformation and intimidation.

“JUAC remains open to genuine dialogue but will not succumb to misinformation, intimidation or divide-and-rule tactics,” the statement added.

Health: NIPSS Trains Resident Doctors On Effective Policy-Making

Health: NIPSS trains resident doctors on effective policy-making. The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, has organised a five-day training for resident doctors on Effective Policy Making and Strategic Leadership.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, has organised a five-day training for resident doctors on Effective Policy Making and Strategic Leadership.

Ayo Omotayo, the director general of NIPSS, declared the training open on Tuesday in Jos.

Mr Omotayo described the exercise as timely.
Mr Omotayo, who commended the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors for its partnership in shaping policies, said the training would equip participants to reposition Nigeria’s health sector.
“I commend the leadership of NARD for recognising the importance of strategic engagement, leadership development and policy literacy in addressing the complex challenges.

“Your presence here is great and will enable you to respond towards more constructive, structured, informed and sustainable approaches.

“Nigeria’s health sector operates within a highly complex policy environment, shaped by physical constraints of international priorities, institutional coordination challenges and growing pressures arising from workforce migration and rising public exploitation within this environment,” said Mr Omotayo.

According to him, resident doctors not only occupy a uniquely strategic position as critical service providers but also are future leaders of the health system.
The director general added that the training, which aligns particularly with its purpose, was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of policymaking.

He further said that it would enhance their leadership and negotiation skills and equip them with practical tools for effective engagement.
Mohammad Sulieman, the national president of NARD, said the training would equip participants with leadership skills to drive the country’s health sector.

Mr Suleiman said the training would equip participants with the knowledge and tools to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.

NIPSS Trains Resident Doctors On Effective Policy-Making

“NIPSS is the foremost and apex policymaking institute in Nigeria, and we are leaders in the health sector, albeit maybe mid-level, but soon and in the future, we’ll be top-level leaders. It is important that we arm ourselves with the necessary tools required to salvage the health sector in Nigeria; this is not just for resident doctors, it is for our patients and the nation.

“Resident doctors are patriotic Nigerians. We all stay back to serve our country so that we apply ourselves to the instruments the country has in training us for better and effective healthcare service delivery,” he said.

The president thanked NIPSS for providing NARD with the opportunity to partner with it to improve the nation’s health sector.