… sweepers show PVCs in readiness to vote

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, has announced that the salaries of sanitation workers' in the state have been increased by 20%, as promised by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the recent rally organised by the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) in support of the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Mr. Odumboni made this announcement during a meeting with the sweepers at LAWMA’s headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, where he also revealed that they would be provided with new work tools such as overalls, boots, personal protective equipment (PPE) etc, which would enable them to discharge their duties effectively, adding that the government is committed to providing the necessary support for the sweepers to carry out their roles efficiently.

He also admonished the sanitation workers to ensure they perform their civic responsibility by voting at the forthcoming elections. He urged them to spread the word to their neighbourhoods and to exercise their voting rights, adding that the government was counting on them to make their voices heard through their votes.

The LAWMA boss eulogised the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he said introduced the PSP and street sweeping schemes during his tenure as Lagos State governor, adding that he laid the foundation for effective waste management, which the state is currently benefiting from.

In appreciation of the gesture by the state government, the sweepers, chanting "On your mandate we shall stand" and waving their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) in support of Tinubu’s presidential ambition and second term bid of Governor Sanwo-Olu, promised to cast their votes at the elections, expressing their gratitude to the Lagos State Government for remembering them during this period.

This increase in salary and provision of work tools for the sweepers is a positive step towards improving their working conditions and ensuring they have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively. It is also a clear indication of the government's commitment to providing support to the hardworking sanitation workers who perform their duties to sanitise the environment.

The news of the increased salaries and provision of work tools has been well received by the sweepers and has generated a lot of positive reactions. Many have praised the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu led administration for its efforts in improving the lives of the sweepers and for recognising their contribution to the society.

*Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)*

Director, Public Affairs

Nollywood Actress, Eniola Odunsi also known as Pharadupson on Instagram has expressed her disappointment in some of her colleagues in the make believe industry, canvassing poor Nigerians especially the less educated ones to vote for certain politicians in the coming 2023 general elections.

The sexy actress described the movement as senseless and crazy. She said this in an exclusive interview with Gbolahan Adetayo, who asked about her views on some Nollywood actors engaging in all forms of unimaginable activities to campaign for politicians.

According to her, "seeing some of my Nollywood colleagues campaigning for politicians in 2023 is very shameful. Infact, I call it madness especially those campaigning for APC and PDP. That PDP played a vital role in bringing Nigeria to the level we are today might be nothing to write home about. The party produced 3 Presidents between 1999 and 2015, then the economy was still in good shape even though we weren't pleased with it. 

"The country began to sink after APC took over the power in 2015. Rats stop crying like rat, birds are no longer flying normal, even human beings couldn't sound like one. This administration turned the whole system upside down, handed us over to hardship and pains.

"Its crazy seeing my industry people supporting such political Party that made you to be poor. I remembered the input of the entertainment industry in 2015 for this preaei government to take over but after resuming office, did any of them remember the entertainment industry? What did they do about piracy? How is the government supporting our business? Rather, they increased the payment for film censoring. 

"Stop canvassing for people who did our industry no good, you are getting paid to use your fame to confuse innocent Nigerians to vote for them, after election you will return to your suffering. 

"Either PDP,APC, Labour Party or whatever party, I am not interested in any. All I just want as a citizen of Nigeria, is a good governance. Direct or indirectly, we pay multiple tax in Nigeria with nothing to show for it from the government. Nigeria is the most difficult and expensive country to live now in the world.

My advise for Nigerians is to ignore those Nollywood actors and actresses telling them to vote APC or PDP, they have been paid to do so, vote your conscience. Those popular faces you see are liars and deceits, don't change your mind because of them vote a wrong candidate that will put you in problem for another 8 years.

 "Nollywood industry is full of hungry and shameless people. Rather than doing the right thing now for Nigeria to get better, they are using their selfish interest to campaign for a politician that will not see them again after winning the election.

"I even heard some of them claiming that they doing this and that because one politician has helped them financially when they were sick. My dear brothers and sisters, if you vote right, you won't need any politician to help you pay your hospital bills when you are down. 

"Ask yourself this question before you campaign for anyone as an actor. What if we have a film village in Nigeria? What happens to me if nobody is pirating my films? What if government pick interest in my industry by investing and protectinh us, how much would I keep in my account now? Your answer to these questions will absolutely give you a clearer picture of who to campaign or vote for. Be wise", she said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathized with the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos Ms Funke Akindele over the death of her beloved mother, Dr. RB Adebanjo-Akindele.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday said it is often hard to find the right words at a time like this for someone who has lost a beloved person, noting that losing mothers is one of the deepest sorrows for man.

The Governor prayed for peace, comfort, courage and love for Funke, his immediate siblings, the Adebanjo and Akindele families as they go through a most difficult period of mourning of the dead.

He said: “My heart goes out to Funke, friends of the Adebanjo and Akindele families on the demise of their daughter, mother and grandmother, Dr. RB Adebanjo-Akindele who answered the ultimate call today, Tuesday 7th of February, 2023.

“Death of loved ones, whenever it happens, is usually a very painful episode but we must be consoled by the good life lived by the deceased person. We should relish in the beautiful memories the dead left behind for us. 

The Governor urged the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate,  to be comforted by the good life that her late mother lived and continue to pray for the repose of Dr. RB Adebanjo-Akindele.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to the entire families and friends of Adebanjo andAkindele.

May God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. 

Gboyega Akosile

Chief Press Secretary

To the Governor of Lagos State.