TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE BY GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU ON THE FUEL SHORTAGE AND CURRENCY CRISIS
My dear Lagosians,
I have found it necessary to address you today, following some event in our dear country. The currency exchange and the fuel situation have, no doubt, raised the tension in the land.
First, is to thank you, dear Lagosians, for your patience and understanding in the face of hardship that you have experienced in recent days. Your resilience has been remarkable.
On behalf of the Executive Council, I thank you most sincerely for standing firm, demonstrating your confidence in our ability to protect your interest in these difficult days.
We have taken some steps to cushion the effects of these measures that were announced at the Federal level but with telling effects on States.
There have been talks between the State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on the lingering fuel shortage.
NNPCL demanded Ijegun Egba tank owners and operators unhindered access to the tank farms where about 40 per cent of petroleum products come from. We have been able to do that by rearranging the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, the dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms. The road is over 50 per cent completed. Now, you would have noticed some improvement in the supply of petroleum products.
Also, we have given approval for 24 hours work at petrol stations around the State.
The CBN currency exchange deadline has, no doubt, caused some dislocation. Lagos is Nigeria’s business and financial engine-room. So, we have recently felt the effects of this measure.
Thankfully, the Supreme Court has made some pronouncements on this. I praise the Judiciary for its wise ruling on this matter.
To further support Lagosians to weather these stormy days, I hereby announce the following measures:
A 50% cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY). This will take effect from tomorrow for the next seven days. We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians get onboard our services.
I have directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the State to cater for the vulnerable. We will distribute food stuff to various communities.
I would like to thank our security agencies (the Military, the Department of State Services, the Police, the Civil Defence and Neighbourhood Watch) for their service and diligence in these days.
I would also like warn mischief makers who may see this as an opportunity to incite violence that this is not the way to go. I enjoin every law-abiding citizen to go about their lawful business without fear.
Sanwo-Olu, GAC, Lagos APC Urge Party Members to Conduct Themselves During Congresses, Primaries
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the forthcoming primary elections and congresses of the party in the State.
He also appealed to them to abide by the tenets of the ruling party during the primary elections, as well as the elections of local government, state and national delegates.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement during the Lagos APC Stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Acme Road, Ogba on Tuesday.
He said it is the responsibility of party members to live, work and dream in the tenets of the party as APC conducts its congresses across the state on Wednesday and therefore urged the party’s faithful to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and comply with the party’s guidelines.
In his address, the leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership body of Lagos APC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, charged all the party members to work hard for the ruling party to retain Lagos during next year’s elections.
He also advised the party members to ensure that people with integrity are elected during APC congresses and primaries, adding that they must discourage saboteurs from being elected as delegates and party candidates during the APC primaries and 2023 polls respectively.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, appealed to APC members to support, work and abide by any decision made to ensure the party’s success in order for it to continue to reign.
He appealed to the party members to sacrifice where necessary for the common interest and the progress of the ruling party, especially in the interest of the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is running for the 2023 presidency.
Speaking earlier, Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said the business of forthcoming congress and primary elections of the party should not be seen as a do or die affair by the delegates.
He said they should see both the congress and the primaries as a contest.
Pastor Ojelabi while imploring party members to use internal mechanism to resolve conflicts said no local government chairman or party chairman at the council level had a right to write a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for redress on any issue without first exploring the internal conflict resolution of the party.
Lagos APC chairman also encouraged party leaders and members to show commitment and passion toward the ongoing continuous voters’ registration by encouraging people to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the June 30 deadline.
The stakeholder’s meeting was attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; GAC members, Lagos APC executives, members of the Lagos State Executive Council, members of the National Assembly and Lagos State House of Assembly, Conference 57 and party’s chairmen from 20 local governments and state’s technical support committee, among others.
As sweet as a melodious music is to the ears, so is the recent news on planned total ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada), to the ears of Lagosians who have long groaned under the menace of Okada riders’ operations. In fact, the plan is one of the most cheery news we have heard in recent times.
Ever since these Okada riders stormed the city of Lagos, the state has continued to experience a spike in the rate of preventable fatal accidents in addition to gridlocks on the roads. In a May 28, 2020 Vanguard Newspaper report, Lagos State Government disclosed that it recorded 600 deaths in 10,000 accidents involving commercial motorcycles between 2015 and February 1, 2020. The Lagos State commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederick Oladeinde who gave the statistics, said “It is worrisome to note that between 2015 to the commencement of restrictions of their movements, 600 deaths were recorded in Okada/tricycle-related accidents.
Sanwo-Olu Okada ban: 16 points you should know
1. Progress achieved in commercial motorcycles (Okada) restriction under the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola was reversed between 2015 and 2019. The menace festered to an alarming level, just before the inception of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in 2019.
2. On February 1, 2020, Sanwo-Olu-led Government announced a ban on Okada in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
3. On February 27, 2020, Lagos State recorded the first case of Covid-19, which preceded an extensive nationwide lockdown. The attendant economic paralysis created a survival struggle for many low-income earners in Lagos.
4. Between February and September 2020, the slow economic recovery within this period affected many residents, leading the Government to assist struggling families with palliatives. The Okada ban was still in force, but the enforcement was weakened by the plight of struggling residents.
5. On October 2020, the crises that resulted from the nationwide EndSARS protest, which was more pronounced in Lagos, emboldened Okada riders to return in droves to roads, highways and bridges where they had been banned.
6. The police, which led the enforcement against Okada, withdrew from the roads for weeks. The situation led to the influx of commercial motorcycle riders from different parts of the country.
7. On May 18, 2021, Lagos Government launched the First and Last Mile Buses as safe alternatives on routes where Okada had been restricted.
8. From January 2021 to March 2022, there was some enforcement, which resulted in fatalities.
9. On September 24, 2021, a group of Okada riders killed a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Kazeem Abonde, in Ajao Estate during a violent encounter between the police and some riders.
10. Similar violent clashes are usually recorded during enforcement in notorious areas where Okada riders operate on restricted routes.
11. Before the new pronouncement, Okada menace had assumed a disturbing level in Lagos, with residents asking the Government to ban this mode of transportation for safety and security reasons.
12. The riders have become lawless. They disrespect traffic laws and regulations.
13. They get violent at the slightest provocation, inciting mob actions and jungle justice in which many innocent people have died.
On May 18, 2022, Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed that Okada remained banned in Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Apapa. The ban also extends to all LCDAs under the listed councils as well as all major roads, highways and bridges.
From June 1, 2022, there will be a sweeping enforcement of the Okada ban in all the listed councils and LCDAs.
With increasing momentum in Constituency 1 aspirations in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, the leadership of political parties particularly the All Progressive Congress (APC) have been urged to allow power-shift to Ikorodu West LCDA for fairness, equity and progress.
The Convener of the Steering Committee of Ikorodu West Concerned Stakeholder (IWCS), a socio-political pressure Group, Prince Olamilekan Ojo Martins, who was represented by the groups Director of Planning, Bar. Kayode Allison during a media briefing observed that it was time for a paradigm shift in favour of Ikorodu West which is a substantive LCDA in Lagos State.
The former LGA Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) stated that IWCS was out to champion socio-political power rotation in Ikorodu Division for progress and equity and called on well-meaning stakeholders to support the crusade for good governance, equity and fairness espoused by the group stating that this will smoothen relationship among the different LGA/LCDA in the Constituency and allow for synergy and cooperation required to fast track development as practiced in other Local Governments Areas of Lagos State.
Bebenlo as he is fondly called observed that since 1999 Ikorodu West LCDA which was at the forefront of electoral victories during the general elections have continuously been sidelined in the scheme of things particularly for elective post and appointments across board.
“The truth is that Ikorodu Constituency 1 stands on a tripod, Central, West and North, …Ikorodu West is usually giving minority rights in the Constituency political equation and IWCS is leading the advocate against all forms of socio-political marginalization in the Division”
Martins stated that it behooves stakeholders to reason that after Central it’s the turn of West in 2023 to give a shot at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“There is need to understand the basic but common fact that, whatever is just to one, must not be injustice to another …that is in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.”
‘Ikorodu West LCDA has competent, capable and intellectually sound persons who can represent Ikorodu Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly and we will only propagate and support aspirants from this extraction” he said.
On how they intend to achieve their objectives, the Convener said various representatives of the group have started reaching out to notable leaders and influencers, complimentary protest letters have also been forwarded to relevant members of the party leadership at the State while necessary awareness is ongoing part of which is the media parley.
Push News 24 International can confirm that Ikorodu Constituency 1 is made up of Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West and Ikorodu North. Record showed the chronology of occupiers since 1999, from 1999 – 2003 Hon Ola Animashaun (Ikorodu LG), 2003 – 2007 Hon Sunmi Odesanya (Ikorodu Central), 2007 – 2011 Hon SOB Agunbiade (Ikorodu Central), 2011 – 2015 Hon SOB Agunbiade (Ikorodu Central), 2015 – 2019 Hon SOB Agunbiade (Ikorodu Central), 2019 – 2023 Hon SOB Agunbiade (Ikorodu Central).
Ikorodu West and Ikorodu North have been schemed out of this joint heritage.
According to the member representing Ikorodu Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assemble (LAHA), Hon Nurudeen Solaja popularly referred to as NS while delivering his speech said “there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, than creating an effective teaching and learning environment. It is in realization of this fact that i applaud Hon Sesan Daini who have embarked on numerous educational programs for the pupils in Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA”.
The second term lawmaker who further congratulated the teachers and educational stakeholer of Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA could not contain his excitement over the investment by the Council boss maintained that the gesture was a compliment to the efforts of the State in making free and quality education accessible to every child in the State especially within rural and developing Community.
In a statement made available to Push News 24 International Solaja said “Today, I have the pleasure of attending the official distributions of educational materials by Daini’s led Administration, where the 13 primary schools across Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA benefitted from the laudable Programme held at the Methodist Primary School, Igbogbo”.
Hon Solaja said that “our transition to civil rule is not complete until all our children have access to not just education but quality education”.
Solaja describing the Council boss as a pragmatic and servant leader also noted that the present administration under the leadership of Builder Diani placed high premium on quality education which is why it is investing heavily in the education sector in order to ensure students from Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA would be able to compete favorably with others from across the State.
” I therefore urge the Management and Head Teachers at the various Schools to imbibe the spirit of maintenance culture and protect the newly acquired school facilities.” NS added.
Push News can conform that the gesture by Daini includes 10 Lawn Mowers, 70 white Boards, 700 Chairs and tables amongst others.
IgboKwe, the yspecial Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Asiwaju BAT Represents A Movement
BY Joe Igbokwe.
I was privileged to attend the grand finale of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s second term bid campaigns in 2014 in Oshogbo stadium where I saw a crowd that frightened me. I have been attending campaign rallies since 1999 but what I saw in Oshogbo was unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. I was sitting close to a friend and when I sought his opinion on what we are witnessing he told me that this is no longer rally but a movement.
After the Ondo Guber elections last Saturday November 26 2016 many commentators began to celebrate the so-called Buhari boys in Abuja who they said outsmarted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I saw a calculated attempt to whittle down the well-deserved honour and glory the man has recorded even from his days at Mobil Producing Nigeria. Many half a penny commentators said that this may be the beginning of the end of the Asiwaju BAT’s phenomenon. Some said that BAT has been bruised.
But I know enough history to conclude that success is not an event. I know that nobody makes it to the World Series overnight. I know the champions do not become heroes overnight. Throughout history I have known that history is not drawn on a straight line. This is the reason why I feel that those who tried to use the outcome of Ondo elections to get at Asiwaju BAT miss the point. They know nothing about Asiwaju BAT as a massive movement. They know nothing about BAT as a friend of the poorest of the poor.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
They know nothing about BAT as a bridge builder. They know nothing about BAT as a maker of leaders in Nigeria. They knowing about BAT as a friend of all and sundry. They know nothing about Asiwaju as a strategic thinker, fighter, and achiever. They know little about his committed, vast preponderance and deep-rooted friends across Nigeria. They know nothing about his deep connect with Presidents and leaders in Africa and the world.They know nothing about the men and women he has brought up across Nigeria as political leaders, Governors, Deputy Governors, Speakers, Senators, Reps, Commissioners, Ministers, LGA Chairmen, business men etc including Akeredolu and Alasoadura.Igbogwe, the special adviser on drainage and water resources to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The low thinkers do not know that in 2012 he brought to the front seat, the man of history called Rotimi Akeredolu. Ah, Ah, I wish these people know this saga called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Oh, how I wish they know what I know? How I wish they had been close to this working history who showed me the freeways, byways, subways, highways and low ways of power. How I wish they know ten percent of what I know about this man of history. When it was difficult for people to understand this man he humbly released this statement to drive home his points.
Hear ASIWAJU BAT :’I set my goals and objectives in accordance with my vision. I study them and strategically execute them. My detractors discuss my successes and failure because they have nothing to execute. I am in the news more because I’m working, Nigerians discuss active men in the field. Mentioning any negative news about me will double the wealth of any news media that published it. My name today is a financial market for journalist. Not even elected politicians get the publicity I am enjoying. My comrades , go and work till mentioning your name becomes a source of increased wealth for someone. Even my weakness create wealth for vendors’.
Andy Andrew tells me that “Everybody wants to reach the top of the mountain, but there is no growth at the peak. It is in the valley that we slog through the lush grass and rich soil, learning and becoming what enables us to summit life’s next peak”. Niccolo Machiavelli teaches us that “The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him”Take a look around BAT and see the men and women around him and it is only when you know this that you will begin to understand this man.
Asiwaju is not without blemish. Asiwaju is not playing God. Asiwaju did not preach to us that he is the best God ever created. Asiwaju did not tell us that he knows it all. He never said so. Asiwaju is an ordinary mortal like everyone of us. I pray that the East and the North will try to produce one person each like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This country will be better for it. Let me say it once again that it is difficult for 20 – 30 people to gather anywhere in Nigeria without you discovering that one person may have been touched by Asiwaju magic. This is what makes BAT a massive movement.
Now, let me close with this” celebrate great men and women and you too will achieve greatness. The one who serve a people is their master. It is good to be important but it is more important to be good. I am celebrating Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu today because I want to be a great man like him. Case rested!
it is no longer news that the National Assembly in Nigeria have moved for direct primaries as the only means to elect aspirants into public office during elections, while this move was applauded by many mostly the youths who see the move as a way to chide money bags and god-fatherism, a section of the country particularly opposition criticized the law as been arm-twisting political parties on how to nominate their candidates.
Hon Gbajabiamila who has been in the vanguard of direct primaries stated that it’s the best way for Nigerian democracy
Why I pushed for direct primaries – Gbajabiamila
…as Youth Minister, Nigerian Youths say Direct Primary will Open doors for Nigerian Youths in Governance
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has explained why he pushed for direct primaries as the only method through which political parties should elect candidates to stand for elections.
The Speaker said direct primaries would bring more accountability and adequate representation as political office holders would not be restricted to pleasing a group of few people selected as delegates, but would work for the interest of the generality of their party members, and by extension the electorate.
Besides, Gbajabiamila said he observed that many Nigerians, especially the youths, want to participate fully in the election of those that would represent them, right from the grassroots level, hence his resolve to champion direct primaries.
The Speaker, while hosting a delegation of the Nigerian youths on a thank-you visit for his role on direct primaries led by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said he preferred a situation where the political space is opened for all, including the youths, to participate fully.
This is even as Nigerian youths thanked the Speaker for single-handedly moving for the amendment in the Electoral Act to have direct primaries as the only method of electing parties’ candidates.
Gbajabiamila said some members of the political class may not be comfortable with the arrangement, but that the majority of the masses are in support of direct primaries, which he said would give them the opportunity of deciding who would represent them.
Advancing some of the reasons, Gbajabiamila said: “If I know that my return will depend on some few men, I may care about you. But if I know that my return will depend on my accountability and representation to the people, I will do the right thing.
“It is important for this generation to open the door of leadership to the next generation. We must allow every Nigerian to participate fully in the process of leadership. I, therefore, stand with Direct Primary.”
“That’s why I said at different fora that I’m for direct primaries. We have to do this for the sake of the institution.
“When you gather yourselves (as youths), chances are that you’ll win. Democracy is a government of the people. Democracy is not just a general election. It starts from the primaries.”
The Speaker, therefore, challenged the Nigerian youths to “take advantage of the new amendment,” saying “power is not served a la carte.
“I’ll ask that you carry that advocacy out there because it’s for you.”
He noted that the youths are part of the reasons why lawmakers exist, saying, “The youths are the greatest asset of any nation, not just in Nigeria.”
He said the Nigerian youths are thriving in different spheres of life, but that when it comes to politics, they do not show much interest.
“Since the Not Too Young to Run became law, you’ve not taken advantage of that. The Act appears to be a paper tiger. The enabling environment to work for that Act isn’t capitalized on.”
The Speaker also said the fact that the President Muhammadu Buhari led government provides adequate funding for the youths showed that it recognized that the youths are the future of the country.
He thanked the minister for leading the youths delegation to thank him for the role he played in ensuring the inclusion of direct primaries as the only method of electing political parties’ candidates for elections.
Earlier, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Dare, said the visit was to thank the Speaker for moving the amendment for direct primaries, which he said would accommodate the Nigerian youth in the political space.
Dare, who led a delegation of about 20 youths, said: “I want to thank the Hon. Members and the House for the support they’ve been giving us for the past two years of our stewardship. I want to also thank you for your support for the youth of our country.
“Between 65% and 70% of our population are less than 25 years. So, we can’t ignore the youth. I want to plead on behalf of the Nigerian youth that you continue to support youth development. You should also expand the frontiers of youths inclusivity.
“When the president signed the Not Too Young to Run Bill, it paved the way for many youths.
“Another door was opened two nights ago. The kudos goes to you and the National Assembly. We support you for direct primaries. It will open the door for Nigerian youths. They will stand in a position to have more say in the political space.
“As a journalist, and it has been recorded, I know that you moved the amendment of the Electoral Act that has led us to where we are (on direct primaries). I want to urge you to continue to work for the people and champion for the people. I urge you not to relent.
“We believe that the House of Representatives is a true representation of the Nigerian youth,” Dare said, adding that the delegation comprised representatives from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), among others.
“We’ve enjoyed tremendous support from Mr. President in our ministry. I want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for leading this country to the right path. The Nigerian youths are committed to democracy.”
Also, one of the youths’ representatives, Miss Patience N. Eze, who is the spokesperson of NYCN, thanked the Speaker for working for the Nigerian youths in different ways, including on the issue of the direct primaries.
She said: “I want to thank the Speaker for what you’re doing for the youths. We appreciate you for pushing for direct primaries, which we believe will give an opportunity to the youths.
“I assure you that we’ll take the opportunity with the support of people like you. We also appeal that monies should be channelled towards youths development.”
Signed: Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hamisu Chidari, speaker of the Kano house of assembly, says his state will support Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state, for president in 2023.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) and the state steering committees of the group in Abuja on Saturday, Chidari said Kano will give Tinubu votes at the presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The speaker said the north-west is aware of the role the former Lagos governor played in ensuring that President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015.
“My purpose is to kick-start the journey that will take us to the Villa by God’s grace with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the number one citizen of Nigeria,” he said.
“In Kano, being the state with the highest number of delegates, we have already decided and already concluded; we are set to give him at least 98 per cent of delegates in the primaries.
“Not only that, we are set as usual to give him the highest number of votes so that come May 29, 2023, we will be at the Eagle Square to swear him in as the President.
“All of us in the north-west are aware of the role he played in taking our son, President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Villa. So, we are going to reward him; we are going to pay him back.
“So, I have assured him of victory. Almost all the delegates from the north-west states are going to vote for him in the next primary elections.”
Tinubu has not declared his interest to run for president in 2023.
The Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC) State Congress has started gathering so much momentum as major stakeholders are trying to ensure a hitch-free Congress through alignments, realignments, compromise and consensus in arriving at how the State Officers are elected.
As part of the ruling party apex advisory body (GAC) to ensure a rancour free election …Push News International observed that the party offices where allocated evenly to the three Senatorial districts in Lagos State to present candidates for such offices as zoned.
The State Scribe position was zoned to Lagos East Senatorial districts, hence, a major contender who is also a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly emerged as the consensus candidate amongst those vieing from the district.
The affirmation of Hon Olanrewaju Ismail Odesanya ( Summi) was received with great joy from his Lagos East Senatorial District aspirants and party loyalist because he is loved and closer to the people.
Although, Hon. Olanrewaju lsmail Odesanya spent just one full term as the Representative of the Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007, and did not earn a return ticket due to political dynamism, but his constituents and members of the 6th Assembly still remember the superb legislative performances of the youthful, energetic and sound lawmaker with great oratory prowess on the floor of the Assembly.
The trained lawyer, who also had a stint with the Nigeria institute of Journalism (NIJ), was just 34 years when he was favoured by the power that be in Ikorodu then and was given the mandate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and subsequently, that of the people of Ikorodu Constituency I during the 2003 general elections.
Sunmi, as he is fondly called by friends and admirers, was also appointed as Commissioner I, Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission between 2012 and 2017. This placed him in good stead as a Senatorial aspirant with not only a deep knowledge of primary functions of a legislator and one who had actively partook in legislative work, but also one with administrative knowledge of the workings of the hallow chamber.
While at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Sunmi served as Chairman and member of many important committees due to the trust the leadership of the Assembly had in his capacity and ability to deliver on any assignment given to him.
He was Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights and Public Petitions (2003 -2004), Chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Human Right & Public Petitions; Chairman, House Service Committee (2005-2006) and Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights and Public Petitions (2006-2007).
Hon. Sunmi was also Member, House Committee on Education (2003 – 2005), Member, House Committee on Information & Strategy (2003 – 2005), Member, House Committee on Physical Planning (2003 – 2005), Member, House Committee on judiciary (2003 – 2004), Member, House Committee on Finance (2006 – 2007), Member, House Committee on Commerce & Industry (2006 – 2007), Member, House Committee on Housing (2006 – 2007) and Member, House Committee on Mineral Resources (2006 – 2007).
The young Parliamentarian was called to bar in Bwari, Abuja, between 2001 and 2002 where he bagged Bachelor of Law (BL) after he studied Law at the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, between 1992 and 2000 and was awarded LLB.
He is a Senior Associate, Lords & Temple (Attorneys, Solicitors, Arbitrators), 2018 till date and Principal Partner, Odesanya & Odesanya (Legal Practitioners).
Hon. Sunmi was a Legal Practitioner and Partner in Dada Odesanya & Co. (2007-2013), Yaba-Lagos.
As a lawyer, Hon. Sunmi is a Member, Nigerian Bar Association and International Bar Association.
He was still at the Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba-Ikeja, between 1992 -1993, regarded as one of the foremost schools of Journalism in the country, when he received an admission to study law at UNILAG.
The young legislator is an alumni of the premier college in Ikorodu Division and one of the top rated secondary schools in the country, Oriwu College, Ikorodu. He was a student at the school between 1980 and 1985 and also had his West African Examination Certificate and was awarded SSCE in the same school.
The Senatorial aspirant also attended the Local Government primary school, Ikorodu, for his first School Leaving Certificate between 1974 and 1980.
Aside his election into the State Assembly in 2003, Hon. Sunmi Odesanya, who is a member of the Apex Body of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lkorodu division, was at various times, Member Youth Wing, Social Democracy Party (1991-1993), Ward A1, Ikorodu Local Government Area and Secretary, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organization (BATCO), Ikorodu Local Government Area (1998-2002).
He was also an aspirant for the House of Representatives election in 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the Action Congress (AC).
He had also served as Member, Local Organization Committee (LOC) Ikorodu, and was a member of the Intelligence and Research Directorate, Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), while he also served as the agent of the current Governor of the State, Mr Babajide Sanwolu, during the Gubernatorial Primaries in Isele ward, Ikorodu.
Hon. Sunmi was also a former Representative of the Ikorodu Constituency I, the Legal Adviser, Eko Legislators Forum and Member, Ikorodu Local Government Advisory Council.
As an activist during the dark days of the military in the country, Hon. Sunmi, through his membership of Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) and Campaign for Democracy (CD), joined others to dislodge the military to achieve the current democratic dispensation.
He also maintains strong ties with his alma matas as members of the Oriwu College Old Student Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN) and University of Lagos Alumni Association.
He is a recipient of the The Factors Community Builders’ Awards and Bibire Leadership Awards in 2016.
Hon. Sunmi has attended several seminars, workshops, trainings and conferences on Governance, Legislation, Public Administration and Public Relations within and outside the country.
A committed democrat, progressive and loyal party man, Sunmi has been with the progressive party since the Alliance for Democracy (AD) days through Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Today Friday Oct.1 2021, Northern Caucus of Nigeria’s House of Representatives led by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase visits the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in London.
Also, the Representatives of the State Caucuses from the North East, North West and North Central geopolitical zones were also part of the delegation.
