REPUBLIC OF FASHOLA

British Prime Minister Commends Fashola’s Transformational Leadership

2011-07-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

Visiting British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, Tuesday praised the transformational leadership being provided by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), declaring that the Governor has shown the immense possibilities of a strong and accountable administration.The Prime Minister, who was
Guest Speaker at the Pan African University, Ajah, Lagos, said Governor Fashola has demonstrated that true democracy and accountable leadership is possible in the Continent.Delivering a speech titled “Aid, Trade and Democracy”, Cameron declared, “Here in Lagos, Governor Fashola has shown what strong and accountable governance can achieve”, adding that his visit has made it possible to give a personal testimony.
“What I have seen in London, I have seen a hundred fold here today. From Eko Atlantic City and Balogun Street Market to the biggest part in the most populous country in Africa, you are transforming your State”, the Prime Minister told Governor Fashola, drawing an ovation from the audience comprising of intellectuals, businessmen from the United Kingdom and Nigeria as well as Alumni and students of the Lagos Business School.Urging African leaders to seize the existing opportunities for trade and growth in Africa to raise the living standards and lift millions of their people from poverty, the British Prime Minister said with what he has seen in Lagos, the unfolding stories of rapid increase in democracies, fast-growing economies and predicted growth in Gross Domestic Product in Africa was indeed sustainable.According to the Prime Minister, “To people like Governor Fashola, President Goodluck Jonathan, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Ian Khama and John Atta Mills, falls the task of leading the charge in creating stronger governance” adding, however, that the most important task of ensuring the institutionalization of democracy and good governance rested on the African people who, according to him, must stand up and hold their governments to account.

Noting that Africans are rising to the challenge of shaping their own future, Mr. Cameron declared, “Look here in Nigeria at the elections for President Goodluck Jonathan, look at Ghana, flourishing since it moved from military leadership to democracy with 14 percent growth this year, look at the Ivory Coast; when Laurent Gbagbo tried to overturn an election result, ordinary Ivorians and the African and international community as a whole refused to allow him to make the Ivory Coast his own personal fiefdom”.“From tackling election abuse in Zimbabwe to the political violence in Kenya, it’s not just about donors, governments, NGOs and the private sector; it is about you and what you do”, adding that Africans can help to grow democracy in the Continent by holding their governments accountable, insisting on a bigger say in how their countries are run and standing up to participate in the economy of their nations.

“These are the demands that the people have made in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, these are the demands that have propelled the Arab Spring, and these are the demands which, supported by a revolution in trade and enterprise, mean Africa can seize its own moment of opportunity”, he further said.Cameron said for Africa to make the most of the opportunities available on the Continent, it must properly apply aid from the West, it must develop trade while democracy must continue to grow and flourish.“It goes without saying that there can be no development, economic or otherwise, unless we deal with the disease and war in Africa. Every preventable death on this Continent is a human tragedy. But it also leaves communities poorer and countless unable to build and create wealth. So, if we want Africa to climb the ladder of prosperity, we have to take urgent action to save lives”, the Prime Minister said.

He disclosed that Britain would keep its promise of increasing aids to poorest countries of the world to 0.7 percent of Gross National Income from 2013 adding, however, that such aid would be attached to concrete projects such as those focused on saving lives, investment project which would provide roads, the internet and infrastructure and such other catalytic way “to unleash the dynamism of African economies”.Other areas which could catalyze economic growth in Africa, the British Prime Minister said, include private enterprise and trade, adding, “It has lifted hundreds of thousands out of poverty in Brazil, China and Indonesia. It can do the same in Africa”.In his remarks, Governor Fashola asserted that Africa would play a most critical role in the future of the planet adding that the world has become a global village so that what happens in one part could almost have the same effect on the other parts of the world.“It is no understatement to assert that Africa will play a most critical role in the future of our planet. So much can happen in this decade. Our current reality vividly demonstrates that prosperity or adversity on one side of our planet has almost instantaneous consequences of prosperity or adversity on the other end”, the Governor said.

He praised the British Prime Minister for the visit saying, “The trans-Atlantic visit such as undertaken by the Right Honourable Prime Minister is proof of the salutary leadership and very clear understanding of his role to transform these challenges to opportunities by stimulating mutuality of cooperation between our two countries in the areas such as increased trade, infrastructure renewal in critical areas like Power and Transport for economic growth; improved public health, promote global security, democracy and the defense of citizens’ rights to mention but a few”.“I commend the motive behind this visit and welcome your desire to take on cooperation. I must acknowledge the business development and partnership orientation of the representatives of the British High Commission in Nigeria and the support that we have enjoyed from the Department for International Development (DFID) which, I dare say needs to be expanded”, the Governor said.

He continued, “We particularly seek collaboration towards encouraging and recruiting Nigerian professionals based in the Diaspora to look towards returning home to lend a hand to the efforts of nation building and so that we can bridge the gap in the remuneration package that the global economy provides and give them a sense of belonging”.Thanking the Governor for the visit and “looking forward to a collaborative follow-up of limitless possibilities”, Governor Fashola declared, “Nigeria as a nation and Lagos in particular have a long political and economic relation with Britain. I hope that this visit will become a most symbolic reference point of the escalation of a revival of those relationships for mutual benefits which support the growth of both countries’ economies in a way that issues of poverty and human development can be remedied by the creation of economic opportunities”.The well-attended lecture also had in attendance the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, who coordinated the event and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, among other distinguished personalities from the country and the United Kingdom.

Fashola Hands Over N252m To 126 Schools

2011-07-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday presented a cheque of N252 Million to 126 junior and senior secondary schools, who have displayed improved performances over a period of time in the first Governor’s Education Award, saying the Government has
brought a system of competitive productivity into education.Governor Fashola, who spoke at the 10 Degrees Event Centre located at Billingsway, Oregun, venue of the event, explained that with the competitiveness that the award will bring into the educational sector, the result would be for the benefit of all stakeholders in Lagos State.The Governor said he was impressed by the enterprise displayed by the awardees who have shown commitment and determination to turn the huge investment of government in education into an improved learning outcome within a very short period.He explained that the lucky 126 junior and senior secondary schools who won cash awards of Two Million Naira each were chosen out of 628 schools in the six educational districts in Lagos State.The Governor also announced to the excitement of all present, additional awards of overseas training for the top two principals in each of the educational districts in the State.He added that the overseas training will enable the principals to garner knowledge in best practices to improve their capabilities and also come back and share same with their colleagues.
Governor Fashola also announced the approval of guided tours for 20 students from the first 20 schools to two power projects of Akute and the Island Power Projects to get first hand experience on power generation because they would eventually come to take charge of such projects in the future.The Governor expressed delight that the Eko Education Project enjoyed an unprecedented high rating from the World Bank, which is a partner in the project, adding that the highly satisfactory rating it got from the World body speaks volume.The Lagos State helmsman who said he recognizes the freedom of parents to make a choice between public and private schools for their children was assertive that Government will create an environment for public schools to favorably compete against private schools in terms of the quality of education.

Governor Fashola reiterated that already many public schools are excelling in academic competitions that had participation by private schools across the nation, noting that the spirit behind the Eko Education Project was to improve the quality of education, compel the Government as regulator to monitor the performances of the students, the schools and the teachers and encourage others to challenge themselves for greater heights. Governor Fashola said in order to broaden the knowledge of the average student beyond school education, which he buttressed with a personal example and experience, students must experience broad based education, stressing that it would form the basis of the next categories of awards.He reiterated his recognition of the impact of qualitative education as the strongest weapon to fight poverty and a useful pillar for nation building and economic prosperity, adding that if this feat was achieved before, the process can be recreated again with required political will.The Governor said the administration has continued to give adequate attention to teachers’ welfare through increased salary, training and retraining, while each secondary school gets a direct fund of Three Million Naira annually for equipment, instructional materials and learning aids.Governor Fashola said today the state has provided 2876 new classrooms in the state while in 2010 alone it provided 216 new classrooms, informing that a total of 308,430 units of furniture were delivered to all schools with the expectation of another 11,200 before the end of this year.“N390 Million worth of science equipment has been supplied to encourage teaching and learning in the schools just as the Eko Project volunteers teachers scheme which has been widely applauded has injected about 20,520 hours per month into the schools system, which is an equivalent of 183 full time teachers”, he explained.

He also informed that a special intervention programme for 495 trainee- teachers to assist WASCE candidates with extra coaching was also introduced, adding that his attention was recently drawn to a protest by some of the trainees that government has not given them employment letters.He revealed that he has approved the employment of the trainees, advising that when developments do not move as rapidly as people expect, agitation is the not the best option but rather a channeling of grievances within the system to know what was amiss.“Our recently concluded report of school audit shows that we have exceeded the target of 50 students per classroom that we set in 2007 on the average because we are seeing an average of 42 students in our classrooms. This does not mean that in some places we do not have overcrowded classrooms; just as in some cases we have severely under-populated classrooms”, Governor Fashola stated.He said what the report has done is to provide useful data which will now inform the policy for the situation and location of new schools as a methodical strategy to finally eliminate overcrowding now that it can identify and isolate the areas where the problem still persist.The Governor recalled that at a time the problem was that of access when many young people were unable to get an opportunity to get an education, adding that in the last few years, the problem has been substantially surmounted with Lagos now having a literacy record of over 84percent.

He commended the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and courage to start the journey while also acknowledging the role of several people including the immediate past Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan, for her commitment to improving education and others like Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and many who have contributed to the journey.Earlier in her welcome address, the Project Coordinator, Ms Ronke Azeez, said the Eko Education project is part of the effort aimed at improving the overall quality of education in Lagos State with the objective being improved learning outcomes of students in 629 junior and senior public secondary schools over four years. She said another innovation by the Lagos Eko Project is the provision of a Report Card for every school, with the card giving detailed account of how a school has performed in relation to other schools, Local Government Areas, Education Districts and statewide, a programme which is unique to the Nigerian assessment system.She revealed that during a recent discussion with Governor Fashola on the school performance award, he suggested additional criteria for the Governor’s Education Award to include the need for leaders of tomorrow to start early in life to imbibe transformational leadership traits which means students must excel in activities that would develop their team spirit, discipline, personal values, character development and critical thinking.

Fashola's tribute to Christy Essien-Igbokwe

2011-07-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, defied the damp weather to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late lady of songs Christy Essien-Igbokwe. He arrived a few minutes before 3 pm describing the deceased as
a truly exemplary and multi-talented woman who has etched worthy legacies in the sands of time.Fashola who was received by the widower said she was also a leader for the arts and entertainment industry.“This is somebody we all seem to know through her songs. She was in our homes, our cars and suddenly she is not there anymore. To say that we will miss her is a big understatement and I can only imagine the pains of the family,” Fashola added. The governor revealed that he has been a fan of Essien-Igbokwe on the New Masquerade on NTA network right from when he was a teenager, saying: “Our stars are beginning to take their grand exit and we thank God for their lives. We must continue

to cherish the memory of what they did while they were here”

Fashola sends son to learn carpentary

2011-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday said he had sent one of his children to a carpenter’s workshop to learn vocational skills. He spoke during the maiden edition of Governor’s Education Award held in Lagos on Thursday.One hundred and twenty six schools that distinguished themselves in the utilization of the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project (Eko Project) were rewarded with
N2m each by the state government.The Lagos Eko project is part of the government’s effort at improving the overall quality of education and learning outcomes of pupils in the 629 junior and senior public schools in the state over four years. Fashola told the audience that he was surprised that his son could not fix a plug after six years of sound post-primary education.“I called my son and asked him, what do you want to do now that you have finished your secondary education? He replied, ‘I want to do something with my hand.
“And I asked him, can you fix a plug? He said no. Then, I knew there was a problem and we (my wife and I) decided to send him to a carpenter’s workshop to acquire some skills,’’ the governor said.On the award, Fashola said that 126 junior and senior secondary schools, out of 628 schools in the state would receive an award of N2m each, towards the improvement of their schools.He said that the awardees were selected based on their percentage improvement over a period of time in the standardized assessments administered by Lagos Eko Project. “I am particularly impressed by the enterprising disposition of the awardees, because they have shown their commitment and determination to turn the huge investment in education into a much desired improved learning outcomes in public schools within a short space of time,” he said.

Fashola restated his commitment to the development of the education sector.
He said he would spare no efforts at developing public education in the state because he was a product of the public school system.Though, he admitted that there were still challenges in the sector, he noted that these were being methodically tackled and surmounted. This, he said, was being done through strategies to address quality, improve infrastructure, content and involvement of the private sector in the uplift of the sector.“We have also through the Eko Education Project, increased funding directly to the schools, by placing the funds in the hands of principals and teachers, working with the School Parent Teacher Association to directly manage their school needs and eliminate the bureaucracy and delays that sometimes occur in funding recurrent expenditure through the ministry.

This, he said, had been yielding positive fruits as “We have noticed the annual percentage pass results gradually increasing from 2007 – 2010 from 7 per cent, 10 per cent, 18 per cent and 21 per cent for each consecutive year.”Also, the Special Adviser/Project Coordinator of the project, Ms Ronke Azeez, said the schools that were rewarded recorded the highest percentage increase in their performance. This, she said, they did by deploying the grant given to them on procurement of essential instructional materials, carrying out minor repairs, training of teachers, provision of security and good project management in their schools.Azeez noted that these had contributed to a more conducive environment for effective teaching and learning. Some of the schools that received the award included Vetland Junior Grammar School, Olodi Apapa Senior Secondary School, Ijeododo Senior Grammar School and Girls Secondary School, Obalende.

THE REASON FOR THIS BLOG “REPUBLIC OF FASHOLA”

2009-05-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

When you mention the name Nigeria, there is usually mistrust amongst people across the globe. They have come to see Nigeria and Nigerians as an embodiment of corruption. The scourge of the 419 scam is not helping matter, yet a careful study of this shows that out of the 150million Nigerians, not even ten percent (10%) of Nigerians are into fraud- 419 scam. The majorities are hard working people, but in the face of poverty and hardship in one of the most blessed countries in the world it becomes difficult to stay honest. Nigeria has enough wealth and abundant resources to create more wealth that could place her amongst the richest nation in the world. Unfortunately majority of her leaders has corruption flowing in their bloodstreams and the few that fight for the masses are either driven to exile or sidetracked. The result of this is a total mistrust of her leaders, yet there are still some few good ones that strive to make impacts on the lives of the people against all odds.

Babatunde Raji Fashola is one of the few ones striving ahead, and gradually Lagos State is regaining her lost glory. This is not to say he is perfect because no man is, but at least he is striving to make Lagos a better state. Like many other Nigerians, I am tired of the negative news in Nigeria. I am tired of the greed, killings, poverty, oppression, religious riots, abuse, death etc… all caused by corruption and abuse of power. Instead I want to concentrate on the positive side of Nigeria, the good news coming out of Nigeria. So this blog is not just about Fashola, but about HOPE and the dream of a new Nigeria. After years of deception, greed and corruption that defies human understanding, Nigerians are beginning to see hope once again through the hard work of Governor Fashola of Lagos State and a few others. Finally this blog is not based on tribalism, but rather celebrating Nigeria. I am from Edo State the land of the great King Oba Ovonramwen and I have faith in my new governor Comrade ADAMS OSHIOMOLE, I believe with time he too will triumph. God bless you, and may GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. AMEN!

Women, bedrock of society – Fashola

2009-05-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has described women as the bedrock of the society, saying that without them, men are nothing. Fashola made the assertion in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Mrs. Sarah Sosan, during the celebration of the 2009 International Women’s Day, in Lagos on Wednesday. The governor said that
over the years and down through the history of the human race, women had demonstrated great courage, commitment and strength of character in providing necessary support to their various families and societies.
He said ancient and contemporary histories were filled with exploits of women who had broken social and economic barriers and cultural stereotypes to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in impacting their world positively.
Fashola said, “Women are indeed, the bedrock of the society. They are our mothers, wives, daughters and nieces whose continued support and encouragement has been our source of inspirations and hope.”
He said that women deserved to be protected and not violated, stressing that violation of a woman was a violation of the vessel of life and therefore a violation of humanity.In her remarks, Sosan said the theme of the celebration, ‘Women and men unite against violence against women’ was very apt as many women suffered and died in silence in a bid to keep their homes and made their marriages work. She said violence against women was not new in the society but efforts must be made to reduce the ugly trend to its barest minimum if it could not be eradicated.

Sosan said women had been specially trained by God to take adequate care of the homes, including the husbands and children hence they should be appreciated and not abused. She said, “By abuse or violence, we should bear in mind that it is not only physical beating, but also emotionally and psychologically.”
The President, New Era Foundation, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, reminded the gathering that women were still not quite there, even if they had made tremendous progress.She said next year would be another milestone to take stock.The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope, lamented the repressive culture that had reduced women to sex objects and sacrificial lamb, and in fact, playing the second fiddle to their male counterparts.

She alleged women were subjected to physical, mental and emotional torture because of their gender. She said that Fashola had empowered, appreciated and encouraged women in the state with different policies in place to check women violation.

Nigeria: Fashola Inaugurates Pensions Commission

2009-05-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Abuja — Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola yesterday inaugurated the State Pensions Commission with an assertion that his administration has taken the boldest step to secure the future of public servants in the state with the body.Governor Fashola who spoke at the
inauguration of the Commission also appealed to all public servants to provide their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) which would enable the system function effectively.Governor Fashola said he had received several reports that some public servants have not provided information about their PIN, stressing that remittance can only be credited based on individual PINs supplied. A Government House statement said the government noted that the processes leading to the inauguration of the Commission started in 2006 with the enactment of a law on contributory pensions scheme by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the appointment of Pension Fund administrators. Governor Fashola added that the state had also ensured a strict remittance of the contributory pensions both from salaries of public servants and obligations imposed by law on the state to also contribute 7.5 percent at both state and local government levels. He described the inauguration of the Commission as representing a very important milestone in the Pensions Reform process of Lagos State adding that the members of the Commission have been chosen to bring their very rich integrity to the operations of the body.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200904210586.html

Fashola commissions roads in Yaba....

2009-05-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola on Tuesday commissioned three roads in Yaba as part of activities to mark his 700 days in office. The roads are Montgomery Street, Commercial Avenue and Aje Street, culminating in a total of 1.5 kilometres with an average width of 10 metres.Fashola, who also
unveiled a modern statue in memory of the foremost late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, said in fulfillment of his campaign promises in 2007, the three roads commissioned were part of a comprehensive plan by his administration to reconstruct a total of 37 roads in the area.Fashola, who recalled that Yaba used to be the place where Kakadu Night Club once stood and many other resorts where the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bobby Benson, Tunde Nigthingale, Art Alade and so many other Nigerian musicians, artists and entertainment impresarios strutted the stage and displayed their talents.

“Yaba never had a dull moment,” he said, adding that as time past, Yaba became a place that many loathe to live due to failure by successive government to take care of decaying infrastructures.
“I am delighted to note that before we finish, life has returned to Yaba with a lot of energy,” he said, adding that the value of properties have continued to go up.He appealed to residents to form viable resident associations to act as trustees of the assets on behalf of the people of Lagos, who will make use of them. He appealed to the people of Lagos to pay their taxes to enable government deliver more dividend of democracy at their door steps.

Earlier, Fashola had visited the Adeniran Ogunsanya Ultra Modern Shopping Complex in Surulere which is expected to host three cinema houses when completed with standard parking lots, fully fitted with central air-condition. He also visited Tejuoso Market, site of another standard market and the on-going construction of Oyingbo market expected to be completed in May 2010.At the Central Ordinance Department, Nigerian Army Yaba, Fashola inspected on-going construction of arms depot which would host arms that would be relocated from the frontage of the barracks when the perimeter fence is moved backward to allow for expansion of the road to accommodate Bus Rapid.
Source: http://www.sunnewsonline.com

A FEW GOOD 'MAN', BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA

2009-05-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would ever have to write a full article about a Nigerian politician. A very positive review for that matter. This was not for lack of optimism on my part, but for the lack of vision and purpose on their part. The reality is that a good Nigerian politician is difficult to come by. The vast majority of the politicians elected into government are self-serving, corrupt and
worse of all visionless. They are corrupt nationally, regionally and locally. They are corrupt in the South and in the North, in the East and in the West.The Governors in the North marry multiple wives, in the South-West; they publicly stick with one wife but go through young mistresses faster than mach 2. The Ibo Governors ingratiate themselves with royalty; the Yoruba ones think they are royalty, the South-South Governors lobby to become Knights, the Hausa Governors have too much time on their hands and Yar'Adua, the President, gives his daughters to two of them as third and fourth wives respectively.

Worse still, the legislators are clueless. Their main pre-occupation is junketing abroad on endless fact-finding missions. Yet they are concerned with how they are perceived at home and at the ready to threaten with arrest anyone that challenges their plain-to-see indolence and hopelessness.Nigerian politicians are ego driven; they will commandeer an honorary doctorate degree from Universities to which they are the 'Visitor' and get their friends and families to congratulate them with full page newspaper advertisements. Annoyingly, they assault our intelligence and overwhelm reason with false eulogies in these congratulatory advertisements, many of which often share the same message. They celebrate 47th, 56th and other meaningless birthdays; they collect meaningless titles from any monarch. The Nigerian politician gives the impression that theirs is a gadabout government, purposeless yet whirling in self congratulation.

After the era of visionary and selfless leaders like Awolowo, Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello, we are lumbered with the misfortune of having so-called usurpers who think they are doing us a favour by carrying out what they are elected to do. So State Governors have their ugly photos plastered over the covers of notebooks distributed to school children majority of whom have to contend with window-less, teacher-less schools. Some of the politicians also erect massive billboards with their photos and political slogans beside every road repaired and every well sunk. On being sworn to office, the vast majority of them took to corruption and the euphoria of office like a pig to filth. They stink to high heavens and they carry a lot of innocent blood on their hands and head.

Babatunde Fashola the Lagos State Governor is a departure from this filth. He is a breath of fresh air compared to anyone who has held any executive position in Nigeria in over 40 years. He is so different that you can hardly believe he is one of us. He is genuinely and determinedly interested in changing the lives of his constituents for good. Like many other Lagosians, I have developed an air of breathless excitement as I watch Fashola transform the hitherto impossible city.The recently introduced commuter bus systems have made travelling affordable and easier for a good number of people. Major road works are being carried out, drainage systems are being rebuilt. If you go on Mobolaji Bank Anthony in Ikeja or Akin Adesola in Victoria Island at night, you may think you are in London. Many roads in the Lagos metropolis now light up at night powered by solar energy. Fashola must have realised that the environment affects people's behaviour, and has therefore engaged in a massive drive to beautify the city, left, right and center. Lagos roads are now being swept almost round the clock.

The Lagos State Signage Agency has seen to it that posters and overhead fliers that hitherto deface Lagos roads are now a thing of the past.Wherever you go in Lagos, you can see the government of Babatunde Fashola at work without seeing his face. He is rebranding Lagos State without making any noise about it. He just lets his work speak for him. Unlike many Nigerian politicians, he is not involved in any populist, short-term projects; he appears to be planning ahead for the next 100 years. Fashola genuinely has the interest of the people at heart.Do not get me wrong, if you are visiting Lagos for the first time or have lived abroad for a considerably long period, you may not notice much. However, having lived in Lagos for over a year now, the transformation is truly astounding. Fashola has proven that good governance is possible. He is also governing from a position of service. Never has he once made Lagosians believe he is doing them a favour. Fashola has class.

He is also very wise. He shows deference to traditional and religious leaders, but he does not collect titles from them. He collected an award from a newsmagazine as one of the best performing governors in 2008 but returned it when he realised it was a Greek gift.Fashola is also a cultured person who is not carried away by power. He is one of only three Governors in Nigeria who still carry the title of 'Mr'. In an interview he gave a few months after he became Governor, He said he does not use the signature siren favored by politicians and the 'powerful people' because he is averse to noise but also because he considers it in bad taste to live in a government house, drive government vehicles and terrorize the same people that pay for the luxury he enjoys.

Some people will argue that he can only do what he is doing because his predecessor and mentor Bola Tinubu helps to take care of the political side of things. My response is whilst this may be true; Fashola can not do what he is doing if he does not have it in him.I will like to share a story that in my view sums up the effort of Babatunde Fashola and showcases the new Lagos that he is trying to build. A man had been lying for consecutive days at the same spot on the central reservation of the road that leads to our Estate. I decided to stop and on enquiring from a nearby shop-keeper, I was informed that the man had been drunk and was hit by an Okada (motorbike).On Friday 17th April, I placed a call to the Lagos State emergency telephone number '767' to request for assistance for the man. This was my first time of using this service which is in itself a first in Nigeria. I was amazed when I got connected and I was afforded the utmost courtesy by the person who answered the phone. When we got disconnected shortly afterwards, I tried again, and yet another person answered on the first ring. She listened to my report asking for the full details of where the man was located and promised that an ambulance will be sent forthwith. I was joyful not only for the man, but that something this good was possible in Lagos and in Nigeria. Without any deliberate prompting, my heart blessed Fashola.

A few days later, I noticed that the man was no longer there. My wife later informed me that she saw an ambulance parked at the same spot to ferry the man away for treatment as she drove past one evening. Of course Fashola is not doing more than what he was elected to do, however, when the vast majority of our politicians care less about the electorate, Fashola should earn our admiration for differentiating himself so fantastically.I have watched Fashola on the sidelines for over a year and I know he is no fluke. He has surreptitiously dragged us, Lagosians, to develop confidence in him and increasingly in government. I have come across many people who have chosen to pay their tax because they believe that Fashola will use it responsibly. This agrees very well with the proponents of the theory that Nigeria's problem is a leadership one.Fashola has proven that you only need a few good people to change the course of a nation; in his case, a few good 'MAN'. Lagosians know that what is happening in Lagos is due to the determination of a single man and they truly appreciate this man and have come to trust him. Fashola is a leader, a responsible man, a genuinely good person. He is a few good 'MAN'. And we all can learn from him.

We all benefit when we do things right!

By Gbenga Badejo Monday, May 4, 2009
gbenga@badejo.com

Fashola, this is commendable

2009-05-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

I paid my tax at First Bank, Surulere branch, using self assessment form last July. I did not receive my receipt until last week when I sent a text message to Governor Babatunde Fashola. When I saw his reply about an hour latter
I showed it to my wife who doubted that the governor could reply me personally. She thought that perhaps one of his aides sent the reply, until an hour later when I started receiving calls from different people – from the head of Alpha Beta, to the secretary, Internal Revenue, who all promised that my receipt would be sent as soon as possible. My tax card and receipt were sent to me two days after my text to the governor. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, we have a listening governor that anybody can communicate with. It’s unbelievable. I commend the governor. So, if you have a problem and you do not text the governor, don’t blame anybody.

Doyin Ogunleye, 64, Karimu Street, Surulere, Lagos State:
Souce: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2009042223435356

Fashola spends 45th birthday with the less privileged

2009-05-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Saturday celebrated his 45th year birthday, sparing a thought for the less privileged children in the society whom he visited and spent time with.Governor Fashola who visited the Motherless babies home at Lekki, the Senior Boys Approved School in Isheri and the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice in Surulere pleaded with
the well to do in the society to give a little back to the society.Governor Fashola said he is delighted that he has in his little way been able to effect some improvement in the structures of the Motherless Babies Home in Lekki through the assistance of his friends, promising that other equipments for the clinic are on the way to the country.He added that last year during his 44 birthday, when he visited the Lekki Motherless Babies Home, he promised to do something for the inmates and is thankful to God that he is alive today to fulfill the promise of a state of the art clinic which he commissioned.Governor Fashola took time to mentor, dance and sit with many of the children during the course of the visit which also had the First Lady, Mrs Abimbola Fashola in attendance.Governor Fashola who lamented the poor state of the road that led to the Motherless Babies home, off Admiralty Way said all the rich who live in the Lekki neighbourhood must decide on whether to continue to invest in Jeeps worth millions of Naira or make an investment by community efforts to fix the road and let everyone enjoy.He reminded everyone that the State has a very limited budget which must reach everyone in all parts of the state, adding that the government has difficult choices to make at all times in terms of provision of social amenities.

Governor Fashola explained that he is always celebrating his birthday with the less privileged because he is always connected to his roots and would rather celebrate in the midst of the disadvantaged as he enjoys it and it is his own concept of an ideal celebration.In his words: “I have continued to connect with my roots. I am here today because I am lucky. I also had an opportunity. When you look at the abandoned children who need rehabilitation, they had no care. I am here because I had care and attention. People dedicated time to me. I will rather do these than celebrating”.Governor Fashola commended the efforts of Mrs Laja Adedoyin, the proprietor of Heart of Gold Children Hospice, Surulere in taking care of challenged children without any form of backing by the state.

Governor Fashola said: “Madam, you are the real hero, because you are not appointed or elected but has chosen to do this selfless service .Many people will simply walk away from them but you have chosen to pick and mentor them individually”.He promised to work with his friends to see what can be done to add value to what the proprietor of Heart of Gold Children Hospital has been doing, especially considering the constraint for space that she is contending with.At the Lekki Motherless Babies Home, he appealed to retired doctors and nurses and medical personnel residing in the Lekki vicinity to give out of their time by coming over to the home and give quality care and counseling to the children at the home who would benefit immensely from such.The Lagos State Governor said the door is open to all such retired volunteers who may not know precisely how they can give out of their valued time in providing quality service to the less privileged children.

The Governor admitted that the challenge he observed at the Senior Boys Approved School in Isheri is that adequate facilities to impart skills are not available, but promised to respond and make it a rehabilitation and vocational centre with a standard that everyone can be proud of.He added that the State Government intends to give new opportunities to the boys and rehabilitate them towards helping to improve the quality of their lives.The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Joke Adefulire informed the Governor that the Lekki Motherless Babies Home currently has about 62 children in its custody and thanked the Governor for providing the clinic which she said would provide medical support for the children.

Mr. Soji Abayomi who spoke on behalf of the inmates of the Senior Boys Approved School in Isheri pleaded with the Governor to empower the boys and ensure their full integration into the society, while they also sang a birthday song for the Governor.The Proprietor of the Heart of Gold Hospice, Mrs. Adelaja identified the melting pot nature of Lagos as being largely responsible for the high incidence of child abandonment in the state.She identified the periods of April to October every year as the most prevalent period of children being abandoned.In her remarks, the Chair person of the management committee of the Lekki Motherless Babies Home, Mrs Rebecca Aikhomu thanked Governor Fashola for the provision of the clinic, but pleaded for the deployment of additional medical hands to the home.

Fashola spends 45th birthday with the less privileged
My Naija News - Wednesday, 06 May 2009

THE BIOGRAPHY... Babatunde Fashola

2009-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Babatunde Raji Fashola, was born in Lagos at the Island Maternity Hospital on June 28, 1963. A fifth generation Lagosian and a direct descendant of the patriach of the Fashola family in Isalegangan. He is also a descendant of the Shomade family of Isale Eko through his paternal grandmother as well as a descendant of the Bashua and suenu families of Lagos.

He studied at the University of Benin from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B.(Hon), degree in 1987.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in November 1988 after completing the professional training programme at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos which he undertook between 1987 and 1988.

His legal career of over one and a half decades, commenced in the law Firm of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe an d Belgore, where he cut his legal teeth as a litigator over such wide-ranging areas of specialization as, intellectual property (registration of trade marks), commercial law, covering general contracts, company activities, mergers, acquisitions, right issues, ownership of shares and equity of corporations, as well as land disputes, criminal law and chieftaincy matters, in all of which he has come to acquire appreciable expertise and vast experience.

Political career
Babatunde Fashola commenced a four-year tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State in Nigeria on May 29, 2007; this was after a successful four-year tenure as the Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Fashola had during his tenure as Chief of Staff also dubbed as the Honourable Commissioner to the Governor's office. He was the first person to hold both offices simultaneously.

Before and during his appointment he had had the privilege to serve the State in various capacities, including:

- Secretary of the Lands Sub-Committee of the Transitional Work Groups. 1999.

- Member of the panel of Enquiry into allocation of houses on the Mobolaji Johnson Housing Scheme at Lekki, 2000.

- Member of the State Tenders Board- 2002- 2006.

- Member of Lagos State Executive Council-2002-2006.

- Member of the State Security Council-2002-2006

- Member of the State Treasury Board-2002-2006

- Chairman Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of Asset distribution among Local Government.

Fashola, a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, has been variously honoured with awards and certificates of merit including the Distinguished Alumnus Award conferred on him by the University of Benin Alumni Association in recognition of contributions to the Alumnus association and humanity.

He is also a recipient of Lagos State public service club Platinum Award for outstanding contribution towards development. As well as Alliance for Democracy " Igbogbo Bayeku Local Government Award" in recognition of activities towards the success of the party.

Babatunde Fashola is also a Patron of the Law Students Association of the University of Benin and he is the second law graduate from the University of Benin and the first member of the Nigerian Law School graduating class of 1988 to be conferred with the Rank of Senior Advocate. He is also the First ever Chief of Staff to be so honoured.

Notably amongst his professional affiliations are his membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Family and lineage
He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Emmanuela Fashola and they have children.

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) is a descendant of the patriarch of the Fashola family, Alfa Bello Fashola of Princess Street in Isale Gangan, Lagos.

On the Fashola family tree, he is the great grandson of Bello Fashola, a philanthropist and a very close friend of Esugbayi Eleko, who contributed morally and financially to the struggle to return Esugbayi Eleko to Lagos after the Oba's banishment from his kingdom by the then colonial government.

Bello Fashola had 137 children with Tiamiyu Bashorun Fashola as the eldest child.

The direct linkage is as follows: Bello Fashola begat Tiamiyu Fashola, who begat Raji Olayinka Fashola, who begat Ademola Fashola who begat Babatunde Raji Fashola.

He is also linked to Isale Eko through his paternal grandmother who is a direct descendant of the Shomade/Bashua family of Obun Eko and Suenu chieftancy family house.

His paternal great, great grandmother was Jarinatu Okunnu from Isale Eko Onilegbe family whilst his maternal great grandmother is from Idumagbo Isale Eko of the Suenu Chieftancy family.

His historical antecedent spans over five generations.

Fashola, quite unlike most politicians in Nigeria goes by the simple prefix of "Mr" and can be seen in traffic just like any other motorist devoid of that familiar Nigerian trapping of power, wailing siren

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babatunde_Fashola