Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of two new permanent secretaries in the state public service.

The appointment was to fill up the existing vacancies necessitated by the retirement of two permanent secretaries recently.

According to a statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, Prince Abiodun approved the appointment in order not to create any vacuum in the administrative structure of the state, particularly in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government and to ensure continuity and stability in governance at all levels.

The appointed permanent secretaries are Engr. Muritala Alabi Adekunle, Director Grade level 17 from the Ministry of Rural Development and Engr. Olufisan Ayodele Osiyale, Director, HAPPS 17 from the Local Government Service Commission.

Their appointment is in accordance with the provisions of section 208 (C) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and having considered merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and seniority in the civil/ public service of the state, according to the statement.

The statement called on the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate commitment, diligence and selflessness on their new roles and pursue excellence in service in line with the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of the Prince Abiodun’s administration.

Engr. Adekunle served as the Project Coordinator of the Ogun State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project domiciled in the Ministry of Rural Development, while Engr. Osiyale was the director of Works and Housing at Ado/Odo Ota Local Government prior to their appointments.

The Senate, on Saturday, mourned the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba.

The former speaker died on Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 65.

This followed the adoption of a motion by the deputy president of the senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), at plenary on Saturday.

Mr Barau said the late speaker stood firm for the independence of the legislative arm of government during his tenure as Speaker from 1999 to 2003.

He said the former Speaker was instrumental to the successful take-off of the House of Representatives by putting in place all necessary structures needed to galvanise a new legislature to perform its functions.

He called on the Senate to honour Mr Na’Abba’s contributions to the development of the legislature in the country by observing a minute silence.

“This is to officially inform this August sitting of the death of the founding presiding officer of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

“He died on Wednesday in Abuja and was buried in Kano according to Islamic rites.

“He was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.

“He fought to put the necessary structure for the take-off of the House of Representatives of the Fourth Republic.“He was a dogged fighter who stood firm for the independence of the legislature.”

He will ever be remembered for the sacrifices he made to make sure the House of Representatives was put in the best place to perform its functions.

“He needs to be honoured by this distinguished Senate for his contributions to the development of the legislature of this country.”

I, hereby, urge that a minute silence be observed in his honour,” Mr Barau said.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi) said the late Mr Na’Ábba played a prominent role in the Fourth Republic as the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, said Mr Na’Abba was a pillar in defending the independence of the legislative arm at the onset of the Fourth Republic.

He said it was during Mr Na’Abba’s tenure that elaborate rules of the legislature were formulated.The Senate, thereafter, observed a minute silence in honour of Na’Abba.

Mrs Tinubu was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s wife, Nana, the wives of the governors of Lagos and Ogun states and the wife of the deputy governor of Oyo State.

Mrs Tinubu said the demise of the former governor was painful, shocking and a great loss to the country.

She described the late governor as a great man, loved by his family, the people of Ondo state and Nigerians.

The first lady, who noted that the former governor did his best to develop his state, the South-West and Nigeria as a whole, said he would be sorely missed.

“We can only wish that the legacies he left behind will continue and endure,” Mrs Tinubu added.

Mrs Tinubu noted that Mr Akeredolu fought gallantly to stay alive, but human existence is subject to the will of God.

She appealed to Mr Akeredolu’s widow and the family to take solace in the fact that the former governor lived a fulfilled life.

Responding on behalf of the family, the late governor’s brother, Oluwole Akeredolu, described the exit of the former governor as painful.

He, however, said the family was consoled by the fact that Mr Akeredolu had gone to rest.

The wives of members of the National Assembly and that of the APC national chairman were also with the first lady during the visit.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to sustain the legacies of his predecessor, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Aiyedatiwa stated this during a candlelight procession organised by members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ondo State chapter, in honour of the late Akeredolu, at the Government House, Akure, on Friday night.

He described Akeredolu as a fearless legal luminary and a dedicated leader.

According to him, Akeredolu’s commitment to justice and service to the people earned him the title of “Senior Advocate of the Masses.”

“What you have done this night is commendable; it means all you were doing before, when he was alive, was not eye service but genuine love. This means a lot to me personally.

“We will ensure we complete all the ongoing projects he left behind,” he said.Aiyedatiwa called for continuous prayers, saying, “All you can do for us right now is to continue to pray for us that God should grant all of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Friday signed into law the N199.8 billion state’s budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

Mr Sule, while assenting to the 2024 budget tagged, “Budget of Renewed Commitment,” appreciated the speaker and members of the state assembly for ensuring due diligence in the passage of the budget.

The governor assured the people of the state that he would continue to implement the budget within the economic threshold, adding that the government would adhere strictly to the budgetary provision.

He urged the members of the state assembly to be committed in carrying out their oversight function to address identified loopholes.

In his remarks, Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr Danladi Jatau, reiterated the commitment of the legislature to support the governor to deliver on his people-oriented programmes.

The speaker noted that the budget passed through the necessary legislative procedures.

Also speaking, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Munirat Abdullahi, commended the legislature, particularly the budget committee for facilitating the quick passage of the budget.

Some of the dignitaries present at the signing were the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Mr Jatau, principal officers and members of the state assembly.

Also in attendance include the state Chief Judge, Justice Aisha Bashir, the Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Muhammad, and the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Aliyu Bello.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has signed the 2024 appropriation bill of N395,257,000,000.00 into law.

Mr Aiyedatiwa assented his signature on the bill on Friday, a few hours after the lawmakers of the State House of Assembly passed the bill at a plenary sitting.

The assembly had jerked up the bill by over 10 billion naira.

Last Thursday, Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was then acting governor, presented a total of N384,533,000,000.00 bill tagged “Budget of Economic Resilience” before the parliament.

Speaking after assenting his signature, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the bill which has now become a law would provide the financial guidepost for the state’s fiscal operation in the year 2024.

“In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am delighted today to give assent to the Ondo State 2024 Appropriation Bill which will provide the financial guidepost for the State’s fiscal operation in 2024.

“You will all recall that on Thursday, 21st December 2023, I presented the 2024 Budget Estimates of N384b, christened Budget of Economic Resilience, to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration. The House, in its characteristic devotion to our people’s cause, has painstakingly considered the budget and passed same.

“After extensive deliberation involving interface with all MDAs and the Judiciary, the size of the approved Budget for 2024 stands at Three Hundred and Ninety-Five Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million Naira (N395,257,000,000.00) only,” the governor said.

He, however, appreciated the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji for the detailed scrutinisation and prompt passage of the 2024 appropriation bill, stressing that the present administration has enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the state legislature.

Last Thursday, Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was then acting governor, presented a total of N384,533,000,000.00 bill tagged “Budget of Economic Resilience” before the parliament.

Speaking after assenting his signature, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the bill which has now become a law would provide the financial guidepost for the state’s fiscal operation in the year 2024.

“In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am delighted today to give assent to the Ondo State 2024 Appropriation Bill which will provide the financial guidepost for the State’s fiscal operation in 2024.

“You will all recall that on Thursday, 21st December 2023, I presented the 2024 Budget Estimates of N384b, christened Budget of Economic Resilience, to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.

The House, in its characteristic devotion to our people’s cause, has painstakingly considered the budget and passed same.

“After extensive deliberation involving interface with all MDAs and the Judiciary, the size of the approved Budget for 2024 stands at Three Hundred and Ninety-Five Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million Naira (N395,257,000,000.00) only,” the governor said.

He, however, appreciated the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji for the detailed scrutinisation and prompt passage of the 2024 appropriation bill, stressing that the present administration has enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the state legislature.

According to him, the executive arm of the government would put its shoulder to the wheel to implement the 2024 budget with the required probity and transparency it deserves by putting it on public display.

“As we keep implementing people-centred projects and programmes in line with our REDEEMED Agenda, we will continue to improve on our revenue drive while cutting down on our recurrent costs in view of the prevailing economic realities.

“The focus of this Budget, as said in my Budget Speech, is human capital development. Emphasis would also be placed on climate change, clean and sustainable environment, rural development and food security while ongoing legacy infrastructure projects of our dear departed Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON would be completed,” Mr Aiyedatiwa added.

The bill comprised N222,259,827,500.00 as capital expenditure while a total of N172,997,172,500.00 was penned for recurrent expenditure.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has signed into law a N225.8 billion appropriation bill as the budget of the state for the 2024 fiscal year.

Fintiri signed the appropriation bill on Friday after its approval about 10 days ago by the state House of Assembly.

Speaking before signing the budget at the government house in Yola, Governor Fintiri thanked members of the State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the budget, assuring them that his administration will continue to maintain the cordial relationship that exists between the Executive and the Legislature.

He said he would implement the budget with dedication, adding that his administration, which laid a solid foundation in the last four years, would continue to work hard for the people.

He announced that the budget is structured in a way to ensure that every local government area will get projects worth at least N1 billion.

Tagged ‘Budget of Reengineering’, the 2024 estimate has N111.3bn, representing 49.3% for recurrent services while N114.5bn, representing 50.7% is to cover capital expenditure.

Present during the brief budget signing ceremony include Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, Speaker Wesley Bathiya, some other members of the Legislature and some commissioners.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has signed into law the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

This is as Governor Adeleke also assured that his administration will abide by the full implementation of the 2024 budget for the benefit of the state and her people.

Governor Adeleke made this known in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Friday in Osogbo.

The statement revealed that the budget tagged “Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery” is crafted to fast-track the revitalisation of the various sectors of the state economy.

“The total approved budget is Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand Naira and Four Hundred and Ten Kobo (273,908,997,410).

“Our focus is to put the state on the path of sustainable development, hence we are rebuilding all the sectors namely education, health, sports, roads, agriculture, creative industry, digital economy, general infrastructure alongside women and youth focussed programmes and policies.

“I commend the State Assembly for the prompt processing of the appropriation bill. I also laud my team for their cooperation with the various assembly committees in the budgetary process.

“We will ensure implementation as stipulated to reconstruct the society and ensure recovery of critical sectors,” the statement concluded.

Hon. Zayyanu Muhammad Bello, the Executive Chairman of Maiyama Local Government Area, is dead.

The Kebbi State Government officially announced his passing after a prolonged illness.

The news of his death was conveyed to the public through a statement released by Ahmed Idris, the spokesman for the state governor, on Thursday.

Bello, a dedicated public servant, breathed his last early in the morning at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.

“Regrettably, with a heavy heart, I announce the death of Hon. Zayyanu Muhammad Bello, Executive Chairman of Maiyama Local Government.

“He died early this morning at UDUTH Sokoto after a protracted illness.” The statement read.

The statement added that the government would communicate details of his burial arrangements to the public in due course.

Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Governor of Ondo State, died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

He reportedly died of protracted prostate cancer while receiving medical care in Germany.

Here is the profile of the late governor:

Akeredolu was born on July 21, 1956. He was 67 years old.

He was a lawyer, politician, lifelong bencher, and co-founder of the Olujinmi and Akeredolu Law Firm.

1985-Till date: Member, National Executive Council, NBA

1985-1986: Secretary, NBA Ibadan Branch

1998: Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN

1988–1989: National Publicity Secretary, NBA

1992-1994: Vice Chairman, NBA Ibadan Branch

1997–1999: Member, Council of Legal Education.

1997-1999: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State

2005–2006: Chairman, Legal Aid Council

2008–2010: President of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA

2008-2010: Member, Council, Int’l Bar Association

2008-2010: Member, Council, Pan-African Lawyers Union

2010–2012: Member, National Judicial Council, NJC

2014: Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC

2017-2023: Ondo State Governor

The remains of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, were laid to rest in Kano on Wednesday.

Na’Abba’s corpse was flown into the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport from Abuja.

The late speaker’s corpse was received by family members, friends and top government functionaries around 3 pm.

The corpse was then conveyed to the emir’s palace for a funeral prayer, which was held at about 5:30 pm.

The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen.Na’Abba’s corpse was buried at Dandolo Cemetery, Goron-Dutse, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State.

Na’Abba died in the early hours of Wednesday in Abuja after a protracted illness.

Some of the prominent personalities that attended the funeral prayer included the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima; the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam; and the senator representing Kano South senatorial district, Abdulrahman Kawu-Sumaila.

Others were former governors of the state, Ibrahim Shekarau and Rabiu Kwankwaso and former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as well as some members of the state and national assemblies.

Following the death of Ondo State former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, a member of the State Executive Council, Dare Aragbiaye, has tendered his resignation from office.

Mr Aragbaiye, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties in the cabinet, resigned shortly after the death of Mr Akeredolu.

In the copy of the resignation letter obtained by The Gazette, Mr Aragbiaye said his decision to resign from the cabinet was based on the death of Mr Akeredolu, to whom he pledged his loyalty even to his death.

“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my principal, a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Oduniayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to even in death.

“I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council, first as a Head of Service and now special adviser.

“Please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,” an excerpt from his letter read.

Until his resignation, Mr Aragbaye was part of the cabal in the cabinet that controlled the government in the absence of Mr Akeredolu, who refused to hand over power following his protracted illness.

Meanwhile, Mr Aiyedatiwa, who had been acting as the governor in the absence of Mr Akeredolu, would soon take the oath of office as the substantive governor of the state.

He is expected to be sworn into office by the state’s chief judge, Olusegun Odunsola.

Tributes and condolence messages continue to trail the passing of Ondo State former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who died in the early hours of Wednesday.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said Mr Akeredolu’s journey from serving as an attorney-general in Ondo to becoming the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and eventually the governor of Ondo State is a “remarkable, inspiring, and accomplished life, by all standards.”

“As I join his dear family, my mother’s kinsmen and women in Owo Town, where the late governor also hailed from, the people of Ondo State, and the Nigerian Bar Association in mourning the passing of this giant, we take solace in the fact that he left behind a legacy marked by service to our nation,” Mr Saraki added.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Mr Akeredolu as a “quintessential gentleman who took the finesse to governance.”

“A two-term elected governor of the Sunshine State, Akeredolu was a politician of class because he was never known for destructive politics,” Mr Atiku added while expressing his condolences to the late governor’s family.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also penned a condolence message where he described the late politician as a “leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration; a man of integrity and strong conviction, with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state.”

“He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power, regardless of whose ox was gored.

“As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office,” he added.

Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, also mourned Mr Akeredolu. A statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Mr Akeredolu was one of Nigeria’s finest and that his “wise counsel and constructive contributions will be missed.”

The All Progressives Congress Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, wrote that the party shares the grief of the Akeredolu family and the people of Ondo State.

“His dedication to ensuring peace, stability, and unity within the state will forever be remembered. Governor Akeredolu’s departure leaves a significant void in our political landscape.

“His absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with him, collaborating on projects, or simply experiencing his remarkable leadership firsthand,” Mr Ganduje said.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, chronicled the contributions of the late governor in a statement that the palace’s media office released.

“When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across South-West and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity.

“This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.

“He was an honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is,” Mr Ogunwusi said.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Lekan Balogun, said Mr Akeredolu was an “indefatigable politician and legal icon.

“In politics, he proved himself an enigma, winning gubernatorial elections on two different occasions and but for his untimely death, he would have succeeded in governing his Ondo State for two terms of eight years; that’s not a mean achievement,” he added.

Mr Akeredolu died after his battle with prostate cancer. He sought medical care in Nigeria and abroad, which kept him out of official government functions in the months leading up to his demise.

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, is dead.

Sources said the governor died on Wednesday at 67.

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state said arrangements were being concluded to swear in his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The state government has yet to speak on the matter.

Efforts to get confirmation from the Alagbaka Government House proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Richard Olabode, did not take his calls nor respond to text messages sent to his phone by one of our correspondents.

Also, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, did not take her calls when PUNCH Online contacted her on the matter.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the secretary to the government of the federation, Sen. George Akume, as he celebrates his 70th birthday.

The president commended Mr Akume for his consistency and perpetual dedication to duty in coordinating the affairs of government.

Mr Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, stated in Abuja on Tuesday that the president noted Mr Akume’s rich portfolio of leadership experience and laurels.

“The country has been blessed with the dedication and sure-handedness of Sen. Akume,’’ Mr Ngilale quoted the president as having said.

While wishing Mr Akume good health and strength, the president implored him not to relent in his diligent service to the country, Ngilale stated.

The president also noted Mr Akume’s attainments as governor, minister, senator, and top-flight public servant, which he brought to bear on his current role.

He extolled Mr Akume’s temperance, affability, harmony, and stability which he consistently personifies as he coordinates activities between the executive and other arms of government.

“He makes himself accessible, focused, and dependable in bridging the divide between policy and implementation.

“George Akume is one of the most reliable citizens this country can boast of.

“The people of Benue have attested to his sterling leadership principles and leveraged his remarkable talent for so many years because of what he has always stood for.

“He will be with you in the best of days, and even most reliably, in the worst of days.

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, PDP-GF, has celebrated Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on his 56th birthday.

The forum’s chairman, Gov Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, celebrated Makinde in a statement issued by the forum’s Director-General, Cyril Maduabum, in Abuja on Monday.

Mohammed said that the forum celebrated Makinde’s genuine performance in office as Governor of Oyo State in over four years.

Makinde’s performance, according to him, was evident in life-impacting projects in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare service delivery, power generation, SME funding, security, and safety—a wholesome transformation strategy for generational change.

“This progress is also being felt in the reorganised solid mineral sector, aviation sector upgrade, improved civil service welfare, transportation, culture, and tourism, road networking and urban renewal, trade and investment drive, and youth and women empowerment, among others.

“We are proud to say that the state’s economy has recorded a remarkable leap. The forum acknowledges his numerous contributions to the growth of our forum and his nationalistic approach to governance,’’ Mohammed said.

He noted that they celebrated Makinde’s valuable contributions in his capacity as vice chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and to the growth of the nation, praying for more divine guidance for him generally in his line of service.

He assured Makinde of the forum’s unalloyed support as he presides over the affairs of his state.

Nigerian foremost dramatist, Prof Wole Soyinka has said that President Bola Tinubu ignored his advice not to run for presidency.

Soyinka, who paid a courtesy visit to Tinubu, at his Lagos home, said he was there to see how the President and his wife were doing after ignoring his advice.

The literary icon said he has submitted a seven-point agenda to the President during the visit he described as an “embarrassing” one.

“I came here with a seven-point agenda. And we had a very thorough discussion on those items,” Soyinka told reporters after the visit.

“Actually, it’s an embarrassing visit because when I visited him the last time, it was to try and persuade him not to run for office.

“I told Atiku and himself to please leave the ground so young people could run. That’s the last time we met about five years ago.

“So I came to see how he was doing after ignoring my advice. I came to see how both he and his wife were weathering Nigeria, and to wish them a Happy Christmas,” he said.

The Sokoto State government, on Saturday, distributed N25 million and essential food items to the resident communities in preparation for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Maryam D’Mass, the special adviser to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu on resident community and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), inaugurated the distribution, emphasising its aim to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the society.

Ms D’Mass expressed her satisfaction with the administration’s commitment to the well-being of all citizens in Sokoto state.

She assured the gathering that the gesture is a groundbreaking and sustainable effort, marking the first time a state government has provided relief materials to resident communities in the state.

“I am pleased to inform you that the present administration prioritises the well-being of all citizens in Sokoto state.

“This act reflects our commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence, and I assure you that it will be an ongoing initiative.

“We should sustain our support and prayers for the government to continue to excel so that we can enjoy more dividends of democracy at our doorsteps,” she urged.

Ms D’Mass further assured the resident community of equal treatment with any other citizen in the state.

She said the distribution would cover 25 groups, with each group receiving 10 bags of 50kg rice, 10 cartons of spaghetti, five 25-litre jerry cans of vegetable oil, and a cash amount of N1 million.

The special adviser expressed gratitude to the governor and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto) for the opportunity to serve the state and the resident community.

Olubunmi Dare, the chairman of the Association of Communities Resident in Sokoto (ACORS), appreciated the state government’s concern and support for their members.

Mr Dare emphasised the need for all the resident communities to maintain the peaceful environment experienced in the state.

The Lagos government has released trucks impounded by LASTMA during a special operation on Friday.

The commissioner for transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.

Mr Osiyemi said the trucks were impeding traffic flow on the Cele-Apapa-Tincan axis.

“Following a constructive meeting with truck associations, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his magnanimity, has ordered the release of the impounded trucks.

“However, a stern warning accompanies this gesture; the government retains the capacity to enforce and remove offending trucks persistently.

“This move underscores the government’s commitment to collaboration with Stakeholders for the overall benefit of traffic management in the state,” Mr Osiyemi said.

He urged truck operators to align with the broader vision of establishing a conducive and effective transportation system for the benefit of businesses and Lagos residents.