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Tag: Akinwumi Ambode

  • UNILAG convocation now May 8 – 11

    The postponed convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos ( UNILAG ) will now take place from May 8 to May 11, the Registrar, Dr Taiwo Ipaye, has said.

    Ipaye made the disclosure in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday in Lagos.

    A week-long convocation ceremony for the 2016/2017 academic session was earlier scheduled to begin on Feb. 19 but postponed as a result of strike by non academic workers.

    “The university management is happy to announce a new date for the convocation ceremony.

    “The schedule for the ceremony remains the same. The only additional thing is reception for retired professors, directors and registrars; it will take place on the last day, Friday, May 11, after Jumat prayers,” she said.

    According to the registrar, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State will deliver the convocation lecture on May 8.

    “The lecture, with the theme: “Inclusion: The Path to a New Nation’’, previously scheduled for Feb. 19, would kick-start activities lined up for the ceremony,’’ she said.

    Ipaye said that an opening exhibition and the inauguration of the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, would, however, precede the lecture.

    According to her, the main convocation ceremony will be held in two sessions (morning and afternoon) each day from May 9 to May 11.

    The registrar said that award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of Faculties of Education and Social Sciences would take place in the morning of May 9.

    She said graduating students for the Faculties of Arts, Environmental Sciences and Sciences would be attended to in the afternoon of the same day.

    According to Ipaye, on May 10, award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Engineering, Law and Management Sciences will hold in the morning.

    She said that graduating students of the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute would be awarded first degrees, diplomas and certificates in the afternoon of the same day.

    Ipaye said that the ceremony would end on May 11 with congregation for the award of higher degrees of the School of Postgraduate Studies.

    She said that on the same day, the Best Researcher Award and conferment of the Distinguished and Emeritus Professors would also hold.

    NAN

  • Lagos Boat regatta will attract investors, boost revenue – Ayorinde

    Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, is set to host a boat regatta funfair to boost internal revenue.

    Mr Steve Ayorinde, the Lagos state Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, said on Thursday that the regatta would hold on April 1 at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi.

    Ayorinde said in a statement that the funfair would also attract investors to the rich aquatic cultural asset embedded in the state.

    He explained that the ceremonial regatta “is one of the major festivals listed in the 2018 Calendar of Arts and Culture Events by Lagos State, earlier released in the year.”

    The commissioner said that the boat regatta is open to the public.

    “It is a cultural and entertainment funfair meant to showcase part of the state’s rich aquatic cultural asset, being a festival that is common to the traditional coastline communities.

    “The boat regatta is a traditional tourism feature of Lagos State and this year’s outing is in line with the vision of Gov. Akinwumi Ambode.

    Read Also: Security: Akeredolu donates 10 speed boats to Navy

    “It will further showcase the tourism values, the beauty of Lagos waterways and market its potentials to local and foreign tourists as well as investors,’’ Ayorinde said.

    According to him, the water regatta will also serve as a family recreation show for the benefit of Lagosians and tourists on Easter Sunday.

    Activities scheduled to spice the festival include performances by entertainment boats, traditional boat regatta parade, cultural display by various riverine communities, water safety tips and other side attractions.

    The commissioner said the participating water communities would compete for prizes on open water swimming, canoe race and outstanding regatta boats event.

    Similarly, private boat owners and other stakeholders involved in marine leisure and hospitality ventures will feature at the event, he added.

    NAN

  • Lagos State settles N841m pensions

    Lagos State settles N841m pensions

    Lagos State Gov. Akinwumi Ambode has released N838 million to pay accrued pensions to its retirees for February.

    A statement by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), signed by its Director-General, Mrs Folashade Onanuga, said that the amount was paid to 141 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    He gave the assurance that the payment of the accrued pension rights would continue monthly under the current administration.

    “The payment is well structured, transparent, efficient and based on the law of equity.

    “I assured all the retirees that the Pensioners’ Identity Card is in progress and wilk be provided as soon as the necessary approval is obtained,” she said.

    Also in a statement, Dr. Benson Akintola-Oke, the state Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, said that N34, 781 billion had been paid into Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of 8,548 retirees since 2015.

    Read Also: Lagos East APC endorses Ambode for second term

    Akintola-Oke, who represented Ambode at the 48th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation (RBBCP) ceremony, implored retirees to put their money only  in businesses they could manage.

    Akintola-Oke said that the state government was committed to providing retirees with incentives that would give them peace in retirement.

    “Ambode focuses on payment of pensioners and other entitlements, and this has earned the state accolades.

    “This priority is to eradicate poverty amongst the elderly in our society,” he said.

    NAN

     

  • Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Era of undermining states’ economy is gone – Osinbajo

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said that the Federal Government would continue to encourage partnership among states for their development.

    Osinbajo spoke in Epe at a 2-day Lagos-Kano Economic and Investment Summit with theme: “States Partnership as a Tool for Sustainable Economic Development.”

    Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would not undermine the economy of any state, adding that the era of doing so was over.

    “On our own part, the Federal Government will support the efforts of all state governments to reform their economies, to attract investment and to collaborate with one another.

    “The days where the Federal Government will sit to undermine governors and their administrations are now behind us,” he said.

    He said that the state governments could attest to the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply committed to helping every state achieve its full economic potential.

    “As a government, we have been careful not to hold back information from the states, because we realised that development can only happen in an atmosphere of trust and collaboration,” Osinbajo said.

    The Vice-President noted that if the nation’s economy must be reviewed, there was need for states to leverage and synergise on their comparative advantages to improve their economy.

    “This development will as well rub on the nation’s economy and in the overall benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

    He commended both state governments for the initiative, saying that it was in line with the federal government’s economic recovery growth plan.

    He said that the Federal Government would pay serious attention to the outcome of the summit to help guide and direct its engagement with the two states.

    Osinbajo said that going by the current and projected rate of urbanisation, cities, not countries would propel the economy of the future.

    “Cities around the world existed longer than the countries to which they belong.

    “Lagos and Kano are as much cities as they are states. Long before Nigeria existed, both cities existed as important regional centres of trade and commerce,” he said.

    He said that the summit would provide the opportunity for both states to accept themselves economically.

    Osinbajo said it would also give room for them to see rapidly emerging opportunities, as well as ride the ways of investments and innovation to become truly globally competitive, and to show the way to other states.

    In his remarks, Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State called for more inter-regional trade and cooperation among states.

    According to Ambode, Nigeria should start thinking ahead, because the country’s economy still remains dependent on oil.

    He said that Lagos State would partner Kano State in areas of transport infrastructure, road, rail lines, education, market development, security, among others.

    His Kano state counterpart, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, who listed several similarities between his state and Lagos, was optimistic that the summit would generate perspectives that would lead to future prosperity for the two states.

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Gov. Abubarkar Bagudu of Kebbi State, were among dignataries at the summit.

    NAN

  • Ambode promises increase in prize money, charges athletes to improve

    Ambode promises increase in prize money, charges athletes to improve

    Lagos Governor, Akinwumi Ambode has said that annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon can get better with Nigerian athletes improving in their performances.

    Speaking at the 2018 edition of the race today, the governor promised that there will be an increase in the 10km race prize money, to encourage indigenous athletes.

    “For the 10 Km race which is indigenous, we will try to increase the price money to encourage our athletes, they deserve more appreciation.

    The governor further hinted on his plans to overthrow the Kenyan marathoners for the ultimate prize money. He said “Within two years, we will see how we can dislodge the Kenyan marathoners. We will employ international coaches that will train Lagos athletes in Jos. By this time next year, we will make them to sweat for the cash price which we hope to improve upon next year by God’s grace.

    Read Also: Ambode  hailed over road

    The winner of the men’s race Abraham Kiprotich, speaking after winning the race, said that consistency was his watch word while preparing for the marathon.

    Kiprotich won the 42km race in 2:13:04, while his compatriot, Kiboss Ronny came second with the time of 2:13:26.

    Victor Benjamin completed the Kenyan domination coming in the third position with the time of 2:13:29.

    For the females, Ayelu Hordofa from Kenya emerged first with a time of 2:35:17, while compatriots Herma Guta came second with 2:38:25 and Girma Getachew third with 2:38:36.

    In the indigenous category, Ilya Pam won for the second time running while his closet rival and 2016 maiden edition winner Sharabutu Philibus came second. Williams Kefas, however, came third in the long distance race.

    Over 100,000 runners participated in the 3rd Access Bank Lagos City Marathon that offered 208,000 dolars.

     

  • LASG settles N723m Accrued Pension Rights of 149 retirees

    LASG settles N723m Accrued Pension Rights of 149 retirees

    The Lagos State Government (LASG) has released N723 million to pay its 149 retirees for January.

    The Director-General (DG) of the Lagos Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga, said  N723 million was paid into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of 149 retirees from the State’s  Public Service in a statement on Wednesday.

    She said that this had also been announced at the 47th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificates’ Presentation to the retirees.

    Onanuga in the statement quoted Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State to have said that the state government would ensure regular funding of pensioners’ retirement benefits at the event,

    Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke, said the state had expended N33, 943 billion to pay accrued pension rights of 8,409 retirees in the last 30 months.

    Read Also: Lagos pays N1b to 301 public service retirees

    “This is aside the regular monthly contributions into the RSA of its active workers.

    “The state has also cleared the backlog of outstanding pension obligations met at the inception of this administration.

    “The state is also determined to settle fresh liabilities from retirement, ’’ Onanuga said.

    She said that the Lagos State Government would ensure that all retirees that had served the state would not go unrewarded or ran into penury.

    Onanuga then appealed to the retirees not to succumb to pressure in terms on annuity or programme withdrawal benefit options for the payment of monthly pensions.

    She said that the state government had started searching for welfare programmes that would give retirees more comfort after retirement.

     

  • Ambode to deliver UNILAG convocation lecture

    Ambode to deliver UNILAG convocation lecture

    The Lagos State Governor,  Mr Akinwumi Ambode, is to deliver the University of Lagos  ( UNILAG )convocation lecture for the 2016/2017 academic session.
    Dr Taiwo Ipaye , the Registrar, University of Lagos, said in a statement on Friday in Lagos that the lecture, slated for February 19, has the theme `Inclusion: The Path to a New Nation`.
    The lecture is part of programmes lined up for the convocation ceremony proper.
    According to Ipaye, a pre-convocation  news conference to kick start the ceremony has already been  slated for February 14.
    She said that an opening exhibition and the inauguration of the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe would precede the lecture.
    Ipaye  said the convocation ceremony proper had been scheduled for February 20  to February 22.
    According to her, Day 1 of the ceremony will feature the congregation for the award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences for the morning session.

    Also Read: Beware: Only UNILAG has full accreditation for Law

    She said graduating students for the Faculties of Arts, Environmental Sciences and Sciences would be attended to during the afternoon session on the same day.
    The Registrar said on February 21, there would be award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Engineering, Law and Management Sciences for the morning session.
    She said that graduating students from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute would be conferred later on the same day (afternoon session).
    Ipaye said that on February 22, the final day of the ceremony, there would be the congregation for the award of Higher degrees of the School of Post graduate Studies.
    She said there would also be the ‘Best Researcher Award’ and the conferment of the title of ‘Distinguished  and Emeritus Professors’  on the same day.
  • Ambode,others to grace grand finale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro beauty pageant

    Ambode,others to grace grand finale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro beauty pageant

    Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State and Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi will lead dignitaries of state, traditional rulers and distinguished  Nigerians to the  crowning of the winner of the second Queen Moremi Ajasoro beauty pageant.

    The event slated for Dec.3 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos State would also be graced by Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikateland.

    The Heritage Ambassador to Queen Moremi Ajasoro project, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, disclosed this at Grand Resort in Ile- Ife, Osun, where the contestants were currently undergoing training.

    According to her, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi who is also our grand patron, has promised to fill the venue of the pageant with both cultural and state executive.

    “Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikateland will be the royal father of the day while Gov. Akinwumi Ambode will be the chief host.

    “We are also expecting Princess Toyin Kokade, Erelu Dosunmu and Hajia Abba Folawiyo,’’ she said.

    Ademiluyi  also a promoter of African culture said that the foundation was partnering other fashion designers to promote the beauty pageant.

    Ademiluyi said that her team had put adequate measures in place to ensure adequate security for guests during the event.

    ” We have made security preparation for the girls and other guests, in fact, high level security due to the calibre of guests who will be in attendance,” she said.

    Queen Moremi Ajasoro cultural beauty pageant was established in 2016 by the Ooni of Ife to promote Yoruba culture and tradition.

    The incumbent queen, Miss Blessing Animasahun, would hand over to the new queen at the event.

    NAN

  • ‘Leaders should imbibe Awo’s ideals’

    ‘Leaders should imbibe Awo’s ideals’

    • Ambode unveils statue to honour sage

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has urged leaders to embrace the ideals and principles of the former Premier of defunct Western Region, the late Awo.

    Ambode spoke yesterday at the unveiling of a statue of the sage in Ikeja, the state capital.

    The event was attended by prominent members of the Awolowo clan, including wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu and eminent politicians.

    Ambode said Awolowo’s legacies and achievements have endured and remained a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership till date.

    He said: “Awolowo was a symbol for the aspiration of Western Nigeria. His achievements remain indelible across the nation. The vision of new generation leaders, like us, is to consciously rise up to his ideals and principles.”

    Ambode said the need to sustain the Awolowo ideal prompted Lagos to join hands with five other Southwest states in Oodua Investment conglomerate to champion the political and economic integration of Western Nigeria.

    The governor recalled Awolowo’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially during the post-Independence era, adding that he was a shining light among his contemporaries.

    He said the late sage also displayed an incredible ability to use leadership as a tool for the advancement of the welfare of the people.

    “In a few days, it will be 57 years since our nation attained Independence. The story of the struggle that led to that momentous occasion on October 1, 1960, will not be complete without mentioning the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo. He was a leading voice among eminent nationalists of his time; he successfully negotiated our nation’s liberation from the colonial masters.

    “Thirty years after his death, his thoughts and ideas on a wide range of issues relating to the economy, fiscal federalism and education, among several others, are still as relevant today as they were back in time. His legacies and landmark achievements, particularly in the Western Region – including Lagos colony – have endured and they remain a source of inspiration and benchmark for progressive leadership in the country…”

    The governor said Lagos was in sync with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring, which seeks to amend the Constitution aimed at devolving powers to states and local governments to entrench true federalism.

    He noted that the unveiling of the statue is in recognition of legacies the Awolowo dynasty is enviably known for.

    Ambode said: “Hence, this monument is erected by the Lagos State government to celebrate the legendary achievements and contributions of an icon in political leadership, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “This statue is not just about beautifying the environment or serving as a tourist attraction, but more importantly, it is meant to be a constant reminder to all of us and future generations of the need to value the sacrifice of our heroes and strive to uphold and promote the ideals which they stood for. May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain.”

    Dr Awolowo-Dosumu, who spoke on behalf of the family, said her late father was able to utilise taxes to drive most of his people-oriented policies.

    She said those who once criticised his tax drive later rallied round him and adopted same for economic growth.

    Dr Awolowo-Dosunmu recalled that over the years, her late father’s success story became a template for any government desirous of making meaningful impact in the lives of the citizenry.

    “What the governor is doing today is impressive. I stay in Ogun State but I visit Lagos occasionally. Each time I come, I marvel at the level of progress and development taking place in this state, which says a lot about the governor.”

     

  • Lagos to shut unregistered tutorial centres

    Lagos to shut unregistered tutorial centres

    The Lagos State Ministry of Education through the Agency for Mass Education will commence shutdown of all unregistered Tutorial and Continuing Education Centres (CECs) in Lagos State form Monday next week.

    Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said in a statement that the closure‎ was based on the refusal of some operators of Tutorial and Continuing Education Centres to comply with the government’s directive to the centres to register and pay their annual dues after several notices.

    Last September 26, Bank-Olemoh suspended a decision to clamp down on such centres after a closed door meeting with some stakeholders. During the meeting, Bank-Olemoh reiterated  Governor Ambode’s directive on standardizing the educational sector in line with international best practices.

    The stakeholders had agreed to cooperate with the government, promising to maintain high level of professionalism and standards.

    The state is carrying out the exercise in line with Edict No 2, Section 4.3 of 1991 that mandates the Agency to control the activities of all Tutorial and Continuing Education Centres in the State.

    The Special Adviser said: “Lagos residents enroll in these tutorial centres and as government; we must ensure that quality service is delivered to our people. We must set standards and enforce it.”

    The statement urged operators of tutorial and Continuing Education centres across the state to get registered with the Agency for Mass Education and pay up all stipulated dues to avoid being shut down.