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Tag: Akinwumi Ambode

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, Mimiko, others attend RCCG Holy Ghost Congress

    Osinbajo, Ambode, Mimiko, others attend RCCG Holy Ghost Congress

    The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and his wife, Oludolapo; Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle; Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife Olukemi; Speaker, Ekiti state house of assembly, Kola Oluwawole and Chief judge of South Africa, Mogoeng Mogoeng were on Friday present at the Redemption Camp on km46, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, for this year’s Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with the theme; ‘Complete restoration’.

    The one week long congress which began on Monday, December 5, ended will end Saturday, December 10.

    It was a gathering of millions of worshippers from all over the world.

    In his sermon on Friday night, The General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, spoke on the topic, ‘Complete restoration’.

    The Cleric explained that complete restoration is a process.  He said every Christian is entitled to miracles,  noting that those who are not born again cannot get miracle, because miracles comes from God and God is holy.

    Reading from Ezekiel chapter 3, verse 7 to 10, Adeboye said; “Whenever God wants to begin the process of restoration, He remembers the forgotten and miracles are bound to follow. God also he visits the person and something miraculous happens

    “Anytime God want to do something there must be a noise; When God arrives, there must be a shaking; nakedness is covered; shame is ended; the  wind blows, and whenever the wind blows there will be miracles,” he said.

    The Cleric assured that the blessings of God makes rich and adds no sorrow. “When a miracle comes from God it is clean, with no string are attached and there will be divine protection. “When you are child of God your future is secured. Whatever is available to Jesus is available to you,” he said.

  • Nigeria @56: We must unite to rescue economy from recession – Ambode

    Nigeria @56: We must unite to rescue economy from recession – Ambode

    As Nigeria marked its 56th Independence Anniversary, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said there was no better time for Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation’s economy from the stranglehold of recession.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Independence Parade held at the Police College Ground in Ikeja, said the fact that the nation has remained united despite visible challenges in the last 56 years of sovereignty was a lot to be thankful for.

    He said the never say die spirit of resilience, resourcefulness and determination that Nigerians display to succeed in all spheres of human endeavour was well recognised and acknowledged all over the globe, saying that the nation has great potentials to rank among the most prosperous countries in the world.

    The Governor who was represented at the parade by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, said, “I wish to use this opportunity to make a passionate appeal, more than ever before, that we must renew our belief in the Nigeria Project and play our parts diligently. At this trying and challenging time, we must aggregate our strength and be united in focus to rescue our economy from the stranglehold of recession.

    “We all need one another to survive as no part of Nigeria can do it all alone and still wield or command the kind of influence that Nigeria currently enjoys in the comity of Nations. This is not a time to despair. It is a time to review our patriotic zeal and stand firm with our leaders at all levels in our collective efforts to make Nigeria work for all.”

    Governor Ambode said his pact with Lagosians to run an all-inclusive government and make lives more comfortable for everyone was not just a slogan, adding that in the last 16 months, his administration has demonstrated through its actions that it was a clear statement of commitment which it is determined to actualize within the shortest time possible.

    “The government and people of Lagos State are delighted to join fellow compatriots across the nation in celebrating our nation’s 56th independence anniversary today.

    “As we celebrate today, I enjoin all Lagosians to remain steadfast and hopeful for a better tomorrow. The future of our State is certainly brighter than anyone can imagine. Let us therefore forge a common front to defend our hard earned freedom by being purposeful, focused and disciplined. May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” the Governor said.

    The Independence Parade featured March Past from the Nigerian Police, Military and other Para-military organizations as well pupils and students from various primary and secondary schools respectively.

    Top government functionaries, senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional as well as religious leaders were also in attendance.

  • Arts, culture, pivotal tool for good governance – Ambode

    Arts, culture, pivotal tool for good governance – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday in Brussels, Belgium, underscored the importance of using art and culture to promote democratic governance and advance people-oriented policies.

    He spoke at the Center for Fine Arts (BOZAR) in Brussels while attending the Center’s 2016 Summer Photography Exhibition as a Special Guest of Honour.

    The exhibition, which largely focused on Lagos under the theme ‘Dey Your Lane – Lagos Variations’, was an attempt to understand Lagos through those who feel it the most and can express these cognitive and emotional responses in an engaging and creative manner.

    Governor Ambode seized the opportunity to call on all political leaders to partner with artists so that they can benefit from their creative and artistic imagination to tackle some of the challenges confronting megacities such as exponential urbanization.

    He also used the medium to announce his administration’s determination to develop a new museum in the State.

    Governor Ambode emphasized that his government’s engagement with the art, culture and entertainment sector, was in fulfillment of one of his key campaign promises, to vigorously pursue Project THESE, which stands for: Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Sport through Excellence.

    The event was attended by Belgium’s senior government officials including the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Mr Didier Reynders and his wife, the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Folarin Coker, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Professor Ademola Abass.

    Earlier in the day, Governor Ambode met with the Managing Director (Africa) of the European Union’s External Action Services, (EEAS), Mr Koen Vervaeke, in Brussels.

    The meeting explored possible areas of collaboration between Lagos State and the European Union.

    Mr. Varvaeke commended the progress Governor Ambode’s administration has made in the last one year, particularly in the area of security and infrastructural development.

    Responding, Governor Ambode said his strides so far in the State were aimed at complementing President Muhammadu Buhari’s strong leadership since he assumed office on May 29, 2015.

    The Governor said, “What we are doing in Lagos is to implement the policy direction from Abuja upon which we campaigned. We are lucky to have this synergy between Lagos State and Abuja and that can only be for the good of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.”

  • Ambode approves dissolution of caretaker committees of LGs/LCDAs

    Ambode approves dissolution of caretaker committees of LGs/LCDAs

    Following the resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday relieving the Executive Secretaries of the 57 Local Governments Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the State of their responsibilities, the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the immediate dissolution of the Caretaker Committees.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, the Governor also directed the Executive Secretaries to hand over the reins of administration to the Head of Administration in each of the Council Areas.

    Thursday’s dissolution of the Caretaker committees is preparatory to the holding of elections into the 57 Council Areas by the State Government and ensuring that the necessary machineries are put in place preparatory to the elections.

    The State House of Assembly had also on April 22 this year passed into law a bill recommending a four year tenure for elected Local Government helmsmen instead of the three years tenure that hitherto obtained.

    It would be recalled that the Caretaker Committees which was headed by Executive Secretaries were inaugurated by former Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola on January 5, 2015.

  • Ambode charges community leaders to address menace of cultism

    Ambode charges community leaders to address menace of cultism

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday continued the ongoing statewide commissioning of projects to mark his one year in office, just as he charged royal fathers, traditional chiefs and Community Development Associations (CDC) to address the menace of cultism and hoodlums for peace to thrive.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke in Surulere while commissioning a block of 18 classrooms with modern facilities at Lagos Progressive Senior High School and newly upgraded 900 meters Adekunle Kuye Link Road with covered drains, walkways and street light, urged the community leaders to compliment the effort of his administration to massively develop the State by promoting peace and clean environment at all times.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, assured the people that his administration was committed to a safe, secure and clean community, but people must be security-conscious at all times.

    In her welcome address, Executive Secretary of Surulere Local Government, Mrs. Hussein Bamidele thanked Governor Ambode for the projects, saying they would go a long way in boosting the education the students and ease movement in the area.

    Also, a community leader and former Chairman of Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Chief Mrs Omobolanle Adetutu-Akinyemi said the projects would impact positively on the residents of the area, and commended the Governor for the projects.

    On his part, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1, Desmond Elliot said the projects confirmed the importance attached to education and economic development of the area by the Governor.

    In Lagos Island, Governor Ambode commissioned the newly rehabilitated Olowogbowo Primary Health Centre (PHC) and network of roads in chain of projects being handed over to the public ahead to mark his one year anniversary.

    The road network covers Savage and Onitolo Streets, all in Lagos Island. They will facilitate easy movement of people around the area.

    The health facility located within the Apongbon precinct was upgraded to function for 24 hours with modern equipment, maternity centre and Tuberculosis Treatment centre.

    Speaking through Benjamin Olabinjo, his Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, at the commissioning, the Governor said the projects represented the fulfillment of his campaign promise to run an all inclusive government where every part of Lagos will feel a sense of belonging.

    He said that his administration was supporting the 37 Local Council Development Areas and the 20 Local Governments in the state to build 114 roads and 90 percent of state government’s counterpart funding for the project had been released.

    The Governor also disclosed that a reform initiated by his government within the local government system in the state was already yielding positive results.

    Ambode, who urged the people to take ownership of government’s projects within their locality, also charged them to continue to support the state government by paying their taxes.

    In Mushin Local Government, the Governor also commissioned a Block of 18 classrooms with modern facilities at Oduduwa Senior Secondary School, Mushin.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, the Governor urged residents to always cooperate with the government both at the local and state levels, to allow dividends of democracy reach them as promised by his government, especially while canvassing their support during the electioneering campaign.

    In his remark, the Honourable representing Mushin Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sobru Olawale Layiwola, commended Governor Ambode for his strides within eleven months of his administration, especially in the area of road construction and street lighting across the metropolis.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Government, Mr. Jide Bello, lauded Governor Ambode especially for his leadership style which has given governance a human face and brought it closer to the people.

    The Governor also commissioned various projects in Ikeja Local Government, Onigbongbo and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas in continuation of his quest to transform the State.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, the Governor commissioned 250metres Bisi Ogabi Street with drainage, Solar Powered Street Lights and Customized Letter Boxes.

    At Onigbongbo LCDA, Governor Ambode also commissioned the upgrading of Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Access road to Lagos Homes, Ilupeju.

    In Ojodu LCDA, the Governor commissioned the construction and rehabilitation of 12 blocks of classrooms at Oke-Ira Primary School, Construction of Irepodun and Otunla Street/roads also in Oke-Ira.

  • We’ll continue to execute people oriented projects – Ambode

    We’ll continue to execute people oriented projects – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said his administration would continue to give priority attention to the execution and completion of projects needed to make life meaningful for residents of the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by members of the State Executive Council at the commissioning of several local and state government projects in different locations in commemoration of his first year in office, said he intends to keep to his promise to residents that he will run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind.

    At Ifako- Ijaye Local Government Area of the state, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture Mr. Folorunsho Folarin Coker commissioned Oluwasijibomi, Folorunsho Streets and Iju Primary Health Care Center, Lonlo saying that the era of spending tax payers money on white elephant projects not needed by the people were gone in the state.

    He said that the state has experienced improved physical and urban development, proper land administration and illumination of its highways and streets.

    The governor appealed to monarchs and communities leaders to address the menace of cultism, miscreants and hoodlums and promote peace and clean environment at all times.

    In Alimosho Local Government Area, the Governor commissioned the Mosan Okunola Mini Waterworks after over 20 years of being moribund.

    Represented by the Group Managing Director of Lagos State Water Corporation, Engr. Muminu Badmus, Governor Ambode said the State now has 33 Mini Waterworks and five Major Waterworks.

    Badmus said the administration of Governor Ambode was on a steady journey to achieve the daily production of 540 million gallons of water to meet the demand of about 22 million population of the State, adding that presently, the State is producing 210 million gallons of water per day.

    Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Mosan Okunola LCDA, Mrs Opeyemi Akindele said the water project was an eloquent testimony of a promise kept and delivered.

    Also, a community leader and pioneer chairman of Mosan Okunola LCDA, Elder Abel Gbadejo said that just in less than a year in office, Governor Ambode has performed creditably well, adding that the Water Project would improve the life style of people in the area because water is very important.

    In Oshodi Isolo Local Government Area, the Governor commissioned the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a Police Post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State.

    Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years until the Lagos State Government awarded the contract to Messrs Lubrik Construction Company Limited in October, 2015 to rehabilitate and upgrade the road.

    The road, with a length of 690metres has the economic importance of improving the standard of living in the area, enhance property values, abate flooding in the area, improve traffic flow and shorter travel time for road users.

    Other projects commissioned are the upgraded Okota Road and the commissioning of Ashamu Police Post in Ejigbo.

    Speaking at the commissioning of Brown Street, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, said he had promised during his inauguration to run a government of inclusion that would not leave anyone behind and where everyone would have a voice.

    He said his Government had worked to promote active collaboration among all tiers of government with the community development as the centre piece.

    In Ejigbo, the Governor commissioned the rehabilitated Ashamu Police Post in Ailegun, Ejigbo and handed it over to the police.

    Area Commander, Salisu Gyadigyadi who represented the Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni while commending the Governor said the importance of citing the Police Post at Ailegun could not be over-emphasised as it would checkmate criminal activities around the area and to checkmate the influx of undesirable element in Ejigbo and Ijegun areas.

    He appealed to community members to support the police in fighting crime by giving out useful information that would lead to nabbing of criminals.

    In Ojo Local Government, Governor Ambode commissioned the Usman Mogaji Road and the Data Capturing Centre.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mrs Yetunde Onabolu, Governor Ambode told the residents that his administration would not renege on running a transparent government, just as he vowed to make the dividends of democracy get to every nook and crannies of the State.

    At the commissioning of the data capturing centre in Ojo Local Government where all unemployed youth in the area would register and collate their data, Governor assured the residents of making effect use of the centre for engagement of their youths.

    Also at the commissioning of Usman Mogaji Road in Ajangbadi, the governor advised the residents to make good use of the road and ensure they pay their taxes as at when due.

    A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ayo Ogunlana, commended Governor Ambode for the laudable strides he has recorded just in his eleventh in office as the Governor of Lagos State.

    In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande formally handed over 10 passengers capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers based in riverine areas.

  • Ambode to Lagos Residents: Protect govt infrastructure in your domain

    Ambode to Lagos Residents: Protect govt infrastructure in your domain

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday urged community leaders and residents of the State to jealously guard the infrastructure provided by government in their domain, just as he promised that more projects would be embarked upon in all the communities across the State.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by members of the State Executive Council who spoke simultaneously at five different Local Government Areas of the State during the commissioning of various projects in commemoration of his first year in office, said the people must take ownership of government facilities in their domain, as such would go a long way in bringing about the enjoyment of the facilities for a long time.

    While assuring that his administration will make Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State very vibrant in delivering the dividends of democracy to various communities, Governor Ambode said he will continue to support the Councils in order to provide basic infrastructure for the people of the state.

    Besides, Governor Ambode assured residents that the 114 inner roads embarked upon by his administration in all the 57 Councils would be completed by the end of June 2016 as planned.

    At the Apapa Local Government, the projects commissioned by the Governor include 9 roads within the Apapa Business District, Ultra-modern Liverpool Jetty, 12 block of classrooms at Methodist Nursery and Primary School and 4 block of classrooms at Arakan Barracks Nursery and Primary School with standard facilities such as modern toilets, sick bay, furniture, ceiling fans, ramps to accommodate the physically challenged, among others.

    Specifically, the road commissioned are Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Randle Road, Ibikunle Akintoye Street, Commercial Road, Burma Road, Plateau Road, Zeek Avenue, Marine Road Extension and Connector Road; otherwise known as Bombay Crescent to Calcutta Road Phase III.

    The roads were designed to accommodate walkways, street light and drainage system.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Governor Ambode commissioned an Ultra-modern Court Complex and a 360-meters interlocking road with drainage situated in Aduke Street, while in Ikorodu, the Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Babatunde Adejare, commissioned an Ultra-modern shopping complex at the popular Sabo Market.

    He also commissioned the Ota-Ona Dual Carriage Road as well as block of classrooms in Agbede, all in Ikorodu.

    At Badagry, the Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemo commissioned a block of 16 classrooms and another block of 8 classrooms, as well as 6 classrooms in Badagry West Local Council Development Area.

    At Kosofe, the Governor represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo commissioned road projects at Oladele, Shoyebi and Ademola Taiwo/Alamu Taiwo/Ogunsola Streets.

    Speaking on the 114 LG roads, Governor Ambode, who was represented at the Ajeromi-Ifelodun commissioning by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said: “The feat is unprecedented in the history of Lagos and this has provided employment to over 9,000 citizens directly and indirectly within the year. Counterpart funding of more than 60% has been committed by the state to ensure speedy completion of the exercise before the end of June, 2016.”

    In Apapa Local Government, the Governor, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf said the projects were in sync with his promise of running an all-inclusive government where no area would be left behind.

    Speaking on the projects, the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire commended Governor Ambode, saying the remarkable feat achieved just within one year in office was an eloquent confirmation that the State is progressing.

    “As the paramount ruler of this domain, I like to specially appreciate our amiable Governor for the projects he embarked upon in our area. We are indeed very happy and wish the Governor well in the leadership of the State,” Oba Aromire said.

    Also, Vice Chairman of Apapa Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Saka Yussuf said the projects commissioned in their area were unprecedented in the history of the area, adding that the people were indeed happy with the leadership of the State.

    At Ikorodu, a former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye commended the laudable stride of the Governor in just 11 months of inception, just as he appealed to people who are yet to feel the impact of government in their areas to be patient.

  • Lagos releases N10bn for completion of 114 LG roads

    Lagos releases N10bn for completion of 114 LG roads

    The Lagos State Government has released the sum of N10.8billion to date to ensure completion of the ongoing construction of 114 roads across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State by the end of June, 2016

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Olohuntele Folami on Wednesday, the Government said that the construction of the roads was made possible through tax payers’ money.

    The Commissioner said that the second stage payment of N5.5billon released on Monday represents 61 per cent of the total cost of the 114 roads at N17.85bn.

    “The Government again reiterates that as long as Lagosians continue to fulfill their civic responsibility and obligation, the Government will continue to spend its resources wisely and the Lagosians will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    “We are using this medium to urge Lagosians to continue to pay their taxes, so as to be able to enjoy the dividends of democracy, the monies they are paying is what the government is using to construct these roads across the length and breadth of the State,” the Commissioner said.

    Folami said that aside completed and ongoing road projects across the metropolis, the State Government has also embarked on the Light Up Lagos Project which is fast spreading across major highways and streets as well as construction of bridges, flyovers as well as equipping the Police and other security agencies.

    “This Government wants the people to know that the money they are paying is being well spent and so far as they continue to fulfill their part, the Government will not relent in making the State safer and more habitable for the people.

    “Tax payers’ money is being well spent and people can see and feel it, we promised a government of inclusion and we would continue to demonstrate it through the various people oriented projects of this administration. Lagosians should be rest assured that that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has the passion to make life more comfortable for them,” Folami said.
    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode, in fulfillment of his campaign promises, empowered the Local Governments and the Local Council Development Areas to embark on construction of two inner roads in their various councils to boost economic activities and improve vehicular movement.

    The roads are designed to accommodate walkways, road medians, street lights and standard drainage systems.

  • Ambode signs Law to extend tenure of LG chairmen

    Ambode signs Law to extend tenure of LG chairmen

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Thursday signed into law Local Government Administration Law that endorsed four-year tenure for chairmen and other elected council representatives.

    The governor  also signed the into law the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Amendment law, and the Local Government Election Tribunal Second Amendment law at the State House, Ikeja.

    He said the purpose of the Local Government Administration law is to provide for local government system, establishment and to regulate administration of local authorities and other connected purposes.

    “One of the major highlights of this amendment is the increase of the tenure of the Chairman and the Counselors from three years to four years commencing from the date of taking oath of office,” he said.

    The governor added that the essence of law in every society was the regulation of human conduct, saying that upon his assumption of office, his administration identified the need to improve on laws that impacted on people’s lives,

    According to him, “the LASIEC amendment law seeks to create the commission to regulate election matters. The need to amend the law arose as a result of current trend in the political space to prevent a lacuna in certain instances.

    “Some of the highlights of the amendment include the empowering of the Commission to review the de-alienation of wards in each Local government of the state at intervals of every 10 years and division of each Local government into not less than 10 wards and not more than 20 wards,” he said.

    He said that section two of the amendment replaced section 5 of the principal, saying that “A new section 62 created by the amendment provides that the Vice Chairman elected with the Chairman would be sworn in as Chairman in the event of the death of an elected Chairman before been sworn in.

    “The amendment to the law has also been proactive as Section 64 now provides that incumbent Chairman who wins a re-run election will have a period spent in office prior to the re-run. Local government Election Tribunal second Amendment law, the highlights of this amendment is to empower the tribunal to allow the time for doing any act or taking any proceedings or such terms as the justice of the case may require, provided that the enlargement of time shall not be granted to extend the life span of the petition beyond 45 days.

    “Therefore, more time will now be available for consideration of election petitions,” he said, while commending the Lagos State House of Assembly for the speedy consideration and passage of the laws.

    The governor urged residents to see the passage of the laws as a further institutionalisation of the rule of law in the state and commitment of his administration to local government reforms, as the local government system was crucial to grassroots development, saying that the new laws were clear demonstration of a new golden era where the local government system would experience renaissance to create prosperity and good governance for the people.

    “By the assent of these bills into law, LASIEC Is empowered to commence necessary administrative processes that will translate to the composition of the local government structure,” he said.

     

  • Lagos losses N42 Billion annually  to traffic congestion

    Lagos losses N42 Billion annually  to traffic congestion

    The Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode Tuesday lamented the bad traffic situation  in the state.

    He said the state losses N42 Billion yearly due to the chaotic traffic situation caused by the absence of enough manpower to address the traffic situation on the road at peak hours.

    He spoke in Abuja at the sixth annual lecture of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

    Ambode who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Tunji Bello said the daily influx of people into the state, economic activities and the few road network is responsible for the chaotic situation

    “As we all know, Lagos has become a sprawling megacity, as with all megacities across the world, Lagos is characterized by rapidly growing urbanization and its attendant increase in population.

    “Transportation and the concomitant increase in traffic bottlenecks. Therefore, this has become a key component of the challenges posed by an ever increasing population in search of greener pastures as has been the case with Lagos.

    “Lagos is the nerve-centre of Nigeria’s socio-economic and industrial activities. In any society, the challenge of rapid urbanisation and population explosion places enormous responsibility on the government and the citizens alike.

    “It should therefore be expected that effective and efficient traffic system within the megacity would be the responsibility of everyone in the society.

    Speaking on his LASTMA experience, Ambode said his experience with traffic management in Lagos state has largely been shaped by objective conditions which necessitated efforts committed into not only bringing about the desired changes in traffic management but in also sustaining the tempo of responsive operations by LASTMA team.

    “A peculiar feature of the objective conditions that has defined the ‘LASTMA Experience’ is the challenge of urbanisation which plays critical roles in defining traffic management strategy and approach across the world,” he said

    While suggesting solutions  to the problem, Ambode urged Nigerians to continue to make traffic laws part of them so that law and order can be maintained on the highways.

    The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi said the FRSC annual lecture series was initiated in October 2009, pursuant to the United Nations call for global action to stem the tide of road traffic crashes and the impact of the menace on the socio-economic conditions of the people of the world, particularly the third world countries.

    According to him, FRSC being the lead agency for road safety management and administration in the country, had keyed into the programme as a veritable mechanism for actualising the goals of public awareness creation on issues of road safety in Nigeria.

    Oyeyemi  said: “Since its inception, the lecture series had been addressed by such eminent personalities as the former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Ayaoku, who was the guest speaker at the maiden edition held in October 2009 on the theme, “The Capital Waste on Nigeria Road.

    “Other notable speakers at the annual programme include, His Royal Highness, Prince Michael of Kent, who chaired the second edition in 2010 with Mr Kiran Kuma Kapila, Chairman, International Road Federation (IRF) speaking on “Decade of Action For Road Safety: The imperatives for Developing Economies.

    “Professor Richard Tay of La Trobe University, Melbourne, Austria had his turn in 2011 when he spoke at the third edition of the programme on the theme: “Achieving the Decade of Action On Road Safety: 2011-2020,” while Mr Neil Schuster of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration delivered the 4th edition of the lecture series in 2012 on the theme: “Safe and Sustainable Transport Lessons for Nigeria.”

    He also recalled that His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana delivered the fifth edition of the lecture in 2014 on the theme, “Safer Roads: A 21st Century Development Challenge,” in February 2014″.