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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • No rift with Tinubu – Ambode

    …Attends APC delegates’ election In Epe

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday totally played down speculation of rift with the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying reports to such effect were untrue.

    Both the social and traditional media have been flooded with news of a major rift between Tinubu and Governor Ambode over alleged disagreement on the second term bid of the Governor.

    Addressing party faithful in Epe during the election of delegates for the Presidential primary election and national convention of the party, Governor Ambode said the reports indicating a fight between him and Tinubu were out of place and that there was no fight anywhere.

    “I want you to know that there is no fight anywhere. The National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my good self we are not in any fight, we are not in any controversy.

    “We are praying to God that the best is yet to come and the best will be what Lagos State deserves and I want you to just continue with your prayers that at this time, God will show His hand and make sure that everything that is of blessing to Lagos State and also blessing of Epe will come to pass,” Governor Ambode said.

    He specifically commended all the leaders and party faithful who contributed to the success of the delegates’ election in Epe, saying APC remained the party to beat in Lagos and Nigeria.

    “We have just concluded our Delegates’ Election in Epe Local Government and by consensus, we have picked our three delegates that will be going to the National Convention come October 6 for the Presidential direct primaries and the convention for all other people.

    “I want to say a very big thank you to all our delegates that are present here; I want to say a big thank you to all our leaders that have also supported us to make sure that this event has come and is done very successfully.

    “I want to reiterate once again that our party, All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the party to beat; we are the party at the national level and we are going to remain the party in the State,” the Governor said.

    Read Also: Ambode, Ashafa pick nomination forms

    At the event which was held at APC’s Secretariat in Aiyetoro, Epe, Alhaji Shakiru Seriki (Bamu), Otunba Bode Alausa and Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, the State’ Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, were elected as national delegates from Epe division which comprises of one Local Government Area (Epe) and two Local Council Development Areas (Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin).

    The party leaders and faithful in the division also took turn to affirm their unalloyed support for the second term bid of the Governor.

    They include the Chairman of Epe Local Government, Adedoyin Adesanya; Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Saliu Adeniyi; Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, Samson Onanuga: party chairman in Epe Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi; State Welfare Officer, Alhaja Abiodun Bankole; former member of House of Representatives representing Epe, Hon Bola Gbabijo and member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency II, Segun Olulade.

    Others are APC Women leader in Epe, Mrs Iyabo Adegboyega; LGA party secretary, Alhaji S.A Owolomose; youth leader, Abdul Ibrahim; Otunba Bode Alausa, Akin Oladipupo, among others.

    Youths in the division also staged a peaceful protest displaying placards of various inscriptions to affirm their support for the Governor’s second term bid.

  • Ambode, role model to youths – Boys Scout Chief

    Commissioner of Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose on Wednesday conferred the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Patron of Lagos State Council of Scout Association of Nigeria, saying the decision was based on his leadership qualities and being a good role model for the Nigerian youths.

    Tawose, who spoke at the investiture of the Governor as Patron of the Scout Council, held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the Scout Association, as a non-religious and non-political international organization, has the vision to build the youths of today into responsible leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was gratifying to note that Governor Ambode’s activities align with the vision to give better tomorrow for young ones.

    “We are aware of the Governor’s hardwork, dedication and above all total devotion to the emancipation of mankind. The Governor is a model to Nigerian youths with his show of exemplary leadership qualities.

    “Once again, we congratulate you (Ambode) most warmly on all your achievements and we must say that the Governor is blessed with good administrators who are assisting him to ensure that Lagos State remains the number one State in Nigeria,” Tawose said.

    Responding, Governor Ambode seized the occasion to unveil a strategic program to support voluntary youth associations and Non-governmental Organizations with the necessary empowerment to better perform their role to inculcate right virtues and discipline needed to prepare younger ones for leadership.

    He said as the bedrock of societal development, it was important for adequate measures to be firmed up to properly train the youths which, according to him, would in turn have positive effect on the nation.

    He said: “Let me use this opportunity to urge all our youths to take advantage of the efforts of the State Government and well-meaning organizations creating safe spaces which promote discipline, moral and healthy competition to better their lives. We believe strongly that the youths are the bedrock of societal development and if a youth is educated, trained and empowered, he or she is built; and if you build the youths, you build a nation.

    “On this note, the Government has decided to support the cause of Voluntary Youth Organisations (Uniformed and Non-Uniformed) registered with the State. We will make financial donations to these organisations including but not limited to the Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, Brigade – Boys and Girls, Sheriff Guard and the Red Cross.”

    While explaining the need for the support, the Governor said it was important for a platform to be created for the youths of today to be better leaders of tomorrow, and such required proper training.

    “We are supporting these voluntary organisations in order for us to promote what they stand for and use it to inculcate discipline and also mentoring for leadership to our younger ones. We would actively now participate in what is going on in all these organisations.

    Read Also: Ambode’s wife, Joke Silva, others inspire LASU students

    “It is time for us to create that old platform to redirect the energies of younger people to positive things and so we need to scale up the activities of voluntary organisations like the Scout Association so that we create an alternative for the younger ones and make them the real successors to whatever it is that we are doing, Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who appreciated the Scout Council for honouring and identifying with the programmes of his administration toward the betterment of human lives in the State, said it was also instructive to note that the association ranked among the leading voluntary organizations established to inculcate virtues of discipline, leadership, patriotism and community service in the youths.

    “Voluntary organizations such as Scout Association which comprise young people provide a strong platform to promote unity and mental co-existence which are critical to the survival, growth and development of our nation. Unfortunately, in the recent past, Voluntary Youth Organizations have not been as vibrant as they used to be.

    “There is therefore an urgent need to do a self- appraisal of the current state of these organizations and develop strategies that will improve their relevance within the context of modern realities. I urge you to stay true to your highly encouraging vision statement which says that “By 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values”.

    The Governor, as part of the event, was also conferred with the award of Ambassador of Peace for the Scout Association of Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule was also invested as the Grand Matron of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Girls Guide.

  • Second term: Ambode picks APC gubernatorial form

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday picked his nomination form for second term race to govern the state.

    He picked the form at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Headquarters in Abuja.

    Ambode arrived  around 12.30p.m with his entourage.

    Speaking on Ambode’s second term bid, former Chairman of Shomolu Local Government Area, Gbolahan Bagostowe, said “I think Ambode will win the primary and the election proper. I stand to be corrected, I don’t think any aspirant in APC can beat Ambode as of now.

    “Ambode has worked very well. It’s what everyone can see. Infrastructural development in health, schools and many others.

    “What he has done is visible for all Lagosians to see. Ambode is working, Lagos State is moving.” he added

    Asked if the division among the APC aspirants in the state will not affect the fortunes of the party in the election, Bagostowe, who now wants to be a lawmaker in Lagos State House of Assembly, said “At the end of the day they will always settle their differences.

    “Everybody will become one at the end of the primary election.” he said

    On the opposition’s strength against Ambode in the forthcoming election, he said “You cannot compare the opposition in Lagos State now with 2015. Ambode has silenced them.

    “Some of them are now decamping to APC. Look at the former Chairman, Honorable Salvador, he has moved half part of PDP to APC in Lagos State.” he stated

  • Ambode urges Nigerians to avoid sowing seed of disunity

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday urged Nigerians to rise above all divisive tendencies for the survival and sustainable development of Nigeria.

    Ambode made the call at the 19th Annual Lecture to mark the 73rd birthday of Dr Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), in Lagos with the theme – “Nigeria’s Unity,  Matters Arising”.

    According to him, the coming to being of Nigeria in 1914 is not a mistake, but a divine event for a purpose which Nigerians must work together to actualise.

    The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor,  Dr. Idiat Adebule, said that the importance of unity in the development of a nation could not be overemphasised.

    “We can achieve little as individuals or groups but we stand to achieve much more together as a nation and as a people united by a common vision.

    “At a time in the world when the nations are seeking to break barriers and expand their geographical space to create stronger and more resilient economies, we cannot be moving in the wrong direction by creating barriers of sowing the seed of disunity.

    “’It is of essence that we see ourselves first and solely as Nigerians before any other consideration.

    “’We need to desist from focusing on our ethnic, religious, political and tribal differences and embrace the Nigerian spirit of being our brother’s keeper, ” he said.

    Ambode urged government at all levels to make social justice a relentless pursuit as a way to promote a sense of belonging needed in a multi-ethnic, cultural and religious entity like Nigeria.

    Read Also: Lagos pilgrims pray for Ambode

    In his lecture,  Mr Femi Falana (SAN), said that restructuring was key to sustaining and protecting the unity of the country.

    Falana also said that equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth to take care of Nigerians was another way to promote unity in the country.

    “’What is of urgency now is to restructure this country because if everybody can be allowed to mind their own business, then our country will be better for it.

    “’If we want a new country,  we need restructuring by litigation. The struggle must continue otherwise our challenges as nation will remain. We must also democratise power by giving power to the people.

    “’Women should also be given political positions because no country can be free without the liberation of women. It is working for Ruwanda with two-third of  women in political position, it can be achieved in Nigeria too, ” he said

    The Chairman of the event,  Mr John Nwodo, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, described Okonkwo’s life as examplary and trail blazer.

    “God has endowed you with gifts and you have used these gifts to touch lives of many Nigerians positively by establishing over 200 branches of TREM in less than three decades.

    “You have been promoting civic education, youth empowerment and organising seminars to touch the lives of many. You deserve to be celebrated.

    “Your rejection of materialism by rejecting and opposing `Tithes’  is humbling and examplary, ” he said

    Nwodo said there was the need for intelligence gathering and adequate policing to prevent crimes, killings and protect property, lives and unity of the nation.

    He also called for adequate mentoring of children to instill values of discipline and prepare them for leadership positions in the future.

    The Convener, Dr Mike Okonkwo, urged political and religious leaders to break down the barriers that divide the country along ethnic and religious lines.

    Okonkwo also urged governments to prioritise youth empowerment, saying that a well informed person would inform a better and progressive society,  thereby building a virile and world class nation.

    The  Mike Okonkwo annual lecture was established  in 2000 to discuss topical national issues to provide solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

    NAN

  • Lagos to mass produce coconut bread

    Lagos State Government is making arrangements with 10 major bakeries for the mass production of coconut bread, “Eko Bread” as a means to provide more market avenue for coconut utilization.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed this at the 7th Coconut Heritage Festival tagged ‘AGUNKEFEST’, which held in collaboration with the African Coconut Heritage Initiatives to commemorate the 2018 World Coconut Day at the Suntan Beach Front, Badagry.

    Alluding to the fact that Nigeria is ranked 18 in the world as a coconut producing country with Lagos State contributing 70 per cent of the total production, the Governor said his administration would continue to create the enabling environment for investments in coconut production, commercialization and utilization in the State.

    Ambode who was represented by the Special Adviser on the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, said his administration places high premium on sustainable food production which is the impetus driving the various activities in the agricultural sector with a renewed commitment to support initiatives geared towards revamping and developing the coconut industry to global standard and recognition.

    “Coconut tree has been identified as the most useful single tree in the world in terms of versatility, product utilisation and longevity. Therefore, taking coconut to another level with this type of programme is long overdue.

    “A major step taken towards achieving this goal is the establishment of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA) to uphold the State’s comparative advantage in coconut production,” he said.

    He said that the Model Coconut Processing Centre in Mowo Badagry has been fully rehabilitated and available for training of prospective coconut processors, as well as provide services to existing processors at affordable cost.

    Read Also: Lagos State combats domestic violence in the riverine areas

    “To expand the scope of coconut processing operations and further collaborate with the private sector, the state government has distributed coconut processing equipment to coconut processors in twelve local governments and local council development areas in the State as part of its empowerment programmes in the coconut value chain,” he said.

    Other efforts by the State Government to create an enabling environment for coconut production, commercialization and utilization, according to the Governor include, the  rehabilitation of the coconut belt, massive production of improved coconut seedlings; capacity building/empowerment of coconut value chain actors; production of coconut derivatives on demonstration basis; encouragement of proliferation of coconut cottage industries for value addition and technological advancement in the coconut value chain.

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwanson said that the objective of celebration was to draw global attention and beam searchlight on Badagry division of the State thereby showcasing its rich cultural and traditional values to attract both domestic and international tourists to the division and the State.

    Giwanson said the focus of the State Government was to create the needed environment that is private sector driven hence, the beginning of the collaborative and partnership effort between the Lagos State Government and the private sector, African Coconut Heritage Initiatives towards the promotion and celebration of the coconut festival this year which is a noble cultural asset in Lagos State.

    In addition, the Special Adviser said the Festival was part of the promotion of the enormous Tourism potentials of Lagos State to the world, which according to her had started to yield monumental dividends, adding that the hosting of the event would further boost and sustain it.

    Highlights of the event include exhibitions, parades, command performances by various cultural groups and cooking competition, while awards were presented to winners as well as presentation of Tourism Governor of Nigeria to Governor Ambode by the organizers.

  • Lagos records 3,089 cases of gender, sexual violence in eight months

    As response team marks awareness month

     

    The Jakande Estate and Okota areas in Isolo local government have the highest number of reported cases of gender and sexual based violence in Lagos state in the past two years.

    This was disclosed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice/Chairman of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mr. Adeniji Kazeem at a media parley to commemorate the 2018 Domestic and Sexual awareness month at Alausa on Monday.

    The theme for this year’s activities which is slated for this month is, ‘Securing the home against Violence: Everyone’s Responsibility’.

    Kazeem who was represented by Mrs. Fumilola Odunlami, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary of the ministry further stated that from January to August this year DSVRT has received 3,089 reported cases of domestic and gender violence including child abuse.

    “This indicates that the number of reports has doubled since last year when DVSRT handled a total of 1044 cases for the entire year”, he said.

    According to him while registered total convictions of gender and sexual based violence stands at 180 since 2014, for the period under review, January to August this year, there have been seven convictions for sexual assault.

    The team  he further disclosed, has given a stronger focus on children who have witnessed Intimate Partner Violence, adding that a total number of 1187 children have been exposed to domestic violence within the home this year.

    “Some of these children have been taken through counseling programmes to ensure they are able to psychologically deal with the events they have witnessed without it having a permanent and negative impact on them”.

    Read Also: NGO decries sexual violence -against boys

    There have also been reported cases of child abuse in 17 schools and all the schools involved, he said, are under investigation and all the defilement cases have been charged to court.

    A total of 30 survivors, he said, have benefitted from the state government’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Trust Fund established by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to empower survivors of violence and child abuse by assisting them financially for relocation, medical expenses, business and education.

    Activities lined up to mark this year’s Domestic and Sexual Violence awareness month includes: a walk/mobile gender based violence clinic slated for Wednesday 12th , symposium, proposed for Tuesday 18th, premier of short film on different intricacies of domestic and social violence as well as a commendation/dinner night which will hold in last week of September.

    According to Kazeem, “The DSVRT provides an essential avenue for survivors and third parties to report instances of domestic, child and Sexual abuse…and it adopts a three-pronged approach to address these issues: ensuring the quick dispensation of justice; facilitating the provision of medical-related services  and continual awareness and sensitization”.

  • Ambode commissions ferry terminal, multi-level car park at Ikoyi

    To harness the potentials of water transportation so as to ease traffic congestion on Lagos roads, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned an ultra-modern Ferry Terminal and a Multi-level Car Park as well as the headquarters of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in the Falomo area of Ikoyi.

    The unveiling of the edifice which was delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with MTN Nigeria, the governor said, was for the overall benefit of residents and signposts the readiness, willingness and ability of the state government to take full and effective control of its waterways.

    Ambode was represented at the ceremony by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem.

    He said completion of the project, which started seven years ago, was an eloquent demonstration of the appreciation and recognition of the efforts of the state government toward the overall development of water transport sector in the State.

     

  • Lagos pilgrims pray for Ambode 

    Members of the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard, a group mobilizing five million votes for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the 2019 election, led scores of Muslim pilgrims from Lagos State at the weekend to hold special prayers for the Lagos State governor at Kaabah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the success of the present administration and its continuity beyond 2019.

    The prayers, led by Sheikh Semiu Olojeola, the President of Immas and Alfas Council of Nigeria, saw pilgrims under the aegis of the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard seize the period of the Hajj to pray for the continuity  in office of the Ambode-led administration.

    Olojeola said the first term of Governor Ambode was characterised by a series of laudable projects, including improved road infrastructure, schools’ upgrade, improving the health care sector and massive investment in the security apparatus in the state.

    He said they decided to utilise the period of the Ramadan to commit the progress of the state into the hands of Allah.

    He expressed optimism that with Governor Ambode in power, the state is bound to grow in leaps and bounds in the midst of economic challenges across the country.

     

  • Lagos to host coconut heritage festival

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that it would soon host the 7th Coconut Heritage Festival tagged “AGUNKEFEST’’, in commemoration of the 2018 World Coconut Day.

    Mrs Aramide Giwanson, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Arts and Culture, said in Lagos that the event being organised in collaboration with the African Coconut Heritage Initiatives would hold on Sept. 2, at the Suntan Beach Front, Badagry.

    The theme of the festival is “Harnessing Coconut Production for Economic Empowerment and Tourism Development in Lagos State”.

    Giwanson said the objective of the celebration was to create awareness on the array of invaluable economic, health and environmental benefits that coconut offer amid cultural manifestation.

    “In addition, the festival intends to draw global attention and beam a searchlight on the Badagry division of the state, thereby highlighting its rich cultural and traditional values to attract both domestic and international tourists.

    Read Also: ‘How coconut can become another forex earner’

    “The celebration is also in line with the state government’s vision and commitment to develop every division of the state, as well showcase its cultural and economic potentialities to the world,” she said in a statement.

    According to her, activities lined up to celebrate the one-day programme include a symposium on the theme of the celebration.

    It will be followed with a grand finale ceremony where all stakeholders in the industry and coconut value chain will exhibit their products.

    She said the event would end with cultural displays and entertainment among different communities in the local government areas and local council development areas in the state.

    The festival made its debut in 2009.

    It is meant to annually celebrate coconut in reminiscence of the first coconut plantation in Nigeria, established by the Roman Catholic Mission on the Topo Island, Badagry, in 1876.

    NAN

  • APC constitution supports direct, indirect primaries – Ambode 

    …I’m in APC to assist Buhari create jobs – Akpabio

     

     

    The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday night said that the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) supports the adoption of direct or indirect primaries.

    Some of the party stakeholders have been divided over which of the methods to adopt.

    No matter what the party settles for, Ambode said that what is important is that party members are allowed to elect their leaders.

    Ambode spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the APC national caucus meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Read Also:Obas to meet Ambode over Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    Asked if the issue of direct or indirect primaries was resolved, he said, “The fact remains that the constitution of our party allows us to carry out our primaries and elections using direct or indirect primaries.

    “We cannot disagree with the constitution so either direct or indirect primaries, you are at liberty to justify the choice you want to pick, once it suits your purpose and in line with constitution as the state determines.

    “The whole essence is for us to deepen democracy and also allow our members to participate in this whole process. The idea is once you have party members that are able to take decisions on who should represent them, I think we would have gone a step higher and better than other parties, that makes us a better party.” he said

    On his part, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who attended the caucus meeting for the first time, said the resolutions will benefit both the party and the nation at large.

    He said, “The meeting went very well and a lot of topical issues were discussed bothering on the interests of the nation. The resolutions are fantastic and I believe that the resolutions will not only move the party forward but will help to alleviate the situation in the country today and Nigerians will be happy for it.”

    On what is uncommon about APC, he said, “Well, you want me to talk from the position of an opposition leader before? Let me say that the first thing you need to know about the APC, from the point of view of leadership, I am quite impressed; the President has kept his integrity intact.

    “He has been able to improve the image of Nigeria and restore a lot of respect to Nigeria from the international community.

    “I can assure you that he alone can attract millions of people, he is that infectious. Of course his stance on corruption and that Nigerians have food on their table is something that is applauded all over the world.

    “I have also advocated that he also fights the twin brother of corruption that is poverty.

    “I am joining the APC as a government to stabilize the government and to assist the government to create employment opportunities for Nigerians so that we can fight the twin brother to corruption, which is poverty.

    “Poverty creates corruption and corruption deepens poverty, so we need to fight the two together. And that is one of the things I find attractive with the APC and believe me with my people in Akwa Ibom State, with my presence in the APC my people in South South have now seen the light and they say APC is the party to vote for come 2019,” he added.