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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Osinbajo decries religious killings

    Deeper Life Bible Church inaugutrates new auditorium

     

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has decried killings of clerics and bombings of Mosques and Churches, saying it was the highest level of wickedness.

    He spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the new auditorium of the Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos state.

    The Church also unveiled its new logo. The event was witnessed by dignitaries across all walks of life; clerics from Nigeria, Africa, Europe and the United States also stood to be counted.

    The ultra-modern auditorium, with about 30,000-seat capacity, has a big main bowl consisting of a four-story amphitheater with central air conditioning units, chiller farm and air handling units, among other things.

    According to Osinbajo,, the right to freedom of worship is also a right to build the church.

    He said it is devilish for anyone to kill in a place of worship, noting that all the killings going on in the name of herdsmen or Boko Haram were a ploy by the devil to cause religious war in Nigeria.

    He urged the Christians must not lose focus, but do more in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “Nobody can stop the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is building His church and the gate of hell cannot prevail against the church.

    He urged the church to pray for the nation and the government, saying that running a government is like a spiritual warfare.

    “It is the duty of the Church, as we are to pray for those in government because governance is a spiritual warfare. If anyone does not know that, I know. I ask the Church to pray for every one of us in the position of authority in this land.

    “We are called to bring men and women to salvation, even those who kill. The enemy wants us to stand on our pulpits and preach hate but we will obey the Lord Jesus Christ, who said we must love our enemy and pray even for those who persecute us. There is no person born or yet to be born that can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “I see this great place being dedicated for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and worship of the saints. There will be peace in this place. The time for the return of Jesus Christ is near and we must propagate the gospel.”

    Osinbajo commended the Deeper Life Bible Church, for the new auditorium, describing it as a building with modern technology and well equipped facilities.

    He noted that the surroundings were investments in the community with the connecting bridge, street lights and greatly improved access roads.

    He also commended the General Superintendent of the Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his humility and commitment to spread the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, described the project as an achievement, a labour of sacrifice over the years, adding that it is one to be proud of.

    He commended the Church for the multi-level car park and bridge constructed in the community, adding that the church has  impacted positively on the state as a mega city.

    “Let me reassure every one of our commitment to ensure  harmonious relationship among all residents in the state. We will continue to uphold and respect the rights of every citizen to freedom of worship and ensure that other people’s rights are not infringed upon.”

    Kumuyi, who said the edifice was due to many sacrifices of the Church members within and outside the country, prayed God to continue to reward and bless His people.

    He commended the Lagos State Government and residents of Gbagada for their support, adding that the Church was mindful of its social responsibilities to the community.

    He urged the gathering that as Christ lives in them, they should also express the Christ in them.

    “The ways of God are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He will build his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

     

  • “Don’t block roads during prayers” – Lagos Govt. to religious bodies

    The Lagos State Government on Monday urged religious bodies to desist from causing obstruction in public places or blocking roads during worship.

    Dr Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, Commissioner for Home Affairs, said this at the 2018 Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry to mark the three years in office of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, at Alausa, Lagos.

    Abdullateef said that causing obstruction or blocking the public road to offer prayers was not proper, as it could endanger lives of worshipers.

    “Let us face the fact; you know I am a chief Imam. There are places where your prayers will not be accepted by God, and this is serious.

    “If you block the road while praying, that prayer is not acceptable to God. Worshiping in the middle of the road and denying other road users is unacceptable and should stop.

    “It has happened before, where people claimed that they were having their prayer and an ambulance was taking a woman to hospital.

    “We fought to disperse all of them, one of them even accused me that I am not a believer, I told him, yes I’m not a believer in obstruction,” he said.

    Abdullateef said religious bodies had no right to block the road during prayers as they did not have survey plan of the road as part of their property.

    “Nobody has survey plan of the road as part of his own C of O. When a Mosque or Church is approved for construction by the Ministry of Physical Planning, you will never see the road as part of your property. So, you have no right.

    “All we need to do is that if you have population explosion, you can pray twice. A group can pray first, the second group can pray later.

    “So, obstruction of public spaces during prayer is unacceptable; even religion does not allow it, and the same thing applies to both Muslim and Christian religion.

    “Whatever we want to do, let us keep ourselves within the ambit of the law,” he said.

    The commissioner urged residents to report Churches or Mosques who constitute nuisance or cause noise pollution during their religious activities.

    “I need to explain the difference between trespassing and nuisance that trespassing is when you carry out what you want to do on a premises that is not yours while nuisance is when you are doing something within your premises and you now extend to somebody else’s premises.

    “We will continue to engage religious leaders in the state because this issue is not about sentiment but the law.

    “The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Lagos chapter, is doing a good job in resolving issues like this at the local level to promote peaceful co-existence among religious bodies,” he said.

    NAN

  • We’re building enduring Infrastructure to drive tourism – Ambode

    …Says Sector Contributed N800bn to Lagos GDP In 2017

    …Lagos Can Truly Become Hub For Tourism In Africa –  Mahama

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said his administration was consciously investing huge resources to develop an enduring infrastructural architecture that would ensure that the State’s tourism potentials are fully harnessed for all round economic growth and development.

    The Governor, who spoke at the Lagos Tourism Summit, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, with the theme- ‘Destination Lagos: Towards A Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy’, said the plans, concepts and executions of his administration are deliberate and well thought-out to make the highly populated mega city-state culturally attractive and artistically functional.

    “As a government, we are conscious of the fact that infrastructure, security, stability and partnership with all stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development. We have channeled a lot of resources into creating an enduring infrastructural architecture for the business of tourism to thrive,” he said.

    He said his administration was not unmindful of the fact that for the State to match up with other leading world tourism destinations like Miami; São Paulo; Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo as well as African cities such as Cape Town, Cairo, Marrakech and Accra, the right infrastructure has to be put in place.

    “In order to do this successfully, we must first build a solid infrastructural architecture that will endure. It must be safe and secure; it must provide functional and diverse venues for the arts, culture, festivals, creative industry, recreation and wildlife; and it must constantly and productively engage with its critical stakeholders.

    “So when you see us reclaim 50 hectares of land at the Oworonshoki end of our lagoon; when you see us clear a whole stretch at the Badagry and Epe Marina; when we insist that our prime waterfront must not be taken over by shanties and slums; when you see us embark on some ambitious road, fly-over and modern bus terminal constructions; we are preparing the grounds for a major source of employment and prosperity.

    “When you see us continue to plead for the control of wasting federal assets like the National Arts Theatre, National Museum and National Stadium and possibly declare our intention to have the Muritala Mohammed International Airport concessioned to us; we are focused on our tourism sector.

    “When you see our unwavering commitment in changing the face of public transportation, committing more funds to providing jetties and expanding access to waterways, please know that we are driven only by the need to build and sustain the needed infrastructure upon which an enduring tourism landscape can stand and outlive our administration and those coming after us,” the Governor said.

    Alluding to the massive opportunities available in the sector, Governor Ambode said that the activities within the tourism sector contributed about N800billion to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

    “The tourism sector contributed about $2.2billion (N800billion) to the Lagos GDP in 2017 and with the infrastructure and resources we are deploying in this sector, we expect this figure to double or treble in the next 5 years.

    “The enormous resources we have deployed in physical and social infrastructure across the State will begin to crystallize by December into mega structures that will support tourism and market our state as a smart destination,” the Governor said.

    Noting that Nigeria boasts of very rich culture and heritage, Governor Ambode said it was not in doubt that the country has the largest concentration of the black race, adding that Lagos sits in a better position to tell the story of the black race.

    He said the Lagos Tourism Master plan, which would emerge at the end of the summit was premised in the context of the fact that the State can become an iconic brand of the black race.

    “The Tourism Master Plan is focused on Six (6) key sectors; Culture and Heritage, Film, Art and Entertainment, Business Tourism, Nature and Adventure, Medical and Wellness, Beach and Leisure,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, he said the Tourism Summit, coming a week after a Security Summit was held at the same venue was a demonstration of the government’s commitment to find alternative platforms that can enrich and propel the State to prosperity continuously.

    In his keynote address, former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama said that Lagos has the potentials to emerge as a foremost destination for tourism development in Africa.

    While commending Governor Ambode for his efforts towards growing tourism through investment in infrastructure, he said with the billions of dollars revolving in the sector across the world and over 1.8billion tourists, the State was heading in the right direction in its bid to become Africa’s tourism hub.

    “I’ve been following the progress Lagos has made on various fronts and I join those who have celebrated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the contributions he has made within this short period to enhance the efforts and contributions of his predecessors.

    “There are potential billions of naira in revenue that Lagos State could earn in the next several years with the successful implementation of the plan that you intend could come out of this summit.

    “If you look at the nearly $7trillion that is supposed to be earned from tourism, then definitely Lagos State positioning itself as a favourite destination for tourism in order to get a share of this huge cake is a very wise decision by Governor Ambode and his team.

    “Thankfully, Lagos in preparation for the launch of the State’s tourism master plan has began upgrading and expanding critical infrastructure including transportation, roads and of course the recent reclamation that is ongoing,” Mahama said.

    Several paper presentations by speakers at the Summit including Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Professor Pat Utomi, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Mrs Omotayo Omotosho, Mr. Philip Hughes, while commending the State Government for putting together the summit, made recommendations on what Lagos must do to harness the massive potentials in the tourism sector.

  • Lagos pays N9.3bn as pension in 1 yr.

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that it paid N9.3 billion as pension to 2,466 retirees in the state, between May 2017 and March 2018.

    Dr Akintola Benson-Oke, the state Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, said this at the 2018 Ministerial Press Briefing, to mark the present administration’s three years in office.

    “The state government, through the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), paid the sum of N9.3 billion into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of 2,466 public retirees, within the last one year.

    “From August 2015 to date, the sum of N35.92 billion has been paid into the RSA of 8,731 retirees, deceased and withdrawn staff.

    “There has been continued significant reduction in outstanding backlog of terminal entitlements of retired public servants,” he said.

    Benson-Oke said that the Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode led-administration commenced and maintained the trend of paying terminal entitlements of retired employees monthly, since August 2015.

    “The ministry will continue to sensitise retirees on activities of pension fraudsters so that they will get their entitlements without hitch,” he said.

    The commissioner said that the ministry would distribute welfare packages to no fewer than 8, 000 pensioners aged 70 and above this year.

    On the payment of death benefit, he said that 80 beneficiaries of deceased employees in the state were paid N220.7 million within the period.

    The commissioner said that the state’s Public Service Staff Development Centre trained 3, 737 officers in the last one year.

    He said the training provided solutions to problems on human capacity through learning and development initiatives, using technology-driven resources.

    “The essence is not only for self-development, but for the skills and knowledge acquired to be deployed on the job for impactful service delivery to teeming populace of Lagos State,” he said.

    Benson-Oke commended the 17 labour unions in the state public service for supporting government in creating a safe, conflict-free and productive workplace.

    “It is historic to note that in the last three years, this administration has not witnessed any form of crisis, protests or agitations by labour unions,” he added.

    He said the unions’ National Joint Negotiating Council met and interacted with government four times yearly to take decisions on issues pertaining to workers’ welfare and promote industrial harmony.

    Benson-Oke promised that the ministry would continue to intensify efforts towards motivating and training the civil servants for better service delivery and protection of interest of residents of the state.

    NAN

     

  • Union protests appointment of retired policemen as chairmen of PSC

    The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Police Service Commission (PSC) chapter, on Thursday in Abuja protested against the appointment of retired police officers as chairmen of the commission by the Federal Government.

    Addressing newsmen, Chairman of the union, Mr Umar Sharubutu, said that the appointment of retired policeman as chairman of the commission was an aberration.

    “It is constitutionally wrong to have an ex- policeman heading the commission,“Sharubutu said.

    He explained that the Act establishing the commission defined it as a “civilian “oversight body on police.

    He further said that a police officer was appointed as a Commissioner II on the board to serve as adviser on technical issues concerning the police.

    The chairman said that appointing another police officer on the board was a duplication of police representation on the board, adding that the Act provided for the appointment of a civilian chairman.

    He said that because of the background of the police, the junior takes order from his superior.

    He alleged that members of staff of the commission were being treated like policemen to whom orders were being given as against the public and other extant rules applicable to civil servants.

    “We are not policemen, we are civilian staff and the commission is a civilian organisation, the chairman should be a civilian.

    “Our experiences under these former policemen had not been a palatable one as they clamp our colleagues into detention indiscriminately.

    “We are using this medium to appeal to Mr President to give us a civilian chairman,” he said.

    Sharubutu said that the union would lawfully resist further appointment of former policeman as chairman of the commission, adding that the commission has had enough of them.

    He said that the commission under the pioneer civilian chairman, flourished without interference from the police.

    “Under the civilian chairman in 2001 promotions were done strictly on seniority and merit.

    “We are complaining now because we have endured believing that things will get better but matters are still difficult,“he said.

    He said that the union had written to the President, the National Assembly, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Secretary to the Federal Government.

    The chairman also alleged that under the chairmanship of a retired policeman, issues of promotion in the commission had been abused.

    In a reaction, the Head of Press and Public Relations of the commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said that the issue of appointment of chairman was beyond the competence of the commission.

    “Even though I have not been briefed by the management of the commission, I know that it is the prerogative of Mr President to appoint chairmen of the commission,“he said.

    Ani said that the Act establishing the commission was very clear on this as there was no restriction for the president to appoint chairman for the commission.

    Reports from our reporter confirmed that the PSC is saddled with the responsibility of promotion and discipline of members of the Nigeria Police Force, except the Inspector-General of Police.

    NAN

  • Lagos boosts transit payment system with contactless card

    Over 500,000 daily commuters on the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system can now board buses using a contactless card payment system. It is an enhancement which makes the Lagos Connect card launched last November by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode usable on mass transit systems anywhere in the world.

    Powered by Lagos State, LAMATA, Primero Transport Limited and Sterling Bank Plc, the enhanced electronic payment system was launched in partnership with leading global payment and technology companies – Mikroelektronica, MasterCard, E-Purse Systems, Monet Plus, NIBSS, Epay-plus and SecureID in Lagos. It allows commuters who ride on BRT buses to make payments via their Lagos Connect contactless cards powered by Farepay that have either been pre-loaded or linked to a funded bank account.

    Largest of its scale in Africa, the Europay MasterCard and Visa (EMV) compliant contactless payment system was designed to speed up commuting time by making payment easier and faster because it empowers commuters to just tap their cards on a console to board a BRT bus. It eliminates the high turnaround time associated with cash-based ticket purchases.

    The launch of the Lagos Connect EMV compliant contactless card powered by Farepay on the BRT system puts Lagos ahead of some mega cities including New York in terms of implementation.

    Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank said the bank is intent on achieving its primary role of financial intermediation through intervention in sectors that will create jobs and bring about economic growth for the country. He identified such sectors as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transport.

    Abubakar stated that the bank is proud to collaborate with Lagos State, LAMATA, Primero, E-Purse Systems and MasterCard to launch a multimodal contactless payment card for use on mass transit buses, ferries and trains in the Lagos metropolis.

    “This is another major step forward in enhancing the commuting experience and social well-being of more than 80 per cent of Lagos residents who rely on public transport daily. Sterling Bank is committed to improving standards in a sector that is a crucial of driver economic growth and determinant of social well-being for both urban and rural residents. We are driven by the understanding that an efficient transport system facilitates trade, reduces poverty, creates economic and social opportunities while enhancing human development through greater mobility,” he informs.

    Chief Demola Seriki, Chairman, Primero Transport Limited, described the launch of the enhanced Lagos Connect EMV compliant contactless payment system powered by Farepay as symbolic. “We are delighted to unveil the enhanced Lagos Connect EMV compliant contactless payment system powered by Farepay. It is indicative of efforts to eliminate the inefficiencies associated with public transportation in Lagos. A lot of work is being put into transforming public transportation into a world class and sustainable industry which brings comfort to commuters and creates economic and social opportunities.”

     

     

     

  • Ambode: Between projects and merit votes

    Last Monday, Christendom’s Easter Monday, Lagosians woke up to behold their governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode move from one place to another with a crowd of loyalists, government officials and thousands of enthusiastic residents. The governor was performing the historic commissioning of a large network of 19 roads and two bridges in Alimosho local council. With a combined stretch of 27.4 kilometers, the streets are sited in the inner suburbs, far removed from the familiar expressway, notably the Lagos Abeokuta highway.

    Until that Monday, this overworked human and vehicular route used to be the economic and business hub of the people of Alimosho-OkeOdo-Agbado area, the largest federal constituency in Nigeria. But  a visionary and compassionate governor mulled the choking hardship ensuing from this arrangement as well as its effect on Africa’s fifth largest economy which Lagos has become and decided to change the narrative.

    He came to the conclusion that governance is a failed enterprise if it doesn’t come close to the people via government projects, if it doesn’t shorten the distance between their abode and the centre of business through a good road network.

    And so the Ambode administration refused to toe the line of elitist concentration of infrastructure in and around the expressway. He moved from there and headed for the underdeveloped outskirts to bring government to the doorstep of the people. Town planners call his action centrifugal country development. It breaks the monopoly of government presence in the metropolis. It restores the traditional concept of government as the father of all, both the rural dwellers and city folks, not that of the latter, even if government is in the city.

    In line with the mood of the moment that marked the holiest ceremony in the Christian calendar, Ambode spoke of the commissioning as a metaphor for the economic reawakening of Alimosho. Jesus’ Resurrection at Easter was a restoration of lost hope and a return to life. The roads he launched on Easter Monday were figuratively as it were, a new page in the continuous delivery of the dividends of good governance after a long period of deathlike denial.

    “This is what is called dividend of democracy,’’ Ambode told an ecstatic and jubilant crowd. “’We are making this Alimosho axis economically viable and livable. By opening up the whole network stretching 27.4 km we have brought economy back to this place. With the walkways and street lights, these communities are becoming safer and there is more to do. By expanding the infrastructure around this axis, you can travel as far as Ojo or Badagry without necessarily passing through the express road. That is what you voted for, and that’s why we are returning here to say we have kept all our promises.’’

    The governor also opened up on how to spare the land routes of needless stress. His government, he promised, will dredge the Illo River and rehabilitate roads in the area- Adekoya, Makinde, Suberu Oje, Old Ota, IshefunIjan which will be converted to a jetty through which residents can ride a boat to connect Marina on Lagos in less than half an hour.

    If you’re already getting the picture of a governor thinking beyond service delivery to the metropolitan people only, then you’re just close to Ambode’s long-haul race. For he says that a BRT corridor is coming in tow on the scene of the just-commissioned roads. Still more: something similar is in the offing between Epe and Ijebu Ode to make way for Lagos to access the Ijebu Ode- Ore Expressway in Ogun.

    Both flanks, that of Alimosho and of Epe, form a grand visio n of an economic integration of all the southwest states, starting with Ogun state the closest. Ambode says: ‘’That is what economic integration means, that is how to expand commerce, that’s how to create jobs for our people and by this project people in the community will benefit from the jobs and also benefit from the commerce and that is what inclusive governance is all about.’’

    The lesson from this Epe-born governor is that you can adroitly deploy endogenous initiatives to attract exogenous wealth and prosperity for your people. He went thousands of kilometers to Kebbi state to strike a deal for the now famous Lake Rice. Now he’s heading close by, westwards to his people to clinch the goal of an old dream cherished by Yoruba leaders of the 50s and 60s.

    Isn’t it instructive that just recently the other states of  the southwest- Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti- completed the process of readmitting Lagos into the Odua Investment conglomerate with 115 million shares, thus kick starting what is being hailed as ‘’the real economic integration of the region’’?

    When he met newsmen shortly after the road commissioning, an elated Senator Olamilekan Adeola said Ambode has ‘’surpassed expectations of Lagosians’’. He added somewhat jubilantly: ‘’…many residents who relocated from the area years ago, have been returning to the axis due to the massive infrastructural by the Akinwunmi(Ambode)-led administration.’’ The federal lawmaker then addressed Ambode: ‘’Your Excellency, we are assuring you of giving you one million votes in the coming election (in 2019) in Alimosho alone.’’

    A chartered accountant at the scene Ladi Oluwaloni Olo agrees that the initiatives of Governor Ambode indicate that residents of Lagos are stepping into an era of prosperity. But his admonition is that the only way to appreciate the governor and his team is to boost the government’s purse. “The only way we can pay him back is to support his administration by paying our taxes’’, he advises.

    These submissions, together with those of other keen analysts, suggest that during the campaign for his reelection next year, Ambode would be relying on what a new school of political science has identified as ‘merit votes’. What these political scientists mean is that at a point during a public officer’s bid to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate, what he has achieved in his outgoing tenure would incontrovertibly speak louder for him and his government than the volumes of speeches he delivers at rallies. Similarly, it is his laudable performance on the ground which would outplay his opponents at the poll. The votes he secures are merited(earned, deserved, justified).

    The governor’s critics and potential candidates on the other side would have little or nothing to present to gainsay his achievements. So when both camps offer themselves before the people on D-day, the one who earns or deserves their seal of approval is the one whose work is applauded by all and sundry.

    That is the concept of merit votes which pundits believe would work in favour of Ambode in the gubernatorial ballot in Lagos in 2019.

     

    • Anibaba, a journalist wrote in from Ikorodu.

     

     

     

  • Ambode re-election: LASPOSUG Launches ‘DiCE’ Initiative

    The Lagos State Polytechnic Students’ Union Government [LASPOSUG] has officially launched an initiative tagged ‘Direct Campaign & Enlightenment [DiCE]’ in favour of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for another term in office which also doubles as a nod to the present administration’s good works permeating the length and breathe of the State.

    This was as disclosed by the SUG President, Adewale Jubril, while addressing press on Tuesday 3rd April, 2018.

    According to Jubril, DICE is an initiative aimed at persuading students one on one, after which they are charged to also persuade their parents and other influencers.

    While addressing the press, Jubril said, “We want to state categorically that, the students’ union is apolitical and would not give credence to mediocrity or hypocricy. Therefore, what we are doing today is not out of bandwagon effects or hired idea. We are here today representing the 25,000 plus students of this great citadel of learning and excellence to say that- Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State should continue with his good works, consolidate in another four years and make education in Lagos State the hallmark of excellence in Nigeria.

    “We are not reaching these conclusions without proofs of what the amiable Governor has done in education sector, especially at the Lagos Sate Polytechnic. The Governor has proved beyond reasonable doubts, its concern for the sustenance of qualitative educational system in Lagos State.”

    Jubril went further to add that, the citadel of knowledge has benefited immensely from Ambode’s administration; part of which according to him include: “initiation of the first ever academic and value added practical training programme “Ready-Set-Work” (RSW) for Tertiary Institutions in Lagos, preparing students for the work life, placing successful participants on Industrial Training with reputable organizations and also funding viable business ideas/innovations of the students.

    “Consideration of the plea by the Polytechnic Management on financial constraint of the Polytechnic, His Excellency approved the increment of the Polytechnic’s monthly subvention and also approved the release of funds for the accreditation of 66 programmes in the Polytechnic.

    “Furthermore, the Governor completed the construction of Block A of the School of Technology Complex and also approved the construction of drainages as well as car parks for the Complex all of which are on-going.

    “The Governor in his magnanimity extended the “Operation Light-Up Lagos” project to the Lagos State Polytechnic. Street lights were installed all over the Ikorodu Campus of the Polytechnic.

    “Ambode has also initiated the commencement of the following projects in the Polytechnic: Completion of the abandoned Sports Complex on the Ikorodu Campus of the Polytechnic to serve the whole of Ikorodu community, Construction of a befitting High Capacity Auditorium for the Institution, Construction of a befitting Administrative Block for the Polytechnic

    “The visionary Governor Ambode gave a nod and support to the Polytechnic for the Drone Project initiated by the Polytechnic with a view to deploying surveillance drones for security all around the State and many more”

    In the same vein, the Lady Vice-President of the Union, Comrade Oladipupo Zainab solicit for the support of the entire residents in Lagos State so as to encourage the continuous accelerated progress experienced in the educational system and other sectors in Lagos State, through voting massively for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode come 2019.

    Most importantly, residents, especially the youths and students were implored to register and pick up their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) as this remains the only way all can ensure support for education and youth development.

    “For us, DiCE as an initiative would not only canvass for votes, but monitor and sensitise the student populace on the need to register and collect their PVCs. A vote canvasses without a PVC is a sheer wasting of time and resources. Therefore, we shall sensitise for registration and collection of PVC and consolidate with canvass for votes through DiCE initiative. What LASPOTECH SUG is doing to support the reelection of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode goes beyond rhetoric and showmanship. It is a complete practical approach to winning election,” Zainab noted.

    DiCE means Direct Campaign & Enlightenment, it is an initiative aimed at engaging every student one on one, convince and persuade them with facts from the good works of the Governor, and school each student, to engage their parents directly with facts and figures of the governors good deeds.

  • Obanikoro commends Ambode for sustaining indigenous culture

    Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, has commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s drive in sustaining and upholding indigenous cultures, traditions and norms of Lagos State.
    Obanikoro who served as a Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District from 2003 to 2007, gave the commendation while speaking with the News men in Lagos on Tuesday.
    The senator who later served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana said that the increase in technological advancement was a challenge to cultural growth in the country.
    “Modernisation is taking over the world and our youths want to follow the trend. “Our youths have been carried away by Western culture, which is not encouraging.

    Read Also: Ambode connects Ogun with 21 roads, two bridges

    “I appreciate Gov. Ambode’s drive in reviving some of the old cultures and traditions that include: the boat regatta, the `Lagos Street Carnival’, `One Lagos fiesta’ and others.
    “This shows the administration’s interest and passion for upholding the state’s rich culture and traditions, ‘’ he said.
    Obanikoro said that the development of these cultural heritages would expose the city to international visitors.
    “It will also attract local and foreign visitors as well as investors to the state, ‘’ he said.
    He also lauded the state government for investing more in culture, tourism and entertainment in order to prevent them from being eroded by western influence.
    Obanikoro said that culture was a way of exhibiting a community’s ways of life and traditions and they should be preserved by their custodians.

    NAN

  • Ambode promises more development in sub-urban communities

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday promised that his administration would continue to make every part of the state economically viable and liveable by opening up and developing sub-urban communities.

    Ambode gave the assurance at the inauguration of two bridges and 19 roads around the Lagos-Ogun boundary, in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

    The two bridges are the New Aiyetoro Bridge in Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area and the New Ikola road with bridge (old Odo Obasanjo Bridge), both in Alimosho LGA.

    Some of the 19 roads are Ikola Road (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road); Oko Filling Road (from AIT to Ilo River) and Osenatu Ilo road (from Ibari Road to Ilo River).

    Others include Amikanle Road (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

    The construction of the roads and bridges, handled by Visible Construction Company, was flagged-off in March 2017.

    Ambode said it was imperative to open up sub-urban communities to decongest the urban centres, reduce traffic congestion and create better life for the people.

    “Alimosho has been a loyal constituency since Asiwaju’s administration.

    “So, in return, we are giving you the dividends of democracy with these roads, so that we can connect you to the rest of Lagos.

    “Just as we have connected the Itele community in Ogun State, we are trying to do the same on Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road, Ikorodu-Imota-Itokin road and it is the same thing that we are trying to do on Mile-2-Badagry and Seme road.

    “It is imperative that we do these roads so that we boost economic integration with neighbouring states,” he said.

    Ambode said such development would also reduce the rush to the centre and allow new families and home owners to build up in other places.

    He said that the new roads would serve as alternative routes to decongest the Abeokuta Expressway and reduce travel time.

    “This inauguration is historic because it was Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s vision. He started it with the LASU-Iba road up to Igando and Egbe.

    “My predecessor, Gov. Raji Fashola, took it up to Ipaja; all in a bid to build a new economy in this particular axis.

    “So, this administration has continued from Ipaja to Ayobo to Command and the bridge constructed in Aboru to link Abesan.

    “Today, we are inaugurating a total distance of 27.4 km of roads with two bridges which we completed in one year. So, this inauguration is very significant.

    “These roads are alternative routes to decongest the Abeokuta Expressway. You can take these alternative routes and go all the way to Ipaja up to Badagry.

    “This was not done with my money. It is your tax money that we have used to provide and improve infrastructure and the economy of this constituency,” he said.

    The governor promised to dredge the Ilo River and construct more roads in Alimosho – Adekoya Road, Suberu-Oje Road, Makinde Road, old Ota Road Ishefun and Ijon Road.

    “We would also connect it with a jetty so you can take a boat ride between this area and Marina in 20 minutes,” he said.

    Ambode urged residents to continue to perform their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes, saying that the government would give them more value than the taxes paid.

    He also told the residents to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    “My message is that I want our people to take voters registration seriously.

    “It is your civic right, it is the only thing you can use to lend your voice to government,” he said.

    Also speaking, Sen. Solomom Olamilekan, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, said that Alimosho LGA was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Ambode led-administration with the construction of the roads.

    “Alimosho residents have come out en masse to welcome Gov. Ambode for this Easter gift — 19 roads and two bridges — in a single LGA. One of them is the longest bridge in the state after the Third Mainland Bridge.

    “Before the construction of these bridges and roads, residents were moving out due to the deplorable state of the roads, but now the population in the area has doubled.

    “This means that Alimosho, with its large population, is solidly declaring its support for you to seek a second term in the 2019 election,” he said.

    Appreciating the governor on behalf of the communities, Mr Abiodun Coker, Chairman, Community Development Association, appreciated Ambode for transforming the area.

    Coker appealed to the governor to consider the construction of the Megida-Ishefun road in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA to reduce the hardship experienced by the residents in the area.

    Mr Shakiru Yusuf, Chairman, Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, expressed his gratitude to the governor for the construction of the two bridges and roads.

    Yusuf appealed to the governor to fulfil his promise of situating a fish farming project in the area.

    According to him, the project will create employment opportunities and boost economic activities.

    In his address, Mr Ade Akinsanya, Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, said that the network of roads would ease the burden of plying bad roads.

    Akinsanya urged the communities in the area to protect the public assets by ensuring they are put to good use and not turned to markets or car parks for vehicles and trucks.

    NAN