The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Lagos lawmaker urges FG to repair Lagos-Badagry expressway

    A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Ibrahim Layode, on Saturday appealed to the Federal Government to give urgent attention to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to ease the hardship of commuters and motorists on the road.

    Layode, representing Badagry Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the appeal during a walk exercise tagged; “Oil “88” Walk For Fitness” which he organised for residents.

    He spoke with the residents at his constituency office shortly after the walk.

    The lawmaker, who also is the Chairman, House Committee on Housing, urged government to repair the failed portions on the road to alleviate the sufferings of the people, saying “the road is in bad shape.”

    “We plead with the Federal Government to remember the helpless people of Badagry. This road is an international road, but has been abandoned.

    “I think the Federal Government needs to declare a state of emergency on this road becaue it is in a state of disrepair,” Layode said.

    He said that the residents had been asking so many questions from him about the condition of the road and urged government to come to the rescue the people.

    The lawmaker, who commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for his people-oriented polices and development strides, urged the people to be patient with the government on the controversial new Land Use Charge Law, 2018.

    Layode assured residents of the state, especially in Badagry, that the Assembly was committed to reviewing the law to meet the aspirations and yearnings of the people.

    “The Assembly is working tirelessly to ensure a review of the law as the people have complained that the increment was not affordable to them.

    “Whatever the state government realises from Land Use Charge will be used for development purposes; Gov. Ambode-led government is committed to the development of the state,” he said.

    On why he organised the walk, Layode said: “we are committed to the well-being of the people and that the walk is meant to make them keep fit”.

    “We organise the walk every three months and we also give them health talk during the walk. Most of the people don’t know the importance of health walk.

    “You could hear the dentist talking about the need to take care of our mouth. So, we need protection for our body.

    “We do this regularly to burn the fat in our body and guard ourselves against diseases.

    “We even organise football matches for our people every Saturday to ensure that our people keep fit,” he said.

    Layode said that the final his football competition would come up on April 7 and promised that his support for women, youths, the aged as well as education would not reduce.

    Some residents, who participated in the walk, expressed satisfaction with the exercise and pledged their support to the lawmaker in the 2019 general elections.

    NAN

  • APC-V hold special prayer for Ambode, Tinubu

    As 2019 General Election draws nearer, a group, APC Volunteers (APC-V), has endorsed Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for second term in office, saying it took this decision based on Ambode’s unimaginable performance and commendable zeal for developmental projects that were visible in every nook and crannies of the state.

    The Lagos State Chairman of the group, Akeem Adejuwon Atupa, made this declaration while speaking during the special prayer session for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday. The event took place at the weekend at the LTV 8, Blue Roof, Lagos.

    According to him, the endorsement of Governor Ambode for a second term is a reflection of the wish of majority of Lagosians irrespective of religion, race or creed, noting that, “All the projects initiated by the present administration were not only exemplary but commendable, laudable, exceptional and unique, especially within the short time he has spent., hence our declaration that such a person should go for a second term.”

    He, therefore, urged all residents of the state to ensure they got their voter cards ready before the commencement of the 2019 General Election to enable them to vote in exercise.

    The guest preacher, Venerable Idowu Isaiah Faleye, in his sermon, declared that politicians can only succeed in office based on cooperation and support from the masses, urging all Nigerians not to leave governance to politicians alone but should always endeavour to do their bit by acting as checks and balances in order to guide them in the right direction.

    Representative of Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, at the event, Taiwo Ayedun, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Engagement, while welcoming the declaration also noted that the administration headed by Governor Ambode had recorded numerous achievements within its short period in office.

  • Easter: Ambode greets Christians, preaches tolerance, sacrifice for one another

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another, stating that development and growth can only occur in the nation when all tribes and tongue unite and speak with one voice.

    Governor Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.

    Stressing the essence of the season, the Governor said Jesus exemplified the virtues of selflessness, love and tolerance during his period on earth, and thereby urged Christians to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in the nation.

    “We must therefore see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness,” the Governor said.

    He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew bitterness along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives.

    “No doubt, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country that we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to,” he said.

    Governor Ambode commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration and promotion of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, saying that the cooperation of residents for government programmes and policies was responsible for the massive development across the State in the last 34 months.

    While wishing all Lagosians a happy Easter celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined them to continue to support his administration to deliver more developmental projects that would make life more comfortable for them.

     

  • Ikeja Bus Terminal: Buhari applauds Lagos’ giant strides in three years

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday applauded the giant strides of the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on infrastructure development, even as he assured that plans by his government to develop the nation’s railway infrastructure remain unshaken.

    He said: “We are committed to strictly adhering to the rail reforms because it will lead to job creation, improve security and return our dear country to its position of respectability among the comity of nations in the world.”

    Buhari said the Ikeja Bus Terminal, which projected to change the narrative of transportation in the state will boost job creation, enhance commercial activities and improve the condition of living of Lagosians.

    His remarks came, just as the Governor said the Ikeja Bus Terminal, which is a product of the transportation summit organised by his government in November 2015, is one of the flagship projects meant to revamp transportation and ensure that the people now use public transportation.

    He said under this first phase, 13 new bus terminals are simultaneously ongoing at Oshodi, Yaba, Ojota, Agege, Maryland, and TBS, with 5,000 brand new buses to be injected into the state’s economy in the next three years with 820 high capacity buses to be injected by September.

    Ambode said construction is ongoing on 300 new bus stops across the state to further complement the efforts to bequeath a working, more friendly, safe and convenient transportation to the people of the state.

    He thanked President Buhari for the import waiver on the first phase of the buses to be imported for the project.

    He disclosed plans by the government to begin assemblying the buses within the next 20 months, even as he disclosed of plans to promote non-motorized modes of transportation such as walking by ensuring the creation of walkways on all road projects ongoing in the state.

    He disclosed that the government will soon deliver the blue line light rail in its determination to deliver a functional and sustainable integrated system to enhance commerce and codition of living of the people.

    The Ikeja Bus Terminal contractor and Managing Director of Planet Project Mr Biodun Otunola said the terminal will service 200,000 passengers daily and serve 23 different designated routes with about 100 buses.

    He said the Ikeja Bus Terminal is a bold statement by the government to reinvent public transportation by ensuring that the 12 million Lagosians who uses the roads every day are assured of their safety, and given the benefit of a more convenient travel experience.

    “It is completed with Intelligent transportation System (ITS) that ensured that buses can be planned and people can plan their journey time as it would give the arrival and departure time of all buses. It would be opened from 6am to 11 pm.

    He said; “it is sad that while only 21,000 passengers use all Nigerian airports, the about 80 million Nigerians who uses public transportation have no adequate infrastructure and no standard structure to provide for their safety and protection by the government. That is what the Lagos State Government want to address with the ongoing transportation reform.

    The idea, according to him is to capture a sizeable population of the 12 million Lagosians that commute daily in Lagos State alone.

    He said the bus reform which would see the gradual reflecting of public transportation from the rickety and unsafe yellow buses to a more comfortable air conditioned buses will transform the narrative of transportation in the state.

     

  • Ambode commissions dualized Alapere road

    …Approves construction of Ketu-Agboyi link bridge, link roads

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday commissioned the Alapere Road and junction improvement works in Agboyi Ketu area of the State, with an assurance that his administration will continue to judiciously put the monies paid by tax payers to good use.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the commissioning ceremony, attended by party leaders, key stakeholders and scores of excited residents, said the 1.4km road was a fulfillment of one of the recommendations of the Traffic Summit organized by his administration in November 2015.

    He said the summit, among others, recommended that critical road junctions should be redesigned, improved and or upgraded to meet present and future needs of road users to reduce travel times and support economic activities.

    “Undoubtedly, this infrastructure, with the improvement it has conferred on this axis, and the signalization of the traffic here, will not only serve the purpose of reducing travel time and resolving traffic gridlock, it will also increase the value of properties in this area and become a source of prosperity to the owners. That is the Lagos of our dream. A Lagos where we all succeed, together,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode also announced the approval for the commencement of the Phase three of the government’s Traffic Intervention Plan in the Ketu – Alapere Area, including the Dualization of the Demuren Road (Alapere Roundabout to Ketu Junction) and Davies Streets (Mr Biggs Junction to Mile 12).

    He said the Phase three is a strategic linkage between the Third Mainland Bridge – Ogudu – Alapere Corridor via Alapere and Ikorodu Road – Ketu – Ojota – Mile 12 Corridor and that it would provide an alternative route for Lagosians, thereby taking pressure off the Ojota Interchange.

    The State Government had earlier delivered a standard Layby in Alapere and many inner roads in the axis as part of its comprehensive plan to decongest traffic in the area.

    Responding to an appeal by residents for the construction of the Agboyi-Ketu Link Bridge, the Governor assured that work would commence on the project before the end of the year.

    “We have talked about the Ketu-Agboyi Link Bridge in the Town Hall Meeting; I know that is the most important project in this community. So, we have a contract between this community and government that that is what you want and so we will give it to you,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode seized the occasion to thank residents who willingly gave up their properties for construction of the road, saying that the gesture made the delivery of the project possible on schedule.

    “Our government sincerely acknowledges the contributions of all those behind the successful completion of this project especially all those who readily gave up their properties without recourse to litigation. We must publicly commend them and show our appreciation as the construction of this road was made easy for Government because of these individuals and institutions. This is indeed one of the few places in Lagos where people have supported Government’s developmental efforts without recourse to litigation or protest and we acknowledge this sacrifice,” he said.

    Besides, the Governor urged residents of the area to take ownership of project and other facilities provided across the State by government and protect them, noting that the projects were being executed by their taxes.

    “The truth is all these projects are more or less a return from the tax you are paying to government and so we are going to appeal to ourselves. Whatever little amount that you are paying as taxes, believe me you will get greater value in return and that is why you are able to get all these projects.

    “So, I just want to encourage our people to continue to pay their taxes. Trust us, we will return your taxes in form of all these facilities that will make life more comfortable for all of us,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor also said that his administration would support the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the construction of the new Akinyemi Market, while assuring that those whose shops were affected by the project would be given priority.

    Earlier, Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo thanked Governor Ambode for transforming the entire Alapere axis, saying apart from improving on the aesthetics of the area with good road network and street lights, the project had also increased the health of the people and economy of the area.

    Also, a community leader, Chief Duro Dada and Chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC) of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Chief R.O Ajayi said the project had transformed the area to a mega city.

    “Today is a great day in Alapere. I have lived for about 30 years in this area and I want to thank Governor Ambode for transforming our area into another Ikoyi. As a matter of fact, people don’t want to sleep at night again because of this quality road and street light. The Governor has transformed the economy of our area and I want to assure him that we will vote for him again in 2019,” Dada said.

  • “Why everybody is endorsing Ambode for 2nd term”

    Hon. Bolanle Agunbiade is Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The lawmaker represents Ikorodu Constituency 1 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). Tobun, who is a ranking member of the legislative House, in this interview with Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, speaks on among other issues, the endorsement of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for another term by various individuals and groups within and outside the state. Excerpts:

    As a principal officer of the State House of Assembly, what do you make of the frenzied way people are going about endorsing Governor Akin Ambode for another term?

    I think we should take a good look at the endorsements for us to understand why it is being done. As we speak, it is as if the good people of Lagos have collectively decided to keep the governor on the job beyond 2019. Simply put, it is because he has performed. All the people and groups endorsing him gave that same reason and we can all see his achievements speaking for him.

    In all of his numerous achievements, which we can see and feel across the nooks and crannies of the state, he has been stylish and meticulous in manner he runs the affairs of the state. Even the opposition in the state has agreed that Ambode has delivered on his election promises. He promised to make Lagos work for everyone and he has done that for all to see.

    One major thing I believe endeared him to Lagosians is his style to always feed the people back on his activities. Since he came on board as governor in May 2015, he has strategically embarked on periodic town-hall meetings, where he often hears the pains and challenges directly from the residents with a promise to alleviate their sufferings. And such promises are often instantly kept, most times immediately on the spot.

    It is this people-oriented approach to governance that the people cannot do without. They want more of it and they are saying so without mincing words. They are saying even if Ambode is thinking about not running again, he should perish the thought because Lagos still needs him in charge. Because there are still a lot to do, we still want a man like Ambode in charge.

    But there are talks that he is not paying attention to some parts of the state while concentrating on a particular area.

    Let me ask you, as a journalist can you please tell me one part of Lagos where Ambode is either not working or planning to commence work? It is common knowledge that this man has turned the whole of Lagos to a construction site. While I will admit that the sizes of the projects differ, I want to say there is no part of Lagos that the governor has not done something. Is it the periodic road construction in all LCDAs we want to talk about or the various initiatives targeted at all round development?

    As the Majority Leader of the Assembly, I am in a position to tell you that the development projects and plans of the government is evenly spread across the state. Of course, some areas will benefit more than some others, but that is not enough to say he is neglecting any part of the state. Ambode promised to develop Lagos and that is what he is doing.

    But there have been complaints about some of his projects. Do you agree with such complaints?

    If we say somebody has not made mistakes, we are saying he or she is perfect. Nobody is perfect because nobody is God. Secondly, I will appreciate knowing the specific projects you say people are complaining about. It is then I can answer this question. But speaking holistically about his administration, projects and policies, he has done pretty well.

    People’s need and interest differ. So, what is applaudable to me may not be necessary to you depending on what our needs and interests are at a particular time. So, it is normal to see a few people complain about things that the majority are applauding. We should then say because of the complaints, such things are not good or necessary.

    One thing I know about Ambode is that he carries out projects and institute policies based on the needs of the people. I said it earlier, his regular feedback styles has really helped him to constantly feel the pulse of the good people of Lagos and understand what they need at every point in time. This is what guides him to meet the varying needs of the various parts and people of Lagos.

    Can you be specific about some of the things you are applauding the governor for?

    Where do I start from? Very importantly, he has been able to reduce insecurity in the state through provision of multi-billion naira equipment, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, helicopters, boats for security. His support for the Police and other security agencies has helped in reducing crime in the state drastically. The newly introduced Neighbourhood Safety Corps is another initiative.

    This government has built hundreds of good roads, including across the length and breadth of the state with fly-overs at Ojodu-Berger, Abule Egba, etc.

    Apart from that, many schools had been built and rehabilitated in the state. I can go on and on.

    Finally, 2019 is around the corner, what is your own political plan?

    I will surely like to continue working with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. This is a winning team that is delivering the goodies to the good people of Lagos State.

    Politics is about what you are able to use your position and mandate to bring to your people. I am happy today talking about what the government has been able to do in my constituency. As the Majority Leader of the Assembly, I was able to impact positively on the lives of my constituents and Lagosians generally.

     

  • Kosofe endorses Ambode for second term – Gboyega Alaka

    Kosofe Local Government led by its executive chairman, Afolabi Babatunde Sofola has endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    In an elaborate event last Thursday tagged, ‘Ambode Lekan si’, the All Progressives Congress, APC community in the local government declared its support for Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s second term bid as governor of Lagos State.

    Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Sofola said his administration’s endorsement of the governor is based on “the legacy of performance, excellent delivery of people-oriented governance and unwavering continuity of exceptional leadership laid by our political hero and father of modern Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu….”

    Sofola cited the headlong tackling of security challenges in the state, overhauling of the traffic management system along with basic road infrastructure renewal, the light-up Lagos project, employment trust fund and wealth creation, improvement of the health sector, development of the coastal lines for tourism and business revenue amongst others, as some of the telling credentials of Gov Ambode’s administration.

    To this effect, the council boss said  “Any other contestant for the office of governor in Lagos State for 2019 is a counterfeit,” stating categorically that “Nobody in the state would say they have not felt Ambode’s impact one way or the other.”

    To underline his conviction, Sofola said all the 57 local government bosses in the state were “simultaneously endorsing the governor that same day, same hour.”

  • Land Use Charge: NBA rejects LASG’s 50% reduction

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Ikeja Branch, has rejected the 50 per cent reduction of the Land Use Charge recently reviewed by the Lagos State Government.

    The Chairman, Mr Adeshina Ogunlana, told our reporter on Thursday said that the reduction by the Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode led-administration is “unacceptable”.

    “I am yet to hear officially from the  government about that reduction or see a document about it,  I have only seen news flash which I will treat only as a rumour.

    “The rumoured reduction is not acceptable, I don’t trust this government; this is democracy and if there is going to be a reduction you have to consult with the people.

    “The reduction is arbitrary and lacks legal basis. Due process must be followed, the law must be repealed and amended.

    “You cannot repeal a law by proclamation, we are not in the military era where laws are made by decrees and proclamation,” he said.

    On the association’s next line of action, Ogunlana said: “The NBA Ikeja branch will hold a press briefing to address this issue.”

    NAN reports that the LASG had increased the Land Use Charge by 400 per cent,  motor rate taxes by 1, 600 per cent, court Fees by 2,000 per cent and bore hole taxes by 68,000 per cent.

    Following the raise, the NBA Ikeja Branch had on March 13 in a solidarity with various human rights groups staged a peaceful protest from its Secretariat at Ikeja to the seat of power — the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa.

    The protesters had at the State Secretariat presented a letter from the NBA to Gov. Ambode, who was represented by Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

    The letter dated March 12 was entitled, “Call For A Re-think and Review of The Land Use Charge Tax, All Other Excessive Taxes, Levies and Charges in Lagos State”.

    In reaction to the protest of the lawyers and activists, the Lagos State Government on Thursday announced a 50 percent reduction of the Land Use Charge.

    The reduction was part of the conclusions reached at the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council chaired by Ambode.

    NAN

  • NBA Ikeja protests to Lagos Assembly

    The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja  branch and some civil society organisations yesterday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa to protest the new Land Use Charge Law, 2018 of the State, describing it as anti-people.

    The protesters who displayed various kinds of placards to register their grievances also chanted anti-government slogans.

    Some of the inscriptions on the placards included: “Stop killing justice in Lagos,” “No to hike in Land Use Charge, LUC, CDHR,” “The country is hard enough don’t add to it,” “Developing Lagos to megacity and kill Lagosians with pharaoric taxes,” “No to taxes without consultation,” “Lagosians commit suicide daily, stop this hardship” among others.

    The Chairman of NBA, Lagos branch, Mr. Adeshina Ogunlana who addressed the press noted that they were shocked by outrageous land use charges introduced by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Ogunlana said a letter calling on the State government to reverse the new law would be made available to the Governor and the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

    “Our purpose is to communicate our grievances to Lagos State Government vis-à-vis the new direction by the governor. We have a letter for the Governor. We have anticipated that the Lagos Assembly will be more accessible than the office of the Governor,” the chairman stated.

    He pointed out that there were other civil society groups that joined the protest and they include CDHR, NCP, JAC among others.

    Ogunlana therefore called for “a rethink and review of the Land Use Charge and other obnoxious charges,” adding that the law was passed without wide consultations.

    He also faulted the enactment of the law under the state government, saying “the legislation usurps the power of local government.”

    Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, commended the protesters for being civil and peaceful, saying that their profession is noble.

    “It is your right to protest because peaceful protest is legitimate all over the world. The Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni would receive the protest letter and give it to the Speaker, while the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan, would receive that of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “I want a good relationship with the Nigerian Bar Association and the legislature. We will want you to attend our public hearings where we debate all our bills before they are passed into laws,” he said.

    Agunbiade told the protesters that the request could not be attended to immediately, but that it would get to the Speaker of the House.

    The Majority Leader assured them that the House of Assembly is doing everything possible to serve the people and pass people- oriented laws, adding that they do everything possible to work on bills.

    According to him, the product of the bills is the responsibility of the executive and the legislature.

    He stated further that democracy becomes better when people are conscious of their rights.

    He told journalists that every law passes through three different stages such as first, second and third readings. The purpose of public hearings is to take the input of members of the public and there is no public hearing that we do that is not advertised in national newspapers for stakeholders to make their input.

    “If we do what we ought to do at the right time, then we will expect more people to attend the public hearings and come with their inputs. The Governor is a listening person and what affects one person affects another so the right thing would soon be done by the Governor. We represent the people and the Governor is also there to serve the people,” he said.

  • Ambode recommends 25-year jail term for rapists

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday recommended minimum sentence of 25 years for rapists, saying rape should not be met with light sentencing.

    Ambode made the recommendation during a symbolic walk against domestic and sexual violence at Alausa.

    “It is highly recommended. We need new laws which will respond adequately to the nature and occurrences of this era.

    “Domestic violence is a crime and should be treated as such. The Protection against Domestic Violence Law, 2007 should, therefore, be amended accordingly,” he said.

    Ambode urged the Nigeria Police Force, which was usually the first point of call, to strive to be more professional and ensure proper investigation of reported cases by grooming specialist officers in that regard.

    “As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now.

    “We firmly believe that the actions we take today will be the seeds sown for a brighter future for our women and indeed, our children.

    “We believe our state can continue to pioneer in this agenda and become a benchmark not just in Nigeria, but globally,” he said.

    The governor said that a lot of progress had been made in protecting the rights of women and the girl-child, and against “oppression of the female gender’’, there was still so much to be done.

    “We need to ask ourselves the hard question: for this course we honour today, how can we truly ensure we are walking the talk?

    “In our state, there has been a significant increase in formal and informal reporting of domestic and sexual violence cases, but contrary to what it appears to be, this menace is not a recent development.

    Read Also: Group backs Ambode for second term

    “These occurrences have been around for years, but they were seen as norms because nobody spoke out against them, and such acts were overlooked based on misguided definitions of gender roles.

    “What we are tackling today is an almost innate culture which relegates women to the background, and forces them to suffer in silence.

    “In Lagos, we are waging a war against this culture and we will do everything within our power to transform ours to a culture of equality, respect and dignity for all.

    “It is a journey of radical transformation, and our government is wholly committed to seeing it through,” he said.

    Ambode said that the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team had executed various interventions and initiatives as regards fighting sexual and gender-based violence.

    “We are not just reactive in helping survivors, but also taking aggressive steps to prevent future occurrences.

    “Our aim is to build a system of trust and accountability, where survivors are encouraged to speak out and potential perpetrators are discouraged to commit future acts,” he said.

    On Land Use charge, the governor noted that the state government was still open to dialogue.

    “I really mean it when I say I want dialogue. By the end of the week, we should be able to come out with something meaningful to ameliorate the issues being raised,” he said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Imohinmi Edgal, described the walk as significant, saying it would heighten people’s consciousness to always be at alert and report cases of domestic and sexual abuse.

    Some participants in the walk carried placards with various inscriptions, including “Domestic Violence is Not a Family Matter, Report It”, “Women Empowerment, and Gender Parity,that are what I stand for” and “Lagos State says no to domestic violence”.

    NAN