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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode approves four bus termini, 100 bus shelters to ease commuting

    Ambode approves four bus termini, 100 bus shelters to ease commuting

    Determined to change the face of public transportation in Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the construction of four new bus termini in Agege, Ojota, Ajah and NAHCO near the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja.

    The Governor also approved the construction of 100 modern bus shelters on major public transport corridors in Lagos.

    Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abiodun Dabiri who disclosed this said the governor was poised to change the transportation landscape with infrastructure that would support the commuting needs of the state’s more than 20 million inhabitants.

    Besides the new bus termini, the governor had earlier approved the construction of the bespoke Ikeja Terminal while those of Yaba and Oyingbo are nearing completion.

    According to Engr. Dabiri, the new transport infrastructure were part of the grand design in the state Bus Reform Programme expected to redefine the commuting experience of the average Lagos commuter.

    “The governor is poised to integrate the public transport modes such that the average commuter can plan his or her journey and save a lot of time through available modal choices. LAMATA is ready to make this happen since we have positioned ourselves to keeping Lagos moving,” Engr. Dabiri stated.

    Read Also: Ambode approves N30,000 for interns

    He appealed to the public to cooperate with contractors working on site to translate the vision of the Governor to reality.

    “These projects are time-bound. There is therefore the need for the contractors to complete them on time. The Government has good intentions and it is the responsibility of the public to support government’s plan. Above all, I appeal to all Lagosians to pay their taxes so that government can do more” Engr. Dabiri said.

    The State Government’s Bus Reform programme when fully implemented will deliver to Lagosians an effective and efficiency bus system that will support the status of the State as a mega city, as well as its economic growth and developmental aspirations.

     

  • Ambode directs payment of taxes, levies through banks from March 1

    Ambode directs payment of taxes, levies through banks from March 1

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday directed that all taxes and levies due to the state government should now be paid through the banks and online banking platforms from March 1.

    Ambode gave the directive shortly after paying his personal Land Use Charge at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in Opebi area of Ikeja.

    He said that this would reduce fraud and also encourage people to embrace the cashless policy.

    “In order to ensure that government improves on quality of service to the people, effective from March 1, no payment of taxes will be made by cash anymore across the state.

    “Tax payers should be able to pay every legitimate bill through all payment channels at their convenience.

    “The transaction process is going to be every day, anytime and no weekends and do not pay into wrong hands anymore,” Ambode said.

    He said that all the multi-layer platforms were to be deployed and used by all government ministeries, agencies, parastatals, associated companies and units henceforth.

    Read Also: Support Ambode’s Clean Lagos Initiative, Ajide urges Surulere people

    “All local governments must quickly adjust their collection machinery to eliminate all leakages,” he directed.

    The governor, who described the payment of taxes as an investment for the future, urged all residents to perform their civic responsibility, pledging that every kobo paid would be judiciously utilised.

    “I have just invested my quota by paying my land use charge and residents should join me by courageously making a decision for prosperity and pay all their due taxes.

    “Lagosians with your full support, there is evidence that every kobo paid in taxes has been productively utilised for infrastructural renewal and development of the state in last two and half years,” Ambode said.

    The News men reports that the governor was immediately presented a certificate of payment for the land use charge.

    NAN

     

  • Ambode urges residents to register for National I.D

    Ambode urges residents to register for National I.D

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday urged Lagos residents to register with the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) because of its numerous benefits.

    Ambode spoke at the State House in Alausa, shortly after his biometrics was captured by officials of the commission.

    The governor said it was in the best interest of residents to do so, just as it was good for data and financial planning.

    “I just finished registering as a proud Nigerian.

    “I also urge all Lagosians to do the same,’’ Ambode said.

    Read Also:Badagry obas: Ambode praised over elevation

    The Regional Coordinator of the NIMC, Mr Kayode Adegoke, presented the registration slip to the governor after the registration.

    He also called on all Lagosians to register, saying there were many benefits attached to the registration.

    According to him, the national identity cards that will be eventually issued to those who register have 18 security features.

    Adegoke said the registration would enhance ease of doing a lot of things in the country.

    He said that 50 registration centres had been created across the state.

    NAN

  • LASG gives Oregun/Opebi mechanics 21 days notice

    LASG gives Oregun/Opebi mechanics 21 days notice

     

    Lagos State Government has served 21 days eviction notice on all illegal mechanic workshops under Oregun/Opebi link bridge to pave way for the  commencement of rehabilitation of the under bridge roads.

    Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (TaskForce), Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police disclosed that the 21 days eviction notice served on the illegal mechanic workshops would expire on Sunday, 4th of March, 2018.

    In a press release from the task force, Egbeyemi hinted that activities of the mechanics has constituted environmental nuisance as used oil and contaminated diesel including waste water from car-wash operators is freely dislodged on the roads.

    Read Also: Lagos Police uncovers illegal oil depot in Oregun

    He complained that the canal under the Oregun/Opebi link bridge was filled with mechanic scraps, used tyres and refuse generated by residents around the area which may eventually lead to flooding whenever it rains.

    The Chairman reiterated that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode increased the number of mechanic villages across the state from 20 to 42 in order to create more jobs for artisans and other young people who will be willing to acquire skills as automobile mechanics.

    He stated further that the 42 mechanic villages are spread across the state to accommodate more mechanics and other complimentary artisans such as vulganizers, rewires and panel-beaters.

    The chairman also that miscreants and hoodlums terrorising innocent members of the public around Oregun, Opebi and Allen Avenue have now turned the illegal mechanic workshops under the bridge to criminal hideouts.

    He therefore warned all mechanic operating on all road set-backs and walk-ways across the state to immediately vacate and move to any nearby mechanic village closer to them as anyone caught violating any section of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Law would be seriously death with.

  • Security: Ambode pledges support for military operations

    Security: Ambode pledges support for military operations

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday said his administration would continue to support operations of the Nigerian Army against kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering and other security challenges in the state.

    Ambode spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa, when he received the new General Officer Commanding, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Enebong Udoh, on a courtesy visit.

    He said a lot had been achieved in securing the state in the last 32 months.

    The governor said the State Government would always support military operations designed to ensure residents go about their social and economic activities without let or hindrance.

    He said as a government, security had been the major pillar of his administration, upon which the economic growth of the state was built.

    Ambode said he remained committed to sustaining the successes recorded so far.

    “I want to also say that I am going to scale up the activities of ‘Operation Mesa’ and I welcome the idea to set up new Army units that tackle issues that relate to kidnapping, smuggling and all the vices that we have.

    “I am also very excited that we will soon have the presence of the Army in most of those areas that we are having troubles, such as Ikorodu, Epe, among others, so that we take security down to the people,” he said.

    Read Also: Ambode praised over elevation of 3 obas

    The governor said it was gratifying that Udoh was coming at a very significant time in the state, being an election year.

    According to him, this calls for security to be kept 24 hours daily, considering the cosmopolitan nature of the state.

    He expressed optimism that the new army chief would immediately join in the efforts to build on past successes and enhance security in the state.

    Ambode commended all the security agencies in the state, and restated his commitment to support them to ensure security of lives and property.

    Earlier, Udoh commended the governor for the massive support extended to security agencies, and in particular the Nigerian Army.

    He said the development had greatly facilitated their operations in preventing and combating crimes in the state.

    Udoh also thanked the State Government for swiftly responding to the ocean surge which affected Bonny Cantonment recently.

    He sought further assistance of the governor in areas of operational vehicles, facelift for military formations in the state and support for special teams set up to combat illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, among others.

    NAN

  • I demand nothing but the best – Ambode

    I demand nothing but the best – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday swore in new members of his cabinet, demanding from them `nothing but the best`.

    “Given the cosmopolitan nature of our state and the peculiar challenges of a mega city, we cannot afford to rely on the status quo approach to providing solution to new and emerging issues.

    “As you settle down to your new assignments, I demand nothing but the best from you,” Ambode told the new cabinet members.

    Reports say that the five new members include Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye as Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives; Mr Segun Banjo as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Mr Oladipo Lawanson as the Commissioner for Transportation.

    Read also: Meat handling: Open letter to Ambode

    Others are Mr Akeem Fahm,Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Mr Omoyele Sulaiman, the Special Adviser to the governor on Community and Communications.

    Ambode charged them to, as a matter of necessity, adopt new methods to achieve greater efficiency and increased productivity.

    The governor told the new appointees to immediately hit the ground running and bring themselves up to speed with the mandate of their Ministries and agencies, as well as key into the immediate priority for the year, which is the completion of all ongoing projects.

    “This, however, does not preclude the initiation of new projects that are considered highly essential and critical to the general well-being of our people.

    “We are committed to sustaining this goodwill by upholding our policy of inclusion and implementing programmes and projects that will positively and directly impact on the livelihood of all our people,” he said.

    Ambode said that one of the approaches of his administration had been to infuse innovation and creativity into governance.

    He said the appointment of the new cabinet members was made to be in tune with the pace and set goals of his administration in reinvigorating and reenergising government machinery.

    The governor commended the former members of the state executive council for their dedicated service and contribution to the achievements so far recorded by his administration.

    He also commended the state House of Assembly for ensuring due diligence and speedy confirmation process for the members of the cabinet.

    Oladunjoye, on behalf of the appointees, assured the governor that they would key into the vision and mission of the government.

    Reports say that the governor had on January 11 carried out a cabinet reshuffle, dropping three commissioners and appointing five new ones.

    NAN

  • Ekwueme buried in Anambra

    Ekwueme buried in Anambra

    Anambra State stood still on Friday as Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s former Vice President was laid to rest in Oko, his home town.

    The burial had in attendance the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as well as Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria. Top government officials, close friends and family members gathered to pay their lasts respect to the 85-year-old elder statesmen who died in November 2017.

    Some of those present to witness the final moments were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience.

    Read Also: FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, his colleague, Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State, as well as Akinwunmi Ambode, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Okowa of Lagos, Abia and Delta State respectively, were also in attendance.

    Osinbajo, in his tribute to the former Vice President, described him as a true Nigerian icon, worthy of celebrating.

    He said Ekwueme was being immortalised for his selfless service, integrity and contributions to national development.

  • Lagos confirms Deji Tinubu’s death

    Lagos confirms Deji Tinubu’s death

    The Lagos State Government on Friday confirmed the death of Mr Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, expressed shock and disbelief’ over the sudden death of Tinubu.

    According to Bamigbetan, Tinubu, a soccer fan, slumped while playing five aside match with fellow participants at the ongoing retreat of members of the State Executive Council and permanent secretaries in Epe.

    “Doctors and nurses rushed to give him first aid and he was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Epe, where he was confirmed dead.
    “An autopsy is expected to be carried out while burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

    “We are still in shock. All of us at the state executive council are in disbelief, we shall miss him,” Bamigbetan said.

    He described the deceased as a good and committed patriot who brought his passion to his job and a gentleman who maintained excellent team spirit.

    Bamigbetan said the government had reached out to his immediate family to commiserate on the huge loss to the family and the state.

    According to Bamigbetan, the late Tinubu was the son of late Kafaru Tinubu, one of Nigeria’s foremost police officers.

    The deceased is survived by an aged mother and wife.

    Tinubu was sworn in as Special Adviser on Sports and Chairman of the state’s Sports Commission in October 2015 and was recently moved to take up his new portfolio.

  • I remain focused in spite of coming elections – Ambode

    I remain focused in spite of coming elections – Ambode

    Gov.  Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said his administration would remain focused on all its development plans and programmes in the state in spite of the coming elections.

    Ambode made the declaration while declaring open a three-day retreat for members of the state Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries with the theme “Effective Strategic Planning for an Emerging Smart City” in Epe.

    The governor, who is spending his first term in office, is still eligible to seek another term in 2019, and primary elections of political parties for the coming elections are to hold this year.

    He said though people believed governance would slow down this year because of the next elections, his administration would remain focused and ensure steady progress is achieved in the state.

    The governor said both local and international development indices reflect that steady progress had been recorded in the task of making the state one of the foremost commercial and social hubs in Africa.

    He, however, acknowledged that the government reforms had not been without challenges.

    Read Also: Ambode  deserves re-election, says PDP lawmaker in Lagos

    “Some of our reforms remain challenging because of institutional difficulties and corruption. We presently experience this in some of our on-going reforms,” Ambode said.

    He reiterated his commitment to the people-oriented style of governance in spite of the challenges being faced.

    Ambode said the theme of the retreat was apt, but that the constraint was how to effectively and strategically plan to actualise the vision, considering the state’s peculiar challenges.

    The governor commended the participants for the successes so far recorded, but said a lot still needed to be done.

    He urged them to put forward ideas and suggestions that could further enhance the status of Lagos.

    According to him, the state, with their cooperation, will become as a globally competitive Smart City.

    He charged them to continue with “Strategic planning Template’’ which was working for the state, and to let their institutions, Ministries or Agencies speak for them.

    “To plan effectively and strategically requires us to think, not just outside the box, but to think globally and act locally. We must look beyond our borders for ideas but consider all our local situation.

    “We must do things differently, be ready to be called names and to encounter resistance.

    “However, we must remain steadfast and let posterity judge our actions and intentions; someday, the resistance will become support and endorsement,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Lagos donates 30 power bikes to security agencies

    Lagos donates 30 power bikes to security agencies

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday donated 30 power bikes to some security agencies operating in the state.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said at the handing-over of the bikes at the Lagos House, Ikeja, that the gesture was in line with the government’s commitment to boost security and enhance safety of lives and property.

    He said the donation of the bikes was in fulfilment of his promise to prioritise the security of residents and ensure that no stone was left unturned to protect the people of the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said security, being one of the tripods upon which his administration was built, would continue to be accorded its pride of place.

    The power bikes were funded by the Lagos State Lotteries Board and donated to the Police Command in the State.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority ( LASTMA ) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency ( LASEMA ) were also beneficiaries.

    Read also: Lagos kits enforcement officers

    Ambode said the power bikes would enhance the job of the security agencies of securing lives and property of residents.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr Oye Hassan-Odukale, commended Gov. Ambode for the donation, saying it came barely two months after he promised to procure more bikes for security agencies.

    Hassan-Odukale said that the bikes would go a long way in preventing crimes, enhancing security and ensuring residents’ safety.

    He expressed optimism that the equipment would be put into good use.

    Hassan-Odukale called on corporate bodies and public-spirited individuals to team up with the government to procure more equipment for security agencies in the overall interest of the people.

    Receiving the power bikes on behalf of security agencies, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, commended the State Government for the gesture.

    Edgal said the bikes would greatly help security personnel to pursue criminals, especially those operating in traffic.

    “Power bikes are essential for hot pursuits of criminals. Power bikes in line with the visibility clause in community policing also establishes police and other agencies’ visibilities on our streets and highways.

    “That is how important these power bikes are in fighting crime in Lagos and I want to assure the governor and the good people of Lagos that we will put the bikes to good use,’’ the police chief said.

    In their separate remarks, the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Olawale Musa; General Manager, LASEMA, Mr Adeshina Tiamiyu and the Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command, ACP Olatunji Disu commended the state government’s initiative.

    They also expressed optimism that the bikes would help to prevent and to fight crime in emergency situations.

    NAN