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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • 1,500 PDP members defect to APC

    1,500 PDP members defect to APC

    No fewer than 1500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State on Friday defected to the All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

    The defectors were received by Mr Olusola Sokunle, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly and the APC Chairman in the LGA, Alhaji Olamide Kasali.

    Sokunle, who was elected into the Assembly on the platform of PDP, had in February, alongside six other lawmakers, defected to the ruling party on the floor of the House.

    The lawmakers had cited the performance of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and the leadership style of the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, as reasons for their defection.

    The new defectors were led by a PDP chieftain in the council, Mr Fola Mosaku, and four councillorship candidates of the party in the July 22 council polls in the state.

    Sokunle, receiving them, said: “APC is a party to belong to, where our political aspirations can be achieved. So, endeavour to frequently attend political meetings in your wards.

    ” Let us thank Governor Ambode for giving Oshodi a facelift. More projects are still on the way.

    ” The door is still open for other interested PDP members to join us.”

    Read also: PDP  to sanction promoters of ‘Fresh PDP’, says spokesman

    He said that the APC-led government had performed beyond expectations, with various development projects executed in different parts of the state.

    Also welcoming the defectors, Kasali assured them that APC would ensure their interests were protected.

    The party chairman said that the party would soon begin its membership registration in the wards.

    He urged all new and old members to go to their various wards for registration immediately the exercise commences.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mosaku said: “We dumped the PDP for APC because of the performance of our Honourable Sokunle.

    “We are also motivated by the performance of APC government in Lagos; we will not make any u-turn back to the PDP.

    “Four councillorship candidates in the last local government election and I are leading other members of PDP to APC today.

    “We are joining APC permanently,” Mosaku said.

    Mr Ayodeji Ogungbayibi, one of the defectors, who was a councillorship candidate in the July council poll in Mafoluku Ward, said the PDP was not functioning in the state again.

    NAN

  • Christmas: Lagos begins massive road repair

    Christmas: Lagos begins massive road repair

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it had begun massive road repair across the state to ensure smooth transportation during Christmas celebration.

    Mr Temidayo Erinle, Special Adviser to the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Public Works and Drainages, made the disclosure on telephone.

    Erinle said Lagos State Public Works Corporation ( LSPWC ) had embarked on 24-hour operations to achieve the aim.

    He added that palliative works were going on simultaneously daily on various roads across the state.

    The special adviser said that the corporation introduced night operations at various sites in order not to cause gridlock.

    “The festive period is usually associated with heavy traffic; so, we began working at night yesterday.

    “Today, we are planning to work on the Lekki Epe Expressway; because of the festive period, we would be working at night.

    “We are also going to work on the Ikorodu-Itoiki Road.

    Read also: Lagos agency conducts rape and related crime rally

    “Today also, we are working on the Agege Motor Road and Association Avenue in Ilupeju,” he told NAN.

    He listed other roads receiving attention to include Alfred Rewane Street, Ikoyi Forshore-Falomo Bridge and Ilasa/Oworoshoki Expressway.

    Erinle said the daily work schedule and the total number of roads undergoing rehabilitation could be made available by the supervising engineers.

    He appealed for the patience and understanding of residents of Lagos, urging them to pay their taxes for better service delivery.

    “We are working little by little; we cannot do all the roads at once; it also depends on funds,” he said.

    On bad roads across local government areas in the state, the special adviser said that Ambode had given a directive to all council authorities to repair the roads.

    Erinle said the governor also gave the councils the opportunity to request for state government’s interventions on roads they would need assistance in repairing.

    According to him, the LSPWC had fixed several of such roads on the instruction of the governor.

    “For cases where there are bad roads and the governor wants to intervene, he calls us and gives us directives for intervention; so, it depends mainly on the prerogative of the governor,” he said.

    NAN

  • Nigerian Legion to provide security in schools – Ambode

    Nigerian Legion to provide security in schools – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday said his administration had given approval to the Nigerian Legion to take over the security of all public primary and secondary schools in the state.

    Ambode made the disclosure at the launch of the 2018 emblem and appeal fund in commemoration of the Armed Forces Rememberance Day celebration,  held at the Lagos House in Ikeja.

    January 15 of every year is marked as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    “We have taken it as a policy that all our public primary and secondary schools will now be secured by the Nigerian Legion.

    “We keep the safety and security of our children in their hands,” Ambode said.

    He said this was in addition to them being employed in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies as security personnel in the state.

    Ambode said his administration was committed and concerned about the families of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    According to him, the occasion should remind Nigerians of the gallantry and sacrifice of men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have contributed to the protection of the nation’s sovereignty.

    Read also: Lagosians’ safety my top priority, says Ambode

    “It is time to constantly remember that our unity has been achieved at the cost of lives, which has seen some homes lose their dear ones.

    “It is time to engage ourselves in deep reflection of how such homes have been coping and surviving without their loved ones,” he said.

    According to him, it is time to rise in their support, express love to them, and appreciate them for their services to the nation.

    “Let us always treat our ex-servicemen with respect and donate generously in support of the Nigerian Legion.

    “Let us join hands with the government in improving the welfare of the families of our fallen heroes.

    “We must seek a way to pay back to these fallen heroes, and the simple way to do that is to buy the emblem, display it, and this will show some sign of love to both the ex-servicemen and those serving presently,” Ambode said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Lagos State Council, retired Col. Fola Akande, commended the governor for his support and welfare, and also solicited for more support from the government.

    Akande said already, the Legion had trained over 4,000 personnel for the security of the schools.

    “We are prepared for the assignment and eagerly waiting for the approval to deploy our trained commissionaire officers to the various schools,” he said.

    Also, the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulLateef Abdulhakeem, said the government remained committed to the welfare of the families left behind by the fallen heroes of the Armed Forces.

    “I want to urge all of us that as soon as the governor launches the emblem, let us as individuals take his directive to buy and wear the emblem and also donate generously to the Nigerian Legion,” he said.

    He said there would be commemorative Jumat and Church services on January 5 and January 7 respectively, in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    The governor announced a donation of N25 million for the welfare of the families of the fallen heroes and for those currently serving.

    A trailer load of the locally- produced Lake Rice was also given to members of the legion.

    The launch of the emblem was witnessed by service chiefs, members of the legion and members of the state executive council.

    NAN

  • Community leader begs government over Apapa gridlock

    Community leader begs government over Apapa gridlock

    A community leader, in Lagos State, Chief Babalola Shabi, has called on the Federal Government to urgently tackle gridlock in Apapa to save Lagos State residents from more hardship.

    Babalola, the Asiwaju of Kirikiri Town, made the call in an interview on Monday in Lagos.

    He said the perennial traffic jam was impacting negatively on the lives of residents of Kirikiri and the entire Lagos State.

    According to him, indiscriminate parking of container-carrying trucks in the town had become a huge risk as bad roads could make them to fall.

    “Trailers have caused the untimely death of many people through fire outbreak and others things. It was God that saved me some days ago on this same expressway when a container wanted to fall on me.

    “Many workers have lost their jobs here because they could not get to their workplaces in time because of the gridlock.

    “The government should try to construct a bridge on the other side of the river because we have about 880 hectares  across Imoreland for construction of  a trailer park, which can be used to reduce the gridlock.

    “This zone controls the ports and tank farms; so every trailer that has consignment here can cross to the park and stay there until it wants to load instead of blocking all roads.

    Read also: Apapa ports not designed for haulage trucks – Ambode

    He suggested that the bridge should link Mile 2 or Berger with Imore Creek.

    “If that bridge is constructed, the siege by trucks will be gone.’’

    The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Community Development Committee (CDC) had appealed to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to save the community from “siege” by trailers and other articulated vehicles.

    The CDC Chairman, Alhaji Olatunde Balogun, who made the appeal at the 2017 Ajeromi-Ifelodun Community Day and Award Ceremony, said activities of tanker drivers were adversely affecting the community.

    Balogun said traffic congestion on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway had made truck drivers to move into the inner roads thereby destroying the roads.

    “Trucks have moved into our inner roads because of the situation at the expressway,’’ he said.

    The traffic situation in Apapa area had been a major concern to the government and people of Lagos State.

    NAN

  • Apapa ports not designed for haulage trucks – Ambode

    Apapa ports not designed for haulage trucks – Ambode

    The Apapa ports in Lagos were designed for goods to be transported by rail from the ports to the hinterlands, the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said on Wednesday.

    Ambode made the observation when he hosted a French business delegation led by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Denys Gaver, at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “The port was never designed for haulage trucks. You could see the negative impact it has on our road transport network.

    “So, basically there are issues that relate to logistics and transportation in that axis,” Ambode said.

    The governor urged the business delegation to tap into investment opportunities in the state particularly in energy and agriculture.

    He said Lagos State contributed 73 per cent of the nation’s economy.

    Read also: Ambode presents N1.046trn budget for 2018

    Ambode said the state government was committed to opening up the economy and creating a conducive environment for business to thrive.

    Earlier, Gaver pledged that France would maximise investment opportunities in the state for the benefit of the residents.

    Gaver said Lagos, believed to be the fifth largest economy in Africa, would the best place to invest in.

    The ambassador called on the state government to give priority to its development projects.

    A member of the business delegation, Mr Philip Labonne, gave the assurance that France’s investment in Lagos would create employment opportunities for youths.

    The gridlock in Apapa is caused by bad roads and indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles which carry or drop goods in the ports.

    Ongoing rehabilitation of some roads in the axis contributed to the perennial heavy traffic.

    NAN

  • Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Agege Stadium to be completed as scheduled – LASG

    Bolaji Yusuf, the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports Infrastructure, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the ongoing reconstruction of the Agege Township Stadium would be delivered as scheduled.

    Yusuf gave the assurance in an interview after an on the spot assessment to the stadium which, he said, the pace of work on it was satisfactory.

    Lagos State Government had directed speedy completion of the remodelling of the stadium ahead of the African Football Confederation    ( CAF ) inspection in December for the 2017/2018 Champions League.

    He said that there was a concerted effort to get the facility ready for MFM FC of Lagos for its CAF Champions League engagements next year.

    “We are on top of the reconstruction works on the facility and it is going on according to plans, we are expecting CAF inspection by December.

    Read also: MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

    “I am sure that the stadium will get a pass mark. The new designs are diligently followed and we are sure to deliver the stadium.

    “Its part of the vision of the government to improve sports and a good sporting facility is also a catalyst for what we are talking about.

    “The stadium needs a facelift and that is what we are giving it. Lagos is known for standards and our sporting facilities will not be left out of the standard.

    “The government has committed huge sums of money for the reconstruction to upgrade it to a place where international matches can be held,’’ he said.

    Yusuf said that all the necessary adjustment on the stadium was in line with the recommendations from the CAF, adding that the plans would be followed strictly.

    “The stadium needs an upgrade as advised by CAF and all the remodelling plans will be followed strictly.

    “We expect people to see a brand new stadium when the work is done on it and it will also be a pride for everyone.

    “The stadium remodelling is not only for the team that wants to play continental matches there but others as well,’’ he said.

    Lagos-based MFM secured a ticket to play in the money-spinning CAF Champions League in the stadium which necessitated the upgrade.

    NAN

  • Lawmakers hail planned 3,000MW power project for Lagos

    Lawmakers hail planned 3,000MW power project for Lagos

    Some lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday said that the N1.046 trillion Lagos State Budget proposal Government would facilitate growth and development.

    The lawmakers hailed the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for prioritising capital expenditure.

    According to them, since the 2017 budget performance was above 70 per cent, the 2018 budget will transform the state, especially through a planned power project.

    Ambode presented the 2018 budget proposal tagged: “Budget of Progress and Development” before the state House of Assembly on Monday.

    The budget size, which represented a 28.67 per cent increase over the 2017 budget of N812 billion, had a capital expenditure of N699 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N347 billion.

    The Acting Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Tunde Braimoh said: “The budget is apt, ambitious, lofty and well-targeted at transforming the Lagos State economy and infrastructure.’’

    Read also: Ambode to present 2018 Budget on Monday

    Braimoh noted that the budget provided for a power project aimed at boosting economic activities of the state.

    According to him, epileptic power supply has caused severe damage to the nation’s economy, and if Lagos State Government can provide regular power supply, it will boost investments.

    “The problem of power supply has made our country to lose its industrial base. The budget will change the topography of Lagos,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker, however, said that there was the need to sustain the robust relationship between the legislative and  executive arms of the government for expedited implementation of the budget.

    On whether the budget will be passed before January, the spokesman said that it might not be possible as the Assembly would do proper scrutiny of the budget before its passage.

    Braimoh, however, said that the lawmakers would sacrifice their comfort to ensure quick passage of the budget without compromising standards.

    Also speaking, Mr Setonji David, the Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said : “It is a great thing that the budget of Lagos State is over N1 trillion.

    “It means Lagos is moving and more infrastructure development on the way. The ratio of capital expenditure to recurrent expenditure is fantastic, and this means the governor is visionary.

    “It is quite impressive that the governor budgeted massively for the embedded power project to light up the state for industrialisation,” David said.

    Mr Olusegun Olulade, the Acting Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, said that the budget would galvanise result in accelerated development of the state.

    The Acting Chairman of the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (Local), Prince Adebisi Yusuf , who expressed satisfaction at the 2017 budget performance, said that the 2018 Budget would be better implemented.

    Ambode stated during the budget proposal that his administration would have direct intervention in the power value chain toward generating 3,000MW Embedded Power Programme-  a three-year plan to achieve regular  power supply for the state in 2018.

    “The challenge of inadequate power supply must be resolved for our economy to perform optimally, and we believe the provision of this essential utility can no longer be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone.

    “We must complement each other for the overall development of our nation,’’ the governor said.

    NAN

  • Acquire vocational, get start-up capital – Ambode

    Acquire vocational, get start-up capital – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Monday advised corps members to acquire vocational skills to qualify for a start-up capital from the Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund ( LSETF ).

    Ambode gave the advice at the closing of the orientation course for the 2017 Batch B corps members deployed in the state.

    The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Oluseye Oladejo.

    According to the governor, the objective of the LSETF is to support young people to become job and wealth creators.

    “I am aware that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development ( SAED ) programme  was one of the activities in which you were engaged during the orientation.

    “I urge you to take your post-camp training serious and acquire vocational skills of your choice.

    “This will qualify you for a start-up capital from the Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund that was established to provide financial support for Lagos residents and NYSC members serving in the state,’’ he said.

    Read also: Nigeria must create four million jobs annually, says Ambode

    The governor noted that the objective of the National Youth Service Scheme ( NYSC ) was to foster unity among the various ethnic groups in the country.

    “I have no doubt that the orientation course has adequately prepared you for the next phase of your service.

    “You are expected to exhibit good qualities such as tolerance, patriotism, diligence and perseverance in your various places of primary assignment.

    “As you prepare to step out of this camp, I implore you to participate actively in anything that will positively affect the lives of others,’’ he said.

    Ambode called on the corps members to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their host communities.

    The state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Mohammed Momoh, said that 2,549 corps members participated in the orientation course in the state.

    Momoh said that the corps members were taken through well-structured programmes such as citizenship and leadership training, para-military drills and lectures on self-actualisation.

    He urged the corps members to accept in good faith, their postings to their places of primary assignment.

    The coordinator also advised them not to go on unauthorised journeys outside Lagos.

    “If you must travel, permission must be obtained through the proper channel.

    “I encourage you to be agents of change and good ambassadors in your places of primary assignment.

    “I enjoin you to key into the federal and state governments’ grassroots-oriented programmes aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of your host communities,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Adamu selects 10 players for COPA Lagos

    Adamu selects 10 players for COPA Lagos

    Ten players have been selected at the Brinin Kebbi camp of the Super Sand Eagles for the COPA Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament, opening in Lagos on December 8.

    The Head Coach of the team, Audu Adamu, said in Lagos on Thursday that the new team would represent Nigeria at the CAF Beach Soccer tournament, billed for Egypt next year.

    “These selected players will represent us at the World Cup qualifiers in Egypt. I have so much hope in them and I’m confident that they will deliver.

    “Our performance in COPA Lagos will further reveal to us where we need to work on and improve on,’’ Adamu said.

    The players selected are Paul Danjuma of Kastina United, Arome Isah of Sambrin FC Kogi, Victor Tale (Captain) of Kogi United FC, Emmanuel Oweferia and Taiwo Adams both of Owibeseb FC Ojo.

    Others are Ekujumi Eganosi and Emeka Ogbonna both are of Lead UTD FC in Ojo, Lagos, Abu Azizz of Rangers FC Enugu, Suleiman Muhammed of Ifeanyi Uba FC and Bulangi Umar of Kebbi Beach Soccer.

    The four new players, who made the team are Muhammed, Umar, Eganosi and Ogbonna.

    The Managing Director of Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu, the organizers of COPA Lagos, said that this year’s event would be huge because of the partnership with the Lagos State Government.

    “We have come a long way and with our partnership with Lagos State, we know things will only get better.

    “Already because of this partnership, one of the most renowned coaches in the world Tehina Rota of Tahiti would help train our home-based coaches,’’ he said.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode was partnering with the tournament organizers as part of his commitment to making Lagos a centre of attraction.

    Read also: Arsenal Beach Soccer Team Arrives Today as Lagos State Supports COPA Lagos

    “Tourism, arts and sports are sectors that our amiable governor understands to be the oil sector, we have seen Kinetic Sports manage COPA Lagos and the tournament has all these traits.

    “We believe in the future of COPA Lagos and we are ready to continuously work harder to ensure that we tap into every area this tournament comprises of.

    “Talking about sports, fashion, music, tourism, all these and more are embedded in COPA Lagos and will keep our youths engaged during the festive period,’’ he said.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports, Deji Tinubu, said that Lagos State was proud to be a part of the success story of Kinetic Sports.

    “Samson is a Nigerian youth that has single-handedly organised a tournament of this magnitude for almost a decade now; because of his consistency he is a success story.

    “I want our youths to challenge themselves, nothing is too small as long as you have passion for it and you have a vision that sees beyond your challenges.’’

    The COPA Lagos tournament is to hold from December 8 to December 10 at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    NAN

  • Ambode orders census of worship centres in Lagos

    Ambode orders census of worship centres in Lagos

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos has directed the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council ( NIREC ) to conduct an enumeration of religious centres across the state.

    Ambode gave the directive while inaugurating 798 members of the NIREC appointed for the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos.

    He was represented by Dr AbdulHakeem Abdul-Lateef, the Commissioner for Home Affairs at the inauguration.

    “One of the core functions you are going to discharge is the collation of religious institutions at the local government level.

    “You must ensure that you compile a list of all churches, all mosques, all faith-based organisations and forward same to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    “I must also urge you to work closely with the local government chairman and all other officials at the local government level.

    “You are working directly with NIREC at the state level.

    “Always make sure that you relate any matter that is beyond your capacity to the state NIREC and through the state NIREC, it will get to my office as the governor of Lagos State.

    “Your meetings will hold quarterly and I urge you to have extra-ordinary meetings in cases of emergencies.

    “I urge you to cooperate with the local government officials and do your best to promote peace and orderliness at the local government level.’’

    Speaking earlier, the Co-Chairman (Muslim) of the state NIREC, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, said the inauguration of the council at the local government level was a proactive step taken by the government.

    He said that this would ensure continued peaceful co-existence among all people of diverse religious and ethnic groups in the state.

    “Today, we are inaugurating the members of NIREC at grassroots and it is a proactive step on the part of our governor to ensure that the monumental development that Lagos State is witnessing today is not taken for granted.

    “Muslims and Christians are in a better position to ensure that we continue to have peace and inter-religious dialogue as well as peaceful co-existence in Lagos State.

    “We are, by this inauguration, taking inter-religious dialogue to the grassroots so that when crises arise, they are quickly nipped in the bud,’’ Yusuf said.

    Also speaking, the co-chairman (Christian) of the state NIREC, Dr Israel Akinadewo, remarked that religious leaders must continue to educate their followers, especially the vulnerable ones at the grassroots.

    “A Christian leader is a Christian whose actions and inactions are not only Christ-like but serves as a good example to younger Christians.

    “Also in a country like Nigeria and irrespective of what they do for a living, many people are majorly Christians and Muslims.

    “Within the NIREC, the people respect the opinions of their leaders, who they refer to as the representatives of God.

    “Hence their views on any matter are taken very seriously.

    “Religious leaders should not encourage wars, hatred and vengeance.

    “They are to be firm in the discipline of any of their followers who take steps that work contrary to Godly teachings,’’ Akinadewo said.

    The State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami, commended Ambode for running a community-based government of inclusion by bringing governance down to the grassroots.

    Folami said that by taking the NIREC activities to the grassroots, it would be easier for government to nip any crisis in the bud.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 14 persons, comprising seven Muslims and seven Christians each, were appointed into the NIREC in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in the state.