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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    Akwa United goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, on Tuesday said that the team’s drive to win AITEO Cup on Sunday was a result of their resilience to play continental football next season.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akwa United won the maiden edition of the AITEO Cup on Sunday at the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday 3-2 against Niger Tornadoes.

    The team played under the watchful eyes of their number one supporter, Gov. Emmanuel Udom, who led other members of Akwa Ibom cabinet and his Lagos State counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Other VIPs that graced the epic final were the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, with some CAF top hierarchy, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), President, Amaju Pinnick and the Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi.

    Ojo was, however, hero of the match at his last gap penalty save earned his team a 3-2 win over hard fighting Niger Tornadoes.

    The lanky goalkeeper adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament, told NAN on the sidelines of the match that the failure to clinch the last ticket in the just-concluded league propelled their victory.

    “Our last experience in the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) where we lost the chance to secure the last spot of the continental ticket is a drive. We wanted to play in the continent.

    “We are a team with immense confidence and experience, so we are motivated to play in the continent with the backing of the state government.

    Read: 1st AITEO/CAF Award Holds January 4 In Accra

    “It is a collective effort, everybody is on the same page; we work for it, or let me say that we earn it through hard work on the part of the coach and players.

    “We have the facility, our stadium is one of the best in Africa, so we are super confident of a good representation in the CAF Confederation Cup,’’ he said.

    The Coach, Abdul Makaiba, said that he had a target of qualifying the team for the continental football.

    “First, the mandate is to try and win the NPFL, then, that failed; we thought another mission to qualify for the continental competition through the available spot which did not also materialise.

    “I almost see it as a failure, and then another opportunity came through this championship which I know will be a good opportunity to clinch the last ticket.

    “We played this tournament with all passion and determination because we know what we wanted to make something out of it.

    “I am grateful to the Akwa Ibom FA for believing in this project and also the state governor who is our number one supporter, it is great to have this kind of support from him,’’ he said.

  • Tinubu lauds choice of Agege Stadium for AITEO Cup Final

    Tinubu lauds choice of Agege Stadium for AITEO Cup Final

    The choice of Agege Township Stadium located in a close-packed area of the Lagos metropolis for the 2017 maiden AITEO Cup Final by the organisers is logical and administrative, says Deji Tinubu, the Chairman, State Sports Commission.

    “The choice of Agege stadium as venue for the cup is logical and administrative.

    “The use of the stadium means so much to us as it had played host to the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad and other CAF executives. So, it is a right step.

    “The facilities at the stadium are of high standard that can host any final because we harp on quality infrastructure in Lagos State,” he disclosed in an interview on Monday.

    The stadium had played host to the maiden AITEO Cup final displacing the former host, Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere with thousands of spectators and football supporters on hand to watch the oldest cup match in the country.

    Akwa United football club defeated the Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penalty shootout after a goalless full time to emerge winner for the second time in a space of two years, having won it in 2015 under the name, Federation Cup.

    Tinubu said:“This stadium will also play host to the continental championships which we are looking forward to, they must have used the opportunity to access the facilities at the stadium.

    “The organisers asked us for venues and they made their choice which is logical and administrative. They have their criteria, ours is to get the venue ready.”

    On the bid by the Lagos State Government to take over the National Stadium adjacent to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Tinubu said the plan to acquire it was still on, adding the proposal has yet to be approved by the Federal Government.

    “We have submitted the bid and we are awaiting response from the federal government for approval, if we are awarded the bid, it is okay and if not, we will move on.

    “We have our plans for sports infrastructure in the state and we will not continue to sit down and watch such an iconic facility rot away under our nose.

    “Sports remains one of the the sectors we want to use to drive the economy of the state as identified by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “The administration has identified critical sectors such as sports, tourism, and entertainment to drive the economy, hence , sports infrastructure development is critical,’ ‘he said.

  • ‘Lagos’ judiciary is Africa’s biggest’

    ‘Lagos’ judiciary is Africa’s biggest’

    A one-time President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN has described the Lagos State Judiciary as the busiest in Africa, apart from South Africa’s.

    His comments came on the heels of Monday’s statement by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that the state has Nigeria’s busiest and foremost judicial system.

    Olanipekun said the statistics showed that volume of cases filed in Lagos courts were unmatched by that of any African judicial system, except, perhaps, that of the Southern African country.

    He stated this on Tuesday in his keynote address ‘Promoting a pace-setting and productive judiciary in Lagos State’ during a Bar and Bench Forum, which was part of activities marking the state’s new legal year.

    The lawyer called for an urgent recruitment of more hands for the state’s judiciary, particularly on the High Court Bench, to cater for the judicial challenges facing it.

    According to him between 2015 and October 4, 2017, a total of 3548 civil and criminal cases were filed before the Lagos State High Court, while the Federal High Court Abuja had a total of 3963 cases within the same period, yet the Federal High Court has about 100 Judges as against 56 judges in Lagos.

    ‎Olanipekun, who also identified the need to stop delay in the process of swearing in the Lagos Chief Judge, charged the State Judicial Service Commission (SJSC) to rise to the task.

    “I must not be mistaken as blaming the Lagos State Chief Executive for any interregnum in the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Lagos in succession to the Hon. Justice Funmilayo Atilade who retired upon the attainment of the constitutional mandatory retirement age of 65 years on September 24, 2017.

    “The fact remains that the SJSC ought to have anticipated that the immediate past Chief Judge would retire on a particular day, thus initiating the process of appointment of a successor pretty early enough, to take care of submission of the name/names to the NJC, who in turn would meet to interview the nominated candidates for consequent recommendation to the Governor for appointment.”

    Lagos State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke, who chaired the event, said part of the reforms of her administration is that lawyers will now serve‎ as court registrars.

    Justice Oke said 28 legal practitioners are already undergoing training for that purpose.

    She pledged that the bad eggs tarnishing the judiciary’s image will be flushed out of the system.

    The CJ added that a committee headed by Justice Kazeem Alogba has been set up to prepare the 2018 rules of court.

  • NAICOM, others to lead discussions at NAIPCO 2017 conference

    NAICOM, others to lead discussions at NAIPCO 2017 conference

    The National Insurance Commission ( NAICOM ), National Pension Commission ( PenCom ) and Lagos State Government are to lead discussions on burning industry issues at the Insurance and Pension Correspondents 2017 Conference on Oct. 25.

    The National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents ( NAIPCO ), which disclosed this in a statement signed by its President, Mrs Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, said the conference would be held in Lagos.

    Tolu-Kusimo said that the theme of the conference would be “Legislation of Pensions, Intrigues, Interest, Governance and the People”.

    She said that the keynote address at the conference would be delivered by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The NAIPCO president said that solutions would be proffered to challenges facing the sector to enhance its contributions to economic growth.

    “The stakeholders will discuss legislations in the sectors and impact on Nigerians at large.

    “An investor and Industrialist, Chief Dele Fajemirokun, will chair the occasion, while the Iyaloja of Lagos, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, is expected to lead the market women and traders to the conference.

    “The 3-in-1 event will also accommodate the launch of the Association’s Quarterly Journal named “NAIPCO Trumpet”, and awards for deserving legendaries in the insurance and pension sectors.

    “At the event, 21 individuals and companies have been slated for awards for their outstanding services and performance,” Tolu-Kusimo said.

    She said that the lead paper of the conference on  “Insurance Legislation: Beyond Lawmaking” would be delivered by the Managing Director, Leadway Assurance Ltd., Mr Oye Hassan-Odukale.

    “Another paper on ‘Insurance Consumption: The Apathy and Unknown Secret,’ will be delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, NAICOM, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas.

    “The Director General, Lagos State Pensions Commission (LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, will speak on ‘Boosting Customer Service Relations between Insurance and Pension Operators’.

    “A paper titled: ‘An Overview of Pension Administration in Nigeria’, is expected to be delivered by the Chairman, Pension Funds Operators’ Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr Lounge Eguarekhide,” the NAIPCO president said.

    NAN

  • Lagos to deliver 20,000 housing units by 2018

    Lagos to deliver 20,000 housing units by 2018

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday said that his administration planned to deliver 20, 000 housing units by 2018 to bridge existing housing deficit in the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the disclosure at an event to mark the 2017 World Habitat Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations in 1985, designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and basic right of all to adequate shelter.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’.

    He said the plan was part of government’s objective to make the state liveable.

    “Shelter is one of man’s basic needs. The ongoing effort in the area of urban renewal and slum upgrading is to show our commitment to run an all-inclusive government and address the challenges facing the housing sector,” he said.

    The governor said that the state would continue to explore innovative ways through a public-private partnership to provide decent and affordable housing for all.

    ”As we strive to provide the enabling environment for investment in the housing sector, we are open to new ideas, technology and methods.

    ”The private sector remains our key partner in ensuring the delivery of decent, functional and affordable housing in the quality that will match the increasing demand across the state, ” he said.

    In his lecture, Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey, a former Commissioner for Lands in the state, identified policy inconsistency as a major problem affecting efforts to provide affordable houses in the country.

    Arthur-Worrey urged governments to consider trends and disparities in income and wealth in policy formulation to address the challenges of affordable housing.

    ”Governments should put in place rent control legislation to curb landlords’ excesses and protect the rights of tenants.

    ”Governments should also improve economic output and income for people to be able to cater for their housing challenges,” he said.

    Mr Rowland Kayalga, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, commended the state government for its efforts in ensuring an inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable, affordable and accessible housing for residents.

    ”Of all the states in Nigeria, only Lagos state commemorates World Habitat Day and I’m calling on other states to emulate it so as to bring the housing challenges in the nation to the front burner

    ”Your greener and cleaner Lagos initiative, improved urban planning and slum upgrade are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is commendable, ” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Abiola Anifowoshe, state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development said that making housing available and within the reach of the common man was a major priority of the government.

  • Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Fidau: Ambode, Sultan, Okunnu, others honour late Chief Imam

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu and other notable Nigerians eulogised the late Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheik Garba Akinola Ibrahim.

    At the Eight-Day Fidau (prayer for the deceased) held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan Lagos on Monday, Ambode called on the Muslim community to keep the memory of the late Chief Imam alive by upholding his legacies, especially on inter-religious and ethnic harmony.

    The governor, who noted that the best honour the Muslim community can give to immortalise the late Chief Imam is to ensure that they uphold his known legacies which, according to him included faithfulness, hard work, religious tolerance, fear of God, love for one’s country, state and community and belief in mutual and peaceful co-existence among people irrespective of their religious inclinations or ethnic background.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ambode noted that the late Chief Imam was the best example of a detribalised and peace-loving Nigerian, adding that the deceased contributed in no small way to the religious harmony and inter-ethnic peace achieved by his administration.

    While reassuring Muslim community that his administration would not relent in promoting peaceful relationship among people of different tribes and religions, the governor urged the executive council of the Lagos Central Mosque where the late Sheikh Ibrahim was holding forth before his death, to  remain committed to the principles of  love, unity  and   religious harmony.

    He said: “You should not allow the death of the Chief Imam to bring disharmony to the community. You should continue to live together in peace irrespective of your religion or tribe; we should emulate all those virtues of the late Chief Imam and his strict adherence to the doctrines of Islam which clearly showed that Islam is a religion of peace.

    “The state government will continue to miss him for the noble role he had played to promote inter-religious harmony. The late Sheikh Ibrahim was a detribalised Nigerian who used his vast knowledge of his religion to promote peace and unity.’’

    The NSCIA President-General Alhaji Abubakar described the late Chief Imam as a bridge-builder and champion of peaceful co-existence.

    Sultan, whose message was delivered by his Deputy and President, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Sakariyahu  Babalola, said the late Chief Imam was a selfless public servant, astute administrator and a trustworthy leader.

    According to Sultan, the late Imam stood for unity among the Ummah and promoted religious harmony in the country.

    He commiserated with the Lagos State Muslim Community over the Imam’s death, even as he urged them to continue to propagate his ideals.

    Alhaji Okunnu, who is the National President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), said the late Chief Imam’s sermons have had positive impacts on Lagosians.

    He described Sheikh Ibrahim as “a simple man, a personable figure, a wise counsellor, a warm-hearted person and an approachable leader. I found him dedicated to the cause of Islam and humanity.”

    ADSN Chief Missioner Sheikh AbdurRahaman Ahmad admonished Nigerians to face the reality of the purpose of creation and not get carried away by the material things, noting that “-death is inevitable and  life should always be lived  with the fear of God.’’

    Sheikh Habeebullahi Adam of Markaz urged people to always be conscious of life after death as, according to him, every living soul would give accounts of his or her deeds on the Day of Judgment where material things such as gold, houses, cars and love for power will be of no help.

  • Another PDP stalwart defects to APC in Lagos

    Another PDP stalwart defects to APC in Lagos

     A Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) stalwart in Agege area of Lagos, Mr Raheem Oyeniyi, on Tuesday defected to All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s sterling performance as reason.

    Oyeniyi gave notice of his defection in a letter to the APC ward chairman in Orile-Agege area on Tuesday.

     Oyeniyi was PDP House of Representatives candidate for Agege constituency in the 2015 general elections.

    In the letter titled “Letter of Intention to Return to All Progressives Congress’’, Oyeniyi said that he considered APC as a platform to actualise his dreams for the people.

    “I write to inform you of my intention to return to APC henceforth.

    “My intention to return is borne out of the belief that the APC today is by far more democratic inclined.

    “APC offers the forum of which I can actualise my desire and the aspirations of my people for a better Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Oyeniyi said he was a founding member of APC in 2013 but left the party due to internal wrangling and defected to PDP.

    “I have always been a progressive since the days of Alliance for Democracy ( AD ), Action Congress ( AC ) and Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN ).

    “I have contributed in no small measure to the progress of these parties and invariably of my constituency, financially, morally and otherwise.

    “I hope that you will use your good office in facilitating the necessary documentation to the effect,’’ Oyeniyi said.

    the defector copied the Chairmen of APC in Orile-Agege, Agege, Lagos, National Headquarters, and all stakeholders including Sen. Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the Party.

    Several PDP stalwarts, including seven out of eight Lagos State lawmakers elected under the platform of PDP in 2015, have defected to APC.

    NAN

  • Ambode tasks FG on proactive system of governance

    Ambode tasks FG on proactive system of governance

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday urged the Federal Government to take necessary steps to activate the process of restructuring the present system of governance, with a view to adopting a proactive system.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, made the plea at the Independence Day Parade in Lagos to commemorate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Anniversary.

    He said there was the need to proactively adopt a system that would empower the component units of the federation to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

    According to him, such innovations could better the living conditions of the people.

    “As we celebrate our 57th independence anniversary, we must take a critical, objective assessment of our current situation in the country and resolve to do the right things.

    “It is becoming clearer by the day that the present system is not the best and may not guarantee the future we all desire,’’ he said.

    Ambode also urged Nigerians to remain united, confident and hopeful as the nation was on the path of recovery.

    “This is not the time to call for division, it is a time to uphold what has united us in peace and love.

    “’It is a time for each and everyone of us to rise against the ills that have, for long, not only undermined our progress but also our ability to harness our potential as a people to live a decent life,’’ he said.

    The Governor, however, thanked residents for keeping faith with his administration by fulfiling their tax obligations.

    He urged them to obey the laws and regulations put in place to promote security, peace and the general well-being of the citizens.

    The governor also urged residents to live in peace and be tolerant, saying that Lagos State is home to every ethnic group in the country.

    “’On our part as a government, we shall continue to develop solutions in a creative and innovative way, to address the challenges facing our people in all sectors of the economy,’’ Ambode said.

    Also speaking, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Akiolu 1, prayed for more progress, stability and peace in Lagos State, in particular and Nigeria, in general.

    Akiolu appealed to the federal government to consider the Special Status bill for Lagos State, saying that the state caters for many mouths and deserved to be treated as such.

  • Yoruba language bill: Lagos schools risk fine, closure for non-compliance

    Yoruba language bill: Lagos schools risk fine, closure for non-compliance

    The Lagos State House of Assembly is proposing a fine of N500, 000 or closure of any school that flouts its proposed law on compulsory teaching and learning of Yoruba Language, when passed.

    “A Bill for a Law To Provide for the Preservation and Promotion of the Use of Yoruba Language and for Connected Purposes’’ before the House seeks to make Yoruba language a core subject in schools.

    Presenting a report on the bill on Thursday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Mr Lanre Ogunyemi, said that it would enhance the preservation of the language.

    According to him, the bill also recommends the translation of all the laws in the state into Yoruba language in order to get to its target.

    The Assembly had previously made moves to make teaching and learning of Yoruba Language compulsory in both public and private schools in the state.

    The House said that such step had become imperative to meet its target of preserving and promoting the indigenous language of the South West from going into extinction.

    The bill states further that all state- owned tertiary institutions should incorporate the use of Yoruba Language in the General Studies (GNS) curriculum.

    It reads in part: “The use of Yoruba Language shall be an acceptable means of communication between individuals, establishment, corporate entities and government in the state if so desired by the concerned.

    “Any school that fails to comply with the provisions of Section 2 of the law commits an offence and is liable on first violation to issuance of warning and on subsequent violation be closed down and also pay a fine of N500, 000.”

    Ogunyemi later told newsmen that the committee might amend a provision in the bill which recommended that it should take effect after two years of its passage.

    According to him, most of the lawmakers want the bill to become effective immediately after it is signed into law by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The lawmaker added that the Assembly was passionate about Yoruba Language which necessitated its adoption for parliamentary debate on Thursdays.

    “The National Policy on Education provides that the language of an environment should be spoken in schools, which is why Yoruba Language is being adopted for Lagos schools.

    “After the passage of the bill into law, it would become compelling for schools to speak Yoruba Language. We want to preserve the language for generations yet unborn,’’ he said.

    On compliance by private schools after passage, the lawmaker said that schools owners were part of the bill and that they were at meetings the committee held across the education districts in the state.

    He added that private schools owners would have no choice than to key into the project as they have been properly mobilised, adding that the state Ministry of Education would ensure compliance.

    On the translation of the laws into Yoruba Language, Ogunyemi said that this was to ensure that those that are literate in Yoruba language were carried along in the scheme of things in the state.

    The Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, commended the committee, noting that the bill should take effect once signed into law by the state governor.

    The House accepted the report as its resolution as the bill awaits third reading.

    NAN

  • Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Ambode inaugurates DNA centre to reduce crime

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Forensic Centre to accelerate collection of evidence and improve its quality to quicken justice dispensation.

    The centre is located at CMS on Lagos Island. The centre is the first government-owned in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DNA is a molecule that reveals the chromosomes in the centre of cells of living things.

    Ambode said: “Before now, most of, if not all DNA analysis and testing, were performed outside Nigeria, a situation that caused longer turn-around time and an overall higher cost of bringing closure to a case.

    “I am, therefore, convinced that the establishment of the centre will assist our courts in quick dispensation of justice.

    “This centre is a definite boost for our administration’s justice sector reform programme, and it will further transform the system of administration of justice in Lagos in particular and Nigeria as a whole.’’

    The governor said that the centre had the capacity to provide the police, prosecutors, defence attorneys and private citizens with crime scene processing and serological screening for blood and semen.

    He said that it would also provide services such as DNA analysis of bone, teeth and hair; maternal and paternal relationship DNA analysis, expert witness and case handling services.

    “Besides, it will help in paternal and maternal ancestry DNA analysis; cold case file review and mass disaster human identification.

    “With the successful completion of this stage of the facility, our administration plans to include additional capacity in the areas of toxicology, trace evidence and controlled substance analysis, fingerprint and latent prints, firearms, ballistics and tool marks, digital forensics and questioned documents examination.

    “The development of these other forensic sections at the facility will complement the DNA and forensic section and enhance the level of services offered today.

    “This will be helpful when dealing with organised crimes, as scientific methods can now help prosecutors to exonerate or convict a suspect, thereby reducing incidence of crime in the state,” Ambode said.

    He said that his administration established the centre in the realisation that security was vital for good governance and sustainability of investment.

    Mr John Bray, the U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, said that the centre would better equip Lagos and Nigeria to deal with social challenges in an effective and scientific manner.

    He said that the centre was set up in partnership with an American company – IPSI Bio-Science Company – adding that U.S. would continue to collaborate with Nigeria to bring about growth and progress.

    Dr Richard Somiari, Managing Consultant of the centre said that the project was initiated in 2016 for consultation on old and new cases, crime scene processing and evidence collection.

    Somiari said that the centre could carry out serological screening for blood, semen, saliva and mass disaster victims’ identification and cold case files’ review.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, lauded Lagos State Government for establishing the centre, saying that it would also help to fight insurgency.

    Mr Imohimi Edgal, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, said that the centre would make police investigations and prosecution easier.

    “It will help in solving crime cases; even our old and pending cases will now have closure with this centre,’’ he said.

    Mr Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, said that efforts at transforming the judiciary and fighting crime would be incomplete without a modern crime laboratory centre.

    Kazeem said that lack of proven scientific evidence had made trial of many cases difficult.

    “We can now move away from relying on confessional statements,” he said