The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Nigeria needs economic restructuring now, says Ambode 

    Nigeria needs economic restructuring now, says Ambode 

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that what Nigeria urgently need now is more of economic restructuring than political restructuring.

    He made the remark on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Abuja.

    The governor was reacting to the belief in some quarters that the recent ethnic tension in the country was caused by agitations for political restructuring.

    Ambode, who attended consultative meeting convened by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday with other state governors, said that unity of Nigeria was non-negotiable.

    He said “Like I said, agitation will never end, it is a dynamic process. Even those that are agitation for restructuring, do they really understood the process itself. And the process  itself will call for blown up agitation because in getting the end product, the process is also very difficult but for me, it is more about economic restructuring.

    “I think the political economy of the country itself is paramount. We have said that this is an indivisible country. The total number of Yorubas up North, the total number of Igbos up North, actually contribute to the political economy of Northern States and likewise the same thing in the South.

    “The kind of economy supply that we get from the up North to the South, it make impracticable for us to start to say we should only think about political restructuring. I believe that if there is a better spread of administrative independent, more activities or resources giving to the states, then you can stabilize and start talking about growth or development and before you start saying which region is this.

    “It is not an end product. So, political restructuring, yes we can talk about it but there are more fundamental things that bind us together to actually grow the bonding and it is through economic framework that you get to the political template that people are really talking about.

    “Am I for political restructuring, am I for economic restructuring. The bottom line is that I am for a united Nigeria that actually brings all of us together and we grow and become more prosperous as Nigerians. That is a deeper vision than just trying to go through the angle of being divisive,” he said.

    While commending the Acting President, for being proactive to douse the ethnic and tribal tension in the country, he hailed all the State Governors for supporting the action of the Acting President.

    Apart from the agitations arising because there are different groups making up the country, the governor also attributed it to the current period of economic recession.

    But he urged leaders across the country to rise up to the occasion and stabilise the society.

    He said “Like in the constitution, we are driven by the rule and order and also we as leaders are supposed to protect the citizens. So wherever you find yourself across the length and breadth of Nigeria, you should be able to practice it.

    “It is your belief and the fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen is guaranteed across the nation. For me, Lagos being the most cosmopolitan state in the country, this is something that we have been preaching, this is what we practice.

    “In the last few years, it has been very stable. There is a lot of religious tolerance in Lagos state and we have made sure also that everybody can go about their business and the most important is to continue to practice that government of inclusion where nobody is left behind.

    “Again, what we came out with in that meeting was to say all State governors would support the unity of this country and ensure that in our own individual state we see that we douse this tension of this tribal remarks that seems to be taking place and I think forging ahead, we will succeed,” he stated

    According to him, the agitations may not be connected to 2019 general election as it will not end with the year 2019.

     

  • Lagos retirees hail LASG on prompt pension payments

    Lagos retirees hail LASG on prompt pension payments

    Retirees in Lagos State on Tuesday in Lagos commended the state government for its commitment of paying them promptly.

    They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the state government had consistently ensured that contributions are remitted into Retired Savings Account (RSA) since 2007, when the state subscribed to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The Director-General of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga at 12th retirement benefit documentation seminar held on June 7 said the state had expended N28.5 billion on 6, 509 pensioners in the last two years.

    Adenuga said that a total of N62 billion had been paid into RSA of about 13,675 retirees since the commencement of the payment of entitlements in the CPS in 2007.

    Mr Olusesin Oluwakemi, a former staff of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Woman Affairs said he was initially displeased when the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was introduced.

    “Later I discovered the idea is a way to help the retirees.

    “The process of payments is now better unlike before, if you retired, you cannot sleep,“ he said.

    Oluwakemi pointed out that most retirees before 2009 could no longer afford to take care of themselves because they were owed their gratuities and pensions.

    “Those building houses and have children in universities as the retirees could not get their gratuities and if they ever did,  they will get it probably two years after retirement, “ he said.

    She noted that the scenario had changed since Gov. Raji Fashola’s administration and up till date, the state government paid promptly.

    “Once a retiree processes his or her documents on time, the gratuity will be paid on time and the monthly payments will be regular,“ he said.

    He said that challenges might surface when pensioners do not put things in place before retirement.

    “Like not upgrading RSA accounts and documentation of needed papers for processing gratuity, will make some pensioners have problems.’’

    Mrs Adeyemi Jeminat, an ex-staff of the Ministry of Lands and Survey also commended the state government for holding retirees in high esteem.

    “It is only Lagos State that holds retirement documentation seminar to ensure retirees peacefully enjoy their retirement lives.

    “I also use this opportunity to commend the D-G of LASPEC,  Mrs Onanuga on efforts of ensuring that Lagos state retirees are  enjoying their lives in retirement.

    “She achieved total government commitments to the welfare of the retirees with directives that all ministries and agencies ensure employees are promptly credited,’’ she said.

    According to her, Lagos remains the only state that fully complies with the provisions of the Pension Reform Law as it relates to contributions remittances.

    She said that pensioners in the last era were not enjoying like now, as Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode had been doing well,  especially for the Teaching Service Commission.

    Mr Olusosun Saheed, who worked with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), praised Ambode on the innovations developed to facilitate gratuity and pension remittances.

    He said that the governor’s investment in the LASPEC on e-environment to ensure the commission delivered seamless service was commendable.

    “Through this, the commission has been able to introduce the Employees Retirement Evaluation System (ERES) to aid and facilitate the benefit payment system.

    “The software is to hasten the process of computing the past service benefits of retirees with minimal human intervention and zero per cent error rate,’’ he said.

    He also commended Ambode’s perfection of the electronic archiving records of finalising the Retiree Identification Card Issuance process.

  • Residents laud Ambode over repair of Abule Egba roads

    Residents laud Ambode over repair of Abule Egba roads

    Some residents of Abule Egba on Sunday commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for fulfilling his pledge to carry out comprehensive repair of all the inner roads damaged as a result of the construction of Abule Egba Bridge.

    The construction of the bridge, which was completed within thirteen months, led to many of the adjoining roads in the area to be in deplorable state due to congestion occasioned by traffic diversion.

    Many of the residents had urged the Governor to come to their aid by fixing the roads to complement the good work that had been done with the construction of the bridge.

    At the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bridge on May 17, 2017, Governor Ambode assured residents of the area that all the adjoining and alternative roads disrupted in the course of the construction of the Bridge would be fixed, as all had been awarded for rehabilitation.

    True to his word, less than two weeks after the commissioning, contractors have moved to site to begin the rehabilitation of the inner roads in Abule Egba including Charity Road.

    The rehabilitation of the roads is expected to further enhance traffic flow in the area, which since the opening of the flyover has greatly improved movement in and around the axis.

    Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, a resident of Ile-Ogbo in Abule Egba, Mrs Temitope Oyekunle commended the Governor for keeping his words, saying that the development had brought relief to people of the area.

    “On the day of the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bridge when Governor Ambode made the pronouncement that our roads would be fixed, personally I expressed doubt judging by the number of projects that have been carried out in our axis by his administration but true to the Governor’s words, contractors moved to site as announced and they are working at a fast pace.

    “I just want to commend the Governor for this and urge him to keep up the good works,” Oyekunle said.

    Another resident, Mr Olakunle Joseph said the quality of work being done on the inner roads was commendable, and it shows the seriousness of the government of the day to truly transform all parts of the State.

    Joseph, who resides at Beckley Estate in the area, said the Governor and his team deserved to be given a pat on the back for their tireless efforts to move the State forward.

    Also speaking, Mrs Tolani Festus who is a shop owner in the area, said the transformation being witnessed in Abule Egba and its environs was unprecedented in the history of the State.

  • We’re grateful to Ambode, say Ndigbo

    Pleased with the success recorded at the just-held solidarity celebration of Lagos at 50 by the Igbo Community in Lagos State, the member representing Oshodi/Isolo 11 State Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM) has expressed his unalloyed gratitude to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for identifying with Ndigbo.

    Addressing journalists at a joint press conference he organised in conjunction with the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (JP) on Sunday to appraise the success of Lagos at 50 celebrations organised by Ndigbo

    in Lagos at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota Lagos, Hon. Idimogu noted that for the Lagos State government to be present at the event was a “huge way of telling the Igbo resident in Lagos that the government identifies with you and is ready to support you in anything positive that you do.”

    “For Governor Ambode to send a high-profile representative in the person of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr Tunji Bello indicates that he means well for Ndigbo and other ethnic groups that are not indigenous to the state. It also demonstrates that the state and its indigenes regard Ndigbo as partners in progress.”

    Hon. Idimogu was also grateful to the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule for identifying with the Igbo in Lagos. He paid special tribute and expressed unreserved gratitude to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa whom he described as “the speaking Speaker, Speaker of Speakers” for honouring Ndigbo invitation.

    He also thanked Principal officers of the House and other members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their love and friendship.

    The lawmaker revealed that Ndigbo in Lagos are known for their enterprise and hard work, even as he said their cosmopolitan nature gives them an edge over others in areas of adventure and investment.

    “The Igbo race regards all parts of the country as their second home. But the way they do business and invest wholeheartedly in Lagos State shows they regard the state as their home, not even a second home. This is cheery in the sense that their contributions to the growth and development of the state are being recognized and appreciated by their wonderful and friendly host communities.

    “As stated previously, Ndigbo held the solidarity session of Lagos at 50 in order to wish the government and people of Lagos State well. We are happy with them for attaining 50 years as a geographical entity. We also wish to show our solidarity with them for being a good host,” he said.

    He pledged that Ndigbo will continue to be law-abiding, show respect to constituted authority and continue to contribute immensely to the socio-economic and political development of the state that has been favourable to them.

    Contributing, Eze Nwachukwu also thanked the government and people of Lagos State for their love and good relationship they have exhibited towards Ndigbo.

    Speaking glowingly about the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Eze Nwachukwu noted that Governor Ambode has shown love for Ndigbo by identifying with them by sending an influential representative to represent the state. That shows that he loves Ndigbo as he loves all resident in the state.

    He praised him for all his development strides that have made Lagos true-life Centre of Excellence and economic capital of West Africa.

    “Ambode’s strides since he assumed office have been tremendous. He has made development get to the grassroots, even as he has taken Lagos State to a higher level. Ndigbo in Lagos are happy to identify with him and the entire people of Lagos State.

    “The relationship built over the years by our forebears over five decades ago should be sustained. That was why we decided to hold a solidarity session to commemorate 50 years of the creation of Lagos State. Ndigbo are happy with the people and government of Lagos State for accommodating our people all these years and provided for them enabling environment conducive enough to carry out their legitimate businesses,” he said.

     

  • Way forward for Lagos VIO

    Way forward for Lagos VIO

    On May 8, news had filtered in from several quarters that the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had ordered officers of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to permanently vacate the roads. Many Lagosians could not hide their joy for what they considered a great step by the governor.

    Putting the uncertainty to rest, governor Ambode, during the inauguration of the Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridges, Laybys and Slip Road said he had directed the VIOs to stay off Lagos roads permanently.

    That announcement finally put the nail to the coffin on the activities of the VIO officers on the roads.

     

    Core responsibilities

     

    The promulgation of Road Traffic Act, on January 1, 1949, resulted in the establishment of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in all the regions. With the creation of states in 1967, each state’s Ministry of Works established VIO Departments under the Directorate of Mechanical Engineering.

    In Lagos, the VIO Department was established under the state Ministry of Transportation and headed by the Chief VIO. Its core responsibilities include ensuring that all vehicles are properly inspected and certified before registration or renewal of vehicle particulars; public education and advocacy; effective patrols on roads and highway to carry out routine checks and enforce compliance; effective enforcement through vehicle impoundment and payment of fines to ensure compliance, among others.

    Others are ensuring that all vehicles are properly inspected and certified before registration or renewal of vehicle particulars, ensuring that vehicle inspection plazas are well distributed for easy access within the metropolis, collaborating with companies with large fleet for onsite vehicle inspection to ensure compliance using mobile vehicle inspection units and periodic training, retraining seminars and conferences for officers towards achievement of mastery in motor vehicle administration.

    Carrying out these oversight functions has not come without a price, particularly with some bad elements in the system that have consistently given the agency and the state bad name.

     

    Residents’ reaction

     

    Although quite a large number of residents are excited about government’s decision that men on white-and-black should vacate the roads, a real estate expert, Mr. Emeka Maduabuchi, who recalled his encounter with the officers, sometime last year, said his experience was one he will never forget in a hurry.

    “I was on my way to Victoria Island to meet with a client who was interested in a property, when I was stopped by VIO officers at Alausa. In the first instance, I did not sense any trouble because I had my entire vehicle papers complete and I was not hesitant to give them all my papers to peruse.”

    After nearly 20 minutes of thoroughly scrutinising his papers, the officers eventually picked on a small dent on his rear light and before Maduabuchi could explain himself, he had been handed a ticket for a fine of N20, 000 for driving with a broken rear light.

    Like Maduabuchi, Mr. Rotimi summed up the phenomenon that had characterised the activities of the VIOs on Lagos roads when he said that “the fear of the men in black-and-white is the beginning of wisdom for all Lagos motorists.

     

    Another resident Mr Paul Ipeazu, said in spite of the many short comings of the officers, their activities have assisted in checkmating many that flout the traffic regulations

    “I have not had any particular issues with VIO but from my observation, the activities of these officers have really helped to phase out rickety vehicles off the street.”

     

    Charting a new path

     

    Already, Ambode has challenged the VIOs to come up with new modes of operation. This has thrown up a number of questions, which some VIOs said, would help them think creatively and evolve new strategies to track registered vehicles and their owners for non-compliance.

    An enforcement official said the new directive implies that the responsibilities of VIOs will be more of administrative than enforcement. It also implies working out new ways of enforcing and operating in line with international best practices.

    The official, thus, said the VIO operatives “are educated. The least educated among us have OND. We have a good number of people with first and second degrees.  So, we are capable of devising new mode of operation in line with the governor’s directive.”

    However, another VIO operative exercised apprehension on the fate of the enforcement officials that were newly employed. With the new directive, he asked, what will be the fate of some operatives who are employed to patrol strategic roads and enforce compliance? Besides, will the state government guarantee their engagement?

    Acting Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Olanrewaju Elegushi, who clarified the situation, said the government has put in place intensive training for the officials so as to prepare them on their new mode of operation.

    He said: “Right now, the VIS officials are undergoing training on how they will improve their services on Lagos roads.

    “It‘s a month-long event for the officials where they will undergo intensive training so that they will be able to deliver quality and better services across the state.

    “We all believe that VIOs need to perform their functions in a more civilised way and be technologically driven”.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, explained that government’s order to the VIOs to vacate the roads was to pave way for its reforms.

    “There is an ongoing reform as to how the VIS carries out its operations, which might require that the inspection officers are off the streets at this point,” Ayorinde said.

  • Hamburger: Lagos suspends union activities in Oshodi

    Hamburger: Lagos suspends union activities in Oshodi

    Lagos State government on Monday announced the indefinite suspension of all union activities in seven branches of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oshodi area of the state.

    The government took the decision after crisis broke out in Oshodi following the murder of a prominent member of NURTW in the area, Alhaji Rasaq Balogun, also known as Hamburger.

    The state Acting Commissioner of Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who gave the directive at a press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, said there would be no collection of tickets/fees from commercial buses while the suspension lasts.

    He said the state government officials and security personnel have asked to monitor transport operations within the seven branches to ensure compliance with the directive.

    The commissioner said the suspension would remain in force until peace returns to the area.

  • Building collapse: Assembly to go after regulatory agencies

    Building collapse: Assembly to go after regulatory agencies

    All regulatory agencies in charge of monitoring construction of buildings in the state would now be kept on their toes to guard against incessant cases of building collapse.

    The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development on Monday disclosed this on Monday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The Committee’s Chairman, Mr Setonji David, said this against the backdrop of the collapse of two different three-storey buildings on May 18, 2017 and May 29, 2017, respectively.

    NAN reports that five people lost their lives in the incidents.

    Similarly, on March 9, 2016, at least 34 people died when a five-storey building still under construction collapsed in Lekki Area of Lagos State.

    David said that the level of sensitisation and monitoring of buildings under construction had increased under Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to curb the menace.

    He said: “Since the assumption of office by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, the level of compliance by developers has changed; though there is still room for improvement.

    “Government is a continuum; and the government is reorganising its agencies responsible for monitoring building constructions to be more effective in service delivery.

    “So, things are getting better. Building collapse will end soon in the state,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker also attributed the development to the high rate of influx of people into Lagos State.

    “ But, what we have on ground at present is better than what we had in the past.

    “Then, buildings used to collapse, but they were never reported.

    “Because of our current level of development with the knowledge and use of the social media, if anything happens in Ikeja now, it will be reported immediately.

    “So, things are getting better and the rate of monitoring is improving. We are putting every regulatory agency on its toes so that they will not rest on their oars.’’

    The lawmaker said that he was always holding regular meetings with the officials from the Ministry of Physical Development and Urban Development.

    “This is to ensure that whatever they do is in concert with the laws passed by LAHA.

    “ The ministry is adhering to our rules and we are on top of the situation,’’ he said.

    David, who is representing Badagry Constituency II at the Assembly, said that the government would not tolerate flagrant disregards to building laws and order by anybody.

    He said that one of the regulatory agencies had placed a stop-job order on the building that was under construction in Ilasamaja before it collapsed.

    The lawmaker said that: “It is very unfortunate that the state has been recording several cases of building collapse in recent times.

    “This is because the people have failed to adhere to the rules governing construction of buildings in Lagos State.’’

    David said that the public should liaise with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development that supervises the regulatory agencies in charge of erecting new building for the approval of their building plans.

    “They are supposed to submit their building plans to the ministry where experts will look at them before giving approvals; but this is not done.

    “ So, cases of building collapse are caused by our people’s ineptitude.”

    The lawmaker also advised intending landlords not to patronise quacks in the industry for their own safety and that of their neighbours.

    He assured the residents of the state that the LAHA committee would ensure proper monitoring of physical development by regulatory agencies.

    “We will not rest on our oars until things improve and cases building collapse become a thing of the past in the state,” he said.

  • Lagos council poll : Aggrieved PDP members are welcome – AD

    Lagos council poll : Aggrieved PDP members are welcome – AD

    The Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos on Monday said it would warmly receive aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) wishing to contest the July 22 council poll on its platform.

    The state chairman of the party, Mr Kola Ajayi made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He was reacting to a recent directive by the Moshood-Salvador faction of the PDP telling its aspirants to contest the July 22 council poll on platforms of their choice.

    The Publicity Secretary of the faction, Mr Taofik Gani had said the decision was a temporary arrangement to ensure that its aspirants were not denied participation in the poll.

    Gani said that the arrangement had become inevitable as reconciliation with the Segun Adewale-led group for the party to unite for the polls was not yielding results.

    Ajayi said the door of the party was open to aggrieved members of the PDP, but they would be allowed to contest on the party’s platform as long as they met the conditions.

    “Disagreements are normal in politics, so are movements of politicians from parties to parties for certain reasons.

    “So, if some of the aggrieved members of the PDP have decided to join us to contest the elections under our party, why not?

    “Our doors are open. We will warmly receive them and they will surely be allowed to contest so far they agree to certain terms and conditions.

    “One of the conditions will be that they will not come and use our platform and dump us afterwards. No,we don’t want ‘use and dump”, he said.

    Ajayi, who is also the state chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state said the AD was perfecting preparations for the elections.

    He added that IPAC was also taking steps to strengthen harmony among the political parties and ensure that the forthcoming polls were peaceful.

    He said the party and IPAC were relying on the promise of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission that it would ensure the election was free and fair.

    Assessing the performance of the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in the last two years, Ajayi said it had done well.

    He said the achievement of the governor in the area of road construction was commendable, noting that gridlock had been significantly tackled.

    “I commend Gov. Ambode. He has done well. He is visible in the area of infrastructural development.

    “However, he can still do better. He can do better to make more impact on the lives of Lagosians,” he said.

  • Lagos to protect children from abuse–Ambode

    Lagos to protect children from abuse–Ambode

    Akinwunmi  Ambode of Lagos State on Saturday said his administration was determined to protect children from abuse or molestation in order  to safeguard their future while  preparing  them for the challenges of life.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this in Lagos at the 2017 Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Ministry of Education as part of activities to mark the Lagos at 50 anniversary.

    The theme of the Children’s Day celebration was “Children of Today, Our Keepers Tomorrow.’’

    “We must protect these children today so that they can protect us tomorrow.

    ”It is a double celebration for us all in the state. It is children’s day and Lagos at 50 celebration.

    ”I was a child like you 50 years ago and some of us occupying leadership positions today got here because of the opportunities given to us by this great state.

    ”As a government, we will continue to invest massively on education because quality education remains the best legacy that we can bequeath to the younger ones.

    ”What we are doing today is to lay a solid foundation for you to build on just as our  founding fathers did 50  years ago.

    “ Very soon, it will be your responsibility to take Lagos State to the level that we all desire in the next 50  years, ” he said.

    Ambode urged children to be change agents and affect their communities by impacting positively on the development and growth of the society.

    In his remarks, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, commended the state government for recognising the role of children in the golden jubilee celebration of the state.

    According to him, government has been ensuring free education services in the state to nurture knowledge for a better future.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 and the 50th anniversary of the state coincided with the Children’s Day celebration.

    The Children’s Day was set aside   by the United Nations in 1964 to celebrate the importance of children and provide policy makers and families the opportunity to consider policies and programmes to enhance their development.

    Highlights of the programme included a march by pupils and students of primary and secondary schools as well as drama and dance performances.

     

     

  • Ambode seek immediate rescue of abducted students

    Ambode seek immediate rescue of abducted students

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode Friday asked   security agencies in the state to put machinery in motion to rescue six students of Model College, Igbonla who were abducted by gunmen on Thursday.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who visited the school on Friday in Epe, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the governor had directed security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the victims.

    The Deputy Governor said: “We are on top of the situation and the Governor has directed all security operatives to step up action on rescuing the students, details of which l cannot disclose in order not to undermine their operation”, she stated.

    Adebule in an emotion-laden voice urged parents of the affected children to be calm as the government would stop at nothing to ensure safe return of their children.