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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode calls for political reformation in Africa

    Ambode calls for political reformation in Africa

     

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday called for collaboration among political leaders in Africa to reform political process for development and economic transformation of the continent.

    Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at the 2nd African Political Summit organised by the Association of Political Consultants in Africa (APCA) in Lagos.

    The theme of the summit is: “Democracy and Political Consultancy.’’

    “The nature of politics in Africa has for long been a source of grave concern to those who are genuinely interested in taking Africa to its rightful position in the mainstream global system.

    “It is in our best interest and in the interest of our democracy to reform our political process and enhance the engagement of the electorate in the democratic process for credibility and transparency.

    “The resultant effect will be effective leadership for transformative growth and development,’’ Ambode said.

    Also, Mr Benjamin Eisenberg, a Political Consultant based in U.S, said that professionalising politics was the only way for democracy to succeed in Africa.

    Eisenberg said that the recent elections in Ghana and Gambia showed that democracy was growing and political processes in Africa were becoming encouraging and there was need to intensify the reformation.

    “This conference will avail us the opportunity to discuss better ways of training campaign managers to organise voters and help the people to get a better understanding of politics.

    “Professionalising  politics in Africa will enhance moving to issue-based campaign instead of ethnic or tribal politics,’’ he said.

    In a goodwill message, Mr Kipngeno Dunchi, a representative from Kenya, said that there was the need for African countries to reform their political practices for the growth of democracy.

    “We shall be exchanging ideas on how we can really democratise Africa and ensure that our political system has a stronger ballot which will decide the leadership.

    “When we make politics a profession in Africa, we will likely see more people with genuine interest engaging in politics and political affairs will be properly managed,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Kehinde Bamgbetan, the Chairman of APCA, said that the way politics was practised in Africa, with poor campaign processes, poor financing, poor mobilisation, violence, fear and anxiety called for concern.

    Bamgbetan said that politics in Nigeria and Africa was negatively affecting the growth of democracy.

    “APCA seeks to redefine the way politics is played in Africa.

    “We need to emulate advanced countries where politics is characterised with healthy rivalry and scientific approach.

    “We can achieve such in Nigeria and Africa by following scientific pattern of politics to enhance political practice with healthy competition and reduce corruption in politics for the good of the people,’’ he said

     

  • Otodo Gbame: Court dismisses contempt charge against Governor, Police Commissioner, others

    Otodo Gbame: Court dismisses contempt charge against Governor, Police Commissioner, others

    A Lagos State High Court has dismissed an application by the displaced residents of Otodo Gbame Community seeking the committal to prison of Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni and two others for contempt.
    The other respondents were the Lagos State Attorney-General of Lagos, Kazeem Adeniji and Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development were acting under the direct supervision
    Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo ruled that the governor had constitutional immunity from prosecution and from being sent to prison under Section 308 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the application against him.
    The judge said the other respondents could also not be held liable for contempt since it was the claimant’s argument, among other, that the other respondents acted under the order and direct supervision of the governor.
    Thirty three applicants suing on behalf of themselves and other residents of the waterfront settlement had applied for the order following their claim that the respondents breached an order of November 7 and 16 enjoining them not to demolish their “homes, business premises, properties or communities.”
  • Ambode projecting APC positively with achievements – Solomon

    Ambode projecting APC positively with achievements – Solomon

    ….Lagosians to process CofO within one month, says Gov’s Aide

    Former member of the National Assembly representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) on Saturday commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State over his achievements in office in less than two years, saying that the Governor is positively projecting the image of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with sterling performance.

    Speaking at the inauguration of Lagos Mainland Chapter of Liberal Minds Grassroot Forum (LMGF), a think-tank group within the APC, Solomon said the result of the performance of Governor Ambode was evident to all, as all parts of the State had been positively touched in the transformation agenda and inclusive governance approach of the present administration.

    Solomon, who is the Life Patron of the group, said it was worthy of note that the massive development being implemented by the Governor cut across all sectors and sections of the State, adding that Governor Ambode deserved to be commended for his great efforts at moving the State forward.

    He said: “We are happy that Governor Ambode is doing a lot in Lagos State. Our Governor has not disappointed us. He (Ambode) will be two years in office on May 29, 2017, and he has done so well.

    “This group that we are here to inaugurate today is about projecting the image of our party and the Governor is projecting the image of our party very well with his sterling performance.

    “There is no Local Government in the State that has not been touched. Infact, there is no longer rural area in Lagos State as the Governor has transformed everywhere, I mean everywhere. Just few days back, we were at Alimosho to commission a bridge and network of roads in the area.

    “The development is not limited to infrastructure alone but every sector including health, education, security, among others, have been positively touched,” Solomon said.

    He congratulated members and leaders of LMGF, saying that his decision to associate with the group was because its vision is firmly rooted in the APC, which among other things, is the progress of the country and wellbeing of the people.

    In his welcome speech, State Chairman of LMGF, Mr Adeleke Adekoya recalled how the group came into existence as a campaign organization for Governor Ambode in the build up to 2015 elections, saying that it was worthy of note that apart from its core mandate of political intervention, a lot of assistance had been rendered to people through the group.

    He said: “This is a group of core professionals with the main goal of political stability of our State. We are also doing some empowerment programmes. We give alms; we support the less-privileged; we support the aged and it is safe for me to conclude that we are a social and philanthropic group.”
    Adekoya, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ambode on Survey, said it was glaring that the Governor has performed brilliantly well in less than two years.

    “Like the area I belong to, you can see the land administration in the State and I am telling you in the next one or two months, you will see that all the land issues in the State will be solved in less than one month. People will be able to get their C of O in less than a month.

    “Generally, now, land administration in Lagos State is being automated. I don’t want to start mentioning the giant strides of the Governor in area of infrastructure but you know Governor Ambode has been acknowledged both within and outside the country as the best governor.

    “Lagos State, under Governor Ambode, has been acknowledged as the best safety conscious State in Africa. He has won awards in United States and United Kingdom and in less than two years, he has done well. In the next two years, he will also perform creditably that we will not even need to campaign for him for the second term,” Adekoya said.

    Former member of the National Assembly representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) on Saturday commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State over his achievements in office in less than two years, saying that the Governor is positively projecting the image of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with sterling performance.

    Speaking at the inauguration of Lagos Mainland Chapter of Liberal Minds Grassroot Forum (LMGF), a think-tank group within the APC, Solomon said the result of the performance of Governor Ambode was evident to all, as all parts of the State had been positively touched in the transformation agenda and inclusive governance approach of the present administration.

    Solomon, who is the Life Patron of the group, said it was worthy of note that the massive development being implemented by the Governor cut across all sectors and sections of the State, adding that Governor Ambode deserved to be commended for his great efforts at moving the State forward.

    He said: “We are happy that Governor Ambode is doing a lot in Lagos State. Our Governor has not disappointed us. He (Ambode) will be two years in office on May 29, 2017, and he has done so well.

    “This group that we are here to inaugurate today is about projecting the image of our party and the Governor is projecting the image of our party very well with his sterling performance.

    “There is no Local Government in the State that has not been touched. Infact, there is no longer rural area in Lagos State as the Governor has transformed everywhere, I mean everywhere. Just few days back, we were at Alimosho to commission a bridge and network of roads in the area.

    “The development is not limited to infrastructure alone but every sector including health, education, security, among others, have been positively touched,” Solomon said.

    He congratulated members and leaders of LMGF, saying that his decision to associate with the group was because its vision is firmly rooted in the APC, which among other things, is the progress of the country and wellbeing of the people.

    In his welcome speech, State Chairman of LMGF, Mr Adeleke Adekoya recalled how the group came into existence as a campaign organization for Governor Ambode in the build up to 2015 elections, saying that it was worthy of note that apart from its core mandate of political intervention, a lot of assistance had been rendered to people through the group.

    He said: “This is a group of core professionals with the main goal of political stability of our State. We are also doing some empowerment programmes. We give alms; we support the less-privileged; we support the aged and it is safe for me to conclude that we are a social and philanthropic group.”
    Adekoya, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ambode on Survey, said it was glaring that the Governor has performed brilliantly well in less than two years.

    “Like the area I belong to, you can see the land administration in the State and I am telling you in the next one or two months, you will see that all the land issues in the State will be solved in less than one month. People will be able to get their C of O in less than a month.

    “Generally, now, land administration in Lagos State is being automated. I don’t want to start mentioning the giant strides of the Governor in area of infrastructure but you know Governor Ambode has been acknowledged both within and outside the country as the best governor.

    “Lagos State, under Governor Ambode, has been acknowledged as the best safety conscious State in Africa. He has won awards in United States and United Kingdom and in less than two years, he has done well. In the next two years, he will also perform creditably that we will not even need to campaign for him for the second term,” Adekoya said.

  • Three men, two women face kidnap charge in Lagos, get N5m bail

    Five people including two women were on Thursday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja for allegedly kidnapping a woman and demanding a N15 million ransom.

    The accused – Aboy Feku, 23; , 20; Samuel Yola, 26; Lovers Gregory, 31; and Donald Gregory, 26 — are standing trial at an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on charges bordering on conspiracy and kidnap.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    But the Prosecutor, Insp. Chinalu Uwadione told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 2 at about 4.00p.m. at Ketu-Ejinrin in Lagos.

    He alleged that the accused had conspired to kidnap a woman, Mojisola Adeleke, and demanded N15 million from her family for her release.

    The offences contravened Sections 271 and 299 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offence of kidnap carries death penalty following the signing into law the anti-kidnapping bill by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Feb. 1, 2017.

    The magistrate, however, granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million each with two sureties each in like sum, one of who must be a landlord in Lagos.

    Further hearing has been adjourned until April 26.

     

  • Lagos residents Ambode for boosting security

    Some Lagos residents on Wednesday hailed Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for inaugurating the state Neighbourhood Safety Corps aimed at enhancing security.

    The residents said the development showed that the state government gave priority attention to security of lives and property.

    Ambode had on Monday inaugurated 5,700 neighbourhood corps members, 177 vehicles equipped with communication gadgets, 377 motorcycles and 4,000 bicycles to boost security.
    A lawyer, Mr Kunle Aribisala, commended the government effort, and advised that the corps members should be given proper orientation to avoid excesses in the discharge of their duty.
    “ Ambode has shown that, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he has the power to do anything necessary to protect his people.
    “The corps should not operate in a way that its duty will clash with that of the police. It should be complementary,’’ Aribisala urged.
    Mr Augustine Igwe, a retired civil servant, said that the deployment was necessary in view of increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robbery.
    “We heard about the kidnapping of students and farmers in Epe; the government has a duty to ensure security of lives.
    “With the inauguration of safety corps, the rate of crime in Lagos will reduce drastically,’’ he hoped.
    Mrs Margaret Fanegan, a business woman,said other states should emulate the action to boost security nationwide.

    “It is a fact that the number of policemen in the country is not enough to secure over 170 million Nigerians; therefore, state governments should do everything possible to secure lives and property in their various states.

    “If every state can have this kind of safety corps, they will enhance security in the country,’’ she said.
    A public commentator, Mr Charles Koleosho, said that the inauguration of the corps showed that lives and property of residents were important to Lagos State Government.
    “With this corps, more investors will want to come into Lagos State because they will be confident that their investments will be secure.

    “This will result in more revenue for the state,’’ Koleosho said.

    NAN

     

  • Tinubu a working made-in-Nigeria product – Ambode

    Tinubu a working made-in-Nigeria product – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a true example of a working made in Nigeria product.
    Governor Ambode who made the remark yesterday at the well-attended Colloquium held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, to commemorate Tinubu’s 65th birthday, said Tinubu political success transcend the length and breadth of the country.
    Addressing the large turnout of dignitaries from all walks of life, including Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, past and serving governors, ministers, members of National and State Assemblies, members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
     Ambode explained that like the Coconut, the APC stalwart has continued to be fruitful, creating more products and by-products from his political dynasty than any other living made-in-Nigeria political product in recent history.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Related Post: Tinubu, a great builder – Obaseki[/quote]
    •Ambode

    He said Tinubu, who was governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2007 contributed immensely to the success story of the State, adding that he was one of Nigeria’s shining examples in the political terrain.
    The governor said: “Like the coconut, some by-products/fruits will get bad along the way or after being sold in the market; in actual fact, the political product may not be the favourite of some other people.
    “The bottom line, however, is simple; If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were a coconut; I dare say, with all simplicity, I would be among the forefront liners that will eat, drink and sleep B.A.T. 24/7.
    “The test of a successful leader is the number of leaders that he has created.  Using this globally accepted parameter, Asiwaju, at 65, is, without a doubt, a winner in this category.
    “There is no doubt the Asiwaju political dynasty is a made in Nigeria product.  The foundation laid and blueprints developed during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State which cuts across all sections of the State’s economy have actually simplified the process of governance till date.
    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddbc89″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]His blueprint has continued to serve as a road map to achieving the Lagos of his and our dreams.  This same political product, without a doubt, traverses the Nigerian landscape and that is evident with the emergence of the APC at the centre in 2015.
    Asiwaju, on behalf of the First Lady, my entire family, all your admirers at home and across the world, we say a big thank you for your large-heartedness, benevolence and visionary leadership that you have unleashed on this nation. You are a Statesman par excellence, my leader, our leader – Ambode[/quote]
    Describing the theme of the Colloquium, ‘Make it in Nigeria – Use What We Make-Make What We Use”, Ambode said he was an unrepentant convert of the ideology, noting that Lagos state has demonstrated it with the successful partnership with Kebbi state on Lake Rice.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Also Read: Tinubu: A dogged fighter for democracy – Dogara[/quote]

    He assured that his administration would continue to improve on the indices of the ease of doing business to ensure that more products are made in Nigeria for the development and growth of our nation.
    President Muhammadu Buhari in his remarks described Tinubu as an outstanding politician, great mobilizer, effective in conceiving and planning governmental policies.
    “Chief Bola Tinubu is an outstanding Yoruba politician of his generation,” he said.
    Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau said that the Federal Government was already putting policies in place to encourage and facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to promote made in Nigeria goods, adding that same was part of his administration’s overall national economic policy.
    In her remarks, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun assured Nigerians that the country would soon be out of the economic recession, revealing that the Federal Government was already copying the Lagos template to revive the economy.
    She said the Federal Government recently released N1trillion for capital expenditure to make the economy productive, adding that measures were being taken to bring about multiple streams of revenue.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Also Read: Tinubu raised the bar for political leaders Nigeria – Buhari[/quote]

    “The economic template we copied from you (Lagos) is now being implemented for an economic recovery of the country and we are not ashamed to say it. The impact of that template is that many of the states are now copying it especially in the area of IGR,” Adeosun said.
    Also speaking, the celebrant (Tinubu) said it was time for the Federal Government to press forward with its national industrial policy and national infrastructural plan, especially by creating infrastructural funding from financial institutions.
    Tinubu, who commended the present leadership of the country, also advocated the need to embrace other forms of power generation and incentives to bring back some of the manufacturing companies that hitherto left Nigeria due to unfriendly business environment
     Among those who attended the event included; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, South West Governors of Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola, Abiola Ajumobi, Ibikunle Amosu and Rotimi Akeredolu; serving governors, Senators, politicians, entrepreneurs, among others.

  • TBS bus terminal, the beginning of transportation development – Ambode

    TBS bus terminal, the beginning of transportation development – Ambode

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, of Lagos State has assured  Lagos residents that his administration is  set to improve transportation to meet up with the international standard.

    Ambode disclosed this at the  inauguration of  the Ultra Modern bus terminal at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos on Friday.

    The governor said that the plan for the transport sector would create jobs for the teeming youths in the state.

    “The new bus terminal is the beginning of development in the transportation sector in Lagos state. Many are still coming,” the governor said.

    “This is part of what we have in the manifesto during campaign period. We are assuring Lagos residents that more development is on the way.

    “There will be a lot of social activities at the TBS where the youths will be gainfully employed.

    According to him, the administration has mapped out various means through which Lagos Island can become the tourism hub of Africa.

    Ambode said that the development would also touch Onikan Stadium, old National Museum and presidential Lodge, with the approval of the Federal government.

    The governor noted that very soon Lagos Island would witness  branded commercial buses and lots of commercial activities that would bring lots of tourists worldwide.

    He appealed to the residents to cooperate with the government in its efforts to make the state a Mega City through the provision of infrastructure.

  • I’ll continue to invest in LASU – Gov. Ambode

    I’ll continue to invest in LASU – Gov. Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said his government would continue to invest in physical and social infrastructure in the Lagos State University (LASU).

    Ambode made the promise at the 21st Convocation ceremony of the institution in Lagos.

    “We have many projects nearing completion and these legacy projects when completed, will no doubt, change the entire landscape of the university,” he said.

    Ambode said that a 6000-bed hostel would be delivered for the university as part of the state government’s development plans.

    The governor, however, commended the university management team led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, for his pragmatic approach to administration.

    “The result of your efforts to return LASU to its pride of place amongst the committee of universities is evident for all to see.

    “You have replaced unpleasant news about our institution with fascinating news of all round achievements from both staff and students,” Ambode said.

    He also commended the institution’s management on the accreditation of its School of Dentistry, saying that it was the only state university to have it.

    Ambode urged the graduands to make a difference in their chosen careers.

    Fagbohun had earlier lauded the commitment of Ambode to the institution, asking for his more support.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards of Post-graduate Diplomas, Masters in Academic and Professional and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) were conferred on the graduands.

     

  • Mile2/Badagry/Seme Border Expressway’s completion to boost tourism,trade – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said that the Mile 2/Seme Border Expressway would  boost tourism, international trade and commerce among West African countries when completed  in 2019.

    Ambode said this at the opening of the Badagry Economic Summit held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, Lagos State.

    The theme of the summit was,  “Unleashing Investment Opportunities Around Historic and Coastal Zones of Epe and Badagry.”

    The governor, represented by Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Special Adviser on Community Affairs and Development, said that the completion of the road would facilitate trade and boost tourism in and around the ancient city.

    “Badagry is a historic city and its strategic location to other West African countries, makes the city to be of great importance to the state.

    “With the completion of the Seme/Badagry/Mile 2 Express road, it will help in boosting tourism in the city and it will complement the soon-to-be-built sea port that will be established in the city.

    “This will also provide half a million direct and indirect jobs for several youths in Badagry.

    “Also, the Marina area of Badagry will be transformed into a leisure and holiday city, and this will attract several tourists from all over the world.

    “This administration is committed to developing every part of the state and ensuring that everyone is carried along and no one is left out,” he said.

    The governor said that his administration would soon connect communities which had not been connected to the national grid for them to start enjoying uninterrupted power supply.

    “For several decades, communities at the Seme area of the city have not had any form of electricity, efforts are now being made to connect them to the national grid.

    “Electric poles have been erected, so the connection will soon be completed. The government is committed in ensuring that every part of the state gets equal treatment,” he said.

    He commended the organisers of the event and added that the summit would help in improving the lives of people in the ancient city.

    Earlier, Mr Ashamu Fadipe, the Managing Director, Badgary Convention and Visitors Agency, said that the essence of the summit was to put Badagry on the global map.

    Fadipe, who is also the Chief Organiser of the summit, noted that the event would help in tapping into the full tourism potential of the city.

    “We want to ensure that in the next five years, Badagry will become the next Dubai where everyone in the world will want to visit on a regular basis.

    “It will also help in creating employment opportunities for the youths as it will create awareness that will help in that aspect,” he said.

    Also, Mr Jacob Kestomahun, the Sole administrator, Badagry Local Government, noted that the summit would  create awareness on the benefits from investing in Badagry.

    Some of the dignitaries that attended the event include: Dr Deji Femi-Pearse, Chairman, Whispering Palms, Iworo, Badagry, the Akran of Badagry, De Wholu Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomu, a former Commissioner for Tourism, Lagos State, amongst others.

     

  • Kunle Afolayan gets Lagos State appointment

    Kunle Afolayan gets Lagos State appointment

    Prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has been appointed into the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture.

    In a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the filmmaker was touted as a man of integrity, selfless service with past records of impressive performances.

    “In approving your appointment,” Bello said, “due cognizance has been taken of your integrity, selfless service and past records of impressive performance. I, therefore, have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on your newly assigned responsibility and continue to justify the confidence reposed in you by His Excellency, the Governor.”

    Attached to his letter of appointment was a copy of the “Code of Conduct for Political Appointees in Lagos State Public Service which clearly highlights the expectations of Government in respect of the job.

    The appointment was effective March 6, 2017.

    It was clear from the social media post of the filmmaker, released on Thursday, that he (Afolayan) has accepted the offer.

    He said: “It is time to serve the people. I am pleased to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture with effect from 6th of March, 2017.”

    Urging his fans to be diligent, he recited the Lagos State slogan of passion for progress – “Itesiwaju ipinle  Eko lo je wa logun.”

    The appointment came few days after he wrapped up production of his three new movies; ‘Roti’, ‘Omugwo’ and ‘Tribunal’ – all shot within 40 days, in partnership with Africa Magic.

    ‘Omugwo’ is due for cinema release on April 7, 2017, while ‘Roti’ and ‘Tribunal’ will be released on June 30, 2017 and July 17, 2017 respectively.