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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Kasali enthroned as the new King of Igbogbo Community

    Kasali enthroned as the new King of Igbogbo Community

    Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali {Emugoriade 1} has been enthroned has the new king of Igbogbo land, Lagos.

    Igbogbo community has been without king for a year after the demised of the former number traditional ruler, Oba Johnson Olatunji Fatola who died on July 15th, 2015.

     

    coronation2

    The coronation was chaired by the Executive Governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs, Hon. Musiliu Folami.

    Dignitaries that where at the event includes the Special Adviser, Communities & Communications, Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan.   the Ayanburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi and his beautiful Queen, The Ranodu of Imota, Obateru on Egbinland, Prince Bashorun and his wife (who is also the sole administrator of Igbogbo/bayeku Lcda), Prince Ogunleye (Formal Deputy Governor of Lagos State) Majority Leader Lagos State House of Assembly , Hon Sanai Agunbiade, Hon Nurudeen Solaja (Member LSHA ), Senator Ashafa, Traditional Chiefs among others.

    The Monarch was a legal practitioner before his coronation.

     

  • Lagos signs historic city deal with Dubai

    Lagos signs historic city deal with Dubai

    The Lagos State Government and the City of Dubai on Monday entered into a historic partnership that will see Lagos emerge as the first Smart City in Africa.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Lagos Smart City was signed at the Emirate Towers, Dubai by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and the Chief Executive Officer of Smart City Dubai LLC, Mr. Jabber Bin Hafez.

    The signing of the MOU, which would make Lagos the home of the very first Smart City in Africa, was witnessed by the Chairman of Dubai Holdings, His Excellency, Ahmad Bin Byat who is also the Deputy Prime Minister and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    A Smart City is a growing concept that draws from the success of Dubai’s innovative knowledge-based industry clusters to empower business growth for companies and knowledge workers all over the world.

    Governor Ambode in a statement signed on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said that the Smart City (Lagos) is expected to bring multibillion dollar investments to the State, create thousands of jobs and transform the Ibeju-Lekki axis in particular and the entire Lagos State in general.

    “This is a deliberate attempt by us to establish a strong convergence between technology, economic development and governance.

    “The MOU is between Lagos State Government and Dubai Holdings, LLC, owners of Smart City (Dubai) to develop a sustainable, smart and globally connected knowledge-based communities that drive knowledge economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    According to the Governor, the collaboration is part of the larger vision to make Lagos safer, cleaner and more prosperous.

    “A Smart-City Lagos will be the pride of all Lagosians just as we have Smart City Dubai, Smart-City Malta and Smart-City Kochi (India). We are encouraged by the fact that we do not, as a government, need to develop at a slow pace, but take full advantage of the digital age and fast track development of Lagos to a real megalopolis that we can all be proud of.

    “The future is ours to take. It also marks the first smart city in Africa when completed.” He said.

    The Governor added that apart from creating jobs for the people, the project would also become the world’s first carbon neutral city.

    Lagos, he said, “will become an important centre for innovation in smart technologies, wellness and destination for green tourism.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister, Bin Byat said the Dubai authorities were impressed with the conduct and readiness of Lagos State Government and were eager to proceed with the State Government and the Smart City Lagos project.

     

  • June 12: How Nigeria can immortalise Abiola- Ambode

    June 12: How Nigeria can immortalise Abiola- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday led the call for Nigeria to entrench viable democracy saying that said one of the best ways Nigeria can immortalise what the late winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola, stood for.

    This, he said can be achieved through the practice of true federalism.

    The governor who spoke at a forum organised by the state government to mark the 23rd Anniversary of June 12, said Nigeria owe the late Abiola a duty to entrench democracy in the system and practice it the right way.

    Speaking on the theme: “Democracy And Inclusiveness: Basis For Good Governance,” Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said June 12 would continued to be remembered, but that the country must be prepared to travel through the journey of ensuring the right things are done in proper ways.

    He said, “This is a day we must continue to remember because we have been practicing democracy and at the end of the day, we are not actually doing what we should be doing. If you look at the topic of today, it says Democracy and Its Inclusiveness, what we have today, we still have a long way to go, and that is to say that we are not practicing true federalism.

    “What we owe Nigeria today is nothing but true Federalism and for us to be able to achieve true federalism, we have to work hard for it and that is the message the Governor has asked me to deliver.

    “We still have a long way to go. If you want to live by Abiola’s memory, if you want to honour him, we owe him a duty to ensure that we install a viable democracy and that viable democracy can only be installed if we have true federalism which we are presently not practicing, and that is very important,” he said.

    The Governor added that the federating units of the country must be allowed to develop at their own pace, saying that it was important for the country address the very evident wrongs of the past.

    He said: “For us in Lagos here, Lagos as it is today has everything to stand by its own. We run the police, we have the most viable infrastructure in the whole country, yet we are not given what we deserve.

    “Look at the number of Local Governments we have, if we run true federalism, we would not be having 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and 20 Local Governments. We should be able to create the number of Local Governments that we desire,” he said.

    In his brief remarks at the forum, the former Military Governor of Lagos State, Rr. Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd.) painted a gloomy picture when he said, “We are at this time struggling to build and we may still have the chance to build the country but it is a dwindling chance. Whatever is happening now in the country either militancy, Independent People Of Biafra and others will not stop until we go back to the Nigeria that we are expected to build; a federal Nigeria.

    “We should brace up and be prepared. Prayer will not solve the problem. We have to get back to a federal Nigeria. If not, we should be prepared because what we are seeing is just a child’s play. I have not lost faith in the country’s old anthem.”

    Also speaking, General Secretary of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), Pa Ayo Opadokun, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently recognize late Abiola as a former President of Nigeria and name a national monument after him.

    Opadokun lamented that it was unfortunate that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who he described as the major beneficiary of the June 12 struggle, failed to accord Abiola the due recognition throughout his eight year-tenure, but urged the Federal Government to write the wrongs to Abiola by paying his family for the crippling of his businesses during the struggle.

    Besides, Opadokun said it was unthinkable that Nigeria, which is the 8th largest exporter of oil, still has the poorest people in the world, adding that the country may not get out of the wood until the restructuring of the skewed and lopsided national structure.

    Opadokun also called for urgent address of injustice in the system, saying the federation must be reconfigured to make every Nigerian equal and totally remove the traces of injustice and unfairness.

    He said: “For instance, in 1960, there were four political divisions in Lagos and two in Kano. As we speak, Jigawa State has been created out of Kano with 27 Local Government Areas, while Kano itself has 44, making a total of 71. Lagos, on the other hand, has just 20 Local Government Areas. This is injustice.

    “Something must be wrong with us. Something wonderfully is wrong with Nigeria. Let me say here that Nigeria will never get out of the wood until we restructure this skewed, warped, lopsided national structure. We will continue to grope in the dark. We will never find our bearing until we restructure the country.”

  • Ambode appoints 57 sole administrators for LGs

    Ambode appoints 57 sole administrators for LGs

    …To Swear-in new appointees Monday

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday approved the appointment of new sole administrators expected to oversee the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, Governor Ambode would on Monday, June 13, 2016, swear-in the new appointees at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Those to be sworn-in are: Ayeni A. Babatunde; Adebayo Taoheed; Adekunle Julius; Samuel Ojo; Jacob Kent; Mrs. Bashorun Bolanle A.; Gbenga Abiola; Olumide Olayomi; Mrs. Yeyintola D. Agaba; Isa Abiola Jubril; Yusuf Temitope; Alh. Musa Nasir A.; Ogunleye Gbolahon; Babatunde Adetunji; Olu Ogunniyi; Sola Akande; Alh. Wasiu Sanni; Abiola Kolawole Esrom; Muyiwa Okesanya and Shukura Okeowo.

    Others are: William Lawanson; Label Raji; Ibrahim Adigun; Mrs. Samiat O. Raji; Segun Anifowoshe; Sherif Balogun; Ilelaboye Rasaq; Mrs. Stella Kokumo; Yinka Kazeem; Quadri Ganiu; Princess Abiodun Elegushi; Mrs. Doyin Y. Salami; Ms Soikoya Abimbola; Bolaji Adele Solomon; Mrs. Animawun Adejumoke; Shefiu O. Osinnuga; Adefuye Bayo; Biodun Agbaje; Genesis N. Williams; Engr. Biodun Taiwo; Okinurudeen Bamidele; Gokef Ona Olawale; Abdul Adewale; Femi John; Sanya Oshijo; Ipaye N. Adeleke; Hon. Tunde Alao; Are B. Abiola; Samson Akerele Oloyede; James Agboola; Princess Aderemi Adebowale; Rotimi Ogunwuyi; Olufemi Okedeyi; Rojaiye A. Olayemi; Surakat O. Idogun; Emmanuel Aguda and Habib Aileru.

    The Statement added that the 57 sole administrators after being sworn in would take charge of their various councils pending the conduct of elections at the Councils.

    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode had last Thursday approved the immediate dissolution of Caretaker Committees following the resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly relieving the Executive Secretaries of the 57 Local Governments Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the State of their responsibilities.

    The Governor had also directed the Executive Secretaries to hand over the reins of administration to the Head of Administration in each of the Council Areas.

  • ‘Let peace reign in LASU’

    ‘Let peace reign in LASU’

    Staff and students of the Lagos State University (LASU) have been urged to ensure peace on the campus.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwummi Ambode and Chancellor, Justice Adesola Oguntade made the call during the recent 20th Convocation of the institution.

    In an address the Governor told the graudands, members of staff, students and well wishers that he could not hide his happiness that the state university was being repositioned as one of the best in Nigeria.

    He also congratulated the management on their vision to provide the next leaders that will be job creators rather than just job seekers.

    The Govenor noted that  “Good reason has prevailed” in the University while the subvention has been  increased to ensure better functioning of the institution.

    He however restated the unrelenting stance of the Government to push the institution to greater heights.

    Justice Oguntade said what has been lacking in the University was peace, adding that there was need for peace at the inst9itution.

    ” You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs; we should bid a goodbye to the act of crisis and making things ungovernable,” he stressed.

    It can however be recalled that the university’s 20th convocation ceremony earlier scheduled to hold last year was postponed to this year due to the crisis which occurred between the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, and other members of the Non teaching, Academic and Senior Staff Unions of the institution.

    The former Vice Chancellor was accused of  being a failure  in steering the affairs of the institution.

    Oguntade, who is pleased by the peace on the campus since the arrival of Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the current Vice-Chancellor of the institution, encouraged all staff and students alike to continue the peace.

    The Chancellor ended his address by congratulating all the graduands conferred with the degree from the institution as he urged them to go all out to represent the new LASU.

  • Ambode denies kidnap attempt on mother

    Ambode denies kidnap attempt on mother

    The Lagos State Governor on Saturday denied media reports claiming that a kidnap attempt was made on his mother, Mrs Christianah Ambode at her residence in Gbagada area of the State on Friday evening.

    The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, denied the media report, saying that it was not a true reflection of what transpired at the residence of his mother.

    An online newspaper had claimed that heavily armed gunmen invaded the Governor’s mother’s residence and disarmed the octogenarian’s police detail in an apparent attempt to abduct her.

    The newspaper had further reported that the unfortunate development took place at about 7:30pm, while a back-up team arrived at the scene at about8:10pm.

    Responding, Aruna said: “Whilst it is true that a commotion occurred at the residence of the Governor’s mother on the fateful day, it was however far from the truth that it was a kidnap attempt.

    “What really transpired was that a man parked his vehicle in front of the residence of the Governor’s mother and the security detail attached to the building asked him not to park there so as not to block the entrance.

    “The man who claimed to be a military personnel was not in uniform as at the time of the unfortunate incident but he insisted on parking in front of the building on the ground that he was a military personnel.

    “He then went on to invite military personnel attached to Operation MESA to beat Mrs. Ambode’s police details after he was advised not to park his vehicle outside the building.

    “The unfortunate part was that the newspaper rightly reported this aspect of the development in the body of the story but still claimed in the lead paragraph that it was an apparent kidnap attempt.

    “While we would like to put on record that the disturbance was not a kidnap attempt on the Governor’s mother as nothing untoward happened to her, we also like to caution against needless sensational journalism which could cause unnecessary panic.

    “At the moment, officials of the State Government are taking appropriate steps to sanction the unruly military personnel who joined their colleague to disturb public peace,” Aruna stated.

  • Ambode is a true leader, politician – Fasehun

    Ambode is a true leader, politician – Fasehun

    Founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). Dr. Frederick Fasehun has described Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode as a true leader and politician who identifies with the needs of people and delights in finding solutions to problems.

    Speaking to journalists on the backdrop of the commissioning of the Ago- Palace way, in Okota Isolo, Fasehun, who is also the National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) said the road has been in a bad shape since the military administration of Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa.

    He said Ambode promised to construct the road during his electioneering campaign and has delivered on his promise in less than a year in office.

    Fasehun, who said Ambode has no shortcomings in all areas, however urged the governor to keep up the good work by improving on his style of governance.

    He said, “Ambode has done extremely well judging by the nature of Nigerians when they first come to office. You wouldn’t know he is a Nigerian. He is out to serve the people; he identifies the need of the people and go out to solve such needs. If we have six of Ambode’s out of 36 state governors, Nigerians would be smiling.  He has done very and I wish him well”.

    “He should improve on the style of governance, you know me very well that I don’t fear to speak.  I don’t think he has any shortcomings in any areas. He can look to do better because there is always room for improvement in all areas of human endeavour.

    “Ambode in all modesty has introduced a new style in serving the people. He gave promise and he has kept the promise that is why people are praying for him, nobody jeers at Ambode. He moves with the people, he identifies with the need of the people and he is finding solutions to the problem.

    Fasehun said the Ago Palace Way-Okota Road had not been motorable since the era of Col Buba Marwa as governor of the state, adding that promises by successive governors to fix the road did not yield much result.

    “They could not do that until when Ambode came in last year and promised the people that he would rebuild Ago-Okota road and just in less than a year, you can see what Ago- Okota road is looking like.

    “Should we not praise him for the good job done and urge him to continue? I know people who would hear me talking glowingly of him would say I have been given money.  I have not met Ambode face to face like this.  God admires those who tell the truth, Ambode has been serving the people very well,” the OPC boss said.

  • Buhari seeks understanding

    Buhari seeks understanding

    •President hails Ambode

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday urged Nigerians to support his administration, despite the economic hardship they are going through.

    The President spoke during a visit to Lagos to inaugurate some projects carried out by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.

    He was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who said: “This country is going to be a nation where there will be abundance and prosperity, but there are teething problems and a lot of repair to be done. There is a lot of re adjustment and a lot that we have to do to ensure that our country becomes the kind of country that it really should be.”

    He added that the government had approved N500 billion for social investment as part of its measures to tackle the myriads of economic problems and provide palliative to  unemployed graduates.

    He said the investment plan will address the challenges of unemployment, industries,manufacturing, Agriculture, among others.

    According to him, there were plans to create 500,000 employment opportunities for graduates with another 370,000 for non-graduates.

    He said besides, there would be provision of micro loan facilities for market women, using the various market unions and associations.

    Projects inaugurated the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa, near Oshodi, which  he described as not only the first of its kind in Nigeria, but one that would go a long way to improve response time during emergencies.

    “With this special rescue unit, it is evident that we have moved a notch higher. There is no question at all that this facility is a world class facility.”

    The LASEMA Response Unit boasts of an initial acquisition of 51 equipment including three Forklifts, one Crane, 13 trucks, 10 Paramedic Motorbikes, two Fire Trucks, Ambulances, among others.

    Also inaugurated was the Ago Palace Way, Okota road, which he described as an important economic road to promote trade and investment and enhance movement along that corridor.

    The Ago Palace Way is a link road that connects about four local governments, providing a viable alternative route for motorists trying to access Festac, Mile 2 and Apapa areas with ease thereby reducing travel time.

    At the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where he handed over security equipment purchased by the State Government to the tune of N1.85billion, the President said that it was a testament to the premium the administration of Governor Ambode has placed on safety of lives and property of its citizenry.

    Among the equipment are 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, Helmets, Bullet-proof vests and other kits.

    The President said: “I have also seen already so much attention being paid to security. In fact virtually all the security agencies including immigrations and Customs including NDLEA are to benefit from this latest gift of the Lagos State Government.

    He said the State Government was blazing the trail with several commendable projects, including the two roads being constructed in each of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the State.

    He commended Governor Ambode for the achievements recorded within the first year of his administration assuring that now that the state is in the same party with the government at the centre, it will certainly get all the support that is due for the Lagos.

    “I’m amazed by the achievements of the Lagos State government so far, he said.

    The president said the Federal Government will soon embark on  infrastructural  development in the state adding that the Lagos stands a great deal to benefit from this corridor.

    “The focus of the Federal government budget is on infrastructure and parts of that infrastructure are the rail route. Both rail routes start from Lagos the Lagos to Kano and Lagos to Calabar. So they are incredible opportunity for Lagos with the development of the rail routes both the one going to the north and the coast one going to calabar.

    “The Lagos-Ibadan expressway is also an important project which we will be focusing on in this budget circle. I am convinced that we have everything going and this state has a lot to benefit from this government.

    Ambode expressed his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property and urged security personnel to continue their good work by making Lagos safer for all and sundry.

    “My administration is committed to improve security being a sine-qua-non for economic and social development.”

    Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase who received the equipment on behalf of the other security agencies, assured government that his men will reciprocate the gesture by putting more effort in ensuring security of life and property in the state.

    Arase said: “When you (Governor Ambode) gave us the first set of equipment, I did promise you that to whom much is given, much is expected and the officers and men of the Command have worked tirelessly and assiduously to ensure that the crime rate in Lagos is within tolerable limit that will attract foreign direct investment and other investment to the State.

    “I can’t thank you enough but I can also promise you today that we are not going to rest on our oars. We will continue to work and ensure that the peace and stability of Lagos State is guaranteed.”

  • Impossible to run states with falling oil prices – Ambode

    Impossible to run states with falling oil prices – Ambode

    With the falling oil prices in the international market, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said that it is currently impossible to run any state in Nigeria.

    He threw his weight behind granting of 18 months moratorium to states in order for them to have more money to meet their obligations in the face of the economic crisis.

    The governor spoke with State House correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said: “There is nothing wrong in asking for moratorium. Lagos State has just restructured its bond programme. It is about financial intelligence.

    “The states are not saying they are not going to pay back. We are saying that based on the present circumstances, we can hold down principal payments and just take interest.

    “Maybe for a while, let us also ask for moratorium to be able to pay principal at a future date. The issue is that you cannot operate a state in the manner in which the financial in flows are coming now. It is very difficult. We have to be realistic.

    “It is like any other organization. If the inflows are not up to what the fixed costs are like, you have to do something drastic and that is what we are all doing.

    “I am an accountant first before being a politician. You need to see the numbers. The numbers do not tally.

    “It has nothing to do with the status you are finding yourself now. It is about the past record, it is about the present status and it is about taking drastic decisions to be able to allow the state’s to stay afloat,” he stated.

    On the purpose of his visit to the President, he said that he came to thank him on behalf of Lagos State and the people of the state on the outcome of his visit to China.

    He said: “You will recall that Lagos State is a major beneficiary of that visit. The Lagos metro rail project of about $2.5bn is being signed up by Nigeria and the President.

    “The Lagos-Kano rail project and other projects are also there. There are many benefits coming to Lagos State. That is why it is important to come and thank him personally,” he said.

    He also noted that people will always oppose government policies and programmes just as they criticized the President’s visit to China.

    “What is important is about the majority of people who are going to benefit from it.

    “For Lagos, we cannot do any other thing than to say thank you,” he added

     

  • Two arraigned for cloning Ambode’s phone number

    The Department of State Service (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned two men before an Isolo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly cloning the phone number of the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Abode.

    Rilwanu Jamiu of No. 10, Giwa Street, off Oka Akoko Street, Lagos and Balogun Stanley Oyewole of 65, Unity Street, Ikotun, were brought before Mrs. Adetola Adedayo on a two-count charge of fraud preferred against them by the state government.

    The suspects and others still at large allegedly committed the offence on February 10 within Lagos Magisterial District.

    The charge sheet reads:” That you Rilwanu Jamiu and Balogun Stanley Oyewole of the above addresses and others at large on February 10, 2016, at about 10:02am fraudulently cloned the Glo line number of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with intent to induce him by false pretence and used the Glo line to send a text message for the transfer of a sum of N50 million and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 312 (2) and (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

    Also docked with the defendants was one Aderemi Bello who was charged with impersonation and fraud.