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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode: Lagos remains preferable destination for leisure, entertainment

    Lagos State will remain creative to retain its ranking as the preferable destination for business, leisure and entertainment in Africa, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.

    In his opening address at the 2nd International Drink Festival held at the Balmoral Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the governor said his administration would ensure that Lagos remained on the tourism map.

    Ambode, represented by his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Aramide Giwason, said: “This festival is an affirmation of the confidence of private sector investors and stakeholders in our administration’s policies and initiatives for the promotion and development of the potential available in the tourism sector.

    “This is also a clear demonstration of our resolve to place our state on the tourism map and make it a preferable option for leisure travellers.

    “This can be viewed in the release of the maiden calendar of Lagos State endorsed and supported tourism events in the beginning of 2018.

    “It is our desire and in furtherance of the inclusive governance policy to continue to seek collaboration with all institutions and corporate bodies to expand the hosting of more crowd pulling events.’’

    “The concept of International Drink Festival is a means of promoting hospitality and recreation sector, while providing a platform for business opportunities and networking in a convivial atmosphere for investors, stakeholders and the public.”

    Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Deputy Director at the  National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mr. Godwin Akwa said the agency was ready to work with the drink industry.

    He said:  ”We are ready to support the drink industry in all capacities available to us. We believe that the sector plays important role in the health and lifestyles of everybody.

    “The drink industry plays a critical role in the economy of the country because it is vast, credible and vibrant. So, ours as a regulatory body will always seek the best from the manufacturers.’’

     

     

  • Tinubu, Ambode for EHOAN conference

    THE  50th Annual Scientific Workshop and First International Conference of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) will hold today at the Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

    The event will be declared open by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    It has as theme: “Climate change and environmental health: Consequences, concern and mitigating factors on socio-economic status”.

    At the event, environmental experts from across the world, with their Nigerian counterparts, would brainstorm on the theme,  to find sustainable solution to the intractable issues resulting from climate change in the world, will also focus on Nigerian at the conference, tagged “Eko Akete 2018”.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Chief Host, will deliver a paper titled: “Historical  perspective on development of environmental health services in Lagos State 1999-2009”, while the Minister for Environment, Alhaji Jibrin Ibrahim, will speak  on “Climate Change and Environmental Health: How have the Federal Government, State and Local Government Responded?”

    Professor George Karani, of the Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, who is the International Guest Speaker will deliver a lecture on the theme of the conference “Climate change and environmental health: Consequences, concerns and mitigating factors on socio-economic status.”

    Expected at the event is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Grand Patron of EHOAN.

    Other dignitaries being expected at the event are Chairman, Senate Committee of Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Chairman,  House Committee of Environment, and Hon. Chidoka Omina, Chairman, House Committee on Environment.

    Professor Nkwa A. Amadi of the Academy of Environmental Health Science of Nigeria, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State , will speak on “Climate Change and environmental health: Consequences on Emerging and Re-emerging diseases and trans-boarder control”, Dr. Ado Bello, Bayero University, Kano, will present Challenges confronting waste management in Nigeria, The role and responsibilities of environmental health professionals and the Registrar of EHORECON, Dr. Dominic Abonyi, will speak on “Environmental Health Officers and Practitioner- Evolution, historical perspective, role in the 21st Century Nigeria”.

    Dr. Henry O. Sawyerr, dean, School of Allied Health and Environmental Science, Kwara State University wil speak on Environmental Health Science and the profession: Confronting the new reality of the 21st Century;  Prof. Adewoye Ladoke of the Department of Environmental Management Akintola University Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Dr. Olugbenga Olorunda,    Office of Allied Health Programme.

    An awards/gala night will hold.

     

  • Ambode vows to contain ‘bad guys’ at Xmas

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday promised to contain the “bad guys” to ensure a peaceful and pleasurable Yuletide.

    Speaking at the 12th Annual Town Hall meeting of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, he said he would set up a special task force to check crimes.

    He said: “We must think of how to outsmart the bad guys during the Yuletide, because they may already be strategising for crimes during the season.”

    Ambode added: “From now till the next six months, which cover the Yuletide, campaign and election period, we must make sure Lagos is safe. Once the state is safe, we can increase our gross domestic product (GDP).”

    Read also: AWCON: Oshoala dedicates hat-trick to Bolanle Ambode

    He hailed the LSSTF Board of Trustees and security agencies for making Lagos the safest city in Africa. The governor thanked corporate organisations and individuals for donating to LSSTF.

    He hailed the Neighbourhood Safety Corps for securing the nooks and crannies of the metropolis.

    LSSTF Chairman Oye Hassan-Odukale praised Ambode for his commitment to the protection of lives and property.

    LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, said the fund had done a lot in securing lives and property.

  • How to attain economic goals, by Ambode

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said a strong procurement management in the public sector is a tool for achieving political, economic and social goals.

    He added that a productive public procurement policy will enhance people’s welfare.

    Speaking yesterday at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, in conjunction with Midas Partners, in Ikeja, to train procurement officials in the civil service in drafting sustainable procurement policies, Ambode reiterated his administration’s commitment to training procurement officers to get value for money in a competitive world and in a depressed economy.

    The governor, represented by Establishment, Training and Pensions Commissioner Dr. Akintola Benson-Oke, stressed the need for sustainable procurement policies in the face of a depressed economy.

    He said the workshop was organised to emphasise the need for the state public service to reconcile two irreconcilable purposes “to keep pursuing quality in procurement decisions and to control the cost in the face of economic challenges.”

    The facilitator, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, hailed the government for organising the training.

    He said it could be used to support the economy and transform supply-chain business models.

    Permanent Secretary Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions    Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde said the government was passionate about its workforce, “hence the approval of this training and the previous ones.”

    She urged the participants to reciprocate the gesture by working hard for the progress of Lagos State.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu won’t abandon ongoing projects, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has assured that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s general elections, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will not abandon ongoing projects.

    He said Sanwo-Olu would complete and build on the enduring legacies his administration had put in place.

    Ambode, who spoke yesterday while inaugurating an ultra-modern lecture theatre donated to the Lagos State University (LASU) by businessman and philanthropist, Mr Remi Makanjuola, stressed that while efforts were on to complete major projects initiated by his administration, Sanwo-Olu would complete those he is unable to deliver before the expiration of his tenure next year.

    He said: “I am so excited about the fact that Mr Sanwo-Olu has actually come out here and he has issued a promissory note. What that means is that we are going to have a government of continuity.

    “For whatever structures that we have in LASU right now – and I’m going to also convince our chief negotiator, Dr Wale Babalakin – we are already doing the Senate building here; we are doing Students’ Arcade. We are also doing the Library. I hope I will be able to complete and finish them. But if I am unable to complete them, I speak on behalf of Mr Sanwo-Olu that he will finish and do the Staff School.

    “We are not campaigning yet, but truly, that is the spirit of the kind of governance we bring to Lagos; that is the spirit we really want to see. Then, we should be able to show leadership in all spheres of life that we find ourselves.” On his administration’s intervention in the Educational sector, Ambode recalled that in the last three and a half years, at least N15 billion had been invested in revamping infrastructure in schools across the state to ensure that students can learn in a conducive environment.

    The governor also said 3,400 primary and secondary teachers were employed to improve the teacher-to-student ratio as well as quality of learning in schools.

    He added that beyond the upgrade of infrastructure, his administration developed innovative solutions to bridge the gaps in education system to position Lagos State for a technology-driven future, including the ReadySetWork and CodeLagos initiatives.

    According to him, while 34,000 students have graduated from the former, the latter is geared towards teaching one million Lagos residents to code.

    Ambode said: “At the grassroots level, faced with the realisation that about 3 million Lagos residents could not read or write in any language, we commissioned Eko Nke Koo (Lagos Is Learning), an initiative aimed at raising the literacy rate in Lagos State from its current 87 per cent to 95 per cent.

    “Through Eko Nke Koo, the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education increased the number of adult literacy centres across the state from 532 centres in 2016 to 782 as at January 2018.

    “We have also recorded improvement in enrolment and retention rates of learners in the programme. In 2017, 98 per cent of enrolled learners graduated from the programme.”

  • Ambode urges association to support govt’s programme

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged members of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) to support the government’s environmental sustainability programme.

    He said they should utilise recyclable materials and ensure that the location or placement of advert billboards and signages conformed to the standard set by the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA).

    The governor, who spoke in Lagos at the weekend at the ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence West Africa 2018, said the appeal became imperative because of the danger the usage of non-recyclable materials for adverts of brand projection constituted and the negative approach which cost the government a lot of money to remedy.

    Ambode, represented by Information and Strategy Commissioner Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, stressed the need for ADVAN to abide by the regulatory standards in carrying out its activities.

    He said LASAA as the ombudsman was established to regulate the placement or location of advert billboards or signages across the state; hence ADVAN must cooperate with it in ensuring the sanitisation of the environment.

    “While it is a fact that the advertising industry has a role to play in facilitating economic growth, we cannot overlook the fact that the state of the economy has its impact on the industry and indeed other sectors of the economy.

    “Therefore, as the government is working hard to build an enabling environment for the business and investment to thrive, ADVAN must synergise with the government by upholding high professional standards and ethics of the profession,” the governor added.

    He hailed the leadership and members of the association for remaining true to the ideals of its founding fathers by sustaining the legacy of recognising innovative and effective contributions of stakeholders in the growth and development of marketing as a tool of economic development and growth.

  • Lagos has become gateway for investments, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the state had become a viable gateway for honest and genuine business men and women to invest and make good returns on their investments.

    The governor spoke at the weekend at the closing session of this year’s national convention of the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship (FGBMF) Nigeria at Police College, Ikeja, the state capital.

    Ambode said Lagos State has many opportunities and an enabling environment for good beuiness men and women as well as visitors to tap from.

    He said: “Our state has been a gateway to prosperity for many, and many more still come here in pursuit of their dreams.

    “We continue to pray that as more people come to our state in search of genuine, honest businesses, our God will crown their efforts with successes and they will reap bountiful harvests from their labour.”

    The governor, who said he was thrilled by the theme of convention: An Open Door, noted that it conformed with the mantra that Lagos is open for greater business for good, responsible, ethical, honest and genuine business people.

    “The theme of this convention further strengthens this thinking. It seems to me that we have been building a Lagos which will be an open door to success, an open door to prosperity and an open door for all who believe and fear God to experience His love, mercy and favour.

    “Before a door can open, proper foundation must have been laid. Our state remains a good example of where doors can open for members of this great fellowship,” he said.

    Ambode attributed the successes of the state to the fact that the government recognises the role of God in its progress and growth.

    The governor, who noted that Lagos had grown in all ramifications, expressed confidence that the fortunes of the state would continue to soar with the grace of God.

    He added: “The successes recorded in our state are a result of God’s divine mercy and provision for our state.

    “As we gather here today, I urge you all to join us in praying for Lagos State and, collectively, our nation and all its citizens, all our business men and professionals, all our youth and women, that we may continue to enjoy the favour and protection of God always.”

    The National President of the fellowship, Mr. Ifeanyi Odedo said posterity would forever be kind to Ambode for putting in place numerous projects to empower the people, especially to tackle poverty.

    He said: “The policy thrust of the state government might not be seen physically, especially the one that has to do with poverty alleviation, such that we have to do with economic growth that has been sustainable through this massive infrastructural development and renewal that is the thrust of Lagos State under this administration.”

  • Ambode lauds FG over Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota expressway reconstruction

    •says it will bring permanent solution to gridlock

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday lauded the federal government for the commencement of the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway.

    He said the project would bring permanent relief to motorists and residents over the perennial gridlock in the axis and enhance movement within the state.

    The governor spoke at the flag off ceremony in Apapa, held under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    He said, “Whatever it is that has been taking place in this particular project has always been rehabilitation and every Nigerian should be reminded that this road has been in place for more than 40 years.

    “This is the first time the government at the centre is embarking on reconstruction, that means we are going to excavate everything all the way from Apapa, Oshodi to Oworonshoki and Ojota Expressway and actually reconstruct it, using concrete instead of asphalt because Lagos is below sea level; if you use asphalt, within seven to eight years, it would wash away because we are under water,” he said.

    “So the concrete template is being used to give us a long lasting solution to this Apapa gridlock and this road will last for more than 40 years and we believe strongly that the PPP platform that has been given to this project to allow the private sector invest their money in it being driven by Alhaji Dangote is the best solution that we can use to develop public infrastructure right now and we must commend the minister for that,” the governor said.

    He thanked the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, for ensuring the refund to the state government for some of the federal projects embarked upon, saying that his administration was already in the process of utilising same to deliver other ongoing projects in the next few months.

    The governor, however, used the occasion to appeal for understanding, saying that though the commencement of the project might bring some inconvenience, the end result would be a permanent solution to the gridlock that has bedevilled the area over the years.

  • Nigeria needs leaders with integrity to drive economy, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said that for Nigeria to develop and have sizable improvement in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), people of good conscience and high integrity must be at the driver’s seat in all sectors of the economy.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the Lagos House in Ikeja, the state capital, when he hosted the national leadership of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (Nigeria).

    He said: “The economy of Lagos cannot be that productive to improve the GDP if there are no people with good conscience. This is what this fellowship stands for. It is not enough for you to have resources, it is not enough for you to have people who can improve productivity. But, again, there are people who have to be drivers to arrive at the GDP or the kind of nation we want.”

    The governor recalled that since he assumed office over three years ago, his administration made concerted efforts to ensure religious harmony and create greater enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    He said it was gratifying that the state had experienced peaceful co-existence among various religious group.

    Ambode said: “One thing I can assure of is our continuous support. Like you must have noticed in the last three years, we have ensured that there is proper religious harmony in this state and there has never been any single incident of religious crisis.

    “Obviously, we recognise the fact that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state; but irrespective of that, we have allowed a whole lot of freedom of space because that is the thing that actually drives productivity.

    “All we do as a government is just to ensure that we create an enabling environment for people to practice religion without interference; at the same time, we create a greater enabling environment for them to do their businesses.

    “So, when we combine good businesses and good religious conscience, obviously the nation will grow and then the nation will develop.”

     

    The National President of the fellowship, Mr. Ifeanyi Odedo, said the team was at the Lagos House to officially inform the governor of its 87th national convention and explore partnership in key areas to grow the country’s GDP.

    These, he said include housing, agro-allied industry and information communication technology (ICT).

    He said: “We appreciate the kind of grace that God has bestowed upon you. In the past number of years that you have served this state as its executive governor, we have seen your doggedness, we have seen your passion, we have seen your integrity, we have seen the spirit of professionalism and excellence with people-oriented programmes that are very impactful.

    “Suffice it to say that you have left a great legacy in the sand of time. I want to put on record that what God has deposited in you with which you have served this state in the past three and a half years or thereabout will still find expression in no distant time.

    “All things work together for good, and because you are carrying the spirit of the Lord, the Lord is setting before you an open door and no man can shut it.”

  • Photos: Osinbajo, Ambode, Sanwo-Olu bring ‘Tradermoni’ to Lagos

    The Federal Government on Monday launched the special enterprise and empowerment programme,TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos.

    The markets are Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi.

    The scheme is a collateral and interest-free loan for traders.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday

     

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left) and APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) interacting with Traders during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday.
    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday.
    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday