The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode, a listening governor

    Ambode, a listening governor

    SIR: The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has not only proved his readiness to seriously consolidate on the performance of his predecessor, but has also proved to be a listening public servant. I wrote an open letter to the Governor published in The Nation Wednesday August 5, page 19, on solution to the teething traffic gridlocks across the state, calling for the reopening of Alimosho junction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, blocked by the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) last year.

    The road which allows free-flow of traffic in Dopemu, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule egba, Agege and Egbeda axis was created three years by former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in response to my suggestions through private and open letters. Like I stated in my open letter to Governor Ambode, it worked like magic.

    To my amazement and excitement, the state government has again opened the Alimosho link road on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Tuesday September 1, barely one month after The Nation published my open letter to Governor Ambode. I hereby express my eternal gratitude to The Nation for giving me the opportunity to express myself.

    Like Oliver Twist, I will also remind the governor of a kilometer L-shaped road leading to my hotel at Mosan-end of the Federal Low Cost Housing Estate (Shagari Estate), in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area. It was built by me some 18 years ago with street lights and personal maintenance without any form of government assistance.

    The road which has turned into an alternative route to people of Baruwa, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Ayobo and Ikola E.T.C Years ago, following the construction of the Iyana-Ipaja/Ayobo Expressway, is now seriously dilapidated, begging for your government’s attention. Please yield our distress call sir

     

    • Tony Adenubi

    Mosan- Ipaja, Lagos.

  • Ambode mourns ‘backbone of progressive ideas’

    Ambode mourns ‘backbone of progressive ideas’

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has described the late Mrs. Hannah Awolowo, wife of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo as a “backbone of progressive ideas.”

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said he was one of mama’s many followers looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday just few months away.

    “Mama would have clocked 100 on November 25 this year. It was going to be a milestone, not just for her but for our great country. “She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria.”

    He added: “Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, fought for till his death.

    “We, however, take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life. We celebrate her for what she stood for, uniting the Yoruba race for a common course and keeping her family together since the demise of her husband.

    “She was the pillar behind Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies. She was the backbone of the brand of progressive ideas that defined the politics of the South West in the First Republic and in subsequent Republics.”

    The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul, urging her family to draw strength from the legacies she stood for while she was alive.

     

     

  • I was looking forward to mama Awolowo’s 100th birthday- Ambode

    I was looking forward to mama Awolowo’s 100th birthday- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed shock over the death of Chief Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna said he was one of mama’s many followers looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday, which is just few months away.

    “Mama would have clocked 100 on November 25 this year. It was going to be a milestone, not just for her, but for our great country. She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria.

    “Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo fought for till his death.

    “We however take solace in the fact that she lived a fulfilled life. We celebrate her for what she stood for, uniting the Yoruba race for a common course and keeping her family together since the demise of her husband.

    “She was the pillar behind Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies. She was the backbone of the brand of progressive ideas that defined the politics of the South West in the First Republic and in subsequent Republics,” Ambode stated.

    The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and urged her family to draw strength from the legacies she stood for while she was alive.

  • APC chieftain commends President, Ambode

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwummi Ambode, have been commended for their great achievements during their first 100 days in office.

    Speaking to journalists at an event in Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area, a chieftain of the All Progressives Party (APC), Mr. Bola Adeyemi Smart, said the duo started well.

    He urged the people and lawmakers to co-operate with them so that they could make Nigeria a great country.

    According to him, the restructuring of the LASTMA and other positive steps embarked upon by the Ambode administration indicated that he meant well for the state

    He commended Buhari  on his battles against corruption, saying that his efforts would bring about a new Nigeria which will be the pride of everybody.

    The assets declaration by President Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo and the slashing of their salaries have shown the way for other political office holders, including  lawmakers.

  • Ambode, Mimiko seek end to doctors’ strike

    Ambode, Mimiko seek end to doctors’ strike

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Ondo State counterpart, Olusegun Mimiko, have called on doctors to stop using strikes to agitate for their demands.

    They made the call yesterday at the 33rd convocation of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijanikin, Lagos.

     Ambode, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Demilade Alonge, said the spate of incessant and often needless strikes in the health sector had damaged the profession’s image.

    He lamented that compromising the health of millions of Nigerians, have led to “needless deaths”.

    The governor called on the Federal Government to invest more in the sector.

    Mimiko said as recognised leaders in the health sector, doctors should devise innovative and ingenious ways of expressing their grievances without punishing innocent citizens.

    “The fact that Nigeria is poorly ranked today in the health sector is a pointer to the fact that all must cooperate to reverse this unfortunate and embarrassing trend.

     “We are duty bound as the recognised leaders in the health system to develop innovative and ingenious was of expressing our grievances without punishing the innocent needlessly.”

    The college’s President, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade, said the 343 graduates were the largest so far since the college’s inception.

    He said the graduates have been saddled with independent specialist patient management.

    “In effect you will now be a part of the management of any institution where you may be called upon to manage patients.”

    Arogundade appealed to the Federal Government to reinstate the Governing Council of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) , noting that the body is the only regulatory agent of medical practice in Nigeria.

  • Ambode urged on recognition

    Ambode urged on recognition

    A group, the Grassroots Support for Sustainable Democracy, has urged Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to recognise it, to complement government’s work by educating, sensitising and creating awareness at the grassroots.

    Addressing reporters after its maiden meeting yesterday at its headquarters in Lagos, the coordinator, Mr. Adetoro Aina JP, said the group, a non-government, non-profit making body not affiliated to any party, was launched to ensure that the people at the grassroots, who voted in the last elections, enjoyed good governance.

    He said during the house-to-house campaign by the group before the elections, people across gender, religion, creed and socio-economic class were bitter about how they were treated by past governments and party hierarchies.

    Aina said if the present government recognises them and brings them on board, most of their members will serve as monitoring officers and report their observations to the government, thus complementing its efforts.

    He said to achieve their aims and objectives, the 70,000 members of the body across the local governments and local council development areas met state and local government officials to let them know what they were out to do and the need to seek their support.

  • TUC lauds Ambode for creating Wealth Ministry

    TUC lauds Ambode for creating Wealth Ministry

    Lagos State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has  hailed Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode for creating the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Empowerment.

    Its Chairman,  Comrade Akeem Kazeem, said the development would impact the citizens, urging the governor to appoint a personal assistant or consultant on labour matters in his cabinet.

    He said: “Labour is also in support of the on-going restructuring in the state civil service. Round pegs are being put in round holes. Merit and excellence is now recognised and put into consideration in appointments in the state.’’

    Kazeem noted that the advertisement for teachers and surveyors jobs was a positive step to reduce unemployment, urging the Federal and the state governments to embrace the idea.

    “We commend the good work being done in the area of security and the marginal improvement in power supply, particularly in Lagos State. This trend should be sustained and improved upon,’’ he said.

    Also, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the claim by Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) that government plans to sell off hospitals under the guise of public-private partnerships (PPP).

    The association said the union was afraid of the work place discipline that private sector control would bring to hospitals.

    Dr Joseph Ana, head of NMA’s clinical governance committee, accused JOHESU of backing its members to continue with their bad work ethics.

    He said the private sector’s involvement in health would ensure corporate efficiency, discipline and resources which government alone cannot afford, if it is to deliver on its health promises.

  • Don’t relegate women, say Ambode, Bagudu

    Don’t relegate women, say Ambode, Bagudu

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, have warned against relegating women in governance.

    The duo spoke yesterday at the opening of the annual women’s national conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

    They said their administrations would pursue programmes and policies to empower women to be self-reliant.

    The conference has the theme: “Relevance in Economic Turbulence” was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

    Ambode said his administration would establish more skills  acquisition centres to equip women.

    “The creation of our new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is to complement the achievements made by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA),” he said.

    In his goodwill message, Bagudu said: “The theme of the conference is timely considering the difficult phase our nation is going through. It calls for a concerted effort and the contribution of everyone.

    “Apart from the challenge of stabilising the homefront and shielding it from the full effects of the current economic reality, we must harness the time-tested skill of women in financial management.

    “Women are too important to be relegated in the search for appropriate strategies to facilitate the recovery process and efforts at putting the economy on the path of sustainable growth and development.”

    COWLSO’s Chairman Mrs. Bolanle Ambode said the conference was in line with government’s vision of providing a platform for women to contribute positively to the development of families, communities and the nation.

  • Ambode constitutes governing councils of tertiary institutions

    Ambode constitutes governing councils of tertiary institutions

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday approved the composition of governing councils for tertiary institutions.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, the governor listed the names of members of governing councils for the State University, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, State Polytechnic, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the State College of Health Technology.

    He named Justice George Oguntade (rtd) as chancellor for the State University and Prof Bayo Ninalowo as pro- chancellor and chairman of the council.

    Other members include Mrs. Tayo Olabenjo, Mrs. L.O Durosinmi, Kayode Anibaba, Koye Edu, Dr. Ayo Sonibare, Ken Igbokwe, Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, Mrs. Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Lateef Olaseinde Karim and Prof Musliu Onilude.

    Others are Mrs. Carlene Alaja-Brown, representative of the Ministry of Education, four representatives of the Senate, two representatives of congregations and representative of Alumni.

    In Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, the governor approved the appointment of Alhaja Sekinat Yussuf as Chairman.

    Sunday Kappo, Toun Adeniran, Mrs. Shade Agbalajobi, Ajibade Emia-bata Balogun and Mrs Yinka Babalola are members.

    The Council also has representative of the Ministry of Education, Chairman of the State Conference of Primary School Head teachers, Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and representative on the Ministry of Finance as members.

    Professor T.J Gbadamosi was appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of the State Polytechnic. Timothy Ishola Bankole,  Owolabi Amisu, Mrs. Tinu Feyiseyan and Prof Bunmi Otubanjo are members.

    Also on the Council are representatives of the Ministry of Education, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Alumni Association of the Institution, Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, two representatives of the Congregation and representative of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    Ambode also appointed Prof Tunde Samuel as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. Dr. Rafiat Olufunmilayo Olatunji, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso and Wasiu Aderibigbe Lawal will serve as members.

    A representative each from the Lagos State Principals Conference, University of Lagos, Ministry of Education, Alumni Association of the Institution, Academic Board and Teachers Establishments and Pensions Office were also appointed in the governing council.

    In the State College of Health Technology, the governor appointed Mrs. Tilley Giyado as Chairman of the Governing Council while Alhaji Rasaki Adetunji Ilelaboyo, Mrs Sulaiman Arigbabi, representative of the Ministry of Health, representative of the Ministry of Education and two elected members of the Teaching Staff of the College will serve as members.

  • Ambode names tertiary institutions governing boards members

    Ambode names tertiary institutions governing boards members

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday approved the composition of Governing Councils for the tertiary institutions in the state.

    The Governor, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, listed the names of members of Governing Council for the Lagos State University, Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education, Lagos State Polytechnic, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the Lagos State College of Health Technology.

    Governor Ambode named Justice George Oguntade Rtd. as Chancellor for the Lagos State University and Professor Bayo Ninalowo as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Council.

    Members include Mrs. Tayo Olabenjo, Dr. (Mrs) L.O Durosinmi, Engr. Kayode Anibaba, Mr. Koye Edu, Dr. Ayo Sonibare, Mr. Ken Igbokwe, Mr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, Mrs. Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Alhaji Lateef Olaseinde Karim and Professor Musliu Onilude.

    Other members include Mrs. Carlene Alaja-Brown, representative of the Ministry of Education, four representatives of the Senate, two representatives of Congregations and representative of Alumni.

    In Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education, Governor Ambode approved the appointment of Alhaja Sekinat Yussuf (Mrs) as Chairman of the Council, Hon. Sunday Kappo, Hon. Toun Adeniran, Mrs Shade Agbalajobi, Engr. Ajibade Emiabata Balogun and Mrs Yinka Babalola as members.

    The Council also has representative of the Ministry of Education, Chairman of the State Conference of Primary School Head teachers, Secretary of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and representative on the Ministry of Finance as members.

    [ad id=”403656″]Professor T.J Gbadamosi was also appointed as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Lagos State Polytechnic, which also has Mr. Timothy Ishola Bankole, Mr. Owolabi Amisu, Mrs. Tinu Feyiseyan and Professor Bunmi Otubanjo as members.

    Also on the Council include representative of the Ministry of Education, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, representative of the Alumni Association of the Institution, representative of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, two representatives of the Congregation and representative of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    Governor Ambode also appointed Professor Tunde Samuel as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, while Dr. (Mrs) Rafiat Olufunmilayo Olatunji, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso and Alhaji Wasiu Aderibigbe Lawal will serve as members.

    A representative each from the Lagos State Principals Conference, University of Lagos, Ministry of Education, Alumni Association of the Institution, Academic Board and Teachers Establishments and Pensions Office were also appointed in the Governing Council of the Lagos State Polytechnic.

    In the Lagos State College of Health Technology, Governor Ambode appointed Mrs. Tilley Giyado as Chairman of the Governing Council while Alhaji Rasaki Adetunji Ilelaboye, Mrs Sulaiman Arigbabi, representative of the Ministry of Health, representative of the Ministry of Education and two elected members of the Teaching Staff of the College will serve as members.