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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode pledges to empower women

    Ambode pledges to empower women

    …says govt will establish more skill acquisition centres

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has pledged that his administration will pursue programmes and policies that will empower women to be self-reliant, especially through the provision of financial facilities and capacity building.

    The Governor made the pledge on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2015 National Women Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) with the theme, ‘Relevance in Economic Turbulence’.

    He said the state government has recognised its female population of over eleven million and has continued to increase budgetary provision for women through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, adding that his administration will continue in this line and create more platforms for women engagement.

    He said his administration will establish more skill acquisition centres to equip women to take charge of their destiny and show their relevance in the present economic turbulence.

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

    He also added that in recognition of the important role women play in the state, his administration has already put in place policies to protect and secure them.

    “This administration is committed more than ever before to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the law against domestic violence and abuse including rape against our teenage girls are brought to the fore. We are already on the right path in our battle against rapists and the need to protect rape victims”, he said.

    The Governor said his government has embarked on a five-year maternal mortality rate reduction programme and an integrated maternal new born and child health strategy as part of efforts to revitalize the public healthcare system with a view to providing free maternal healthcare in all the communities in the state.

    “We believe strongly that our women must be encouraged and properly enabled so that our nation can benefit more from their immense potential. At this critical moment of economic challenge, we cannot afford to leave our women behind. To do so, will be like a bird that attempts to fly with one wing”, he said.

    Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, shortly before declaring the conference open, commended Mrs Bolanle Ambode on her assumption of the leadership of COWLSO, which he said comprises of women who are committed to ensuring the success of their husbands in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    “Given the array of experienced and seasoned personalities that will facilitate the various sessions, I have no doubt in my mind that this edition of the conference will achieve the objectives of the organizers”, he said.

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

    She said the theme of the conference was a clarion call to women to be prepared and sensitive to the economic situation in Nigeria and the world.

  • Ambode seeks re-ordering of budget

    Ambode seeks re-ordering of budget

    •House sets up committee

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has requested the House of Assembly to re-order the state’s budget.

    The request was contained in a letter the governor sent to the Assembly which was read at plenary yesterday.

    Titled: “Re-ordering of priorities under the 2015 Budget”, the governor said the budget of N489.690 billion, which has been partially implemented by the last administration, had recorded 60 per cent overall performance as at June.

    “This level of performance,” the governor said, “has made it imperative to go back to the drawing board to structure a more conscientious approach to tilt our total investment in the remaining months in order to meet the target capital/recurrent ratio of 51:49.”

    According to Ambode, N23.97 billion will be re-ordered and of this  N18.278 billion is needed for capital projects, while N5.697 billion is for recurrent expenditure.

    Reasons for the re-ordering, according to the letter, include construction of a pedestrian bridge at Ojodu Berger, construction of fly-over bridges at Ajah Roundabout and Pen Cinema, Agege.

    The letter added that the budget re-ordering proposal would cater for the continuation of the construction of blue light rail project, continuation of the construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway and acquisition of emergency/rescue helicopters and heavy duty equipment (cranes and forklift) and for Employment Trust Fund and Wealth Creation Programmes.

    “It is worthy of note that we are constrained by the fact that there are no new revenue sources for the remaining months of the year, and as a result we would not be in a position to propose a supplementary budget. Hence, the recourse to a re-ordering of the budget,” the letter read.

    After deliberating on the request, the House set up an adhoc committee to look into the request.

    Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) is the chairman. Other members are Desmond Elliot, Ibrahim Layode, Rasheed Makinde, Dayo Saka Fafunmi, Yinka Ogundimu and Alimi Kassim.

    The committee is to submit its report on September 22.

     

  • Ambode to hold quarterly meeting

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is to begin a quarterly rendering of account of stewardship.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the quarterly rendering of account, which will take the form of town hall meetings, will take the government round the state.

    He said the town hall meetings would afford his administration the opportunity to render its account and feel the pulse of the people and get firsthand knowledge of their needs and concerns.

    “The maiden edition of our quarterly report will be rendered in the first week of October and will continue in that tradition every three months going forward.

    “At the end of each quarter, our government will report to the people on the journey so far and the task ahead,” he said.

    Ambode said his administration’s efforts in the last three months had been geared towards making sure that public institutions work in the interest of the people.

    “We are committed to making the various public institutions work for the benefit of the people. That, in my view, is why we were elected.

    “So, our government will use the town hall meetings to get feelers from the populace on how government affects them and what they want from government.

    “The populace will also have the opportunity to know what we have been doing and what we intend to do to make the state safer, cleaner and more prosperous for all,” he said.

  • German company to build N14bn factory in Lagos

    The investment drive of the Lagos State Government received a major boost on Monday when the representative of the Knauf Group International, Mrs Isabel Knauf expressed her company’s readiness to commence work on a N14billion manufacturing firm in the state.
    The plan was disclosed when the German Ambassador, His Excellency Michael Zenner, led a group of German diplomats and investors on a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
    Zenner, while canvassing for an increased presence of German businesses in Lagos, also sought for improved bilateral trade relations with the State Government.
    “We are here to introduce and express our interest in business and economic cooperation, especially on food processing and building materials. A lot of allied companies in Germany also wish to join hands in the investment drive of the Governor”, the ambassador said.
    In his remarks, Governor Ambode who expressed his administration’s readiness to receive German investors, described Lagos as the economic hub of Nigeria and fifth largest economy in Africa, thereby making it investors’ first choice of destination in Nigeria.
    “As the economic hub of the country, we pride ourselves as the largest of the nation’s economy with the GDP of $131billion. For any German company that wants to do business in Nigeria, Lagos is your best bet. We are committed to the rule of law and we assure you of a safer and secured environment”, he said.
    The Governor, who described the visit by the German envoy as the first by an ambassador to actually visit and commit to commence immediate foreign direct investment, lauded their confidence in the Lagos economy.
    He assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to do everything possible to ensure smooth take off of the project and sought to activate a state sister relationship with the city of Hamburg to further boost cooperation.
    “I also want to let you know that you are the first ambassador to come out openly that you want to come and start business immediately. With your coming, investors are beginning to have confidence in our quest to build an investor-friendly environment. I want to say openly that we are committed to give everything required by this group to start work immediately”, Ambode enthused.
    Earlier, Mrs Isabel Knauf of the Knauf Group International had solicited the support of the Governor towards locating a $70million (N14billion) building/construction tools manufacturing company in Lagos.
    She said the preference for Lagos was informed by its proximity to ports, availability of gas pipeline and a ready market.
    “We are looking to invest and build a factory here. We are looking for your support. We have been to Lekki Sea Port and want to proceed on investing straight off. I wish to express our interest in investing about 70million US dollars in construction tools factory in Lagos for the first stage”, Knauf said.

  • Ambode gives 49 transformers to rural communities

    Ambode gives 49 transformers to rural communities

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has given over 49 new transformers to rural communities in Lagos State as part of his administration’s policy to light up those places.

    The transformers, he said, would reduce the challenge of unsteady power supply which is crippling businesses and making life unbearable for inhabitants of those areas.

    “In my inaugural speech, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will implement programmes that will make life more meaningful, easier, and happier for our people, Today, we are handing over these transformers as a demonstration of that pledge,” he said.

    The governor, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Jafar Sanuth at the ceremony, said his administration would begin the connection of the transformers to the national grid in two weeks under the first phase, adding that the second phase would involve the procurement and installation of over 50 transformers to be distributed to rural communities in Epe, Badagry, Ibeju Lekki and Ikorodu.

    The transformers connection to the national grid would improve power supply, create an enabling environment for job creation and reduce migration from the rural to urban areas – Ambode said, adding: “This will also create employment for our unemployed youths in these areas as small scale businesses can now function properly with the installation of the transformers. With the provision of the transformers to these communities, it will improve the economy of the communities, especially those (residents) who are in one way or the other depending on power supply as the only means of their livelihood.”

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Affairs Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri said the transformers would improve the standard of living in rural communities.

    Quadri, immediate past chair of the Community Development Committee, promised that the transformers would be used judiciously and protected from vandals.

  • Group urges Ambode to regulate agency commission

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode and estate agents have been urged to come up with a fixed  “agency fees” for operators in the property industry.

    During an interview, the Chairman, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Mr. Bolarinde Ajayi,  said the call became necessary in view of indiscriminate fees being collected on property sales and rents by estate agents.

    He also called for the regulation of the sector, insisting that this had become necessary to bring sanity into the estate agency sub-sector.

    “There is no uniformity at the moment. We have different types of agents here. The profession is not what is picked on the road as it is being touted; it is a profession that requires training and that is what we want to do and get estate agents properly grounded and instil code of conduct that will make them practice professionally,” he said.

    Ajayi explained that the need for regulation and professionalism made the NIESV to establish the Association of Estate Agents of Nigeria, which aims at absorbing all estate agents in , not only to regulate, but also to train them and imbibe in them professionalism and ethics of estate agency practice.

    The association, under NIESV, he explained, is regulated by the “scale of charges” approved by the Federal Ministry of Lands and Housing.

    The NIESV’s former vice president argued that it was more appropriate to base such fees on percentage of the transaction, rather than on what obtains at present, which he contends breed serious disparity.

    He argued that it should be made a rule as this would put a stop the ambiguity that is ravaging the industry. NIESV, he said, encourages its members to charge 10 per cent on rent transactions and  10 per cent on property sales. These fees, he added, is paid by any one who instructs the agents to execute such deals, or shared by both sides to the transaction.

    He warned agents, who charged both parties for the same transaction to stop and be be transparent to their deals.

    “When you are talking of scale of charges, then fees to be charged have to be made a law and it has to be made operative by everybody on a level playing ground. We, as NIESV, have given suggested what to charge professionally, but that is our view as a stakeholder in the industry. So it is left to the agents and Lagos State government to decide on what they feel it should be in the state,” he reasoned.

    Ajayi also encouraged estate agents to join the Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria so as to benefit from professional training on the job and also for proper regulation.

  • Ambode: 100 days of a governor

    LAGOSIANS must be able to speak about the kind of government they want.The bottom line has always been that we should carry out programmes that will be of benefit to the people of Lagos. We must also be accountable to them.”

    -Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (Speaking with a delegation of the U.K.’s DFID)

    Leadership styles come in different shades and colours; from the autocratic (the dictators and despots who call all the shots, make all policies), through the Laissez-Faire (those with ‘let them alone’ attitude) to the democratic( people-friendly,all-inclusive). The aim, according to Morreale et al is to exhibit the ability of the leader to influence and inspire the followers towards set objectives and goals. Every government therefore, needs a set of competent and committed helsmen to succeed in meeting the aspirations of the led majority. The global perception is that of the three main types, democracy provides the most viable platform for these to be achieved.

    For the good people of Lagos State, another defining moment in the evolving democratic dispensation came with the swearing of the amiable, people-loving top technocrat as the governor on May 29, 2015. He may not have cut the picture of a famed politician until in recent years but they remember him with fond memories. He was the man who, as the Permanent  Secretary, Ministry of Finance/Accountant General deployed his creative ingenuity that kept the state afloat above the troubled economic waters when the allocations for local government were withheld by the then federal government, led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. In addition, under him the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) experienced exponential rise. The youths have been motivated by a man who rose up the ladder of the civil service from being a treasurer of several local government councils to becoming an Accountant-General, within a short span of 27 years.

    They have been waiting, with mounting curiosity to find out just how he would wave the magic wand again. So far, residents of Lagos State have been watching with keen interest what unique attributes the new governor is bringing to the table. With the new All Progressives Congress (APC)-led party in place in most states of the federation, people’s expectations are high that the ‘change’ mantra would become a reality. They need an Ambode, especially now that revenue from oil was plummeting and with his promise to institute infrastructural development and create jobs for the teeming youths. And so far he has started keeping faith with his electoral promises.

    Said he:”As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognise our strength in diversity. A common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.” This is inspiring.

    Good enough, Ambode has kick-started this with the full implementation of the state developmental agenda, which the permanent secretaries were working on. He has  re-jigged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs)  to infuse a great dose of dynamism, pragmatism and cost-effectiveness in running state affairs, for the first time in 22 years. Gone with the wind is the Ministry of Rural Development. In comes the more people-oriented Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Generation. The new office of Civic Engagement is saddled with assuming the responsibilities of the erstwhile Office of Political and Legislative Powers Bureau. That is not all.

    The former Office of Transformation has its scope expanded and rechristened the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation to engage and unleash the mental capacity of our talented youths. Now also, the Ministry of Finance takes over the mandates of the former Debt Management Office, DMO and Special Adviser on Taxation. The Former Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, no longer undertakes cultural affairs, hence the rechristening to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    In a bid to make his government more people-oriented, the former Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has since been expanded with the additional mandate of community affairs. Its focus on Tourism, Arts and Culture falls in line with his campaign promise to make the Centre of Excellence the haven of Tourism on the African continent, nay the world. All these are geared towards improving the internal management of the state government and reasonably so.

    Similarly, recognising the strategic significance of good road network in enhancing socio-economic activities in the state, creating jobs and boosting productivity, the new government has commenced work on the rehabilitation of some 90 roads by the Public Works Corporation. Interestingly, 70 percent of these are in the rural areas. Some of these places include Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ayobo, Ijegun, Badagry; in fact cutting across the entire state.

    That is notwithstanding the fact that this is the rainy season, with flooding still a persisting challenge, no thanks to the sandy nature of the coastal state. And some unpatriotic citizens dumping refuse right into the gutters. What with a tough topography of an average of 2 metres below sea level. Notably, the past government left over 9,000 roads paved in Lagos, spent some N5 billion on federal roads.

    Still, Ambode’s administration is already building on this. But he recognises that there must be a workable marriage between infrastructural development and the people’s welfare. There comes his humane and compassionate nature which has started unfolding to the great admiration of millions of people resident in Lagos State.

    By directing the officials in charge of traffic laws, environmental sanitation and tax collection to handle people with the courtesy they deserve and demonstrating same, they have been inspired to see themselves as part and parcel of government.

    For instance, his speedy response to distress calls from victims of fuel tanker explosions in Iyana- Ipaja and Ikotun soon after mounting the pedestal of political power was instructive. Next came the heart-rending, true-life tale of Mrs. Uche Ruth. She was abandoned by her husband soon after she gave birth to the last pair of three sets of twins. The piece of good news however, is that she has been placed on welfare by the Lagos State Government under the directive of Mr. Ambode the ever- caring and compassionate Lagos State Governor. His desire is to see that the children grow up comfortably to become responsible citizens. Said he: “It is only when such children are properly taken care of that they can achieve their full potentials in life and become responsible citizens in the future.”

    Similarly, only the previous Monday, the governor alighted from his vehicle to assist in the rescue of an accident victim. The voiceless victim, Miss Anukam Angela, was driving alone in a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla car with registration number EKY 415 CG, at about 8:15am, when she lost control and rammed into the median of the road along Osborne Road, Ikoyi before the vehicle somersaulted.

    The governor immediately instructed the ambulance attached to his convoy to convey Miss Angela, who was in a state of shock, and could barely move or talk, to be taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment, free of charge on the order of the governor.

    No longer do we have to see government and those who run it as dictatorial, despotic or throwing themselves around as the philosopher kings who know it all. This had in the past pitched the people against the government. Ambode has come in as the humble but determined game changer to reverse the ugly trend. To him, everybody counts as encapsulated in his Inaugural Speech. Now, over 40 multi-national companies are jostling to do business with the Centre of Excellence.

    So far too, Ambode  has shown the attributes of one conversant with the art of good governance as predicated on the unfailing factors of vision, courage, character, commitment, compassion and being a good team leader. Besides, he is hardworking, humble and comes with an honesty of purpose.

    All Lagosians must therefore, assist this government to succeed by playing our own part without being compelled to do so. And this is because Ambode has proven within a short time to be the people’s governor; the one with the human heart and human face.

  • Ambode appoints heads of Safety Commission, LASIMRA, Water Regulatory Board

    Ambode appoints heads of Safety Commission, LASIMRA, Water Regulatory Board

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday appointed new heads of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Authority (LASIMRA) and the Water Regulatory Board.

    He approved the appointment of Mr. Fouad Alade Oki as the director-general of the Lagos State Safety Commission, the agency saddled with the responsibility of safety regulations and enforcement.

    In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the governor also approved the appointments of Chief Funso Oyekola Ologunde as the chairman and Mr. Jide Odekunle as the new general manager of LASIMRA.

    Mr. Joe Igbokwe, who until now was the general manager of LASIMRA, was appointed as the chairman of the Wharf Landing Fee Collecting Authority.

    Ambode also appointed Ahmed Kabir Abdullahi, an architect, as the acting executive secretary of the Water Regulatory Board.

    The appointments, according to the statement, take immediate effect.

  • Ambode pledges to increase investment in sports

    Ambode pledges to increase investment in sports

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday pledged to increase investment in sports development to encourage greater participation and talent discovery to turn vulnerable youths away from criminal activities.

    Ambode made the pledge at the Lagos House, Ikeja, while receiving the Green Team which represented Nigeria and Africa at the Mini International Basketball tournament recently in Matera, Italy.

    The members of the team are the first Africans to participate in the competition since its inception in 1993.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Green Team Nigeria is an international basketball organisation that promotes the development of the game amongst children.

    Ambode, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said that sports remained one of the avenues to develop the younger generation and encourage social integration among people of different races.

    “In furtherance to our campaign promises, this administration remains committed to the development of sports and sporting facilities in the state to encourage greater participation.

    “While efforts are ongoing to reduce crime and criminal activities in the state, attention will be given to the provision of modern sports facilities.

    “This will encourage our young sportsmen and women and turn vulnerable youths away from criminal activities using sports as a veritable alternative,’’ he said.

    He enjoined the team not to rest on its oars but to continue to strive for excellence in basketball.

    “Our government will continue to support the team and other similar groups committed to the development of sporting prowess of Nigerian children, especially of Lagos extraction,’’ he said.

    Earlier in his address, Mr Jerry Aigbede, President of the Green Team Nigeria, thanked the government for receiving the team.

    Aigbede said the children were delighted to participate in the competition as they were more exposed and had cultural exchanges with children from other countries.

    He urged government at all levels to see sports as development strategy for youths who constituted about 70 per cent of the population.

    “In order to address the societal disadvantage, marginalisation and discouragement which youths face today, government must use sports to develop them.

    “Sporting activities will take them out of their present state of despair and they will continue to do the country proud at international competitions,’’ Aigbede said.

    Highlight of the visit was the presentation of awards won by the team in Italy to the governor.

    The Green Team that visited the government house included the children who participated in the competition, their parents and coaches as well as the members of management of the organization.

  • Ambode advises Lagosians on fire

    Ambode advises Lagosians on fire

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has admonished Lagosians to beware of fire outbreaks.

    According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, the governor was worried about the increasing cases of fire and the loss of lives.

    He urged residents to be careful, especially at night, about high voltage supply.

    The statement said: “The Lagos State government is worried about avoidable fire incidents, which are negatively impacting on the socio-economic activities and lives of Lagosians.

    “Governor Ambode urges Lagosians to be vigilant, particularly at night, when they go to bed and ensure they switch off electrical appliances.

    “Lagosians should ensure they don’t store inflammable materials, such as petroleum products, combustible materials and gasoline containers in their homes or garages.

    “They should ensure they put off candles and lanterns whenever they are going to bed.

    “The governor advises that they should take steps to rectify electrical problems that can cause fire. He enjoins Lagosians to be safety-conscious and to educate the young ones on safety measures, to reduce