The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode urged to fix more roads

    Ambode urged to fix more roads

    Nigeria’s civic technology organisation has called on Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, to repair the bad roads in the state.

    A statement by its Team Lead/Co-Founder, Oluseun Onigbinde, appealed to the government to look into the deplorable state of roads to better the lives of Lagosians.

    While hailing the government for the work done on the Omobola Road in Itire, Onigbinde urged the governor to do more on other roads.

    The statement reads: “While we understand that traffic congestion is a common feature in major cities around the world, it is obvious that majority of the traffic jam faced within the Lagos metropolis can be avoidable if certain measures are put in place.

    “An example of such measures will be the fixing of bad roads, as well as the consistent maintenance of these roads. As the center of excellence, the commercial capital of Nigeria, it is embarrassing to say the least, to have major roads in such deplorable state.

    “Major roads like the Ikorodu Road (Fadeyi) and the Herbert Macaulay Way (Along Yaba Tech. Bus-stop), are two major roads we want to bring to your attention today as we believe that the fixing of these roads will ease the tension we face daily.

    “We however appreciate the present administration on the job so far. The job that on Omobola Road, Itire, is commendable, but we need more work done.

    “We have a project tagged: ‘My Lagos Road’ that tracks the status of roads within the state and invariably reports to the government. The next phase of the project will focus on the extension of road tracking to other areas within the state.

  • Ambode to support manufacturers

    Ambode to support manufacturers

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has pledged his administration’s support to the manufacturing sector, saying that manufacturers hold the key to the sustainable economic growth and development of the state.

    He spoke at the opening of the Third Quarterly Council Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Lagos.

    He said the support to the manufacturing sector and investment s would drive self-sufficiency and sustain the status of the state as the economic hub of the country.

    “We are aware of the challenges of the business community in terms of poor power supply, inadequate infrastructure, and high interest and foreign exchange rates among others.

    “The resultant effects of these problems are manifesting in high operation cost, high rate of unemployment and poverty. But I am positive that these challenges are surmountable. We, therefore, need to be proactive and look towards becoming self sufficient by collaborating with the manufacturing sector, which obviously holds the key to sustainable economic growth and development,” he said.

    The Governor said this was why Lagos State has established the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment to make the state a first choice destination for both local and foreign investors. He assured that his administration would continue to provide the enabling environment for the business community to thrive to create employment and grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

    Ambode urged NACCIMA to collaborate with the state in its efforts to make Lagos the number one business friendly state.

    Also, the National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. Bassey Edem, urged the Federal Government to hasten its roadmap for the diversification of the economy to tackle the dwindling income from crude oil.

    He urged the government to tackle corruption as it would translate into economic advancement, good governance and good living standard for Nigerians.

    He decried the poor utilisation and management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and urged Ambode to call for a review of the concession of the complex. “The complex is primarily designed for trade promotion in Nigeria, but it has become a shadow of itself. We therefore, request that the management of the complex be transferred back to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry as was done for Kaduna International Trade Fair Complex. As an umbrella body of all chambers of commerce and industry, we will continue to lend our voice and support government at all levels to fulfill their roles,’’ he said.

    President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello, cited poor power supply, unstable policies, multiple taxation, poor access to credit and deficient infrastructure as problems affecting the business community.

    He said the meeting was aimed at reviewing those challenges for a better business environment and make impact on the new administration. He urged the government to continue to provide the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in order to boost the economy.

  • Ambode seeks partnership on health challenges

    Ambode seeks partnership on health challenges

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday promised to support massive investment in modern medical equipment to meet the health challenges of residents of the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the promise at the inauguration of Clinix Healthcare, an Ultramodern Diagnostic Centre in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    He said that private sector participation in healthcare delivery, had complemented efforts of government and yielded tremendous dividends through qualitative healthcare.

    “We are delighted that the private sector partnership has yielded another state-of-the-art health facility, with the opening of this ultramodern diagnostic centre.

    “Medical diagnosis is the bedrock of effective treatment. With more facilities like this, we can achieve accurate and quick diagnosis of ailments and proffer immediate treatment.

    “As a government, one of our objectives is to curb the incessant travels abroad for diagnosis and treatment, through our Medical Park Project, that will make Lagos State a destination for medical tourism.

    “I am reassuring the business community of our commitment to encourage investment in critical sectors, through appropriate incentives and support,’’ he said.

    Ambode urged residents to take their health seriously, by going for regular checks for prompt detection of ailments and treatment.

    Dr Modele Osunkiyesi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged the centre not to compromise the quality of services.

    Osunkiyesi said that quality and accurate health diagnosis was the key to detecting ailments and treatment, to secure the health of the people and reduce mortality.

    In his remarks, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman, Clinix Healthcare, said that the desire of the centre was to provide world class healthcare service and reduce medical tourism.

    Ighodalo urged government at all levels, to support and create enabling environment to encourage the private sector to complement government’s efforts.

    “Our goal is to provide quality healthcare for our people, save lives and help stem the waste of resources through medical tourism.

    “We also call on governments to focus on public-private partnership in the health sector as a national vision, by creating the enabling environment and joining hands to make this a reality,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the first Clinix Diagnostic Centre located at Ilupeju ,was inaugurated in 2006, making the Amuwo Odofin centre the second.

  • Ambode to increase retirement benefit bond funding rate

    Lagos State Pension Commission has said Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode may soon increase Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund Accounts (RBBRF) of retirees.

    Its Director-General, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, made this known in Lagos while clarifying that the governor had not decided on the a new funding rate.

    She said the governor had only directed that the rate be increased following recommendations by actuarial consultants that the funding rate be increased to 12.41 per cent from five per cent.

    According to her, the state has consistently on a monthly basis, funded the RBBRF with an amount equal to five per cent of the total monthly personnel cost of the active workers.

    She said the actuarial consultants were appointed by the government to value pension liabilities owed retirees of the state.

    Mrs Onanuga explained the consultants had identified the problem of inadequate funding rate and that the governor wants to ensure that funds were available to pay the terminal entitlements of the retirees.

  • Why I restructured civil service – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, ‎on Tuesday explained that his decision to embark on a restructuring of the public service within the first 100 days of his administration was geared towards improving the lot of public servants and enhancing service delivery in the state.

    Speaking at the inauguration of a forum of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the state, the governor said the forum was aimed at helping the state to continue to tap from their wealth of experience, knowledge and institutional memory, noting that the forum could further add value to good governance and efficiency in public service delivery.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, described the forum as a blessing in disguise, saying that the new forum would help the state to harness the potentials and diverse contributions of the retired public servants to enrich policy formulation, development and implementation in the best way that can impact positively on the lives of the people of the state.

    He said, “As you are aware, the past few months have witnessed some restructuring in the public service featuring the realignment of MDAs and creation of new ones. All these are aimed at repositioning the public service for better performance in terms of quality and timely service delivery.”

    He commended members of the new forum for their selfless contributions to good governance, noting that they had through the dint of hard work, laid the solid foundation for excellent public service upon which successive administrations in the state have erected super structures.

    “As founding fathers of the state public service, you have toiled day and night at different times under different circumstances to lay a solid foundation for an excellent public service upon which successive administrations have erected super structures that we are all proud of today. This summit will therefore ensure that your collective dreams and vision then and now, including your hopes and aspirations continue to live on,” Ambode added.

  • Faulty card reader cannot invalidate election – Court

    The Court of Appeal in Lagos has held that a faulty card reader cannot be a ground for invalidating an election.

    The court held that the Electoral Act (2010) as amended does not recognise the malfunctioning of a card reader as one of the factors that can lead to the nullification of an election.

    This, the appellate court held, is because the Electoral Act predates the introduction of the card reader.

    The Court of Appeal stated this in a verdict on a cross-appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging parts of the Governorship Election Tribunal’s verdict in the case of Jimi Agbaje versus Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and others.

    APC had filed the cross-appeal based on two grounds. In the first ground, it said the tribunal erred in law when, having held that Paragraph 14 of Agbaje’s petition challenged Ambode’s nomination, went ahead to hold that it was a valid ground.

    The party said any complaint about a pre-election issue falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal or Lagos State High Court, therefore, the tribunal ought to have declined jurisdiction.

    The party also asked that Agbaje’s petition be struck out because its paragraph 13b which complained about faulty card readers did not qualify as a ground to challenge the April 11 election.

    The Court of Appeal, in a judgment by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, resolved the first issue in Agbaje and PDP’s favour, and the second issue in APC’s favour.

    A copy of the judgment, delivered on August 26, was obtained by our correspondent on Monday. Other justices on the panel were A. J. Abdulkadir, Mohammed Danjuma, Emmenuel Agim and Saidu Hussaini.

    Agbaje, the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambode and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were the cross-respondents.

    The appellate court held that both the High Courts and the tribunal have concurrent jurisdiction over the issue of a candidate’s qualification/disqualification.

     

  • Ambode hails retired army chief Dibi for a successful career

    Ambode hails retired army chief Dibi for a successful career

    Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the weekend hailed the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Tamunomiebi Dibi, for maintaining peace in the state.

    He spoke at a reception held in the general’s honour at the Army Officers’ Mess, Marina, for a successful career in the Army.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Dr. Ibirunke Shodeinde, Ambode noted the relative peace and security enjoyed in the state under the retired general.

    Describing Dibi as a principled, calm and committed officer, the governor stated that the retired general always answered his phone calls despite the time of the day, and always rose to the occasion to ensure security and safety of lives and property.

    Dibi, who was pulled out after spending the mandatory 35 years in service, told reporters he had no regrets and no enemies.

    He urged  military officers to leave a legacy for their subordinates, as well as make positive impacts on the Nigerian Army.

    He said: “To my officers, you must be strong and leave some legacies behind to those who are following you.

    “Although I am retired, but I am not tired. I pledge to continue to keep the Nigerian flag high. Also, other serving military personnel must continue to be loyal.

    “As I am being pulled out today, my thoughts are still with the Nigerian Army and the Infantry in particular.

    “I, therefore, urge you all to remain loyal, diligent, motivated and disciplined so as to get the best out of the Nigerian Army.”

    At the pulling out ceremony were his successor at 81 Division, Major General Isidore Edet; the Chief Staff Officer (CSO), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo and other senior military officers.

  • Ambode, Agbaje and all that

    Ambode, Agbaje and all that

    The Appeal Court ruled in the past week that the PDP had no case against the victory of Akinwunmi Ambode as governor of Lagos. When I heard the news, I asked myself, why did Jimi Agbaje put himself through all these? It is still a question for which I have no answer. He put himself in the centre of an inglorious storm. At one time, he defended Jonathan and came short of calling his rule revolutionary. What does he think now with that regime’s corruption stories unravelling? He also became a militant, mouthing rhetoric, defending the perpetration of turbulence in the Niger Delta should Jonathan lose. It was because of tongues like his that some are praising Jonathan as a hero for conceding what he lost: the people’s choice. He also became a royalist of subversion and anti-royalist in the same breath. A royalist of subversion when he promised to install an Eze Ndigbo as a ploy to divide Lagosians along ethnic lines. He was anti-royalist when called for the punishment of his own king, the Oba of Lagos. He fell into farce when he asked Nigerians to compare who was more handsome between Jonathan and Buhari.

    Is this Agbaje going to make a pirouette to the side of truth again? Even though he joined the Southwest rearguard of reaction, the fuddy-duddies who wined and dined with the Otuoke fellow?

    It’s obvious to all now that he was no match for the man who beat him. Governance is not about foppish razzmatazz and punctilious lies. Well, the coast is now clear for Governor Ambode to voyage ahead. And President Buhari should also join him in the all-too-important task of taking Lagos to the next level. Ambode, a methodical, no-frills persona, is now poised to make us forget the episode of the turncoat campaigns. The courts have their uses.

  • Ambode appoints Agbesanwa as DG Lagos Sports Commission

    Ambode appoints Agbesanwa as DG Lagos Sports Commission

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday approved the appointment of Mr. Ayo Agbesanwa as the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor reiterated his commitment to revive sports development in the state, adding that Agbesanwa’s years of experience in the field will be key to driving the objectives.

    Until his appointment, Mr. Agbesanwa was the Director of News at the Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja.

  • We‘re committed to transparency, says Ambode

    We‘re committed to transparency, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said his administration is committed to run an open, credible and transparent administration.

    He spoke when the 51st President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Otunba Olufemi Deru, visited him at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna, said as student, who passed through the institute, Lagosians should not expect anything less than an administration of good governance in the next four years.

    “I welcome the 51st President of ICAN, Otunba Olufemi Deru and his team and I must say that the visitation is with a number of nostalgia. I must say we are glad to receive you because what ICAN stands for is actually what Lagos stands for in the past 16years,” Ambode said.

    He hailed the ICAN for appointing a chapter for Lagos State, assuring the team that like his predecessors in office, his administration would always support ICAN.

    The governor said: “We do boast of a great number of chartered accountants in Nigeria. I am also an example that comes with a lot of mantra ICAN stood for. I cannot, but say I am a very proud member of the institution. I can say whatever I gained from the institute is what I am doing as the governor and like my predecessors, my administration would always support ICAN.”

    He appealed to the ICAN President to help implore more members to come to into government, saying that he was personally happy to be identified with ICAN as a sitting governor, especially, when ICAN celebrates its 50 years of existence.

    Ambode added that as a student of good governance, his administration would maintain open credible and transparent government.

    The ICAN President told the governor that he was in the state to congratulate him on his success at the polls as well as to commiserate with the governor on the of June 2, incidence where a tanker explosion occurred barely two days after his inauguration as the governor.

    Deru also seized the opportunity to invite Ambode to the Annual ICAN Conference scheduled to hold from August 31 to September 4, with the theme: “ICAN Building on A Legacy of Service”.