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Tag: Ambode

  • Change the face of journalism, Ambode urges NUJ

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has charged the newly elected ​President of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Mr. Waheed Odusile and the executives of Lagos State Council,to work assiduously to improve on the standard of the profession in Nigeria.

    The Governor while receiving the officials last Friday, congratulated Odusile on his success at the keenly contested election and said it was time to ​justify the confidence of those who voted for him by improving the lot of members of the union.

    He emphasized the need for them to utilize the strength of the social media as a platform for repositioning journalism for dynamism and a tool to build a virile and strong nation.
    He said, “In this modern day of social media, we need to start to look at what social media means to our journalists and national development”.

    “We should be able to look at that area and see how we can improve on the curriculum of the Institute of Journalism and other communication schools where we can start integrating the good side of social media with journalism and development in the best interest of the nation”.

    He said no political leadership can thrive without the support of journalists as its role in the polity could not be over emphasized.

    ” I congratulate Lagos state for producing the president of the NUJ after a long silence in the last 21 years. I am committed to supporting the NUJ, I also want to let you know that what we have in our hands now is to come together and build a viral nation” he said.

    Governor Ambode who said he was not against constructive criticism, sought the co-operation of journalists in the task of a safer and more prosperous Lagos, charging the NUJ President to ensure that he uses his good office to transform the landscape of journalism in Nigeria.

    “I believe strongly that NUJ and journalists have that platform to assist me, so I will and I do welcome constructive criticism, because they will spur me on to be at alert to do those things that I cannot see 360 degrees. I expect that in this relationship, we would do everything to make Lagos become a safer place, a more prosperous place and a cleaner place, the mantra that we’ve always preached about change should also guide our journey” he said​.​

    Earlier, the President of NUJ, Waheed Odusile, said the team was on the visit to pay homage to the Governor since his victory at the election two weeks ago.

    He said the Union was ready to partner and support his government, adding that the change mantra the All Progressives Congress (APC) preaches, is one they have resolved to​ identify with.

    He appealed to the governor to help weed out quacks and fake journalists out of ​the profession, adding that the association ​will need the support of government​ especially lawmakers in form of legislation.​

    ”We need law to flush out quackery from our profession, we need your support to make a law to make quackery a thing of the past in our profession. We want to focus on professionalism”, Odusile said.

  • Corporate Lagos endorses Ambode’s reform plans

    Corporate Lagos endorses Ambode’s reform plans

    The quest of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to reform the security and judicial sectors received a massive boost on Thursday as individuals and corporation organisations made commitments in cash and kind towards ensuring a safer and more secured Lagos.
    At a dinner by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), members of the corporate world and respected members of the society, lauded the strides of Governor Ambode in the last two months as well as his plans to upgrade the security network in the state, affirming their commitment to continue to support the government’s strides to make Lagos safer.
    At the event, over One Billion Naira was realised from cash donations from various corporate organisations and individuals while others made commitments to provide security patrol vehicles and gadgets as well as technical knowhow.
    Governor Ambode in his remarks, said that his administration remain committed towards evolving new strategies to effectively police Lagos and rid the state from all forms of criminal activities.
    He said his administration was already thinking of overhauling its security apparatus to be able to rise up to the evolving trends of crime in the state.
    “Right now we have just about 33,000 people policing us and we’re about 20 million. So, if you combine other forces, the Fire Service, LASTMA and Ambulance service, it might bring the number to about 40,000 of them as against 20 million people”.
    “I can admit we lack the right technology. We don’t have a holistic approach to coordinate everything that we are doing and then we don’t have the security management that Lagos actually needs, so we are under policed and we are not getting the right technology to be able to say that Lagos is secured. We must now integrate men, equipment and technology to keep Lagos safer”, he said.
    “So technically, Lagos state government, the Police and other security agencies have analog technology right now, there is no interface amongst all of us. So we need to migrate to digital for improved information dissemination”, he said.
    The Governor lauded the private sector contribution to the LSSTF in the last seven years, which he put at a total of N4billion, while the state government has contributed about N8billion to the fund.
    He said commencing from next year, a Lagos State Awards of Excellence will be held annually to recognise and certify individuals and companies who have been selfless about issues affecting Lagos.

    Governor Ambode however said the state government was not resting on its oars, revealing that in the last 60 days, his administration has been fashioning new strategies to enhance security.
    He also unveiled plans to strengthen the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) as well as establish an integrated security and emergency control platform, such that the control and command centre in Alausa will have an interface with other security networks through the surveillance cameras which will be provided.
    “It is in my interest that I drive the business of making Lagos safer and it’s also in my interest that you join hands with me to succeed in this”, the Governor said.
    Among those present at the dinner include President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Alike Dangote, Managing Director, Zenon Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman, Zenith Bank Group, Mr. Jim Ovia, Chairman, Heirs Holdings Limited, Mr. Tony Elumelu, top Executives of financial institutions and firms, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu 1, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule and Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Remi Makanjuola.
    Other include Head of Service, Mrs. Folasde Jaji, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr. Fola Authur-Worrey, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commander 9 Mechanized Brigade, Major General Ahmed Mohammed Sabo, former Minister of Health & Chairman, Juli PLC., Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, and Director, State Security Service, Mr. Little John Okojie, former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Waheed Kassim Hon. Justice George Adesola Oguntade rtd., Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries PLC., Mr. Kufre Ekanem and Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria Communication Ltd., Mr. Akinwale Goodluck.

  • Ambode approves N11b for pension arrears

    Ambode approves N11b for pension arrears

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has approved N11 billion for payment of pension arrears from 2010.

    The news of the approval was contained in a statement by the Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji.

    The statement said the money would be used to pay the pension liabilities of the state mainstream retirees as well as those of local governments and parastatals.

    Mrs. Jaji added that the money was part of efforts put in place by the administration to find solution to payment of pension entitlements to retirees under the “Pay As You Go Pension Scheme”, which was discontinued in April 2007, and outstanding accrued pension rights due to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    The Head of Service said the state government had developed “a comprehensive payment plan to resolve outstanding pension issues in the immediate (short), medium and long terms”.

    Under the short and immediate term plan, she said pension payments to ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) and parastatals, including local governments and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), which would be made monthly, start from this month.

    She added that the measures were the “outcome of painstaking deliberations by the Public Service Pensions Office, the Lagos State Pensions Commission, the Head of Service and the empathy of Ambode to reduce, if not totally clear the outstanding liabilities due to retirees in the state’s mainstream public service, local government/SUBEB and parastatals”.

  • Ambode cautions new Perm Secs against compromise

    Ambode cautions new Perm Secs against compromise

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday swears in 19 new Permanent Secretaries, warned them against compromising standard of government in discharging their duties.

    The brief ceremony which held at the State House, Alausa Ikeja, was witnessed by large number of family members, friends and well wishers of the appointees.

    Ambode said the quality of service delivered by the government would be measured on daily basis, stressing that “any ministry where the quality of service is compromised, the Permanent Secretary, as Accounting Officer, would be held liable. I expect nothing but excellence in this centre of excellence.”

    He enjoined them to apply the best tenets of the civil service as accounting officers of their ministries, making service and the common good of all Lagosians their watchwords.

    He said their appointments, from a pool of equally competent and qualified substantive directors, were as a result of a careful selection based on merit, professionalism and proven track record.

    Ambode recalled that during his inaugural address, he promised to carry out public sector reforms, saying this phase had seen the merging and realignment of ministries and agencies as well as the creation of new ones.

    “We have established the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, the Overseas Affairs and Investment and the Office of Civic Engagement. These are in line with our campaign promises to run an inclusive government and create better opportunities for our people,” he said.

    According to him, this phase had also witnessed the realignment of parastatals/agencies reporting through their superintending ministries to the governor. In all, we must be committed to the principles of good governance, probity, transparency and accountability.

    Ambode disclosed that the next phase will be the constitution of cabinet to consolidate on the foundation that had been laid in the last 60 days.

    Speaking on behalf of others, Mrs Adebunmi Adekanye, Permanent Secretary, Office of Civic Engagement pledged that she and her colleagues would work hard to deliver quality service to move Lagos to the next level while soliciting cooperation from all to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

    Other Permanent Secretaries and their portfolio ministries are: Folarin Adeyemi, Information and Strategy; Olabode Agoro, Lands Bureau; Ayodele Amosu, Teachers Establishment and Pension Office; Abiola Amidat Anifowoshe, Education District VI; Olabisi Ariyo, Education; Caster Bade-Adebowale, Office of the Chief of Staff; Boladele Dapo-Thomas, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Adebisi Kadiri, Economic Planning and Budget; Olorunfemi Mustapha, Science and Technology; Adesina Odeyemi, Public Service Office; Arinola  Odulana, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment; Adesola Odunlami, Justice; Olusola Odupitan, Audit Service Commission; Olanike Oduwole, Wealth Creation and Employment; Adesina Onisarotu, Environment and Dr Nuriat Sodeinde, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.

  • Ambode swears in new Permanent Secretaries

    Ambode swears in new Permanent Secretaries

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Wednesday sworn in the 19 new Permanent Secretaries, charging them to guide against anything that could compromise standard of government in the course of their duties.

    The brief ceremony which was held at the State House, Ikeja, was witnessed by family members, friends and associates of the new permanent secretaries.

    Ambode in his address said the quality of service delivered by the government would be measured on daily basis, stressing that “any ministry where the quality of service is compromised, the permanent secretary, as Accounting Officer, would be held liable.

    “I expect nothing but excellence in this centre of excellence,” the governor said.

    He enjoined them to apply the best tenets of civil service in their roles as accounting officers of their ministries, making service and the common good of people of the state their watchword.

    “We have established the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, the Overseas Affairs and Investment and the Office of Civic Engagement. These are in line with our campaign promises to run an inclusive government and create better opportunities for our people,” he added.

    Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Mrs Adebunmi Adekanye, Permanent Secretary, Office of Civic Engagement, pledged that they will work hard to deliver quality service to move Lagos to the next level, while soliciting cooperation from all to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

    Other Permanent Secretaries and their portfolio ministries are – Folarin Adeyemi (Information and Strategy), Olabode Agoro (Lands Bureau), Ayodele Amosu (Teachers Establishment and Pension Office), Abiola Anifowoshe (Education District VI), Olabisi Ariyo (Education), Caster Bade-Adebowale (Office of the Chief of Staff), Boladele Dapo-Thomas (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation), Adebisi Kadiri, (Economic Planning and Budget) and Olorunfemi Mustapha (Science and Technology).

    The rest are – Adesina Odeyemi (Public Service Office), Arinola  Odulana (Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment), Adesola Odunlami ( Justice), Olusola Odupitan (Audit Service Commission), Olanike Oduwole (Wealth Creation and Employment) Adesina Onisarotu (Environment) and Dr. Nuriat Sodeinde, (Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations).

  • Ambode goes tough on traffic robbers, street hawkers

    Ambode goes tough on traffic robbers, street hawkers

    •Police arrest 595, prosecute 400, get convictions for 300

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday presided over the state security council meeting with a resolve to stop the menace of robbery in traffic in the state’s trouble spots.

    He promised to stop the activities of some persons posing as street hawkers to rob unsuspecting public.

    Briefing reporters on the outcome of the meeting, Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni said the council looked at the security and crime situation in the past one month with a focus on the menace of street-trading, land-grabbers and other security issues.

    “We looked at the areas, where we are winning and the areas, where we need to step up our activities. One of those areas we looked at critically was the issue of the guys that rob on the highway in the traffic.

    “We have taken a decision to do all what we can do to stop all the activities. First, to decongest the gridlock, because if we do that once traffic moves, we are going to take the street traders and hawkers off the road,” Owoseni said.

    He added: “Once we decongest, we would also reduce the incidence of people robbing motorists on the road and of course, the response time to distress call will be improved upon. Those are the things we looked at

    “The meeting also took the decision that we continue our onslaught against criminals, especially the land-grabbers, to make sure that they are brought to justice once they are arrested; diligent investigation and prosecution will be carried out to show examples to others.”

    The police chief said the council also deliberated on the menace of cultists and added that efforts had been made jointly by security agencies within the last one month, to clamp down on them.

    “We want to sustain the rate that we are carrying out at the black spots. We want to make sure that the issue of gangsterism and cultism are completely wiped out in the state,” he said.

    On the resurgence of motorcycle operators, popularly called okada riders, the police commissioner said security agencies within the past one month raided some identified black spots.

    He said about 595 suspects were arrested during the raids, 400 prosecuted and 332 were convicted.

    “We would not relent, we would continue on that onslaught to raid black spots to get rid of street-hawking and people who perpetrate crime in the state,” Owoseni said.

     

  • Open letter to Governor Ambode

    SIR: As you settle down to commence your consolidation mission in Lagos State, I want to draw your attention to some issues relating to the blocked Alimosho junction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway (between Dopemu and Iyana-Ipaja bridges).

    It is pertinent to tell you that the interjection on the side road was created about three years ago by former Governor Babatunde Fashola in response to my suggestion through private and open letters. It worked like magic, creating free flow of traffic at the Dopemu, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule-Egba, Agege, Egbeda axis.

    The road was blocked by the Federal Road Management Authority (FERMA) last year, thus complicating the traffic situation in the area with motorists spending up to two hours in the gridlock. We shall appreciate your quick revisit and restoration of the situation for a better Lagos.

    On the last note sir, I personally constructed a kilometre L-shade road leading to my hotel at the Mosan end of the Federal low cost Housing Estate (Shagari Estate) in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area about 18 years ago with street lights and which I also maintained without government assistance.

    The road has over the years turned an alternative route to the Abesan gate-Baruwa-Ipaja-Ayobo routes and this has led to its serious dilapidation which is now beyond my comprehension. At this point, I will appreciate your intervention to help us repair the road which now serves as the gateway to Mosan town, Abesan Estate and Ipaja town.

    While thanking you in advance with the strong belief that you will rapidly respond to this letter, I want to commend you on the recommencement of  construction works on the Ipaja-Ayobo Expressway, particularly at the Abesan gate.

     

    • Otunba Tony Adenubi,

    Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos.

  • Ambode appoints 19 permanent secretaries

    Ambode appoints 19 permanent secretaries

    •15 retired

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday approved the appointment of 19 new permanent secretaries in the state public service.

    Fifteen others were retired from the service.

    A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the appointments were in line with the governor’s drive to restructure the civil service for efficient performance and service delivery.

    The appointments came following the streamlining of some existing ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure greater efficiency.

    The new permanent secretaries, the statement said, have been deployed.

    They are Mr. Bamgboye Abiodun; Mrs. Dapo-Thomas Boladele Aderemi; Mrs. Ariyo Elizabeth Olabisi; Mrs. Adekanye Adebunmi Elizabeth; Mr. Bode Agoro; Dr. Ayandele Olufolayimika Abiose; Dr. Sodeinde Nuriat Ibironke; Mr. Odeyemi Mohammed Adesina; and Mrs. Odulana Arinola Olufunmilayo.

    Others are Mrs. Onisarotu Adesina Jemil; Bade-Adebowale Ajibade Caster, an engineer; Mrs. Amosu Sewande Ayodele; Mr. Kadiri Abayomi Adebisi; Mrs. Anifowoshe Amidat Abiola; Mr. Adeyemi Folarin Anthony; Dr. Oduwole Olanike Elizabeth; Mr. Mustapha Abdul Ahmed Olorunfemi; Mrs. Odunlami Funlola Adesola and Mr. Odupitan James Olusola.

    Ambode is expected to swear in the appoints at the Lagos House, Alausa tomorrow.

    Those retired are Bamgbose-Martins Paul, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure; Mr. Ajanaku Adekunle Mudashiru,  Lagos State Television; Adedeji Taiwo Adetunde, Waterfront & Infrastructure; Dr. Desalu Aderemi, Ministry of Special Duties; Mr. Pedro Lawal Alade, Ministry of Justice; Mr. Fadipe Ashamu Sewanu, Local Government Service Commission; and Mr. Abari Dada Lateef, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy.

    Others are Mrs. Obasa Regina Iyabode,   Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Mr. Sodade Adebayo Olukayode, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget; Dr. Sohiyimika John Adesegun, Ministry of Youth & Social Development; Ogunbambi Adeniyi Hakeem, Ministry of Environment; Agbenla  Joseph, Surveyor General; Adenekan Ayodeji Adebayo, Office of Drainage Services; Adediran Joseph Ayodele, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and Mrs. Onabolu Folake Folashade, Parastatal Monitoring Office.

     

  • Ambode appoints 19 new Perm Secs, retires 15

    Ambode appoints 19 new Perm Secs, retires 15

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Monday approved the appointment of 19 new Permanent Secretaries in the State Public Service.

    This is just as 15 Permanent Secretaries were also retired from the service accordingly.

    In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the appointments are in line with the Governor’s drive to restructure the civil service for efficient performance and service delivery.

    The development is also coming on the heels of the streamlining of some existing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) aimed at ensuring greater efficiency.

    The new Permanent Secretaries, the statement said, have been deployed across board in the new structure of the civil service.

    The names of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Mr. Bamgboye Abiodun; Mrs. Dapo-Thomas Boladele Aderemi; Mrs. Ariyo Elizabeth Olabisi; Mrs. Adekanye Adebunmi Elizabeth; Mr. Bode Agoro; Dr. (Mrs.) Ayandele Olufolayimika Abiose; Dr. (Mrs.) Sodeinde Nuriat Ibironke; Mr. Odeyemi Mohammed Adesina; Mrs. Odulana Arinola Olufunmilayo.

    Others are Mrs. Onisarotu Adesina Jemil; Engr. Bade-Adebowale Ajibade Caster; Mrs. Amosu Sewande Ayodele; Mr. Kadiri Abayomi Adebisi; Mrs. Anifowoshe Amidat Abiola; Mr. Adeyemi Folarin Anthony; Dr. (Mrs.) Oduwole Olanike Elizabeth; Mr. Mustapha Abdul Ahmed Olorunfemi; Mrs. Odunlami Funlola Adesola and Mr. Odupitan James Olusola.

    Ambode is expected to swear in the new Permanent Secretaries on Tuesday, August 5, 2015 at the Lagos House, Alausa.

  • Lagos is engine room for Nigeria’s growth, says Ambode

    Lagos is engine room for Nigeria’s growth, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday told a delegation of United States (U.S.) Congress that the state was the citadel of the nation’s growth.

    He spoke when he led top chieftains and lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at an interactive session with the American delegation, led by Congressman Darelle Issa, at the Lagos House, Marina.

    Issues on deepening democracy, trade relations and tackling Boko Haram insurgency were discussed at the meeting.

    Ambode, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the U.S. democratic experience was one that would be beneficial to Lagos and Nigeria.

    The governor hailed the U.S. government for its role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of this year’s general elections and added that the country has benefitted from American democratic credentials.

    “The parliamentary structure that we have is synonymous with what is obtainable in the U.S.

    “APC as a party is the first in the history of Nigeria to unseat an incumbent government and we want to imbibe the tenets of democratic values,” the governor said.

    Ambode told his visitors that the state was leveraging on its population and cosmopolitan nature and “the most buoyant economy in West Africa”.

    “I want to let you know that you are in the commercial capital of Nigeria. Lagos represents the future citadel of entrepreneurship in this country. As we speak, the population is nearing 21 million of which four million are actually middle class. We’re the fifth largest economy in Africa and our GDP has hit $131 billion, more than 42 African countries put together”, he said.

    The governor said the thrust of his administration was to be able to touch as many lives as possible and make life easier for residents.

    The state government, Ambode added, was committed to pursuing this ideal in the next four years.

    To achieve this, the governor said his administration was ready to entrench moral leadership.

    He added that it would latch on to the experience of the U.S. to better the lot of its people.

    He listed the areas of collaboration the state government was looking forward to as including security and trade relations.

    Darelle, a Republican, explained that though America could be viewed as possessing high democratic values, it was also striving towards perfection of democracy.

    He urged that rather than emulating the American democracy, Nigeria should strive to better the U.S. experience.

    He advised Lagos State to as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling issues of insecurity in the country, especially the Boko Haram menace.

     The fight could not be left alone for the government at the centre to handle, the head of the delegation said.

    Among those in attendance at the interactive session include members of U.S Congress, Carolyn Manoney, Sheila Jackson Lee and Blake Farenthold; Lagos APC Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale; Women Leader, Southwest AP, Mrs. Kemi Nelson; Acting U.S Consul General in Lagos Ms. Dehab Ghebreab and Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tunji Bello, House of Representatives and State Assembly lawmakers from Lagos, among others.