President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians in Benin Republic planning to return to the country to stay back for now.
He gave the advice on Saturday night during a meeting with Nigerians residing in Benin Republic.
Answering the question on what the government was doing to facilitate the return of some of them who wants to go back home, Buhari said: “I believe a lot of you are doing well and are better off here. So, the question of facilitating your coming home does not arise.’
“We don’t want you to come back home and be unemployed. Don’t come and add to our problems. If you have something doing here please continue doing it.”
He promised to facilitate the establishment of two new consulates in Benin next year if the request passes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included. Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered.
“This is because we are so many. We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we as a government will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are,” Buhari said.
Stressing that it was usual for him to meet the representatives of the Nigerian community wherever he goes and answer their questions, he said that he has always told the Nigerian communities to respect their hosts culture and laws.
He noted that there were a number of problems in South Africa which did not portray Nigerians in good light.
“Some of them are in prison for committing a number of crimes. But for you who are so close home, you should do your best in being good ambassadors of the country,” the president said.
The Oyega and Oyegbemiga Descendants family has pleaded with Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to revisit the alleged takeover of about 250 acres of land in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The family, in a petition to Governor Ambode, condemned media reports of the takeover of the land in the Ikorodu area of the state.
Writing through its lawyers, the family, in the petition, dated Wednesday, July 22, 2015, said it’s the ancestral and radical owner of the parcel of land at Gbodo village in the Abule Eko area of Ikorodu, adding that its ownership of the land was further affirmed by a Supreme Court judgment.
Paragraph three of the petition stated: “That the family ownership was further affirmed by the supreme court judgment No SC/83/1971 arising from the judgment of the High Court of Lagos State in suit no IK/1A/68 between Aina Oga & Ors vs Oyega & Oyegbemiga Family and the said family have been further enjoying ownership without any encumbrance from any quarters whatsoever and the family had been exercising acts of possession therefrom to the exclusion of any family and or government interference howsoever.”
The petition also frowned at the way the family’s estate agent, Mr. Lamina and his company, Global Ventures Nigeria Limited, was described as a land grabber. According to the family, contrary to the report, Mr. Lamina legitimately purchased the land occupied by his company.
“Mr. Lamina referred to as land grabber was seriously defamed. The said Mr. Lamina’s company-Global Ventures Nigeria Limited, is a purchaser for value without notice and as such Mr. Lamina is not a land grabber because his company legitimately purchased the land occupied by his company at Gbodo Village via Abule Eko, Ikorodu, Lagos contrary to the allegations levied against him.”
In an interview with The Nation, the estate agent, Otunba Kamorudeen Lamina, denied being a land grabber. He said, “as an enlightened and law-abiding citizen, how can anybody describe me as a land grabber. It is indeed very funny that some people would go to the extent as saying such thing about me in the media.”
He disclosed that he is working with the family to unravel the mystery behind the takeover, adding the family is pleading with the governor not allow mischief makers to use his name to perpetrate illegal activities in the state.
“The family is sure that some people are trying to manipulate our amiable Governor of Lagos State. The family enjoins Mr. Ambode to tread this path wisely. We know he is a man with full respect for the rule of law.
“We also wish to let the governor know that the land under reference has been developed by the individuals who purchased directly from the family and it is the Lagos State Government that issued Certificate of Occupancy and individual survey to such individuals.
“We therefore plead with the Governor not to be deceived by men of underworld who do not wish good for the high integrity earned over the years by his Excellency. The Task Force should know that this is the democratic dispensation and should avoid being used by the individuals who believed this Lagos State belongs to them.
“Therefore, we categorically state that Oyega and Oyegbemiga Descendant Family are not land grabbers but indigenous members of Lagos State under the leadership mantle of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.”
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday received a delegation from Walmart Incorporated, a leading global brand in retail supermarket.
He said the state is ready to support and assist them establish presence in the state.
Receiving the delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Ms Shelley Broader, Ambode said the presence of the Walmart brand in Lagos would not only create jobs but boost the state’s economy.
He said the success story of the brand, which operates in 28 countries with over 2.2 million employees, will be beneficial to the state’s growth.
“That summaries the reason why Walmart has to berth in Lagos. We are committed to expanding the business scope for Walmart and like I said I am interested in having your brand signature in Lagos.
“As we speak, we have a population of over 21 million people and four million are middle class.
“We have youths craving for jobs and whatever it is that we do, we want to make sure that we attract as much investment in Lagos that can help us take our youths off the streets,” he said.
Ms. Broader acknowledged the investment opportunities in the state, adding that the group is ready to expand its horizon and create jobs.
“We are incredibly excited and proud to be in Lagos. Just looking at the burgeoning economy and at the growth in this market is very exciting and now Walmart operates in 28 countries and our mission is to lower the cost of living to help people save and live better.”
With more than four million people, Lagos State has the fastest growing middle class in the country, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.
The governor spoke at an interactive session in Lagos with the theme, “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and International Trade Relations Dialogue Session”, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
Ambode restated his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.
“With a population of over 20 million, Lagos cannot be ignored by any investor. Lagos has the fastest growing middle class with over 4 million people.
“We will do our best to make the business environment safe and profitable for investors,” said the governor, who was represented by Mr Tunji Bello, the Secretary to State Government.
According to him, the administration will leverage on the people’s goodwill and confidence to formulate policies to ease business process.
He also identified infrastructural development, security, efficient public service and rule of law as the government’s critical areas of focus.
Also speaking, Mr Oliver Everett, the Director-General, Commonwealth Enterprises and Investment Council, said Nigeria had potential of attracting foreign investments from Commonwealth nations.
Everett, the guest speaker, noted that Nigeria with a population of over 170 million was at 3.1 per cent of intra-trade flow on the Commonwealth trade chart.
He said: “I think it is time for Nigeria to leverage on its population and potential by having more investment from Commonwealth nations.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday reaffirmed his administration‘s determination to enforce safety regulations and laws to minimise loss of life and property.
The governor spoke at the World Safety Day Celebration, organised by the State Safety Commission.
He said building collapses, fires, boat mishaps and other avoidable accidents were becoming rampant because people disregard safety regulations and guidelines.
Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said there was need for stakeholders to ensure total compliance with safety regulations and measures.
“I believe that time has come for stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, to rise up to this challenge.
“It is not enough to have regulations and standards, they must be enforced and complied with to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property,” the governor said.
Ambode warned that relevant provisions of the laws would be applied against erring individuals and government officials implicated in any icase of negligence or compromise.
Describing the theme: Building a Culture of Prevention on Occupational Safety and Health as appropriate and timely, the governor said though accidents are realities of life, “we can by our action and safety consciousness reduce their frequency and the degree of fatalities when they occur”.
The commission’s Director-General, Mrs. Dominga Odebunmi, said there was an increase in public awareness for safety as a result of vigorous sensitisation and advocacy.
•Ambode promises workers of tertiary institutions better welfare
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has promised that his administration will not look the other way on improving workers’welfare in state institutions.
To this end, workers also owe the government an obligation to ensure industrial harmony by engaging in constructive criticism, the governor added.
He spoke at the 35th convocation of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Oto/Ijanikin Lagos.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, spoke against the background of the appeal by the AOCOED Provost, Mr Wasiu Bashorun Olalekan, for increased monthly subventions in the institution to enable it meet its obligations.
Adebule said the government had put machinery in place to find lasting solutions to the industrial crisis at the Lagos State University (LASU), noting that the latter’s days of challenges are over.
“The issue of Lagos State University would be resolved amicably. We are going to solve whatever problem in that institution. Our governor is committed to that. Whichever way it goes, I want to assure you that the government would not just keep its hands folded and allow the university to continue in crisis. We shall bring lasting solutions to it. Don’t forget that the process of peace is at certain stage now. We are at it and by the grace of God, we shall get it done.
“As a government, we will not take the issue of workers’ welfare for granted,” Adebule continued. “We will also pay prompt attention to issues that may be brought to our attention before they degenerate into industrial dispute. I therefore urge academic and non-academic unions to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure industrial peace and harmony.”
Given teachers’ noble role in the society, Adebule said the profession holds the key to facilitating socio-economic and technological development.
On this score, she assured of government’s stance on strengthening the capacity of state-owned colleges of education through quality teacher delivery.
“This is in line with our commitment to make significant investment in our youths the best opportunity to complete globally through acquisition of the right skills and competencies in our educational facilities,” Adebule stressed.
“There is no doubt that any nation that wants to develop would continue to train and produce quality teachers and Lagos State is not oblivious of this fact. What we have done today is the demonstration of our belief in that fact. We shall continue to produce quality teachers to take care of our primary and secondary schools in the state.”
•Cross section of the graduands.
She urged the graduands not to halt their education at NCE, but proceed to graduate and post graduate levels.
Despite dwindling education, particularly at basic level, Mr Bashorun said AOCOED has managed to maintain the best standard in teacher education anywhere. He praised the college Directorate of Quality Assurance set up to ensure standards are strictly adhered to. Another area towards workers’ productivity is the job audit which management of AOCOED does with National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and which expectedly is impacting on workers’ productivity.
Bashorun thanked stakeholders and past administrations in the state whose continual support have improved infrastructure in the nearly three decade-old institution.
Nonetheless, he craved, from the government, increase in the college monthly subvention in order to enhance industrial harmony.
“This (subvention) has continuously threatened the peaceful industrial harmony in the college.
“We earnestly appeal to His Excellency for 65 per cent increase in the college monthly subvention and immediate bail out to get the college on a pedestal level,” Bashorun pleaded.
“AOCOED needs this bailout for immediate survival as it will help us settle outstanding debts accrued from third party deductions and also fulfill its obligations on personnel emoluments.
Other requests, according to Bashorun included; pension liabilities, completion of the now abandoned administrative building; reclamation of swampy land in the college and the delayed approval of AOCOED master plan.
Others were pending requests for a Certificate of Occupancy for a land allocated to the college since 2009; as well as rebuilding of the college perimeter fence when it is eventually pulled down owing to the ongoing expansion of Mile 2,/Badagry Expressway.
The Executive Secretary, NCCE, Prof Monday Tommy Joshua, described AOCOED as “our son in whom we are very pleased,” noting that the full accreditation of all programs is “a great feat”.
“A few months ago,” he recalled, “I interacted with all provosts of colleges of education and I shouted at them. I warned them not to teach without bringing out results. But here (AOCOED) the college matriculated and graduated its students as at when due. This is worth commending.”
The NCCE scored the college 29 programmes 100 percent, ditto for the 16 academic programmes run in affiliation with the Ekiti State University by the National Universities Commission.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday reiterated his administration’s readiness to improve pilgrims’ welfare.
The governor spoke at the inauguration of the Amirul Hajj and Adhoc Committee for Hajj 2015.
“My administration shall improve pilgrims’ welfare. I have approved a decentralised weekly orientation programme in the local governments to develop the right attitude and character worthy of ambassadors of Lagos State.
“The spiritual orientation shall also be held at the state level before August 18,” the governor said.
The Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, promised the governor that the team would not let the state down.
Other members are Mr. Danmole AbdulHameed Ademola; Dr. Paramole Abdul Kabir; Alhaja Gawat Fatimat Folashade; Alhaja Latifat Adewale Omolara; Alhaja Risikat Ogunbunmi; Alhaji Monzor Olowosago; Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Opeloyeru; Dr Sopeyin AbdulGaniyu Oluremi; Alhaji Jinadu Lawal; Dr. Lateef Adetona and Dr. Nasirudeen Onibon.
The Oyega and Oyegbemiga family of Gbodo Village in the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State has petitioned the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, over a large piece of land at Gbodo Village.
In a petition, dated July 22 and signed by the family’s solicitor, Mr. Tunji Busari, the family said: “The Oyega and Oyegbemiga family is the ancestral and legal owner of a parcel of over 250 acres of land being, lying and situate at Gbodo Village, via Abule Eko, Ikorodu axis of Lagos State.”
According to the petition,” the family ownership was further affirmed by the Supreme Court judgment No. SC/83/1971 arising from the judgment of High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. IK/1A/68 between Aina Oga and others and Oyega and Oyegbemiga family and that the family has been enjoying ownership without any encumbrance from any quarters whatsoever and the family had been exercising acts of possession therefrom to the exclusion of any family and of government interference howsoever.
“To our client’s chagrin, despite the Supreme Court judgment and the survey plan duly lodged with the Lagos State Government, our client learnt on Wednesday, July 22 through a newspaper that Lagos State Government intends to recover our client’s land despite the said Supreme Court judgment adjudging our client the rightful owner of the land and contrary to the publication describing our client as land grabbers.
“It is noteworthy of the fact that there was never a time the land under reference was given to any family by our client through the Ministry of Agriculture and if there is any family of such, our client demands for the document perfecting such transactions in the face of the Supreme Court Judgment. Our client had been the customary owner since the time immemorial and there was never a time the Ministry of Agriculture challenged neither our client nor any other family aside Aina Oga & Ors. who lost in the Supreme Court to the Oyega and Oyegbemiga family.”
The family noted that the land under reference had been developed by the individuals who purchased directly from the family and it was the Lagos State Government that issued Certificates of Occupancy and individual survey plans to such individuals.
The solicitor appealed to the governor to protect the right of his client to the land by preventing any government agency from taking it over because “he is a leader who believes in justice and the rule of law”.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello, to ensure that all promises made to the former Radio Nigeria/Daily Times Ace Columnist Wole Falodun, are fulfilled.
Falodun, who wrote a popular column, Waka About, in the defunct Lagos Weekend in the 1970s, went blind after a surgeon at the Lagos Island General Hospital made a mistake while treating him for glaucoma.
The surgeon, Dr. Orekoya, had mistakenly operated on the right eye instead of the left, resulting in Falodun’s blindness.
Falodun had sought assistance from previous administrations, but his efforts did not yield results.
Moved by his plight, Ambode told Bello to contact Falodun and ensure that promises made by his predecessors were fulfilled.
According to the governor, the promises made to Falodun by his predecessors were not personal but made on behalf of the government.
A statement from the office of the SSG signed by the Director of Public Relations, Fola Adeyemi, said Falodun’s family is expected to liaise with the SSG’s office so that the governor’s directive could be carried out.
“This singular move is a demonstration of the commitment of this administration to the plight of its citizenry and it will ensure that promises made to Lagosians are fulfilled,” the statement said.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged residents to speak out against sexual and domestic violence.
The governor spoke when the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team visited him at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.
He assured the team that the government was ready to protect the identities of those who volunteer to report these cases.
“We just want to appeal to all Lagosians, they should not be afraid to speak out.
“We have our dedicated lines and we also know that we are going to give resources out; at any point in time they should be ready to speak freely to us.
“We would protect the identities of everyone and the fact is that we should be the first point of call.
“In 2007, Lagos State passed a law on domestic violence. But beyond that, the law cannot work by itself, except we create the framework that enforces our laws.
“ That is what we are standing for and in that respect, we talked about issues that relate to sexual and gender violence.
“What I want to let you know is that together whatever it is that we need to now reach out in a larger way and give support to those who have been victims.
“We have to let them know they have our support. That’s what we are going to do together. This government will strongly enforce our laws.”
