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  • Boost tree planting culture, Ambode tells AOCOED

    Boost tree planting culture, Ambode tells AOCOED

    LAGOS  State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) Oto/ Ijanikin, Lagos to improve on the culture of tree planting to restore the dignity of the earth.

    Tree planting, Ambode said, remains the cheapest and simplest option for tackling challenges of climate change and its effects on lives.

    Ambode made this appeal at the AOCOED Eighth Tree Planting with the theme: ‘Tree: The lungs of the earth’.

    Ambode, represented by a member, Lagos House of Assembly,  (Apapa Constituency 1) Toyin Lisbat Lawal, said his administration is committed to the preservation of the environment and mitigation of global warming through tree planting.

    Lisbat said the state has planted about 5.9 million trees since its inception in 2008 through the Lagos State Parks and Garden Agency (LASPAK), adding that the agency aims at planting additional 10 million trees in the next five years, thus providing jobs for the ever-teeming unemployed youths and professionals across the state.

    “For every tree  removed, at least five must be planted. This tree planting exercise is taking place in over 180 locations comprising the 20 local government areas and the 37 local council development areas and other designated sites within the state,” she said.

    The Provost of the college, Mr. Bashorun Wasiu Olalekan , said over the years, tree planting has been discovered to be the cheapest mitigation option and the world’s largest most expensive means of drawing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, cleansing the air and protecting the environment against flooding and coastal erosion.

    Basorun, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Wole Ajose, said: “We in AOCOED community, we have developed the habits of tree planting, which also marked our special occasions and ceremonies. Our college is full of trees, to the extent that we were recognised at the state level as one of the recipients of last year’s Best Nurtured Tree Award (Institution category) from the immediate past governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, (SAN).

    Bashorun added that AOCOED students were reaping the benefits of trees planted in the previous year, adding that the students now sit on the seats constructed under the shade of the trees, to have group discussions or relax during free periods.

    “Our college is going to step up the pace of tree planting such that no other parastatal in Lagos State shall beat us to it. We want to be recommended by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for similar awards in many years to come,” he said

    Earlier in his welcome address, the state Ministry of the Environment represented by Mr. Seyi Adetunji, noted that trees help to turn carbon dioxide into animal food. He added that tree planting stems the tide of environmental degradation, complement the land scalping and beautification of the state.

    AOCOED’s Registrar, Mr. Olumuyiwa Coker, in his goodwill speech, said  tree planting had become a tradition in the state. He called on all to celebrate tree planting and ensure that trees were planted for a better, cooler and healthier Lagos.

    Coker represented by his deputy Mr. Adegboyega I. Adetayo, enjoined other stakeholders in the state to  appreciate other policies and ground- breaking initiatives being embarked upon by the government to provide a healthier, better and prosperous Lagos for the benefit of all.

    The Chairman, AOCOED Tree Planting exercise, Mr. Anthony Hontonyon, enumerated processes involved in tree planting, such as holistic observation of the environment, a distance of about 30 feet from an electric pole or a building, careful nursery stage, and good seedling among others.

  • Lawyers hail Ambode

    Lawyers hail Ambode

    Lawyers have hailed Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his decision to implement the Coroner’s report on the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building collapse.

    They urged him to back his statement with action in order to deter those who flout the laws.

    Constitutional lawyer Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) believes the church and its contractors flouted the law by not getting approval for the building.

    “The statement from the Lagos State Government is commendable. This is because the whole tragedy not only involves human lives; it also involves the lives of non-Nigerians creating what I will call a diplomatic incidence between Nigeria and South Africa.

    “It is a major tragic development and it has become clear from the findings of the coroner that the building was not professionally constructed and they did not receive the imprimatur of the Ministry of Physical Planning before constructing it.

    “The engineers who took part in the exercise ought to have demanded approval before commencing construction based on the plan given to them. It is a criminal offence and they should be punished and investigated.

    “Also, the church authority, who actually engaged them to do the work without first obtaining physical plan permit should also be prosecuted for breaching the physical planning laws of Lagos State,” Sagay said.

    A former Ikeja Branch chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday Ubani said it was heartwarming when a government official promises to execute a court judgment.

    “Nigerians will be happy to see government follow up on their vow and promise to do the right thing. If the coroner has made a recommendation and the government has vowed to implement it,  that is a healthy development because most times, judgement of the court are usually not being followed up by government officials.

    “Let us begin to follow our law. And the change we have voted for, let it now start from every angle. Those who have been implicated by the coroner should be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Ubani said.

    Activist-lawyer Jiti Ogunye believes Ambode deserves praise for insisting on diligent prosecution of those who handled the failed project.

    “We do not expect anything less. After the incident, especially during the coroner inquest, we said that the Synagogue church of All Nations didn’t exhibit the expected response.

    “We are saying this not because we are jumpy about condemning a place of worship but because of the monumental disaster, one incident in which 116 persons perished.

    “We certainly did not expect the church to be instigating laughable protests, people carrying placards, insinuating or suggesting that the coroner was partial and exhibiting a conduct that shows that they are not sorry about the accident.

    “Now that the coroner has recommended that the civil engineers who handled the construction and the church to be prosecuted for criminal negligence and refusal to obtain building permit, I believe the Lagos State Government is right in insisting that there should be diligent prosecution,” he said.

  • Workers’ salary: The Ambode example

    It is no longer news that about 24 states of the federation are currently feeling the heavy burden of the economic crisis occasioned by the fall in international oil price, which consequently led to the decrease in revenue allocations to states.

    As it would be expected, in some of the states, workers have embarked on industrial action in order to press home demands for the prompt payment of their wages. The recent parley held between President Muhammadu Buhari and the governors, over the issue of unpaid salaries and allied matters, perhaps, underscores the gravity of the wage crisis currently bedeviling most states in the country. At one time, the Nigeria Governors Forum was agitating for a financial bailout from the federal government as a way out of the imbroglio.It is, however, heartwarming to state that it is not all the states in the federation that are enmeshed in salary crisis. Lagos State, for instance, does not have any issue with regards to the prompt payment of salary. This has always been the trend since 1999 when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu began the process that led to the financial emancipation of Lagos State. The trend continued under the immediate past governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola. However, that trend is now being taken to a new level under the leadership of the current governor, Akin Ambode, who incidentally was one of the brains behind the financial re-engineering that has solidified the economic base of the state as spearheaded by Asiwaju Tinubu.

    First impression, as the saying goes, lasts longer. This undoubtedly summarizes the attitude of Governor Ambode towards the payment of civil servants salaries. It was quite a new and refreshing experience for the civil servants who all got salary alerts from their various banks for the month of June by the 23rd of same month. To the civil servants, it was a joyous thing and a welcome development. But to the governor, it was a way of fulfilling one of his campaign promises that was hinged on the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and creating of a conducive atmosphere for workers in the employment of the state government to thrive in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

    In our climes, there is, indeed, no better way to motivate workers than ensuring their wages are paid as at when due. This makes them to avoid distractions that emanate from financial worries. Perhaps, Ambode’s gesture, which is the basic practice in most multinational firms, originates from his firm belief that the workers are the ones that determine the pace of development in the state and as such must not be denied their wages which is, indeed, one of their core entailments. Those that are closer to the governor would readily tell whoever cares to listen that the man values hardwork and would go to any extent to reward those who are committed to the value and principle of hardwork. Hence, prompt payment of salary is just one of his ways of encouraging the Lagos State civil servants to buy into his vision of provision of diligence service to the state and her people.

    Without a doubt, especially with the current trend in the country where workers are being owed months of salaries, Ambode has started on a rather good note. It is expected that other states’ governors would take a cue from him by making prompt payment of staff salaries a priority. This is the only way forward for our dear nation in the face of current economic difficulties. When workers are owed salaries, it portends great danger for our already troubled nation. With the crisis of Boko Haram insurgency in the north, kidnapping, armed robbery, unemployment and other difficult challenges that the country is presently contending with, to add unhappy civil servants to the lots would, no doubt, suffocate the nation. This is why one is canvassing that the federal government intervenes, as much as it could, by assisting some of the troubled states in lessening the burden of unpaid salaries. Any aid in this direction would be a worthwhile one as it would save the nation from chaos, workers’ rebellion and labour unrest. As it has been previously emphasised, with the myriads of problems we are contending with as a nation, labour unrest should be the last item that we should include in the list.

    This is why the Ambode’s model is the best for the country.

    It is, however, not in the area of prompt payment of civil servants’ salaries that Ambode is displaying a strong resolve to make Lagosians happy. He is equally making great efforts to ensure that Lagosians experience free flow of traffic in a mega city that is infamously renowned for its chaotic traffic situation.

    The governor recently set the ball rolling when, in company of the Secretary to the State Government and other top government functionaries, he embarked on an on the spot assessment of traffic gridlock situation across the state. The objective is to have an on-the-spot feel of the traffic situation. This becomes quite imperative in view of the huge economic implications of what the state loses to traffic gridlocks.

    It is the conviction of the governor that the several manpower hours that are daily lost to traffic chaos, if properly reversed, could translate into economic boost for the state. Consequently, during the governor’s visit to Berger Bus Stop, along the ever busy Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing solutions to the traffic snarls as he approved the construction of a pedestrian Bridge at Berger Bus Stop.

    Also during his visit to traffic points in Apapa and Ajah axis, the governor who despite a heavy gridlock at the area on that day, together with all that accompanied him, walked through Apapa to Tin Can, expressed his displeasure about the torment that commuters and motorists are condemned to on a daily basis, which he said was largely due to the indiscriminate parking of articulated trucks attempting to access the port and tank farms located within the axis. He said: “We’ve all seen that the gridlock in Apapa is multifaceted. We have examined things that relate to activities of trailer drivers and tanker drivers. Apapa belong to the Federal Government and this Tin Can Bridge that has been under construction for about six years has been abandoned. This, however, has given rise to tankers parking indiscriminately on the road. It is totally unacceptable that we would be having tankers parked on our bridges”.

    On the whole, one could safely conclude that Ambode has started his sojourn as the state governor on a good stead. Judged by the direction of his government so far, Lagosians are, no doubt, in for a pleasant experience. The progress and development of Lagos is what the people voted for. This is what he governor promised. This is what he is set out to deliver!

     

    • Olopade writes from Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja.
  • Ambode orders recovery of 250- acre land from grabbers

    Ambode orders recovery of 250- acre land from grabbers

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday ordered the State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences to recover 250 acres of land in Gberigbe near Ikorodu.

    Our correspondent learnt that the land was given to an agricultural firm in the early 80’s by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative to encourage farming and boost food production in the state.

    It was learnt that the land was taken over by one Lamina popularly called Sir Kay. He is accused of selling the land and pulling down over 12,000 palm trees on the farm.

    Confirming the governor’s directive, the task force Chairman, Mr. Akeem Adedeji, said the government would not condone illegal eviction of rightful land owners from their properties.

    The era of land grabbing, he said, was over, warning those involved to desist from the act.

    Adedeji said the agency would storm the land and serve quit notices on illegal occupants.

    “Sequel to his passion to make life easy for every citizen, the governor has told us to follow due process in our enforcement. So, we will go to the land to serve quit notice on whoever is occupying the land. The occupants will be served papers, the structures found on the land will be marked, after which we will recover the land. The essence is to enable them present their documents, if indeed they have any.

    “They will be notified, but the land will be recovered back to the government in accordance with the Governor’s directive,” Adedeji added.

    A representative of Shoreman Agro, the owners of the land, who did not want his name mentioned, said its workers were forcefully sent away from the farm by Lamina, who claimed to be working for some land grabbers.

    “We got that land between 1982 and 1983, we got the necessary document and approval from the state government and the families who also claimed ownership of the land. The land was a jungle when we started developing it for agricultural purposes. Our farm won the best farmer of the Year in 1989, both in the state and federal.

    “The land grabbers led by Lamina, known as Sir Kay, invaded and destroyed our farms, tractors and other facilities. About 12, 000 palm trees were also destroyed while our workers were chased away by thugs.”

    He added that the trouble started in 2005 when one of the lawyers, who was a signatory to the land acquisition, died.

     

  • Lagos light rail ready next year, says Ambode

    Lagos light rail ready next year, says Ambode

    The Blue Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko on the Lagos Badagry Expressway started  in 2006 by former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be completed next year, Governor Akinwumi Ambde has said.

    On completion, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rail system is expected to unlock gridlock on the Lagos-Badagry axis.

    Ambode said last Thursday that its completion  would open up socio-economic opportunities in the state.

    His commitment to the completion of the project has settled the dust of uncertainty hovering over the project. Six such lines are being proposed for the state.

    Ambode, who visited the project with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s (LAMATA) Managing Director Dr. Dayo Mobereola, among others, directed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), be mobilised “to enable it complete the project within a short time.”

    His tour, he said, was informed by the need to mobilise the contractor, to expedite action on the project and the Badagry expressway because of their importance.

    He said: “What we have come here to do is to specifically see the extent of work and to ensure that the contractor of the project is mobilised so that we are able to complete it on time. It’s also important to us that the contractor takes it as a major priority. The Mile 2 Badagry expressway is very important to all of us and like we said, it’s a project that we must finish.

    “It is a project that I would like to complete within the shortest possible time. So, I will like to see greater work done on the road project itself. On the rail project, like we have said before, we are going to mobilise immediately to see that what has been done from Mile 2 to National Theatre is continued to Marina within the next 12 months.

    “We should be able to put to use whatever has been done from Mile 2 to Marina. We also want the contractor to immediately commence work on the Mile 2 to Badagry road and once we pass Okokomaiko, we should be able to extend the Blue Rail to Okokomaiko.”

    He said what his administration expected was that, notwithstanding the rain or other constraints, the immediate mobilisation of the contractor should be done “and then the contractor should also increase the pace of work, that’s what we want to see.”

    Ambode added that whatever was the hindrance to completing the project, government officials would sit down with the contractor to see how it could be resolved to reduce the people’s suffering.

    “We are all going to sit down and make sure that we alleviate the sufferings of our people and ensure that this project is completed because it will increase the economic activity along this corridor and that is what the government is all about,” Ambode said.

     

  • Synagogue: Ambode right on coroner’s report

    SIR: The propensity of Nigeria as a nation to do well is an acknowledged fact. The country has everything going for it, or should have. The drawback is the absence of the political will, the needed resolve to do the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, no sense of nationhood is ever going to be achieved without the resolve to do the necessary. This will require that the government does more than just pandering to vested interests of every type and just playing to gallery. This is the definition of leadership.

    This is why the decision of the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to enforce the verdict of the coroner’s inquest on the September 12, 2014 Synagogue Church building collapse, is most welcome. It should send out an unambiguous statement that the government will set out parameters under which rules have to be obeyed and enforced. This after all is the basis for the construction of what is generally regarded in conventional wisdom as society.

    The governor stated his resolve in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna , that his government would uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in the state, urging residents of the state to also respect the rule of law.

    Ambode said: “The coroner’s verdict of July 7, made a number of recommendations which the state government would act upon accordingly. One of the provisions of the Coroner’s law, 2007, is the provision that empowers a coroner to commence an inquest to find out the cause and manner of death which occur in an unusual manner”.

    There are no pulling of punches here. The government has placed the concept of the acceptance of responsibility by all on the front burner. Ordinarily, the position of Ambode should not warrant any comment. Unfortunately, the prevalence of the abdication of a sense of responsibility has led to the comments becoming newsworthy. The position of Ambode is certainly in alignment with the concept of “change” which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the electorate a few months ago.

    Our own interpretation of “change” is that it represents a yearning, by the electorate for the incorporating of the concept of not just old – fashioned moral values, but in addition, of the very much needed acceptance of the need for social cohesion as a pathway to social solidarity. Hitherto, our repudiation of this has been debilitating. It has led to a society anchored on licentiousness, as well as a pervasive feeling that, well, “anything goes”. This is why the country is mired in perennial underachievement.

    The pervasive manifestation exhibits itself in many hideous ways. For example, how else can one interpret the action of those who carry placards to the effect that those who are perceived to bear vicarious liability for the slaughter of over a hundred innocent souls should be allowed to go scot-free? This is disturbing! Presumably, everyone is free to do as they like which is not on. In the meantime, buildings will continue to implode. They will continue to collapse until the issue of the acceptance of vicarious liability is reinstated. Restitution also has to be made. It also has to be stated that indictment is very much routine. Fortunately under our laws, unlike the French civil law, the presumption of innocence is enshrined. Those under indictment have the means to get eagle-eyed lawyers to get them off the hook. There is therefore no need to carry placards because of an indictment.

    The continuous appeal by the government of Lagos State to the people that they should obey the building codes is commendable. It however also indicates a problem. It need not be so. People should obey the law.

    Governor Ambode’s position is salutary, welcome and timely. In many areas he has started off on the right note. The present intervention should also be supported by everyone. We must have a sense of order in our society; otherwise we will descend into anarchy.

     

    • Ayo Aladesanmi

    Badagry, Lagos.

  • Don’t forget Ramadan lessons —Ambode

    Don’t forget Ramadan lessons —Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday joined Muslims to mark the Eid-El-Fitri celebrations, just as he called on them to sustain the lessons of the Ramadan fast beyond the season.

    The governor, who spoke when he hosted scores of Muslims to a feast at the Lagos House, Alausa, urged them to imbibe the tenets of the season and ensure they reflect in their daily activities.

    “Let me use this medium to felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the completion of the year 2015 Ramadan. Ramadan has come and gone, but the lessons of the month remain and we should as worshippers sustain them in our everyday activity.

    “Let us put to use the  lessons of Ramadan. Let us remain peaceful and eschew vices by remaining steadfast in our journey to make Lagos State a better place for all of us.

    “We may differ in tongue and faith, but we all remain equal before our creator, the owner of heaven and earth.

    “It is my fervent prayer that the Almighty will continue to increase our wisdom and improve our health and wealth. May we witness many more celebrations”, the governor said.

    Earlier in her welcome address, First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, expressed her appreciation for the support given to the present administration so far, just as she appealed for more cordial relationship being enjoyed in the state.

    “While I enjoin you all to feel relaxed and enjoy yourselves, please remember to continue to pray for peace, tranquility and prosperity of the state,”she said.

    She urged parents to inculcate moral and religious teachings in their children and support their families.

    “As the family is the bedrock of any society, let us all endeavour to focus on teaching our children in the way of Almighty Allah and support our husbands in all their endeavours”, she said.

    Highlights of the celebration included a quiz and dancing competition.

  • Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

    Dankwambo, Ambode, Ahmed, Ortom, Oshiomhole, Amosun, others preach peace, patriotism

    GOVERNORS have implored religious, traditional and community leaders as well as their followers to pray for sustainable peace as Muslim end Ramadan fast.

    They urged the citizens to be patriotic and live in peace, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences.

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, in his goodwill message as part of the celebration, said Nigerians should imbibe tolerance and mutual respect for one another to attain “sustainable peace, which is a catalyst for the development of our dear state and country”.

    “As we are aware, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony. We should, therefore, be tolerant with each other and encourage peaceful coexistence among our diverse people,” he added.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos, where residents, regardless of ethnic, religious or social status, can prosper.

    The governor, in the Eid-el-Fitri message, said it was only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians could put the country back on its leadership pedestal.

    He urged them to embrace the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood, which characterised the period of the holy month.

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom felicitated with the state Muslim Community on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitr celebration.

    He rejoiced over the peaceful co-existence between adherents of the various faith – in the state, especially in the spirit of this year’s joint breaking of fast between Christians and Muslims.

    The governor, however, regretted his inability to extend the usual courtesies due for such seasons on account of dwindling finances of the state.

    He promised to meet such obligations when the financial fortunes of the state improve.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan, especially the values of good neghbourliness, patriotism and respect for the sanctity of human life.

    Ahmed, in an Eid-el-Fitri message by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, identified greed and selfishness as causes of Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and security problems.

    He emphasised that if Nigerians demonstrate the kind of compassion and love for one another as displayed during Ramadan, Nigeria would surmount its numerous challenges and become a role model to other nations.

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose urged Muslims to rededicate themselves to the service of their country as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitri.

    The governor, in his Sallah message, enjoined Nigerians not to lose sight of the gains and lessons of the Ramadan fasting as they go about their daily activities.

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole asked Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith, saying Islam as a religion of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.

    The governor, who congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan, urged them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the society.

    To Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the nation will overcome its challenges and emerge a strong, united and prosperous nation.

    In a message by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor stated that “the attributes of self-discipline, compassion, brotherliness and patriotism exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan, if sustained, we will attain the dreams of our founding fathers for a united and prosperous nation.”

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko hailed the people of the state for embracing the Residency Card initiative.

    Besides, he admonished Muslims not to return to habits they dropped  before  the Rammadan.

     The governor called on Muslims  to sustain the lessons of  Ramadan by allowing the “God-like characters they lived all through the period of the Ramamdan to become a way of life for them”.

  • Ambode assures of early completion of Mile 2-Badagry road, others

    Ambode assures of early completion of Mile 2-Badagry road, others

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday assured Lagosians of his administration’s determination to complete the Mile 2-Badagry Road Expansion project in quick time.

    Governor Ambode who gave the assurance when he inspected the Mile 2-Badagry road expansion works, which is being expanded to a 10-lane way, said the contractor working on the project will be mobilised to ensure its completion.

    He said: “What we have come here to do is to specifically ensure that the contractor here is mobilised. It’s also important for us that the contractor takes it as a major priority.

    “The Mile 2 Badagry Expressway is very important to all of us and like we said, it’s a project that we must finish. It’s a project that I would like to be completed within the shortest possible time, so I’ll like to see greater work done on the road project itself.”

    On the Blue Line Light Rail project, the governor said efforts will be made to ensure that the Mile 2 to the National Theatre Corridor is completed soon.

    “We should be able to put to use whatever has been done from Mile 2 to Marina. Immediately they commence work on the road project from Mile 2 towards Badagry, once we pass the aspect of Okokomaiko, we should be able to do the Blue Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko,” he said.

    He urged the contractor to increase the pace of work on the project just as he assured them of government’s readiness to address the challenges they might be encountering towards completing the project.

    “What we expect is that notwithstanding the rain or whatever, the immediate mobilisation should be done and then the contractor should also increase the pace of work. That’s what we’ll like to see and wea also wish to let you know that whatever it is that are encumbrances to completing this project, we’re all going to sit down to make sure that we alleviate the sufferings of our people,” he said.

    The governor who later inspected the Badagry Deep Sea Port project assured that the state government will give adequate support to the initiative just as he assured the communities within the location that their interests will be protected.

    He said the Sea Port, on completion, will be the biggest in the African continent.

    “The land space for the Deep Sea Port is over 1000 hectares of which we have just been told that there’s going to be a free trade zone and then a container terminal that we are going to have here.

    “We already know that the investors have done the best they can. We have Mearsk in the bouquet of investors who have signed on to this project and what that means for us is that we are going to have the largest cargo container port in Africa, situated in Badagry.

    “That means a lot of us in terms of employment. It means a lot for us also in terms of new settlement like it has been said, we hope that in the next two months, we’re coming to start this project here,” he said.

    He said he personally came to see the project, stating that it is part of his promise to bring development to the communities in the axis.

    Harping on the need to complete the project, he said the state government will ensure that the 12 communities expected to be resettled as a result of the project are duly compensated.

    He said aside the Deep Sea Port, the state government will utilise the tourism potentials and side attractions notable within the axis.

    “Like you have also been told, this project is 500 metres away from the ‘Point Of No Return’ which is also a tourist attraction for us; so we have decided to protect that particular place to make sure that tourism is also complemented in this project.

    “With a Deep Sea Port project like this, it means that there would be new settlements in Badagry, new towns and the standard of living is positively affected by this kind of project.

    “That is why we want to appeal to everybody including every Lagosian, before I came here, I inspected the Mile 2 Badagry Expressway Project which is a 10-lane project. There is no way we want to do the Deep Sea Port project here if we do not finish the Mile 2 Badagry Expressway project.

    “I just want to assure you that simultaneously, those two projects will start in earnest and then we will use that to create jobs for our people and also increase the GDP (gross domestic product) of the Lagos economy and strongly within the next four years you will see a dramatic change in this axis of Lagos,” the governor said.

  • Lagos to prosecute Synagogue church, contractor

    Lagos to prosecute Synagogue church, contractor

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said that his administration will enforce the verdict of the Coroner’s inquest on the September 12, 2014 Synagogue building collapse in consonance with the rule of law.

    The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said his government will uphold and enforce the sanctity of the law in the state, just as he urged residents of the state to also respect the rule of Law.

    “His Excellency hereby reiterates his Government’s commitment to uphold and enforce the sanctity of the law in the state and calls on all Lagos resident to respect the rule of law”, the statement said.

    To this end, he said the Coroner’s verdict of 7th July 2015 made a number of recommendations which the state government will act upon accordingly.

    The Governor said that one of the provisions of the Coroner Law 2007 is the provision that empowers a Coroner to commence an inquest to find out the cause and manner of death which occur in an unusual manner.

    He said that consequent upon the collapse at the premises of Synagogue Church building, the state government applied that a coroner’s inquest be commenced into the cause of the tragic deaths.

    The Governor said the state government “Will cause the prosecution of the contractor, Engineer Akinbela Fatiregun of Hardrock Engineering Company Limited and Structural Engineer, Oladele Ogundeji who constructed and supervised the collapsed building respectively at the Synagogue Church of All Nations for professional negligence.”

    The Governor said that the state government will also prosecute the Synagogue Church of All Nations for neglecting to obtain building approval before commencing the building, contrary to the provisions of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010.

    The Governor therefore appealed to residents of the state to always allow emergency responders perform their duties of emergency as they are trained for this purpose.

    “He enjoins land owners within the state who intend to embark on construction to employ the services of qualified and competent engineers who must obtain building permit before construction,” the statement said.