The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Lagos ‘ll enforce traffic laws, says Ambode

    Lagos ‘ll enforce traffic laws, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring total compliance with traffic laws by motorists and other road users.

    The laws, he explained, were enacted  to ensure easy movement.

    The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, spoke at thecommissioning of a multi-storey car park complex at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos yesterday.

    When there is strict compliance with relevant laws, especially the laws on traffic management, the economic prosperity and infrastructural development, the governor said.

    Commissioning the multi-storey car park, Ambode praised Ikoyi Club 1938 for its construction, describing it as a laudable project that would ease traffic in the area.

    He enjoined other social and corporate organisations to emulate the club.

    The club’s Chairman, Major-Gen Mufutau Balogun (rtd) said the park’s construction was in fulfilment of a 13-year dream, noting it would make its members and visitors more comfortable.

    He said the usual traffic snarl around the club and environs would now be reduced, adding that the park can accommodate about 295 cars on four floors and nine parking areas.

    He said it is fitted with modern features including Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), elevators, a restaurant and a lounge for drivers, among other amenities.

     

  • One very hardball for Ambode

    An okra plant can never grow taller than its planter, no matter how tall it ever grows; a wooden oracle is but a piece of wood on the day of its demystification. It is said that only the foolishly brave would mistake the stealth movement of the tiger for cowardice; does a proper fish catch cold in the deeps? When the duck swallows pebble, would it not pass water still? And no matter how large a tail is, would it wag the dog? The matter at hand has grown so bloody it has to be presaged with proverbs so that those who have understanding would appreciate its full import.

    On Friday, June 12, 30-year-old Sodiq Shittu was put down in broad daylight on Lawani Street, Mushin, in the suburb of Lagos. A gang of hoodlums surrounded Sodiq, knocked him down, cracked his skull with hammer, gouged out his eyes and finally smashed his head with a large stone. They made to set his body ablaze when residents summoned courage and chased them away. Sodiq’s became another body in the morgue for family to grieve over. That was the third killing on Lawani Street this year.

    A fourth killing suspected to be related was reported last Wednesday. The body of a young man of 30 known as Godwin Victor aka Sangba was washed up by the lagoon front near the University of Lagos, Akoka. The body was bound hand and feet and a log of wood was also found to be tied to its back. It is suspected that Victor Godwin was pushed into the lagoon alive by his killers.

    According to report, Victor had renounced the cult group he belonged to, but his erstwhile members would not hear of it. He was said to have fled to Port Harcourt for sometime, but upon his return to Lagos last week, he was abducted and that was the last his family saw him until his corpse was washed up.

    As sure as the day would break tomorrow, another body would be reported soon and another and yet another. If not in Mushin, it would be Fadeyi, Idi-oro, Somolu, Bariga, Mafoluku, Oshodi or Ajah. This is how it has been for nearly 10 years now. But today, it gets more gruesome, more rampant and more brazen. Today they abduct and kill in the daylight; they use heavier weapons today. They are well known and they terrorise streets and neighbourhoods; they cow the police and they dare the government to stop them. And nobody speaks up.

    When rival cults engage in crossfire, many innocent people get hit. And if you are hit, you are hit. You simply bury your dead and crawl into your corner or go get your own arms if you are so minded. There are dozens of such collateral deaths over the years. Nobody gets prosecuted and none compensated. It is like a jungle where only the most brutish survive.

    And the malaise festers deeper and deeper into many other neighbourhoods and communities of Lagos, the mega city in the making. The gruesome killings of Sodiq and Victor would serve as gauntlet thrown at Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Will somebody speak up and arrest this malady?

  • Traffic gridlock: Ambode orders relocation of bus terminals

    Traffic gridlock: Ambode orders relocation of bus terminals

    … Approves pedestrian bridge for Berger bus stop

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Thursday ordered the relocation of bus terminals in congested areas in order to tackle the persistent traffic gridlock witnessed in the state.

    The governor gave the directive during an inspection of some traffic flash points at 3rd Mainland Bridge, Oworonshoki, Ketu, Abule-egba, Alimosho and Mile 12 area of the state.

    He said government is greatly concern about situation, adding that all hands will be on deck to address it.

    Ambode said, “What we have done in the last three hours is to show that we are greatly concerned about the traffic gridlock that we have been experiencing in the last few months. It’s not enough for us to stay in the office and believe that we can create solutions to the traffic challenge that we have in the state.

    “So we decided that we are going to go round ourselves and see how we can improve the traffic situation. That’s not the end of the story. We’re still going to Apapa and Mile 2. The truth is that we must start to have solutions to our traffic challenges in the state and that’s what we are doing.”

    The governor also hinted that he has given approval for the construction of Pedestrian Bridge at Berger, adding that this is needed to allow free vehicular movement.

    “We have seen that Berger needs a foot bridge and immediately the engineers are going to work and make sure that we put something there. We don’t want any traffic on that highway,” he stated.

  • Ambode seeks adherence to Islamic injunctions

    Ambode seeks adherence to Islamic injunctions

    Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has called for strict adherence to the dictates of Islam.

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Habib Aruna, Ambode said the Holy Month signifies piety and total abstinence from food and all vices.

    While saying that the period of abstinence should also accentuate orderly behaviour and obedience to constituted authority, the governor said with the fear of God, people would obey all laws.

    He said Muslims must ensure that abstinence from all vices, embraced during the Ramadan period, should become an everyday affair.

    In doing so, he said, everybody would be at peace with him or herself.

    The governor, who used the occasion to canvass peaceful co-existence among residents, added that only through peaceful atmosphere that government policies and programmes  could be actualised.

    “At this critical period of nation building, the lessons of the Holy month of Ramadan must permeate all actions and deeds of the people in such a way that each person serve as his brother’s keeper always”, the governor said.

    He said it should also be a period of rededication to the ideals of nation building by the citizenry.

    “At this period when majority of Nigerians have expressed their choice at the polls for a change, which must be total and all encompassing,” he said.

  • Ambode dissolves boards

    Ambode dissolves boards

    •Appoints Accountant-General

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday approved the dissolution of all boards of parastatals and agencies of government.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said the dissolution is to take immediate effect.

    However, the Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission and the State Independent Electoral Commission were exempted.

    The governor praised the modest contributions of the members of the dissolved boards, just as he wished them well in their future endeavours.

    Ambode has approved the appointment of Mrs. Abimbola Shukrat Umar as the Accountant General and the Permanent Secretary, State Treasury Office.

    Mrs. Umar was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

    A holder of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Economics (1983) from the University of Ibadan and Masters of Science in Corporate Governance (2013) from Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom, Mrs Umar is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Nigeria Economic Society.

    She spent over 15 years in the private sector, particularly with the renowned KPMG (International) before joining the Lagos State Civil Service as Chief Accountant in 2002.

  • Show more concern for environment, Ambode urges residents

    Show more concern for environment, Ambode urges residents

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged the public to work towards attaining sustainable environment.

    He spoke during the World Environment Day (WED) with the theme: “Seven billion dreams. One planet. Consume with care.”

    The governor noted that the new perspective of the world is that ecology and economics are two sides of the same coin, adding that it is impossible to continue to do business at the expense of nature without compromising the sustainability of its resources.

    “If the environment is not in harmony with our ambition, then we must change our ambition to be in perfect harmony with the environment. This is the wisdom we require to live peacefully on earth. We recognise the fact that mother earth can survive without us but we cannot survive without her,” he said.

    The governor enjoined Lagosians to rise up and save the environment so that people can enjoy healthy and sustainable life on the planet, adding that the alteration in the environment was affecting the wellbeing of people every single moment.

    He said: “To solve the problems of the environment, everyone on earth must act; it is not the government business, it is not some people’s business, it is everybody’s business. It is one world, one environment; the problems of the environment transcends boundary. An error by one is a serious concern for all.”

    Ambode noted that this year’s theme was instructive because it is about resource efficiency and sustainable consumption, especially with the world’s population estimated at over seven billion.

    “The food we eat, the materials we use for diverse purposes, our shelter and many more are all from this same planet. It is evident that we are consuming more than the planet can sustainably provide. It is only reasonable for us to ensure that we do it with care and conserve,” the governor urged.

    Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Hakeem Ogunbambi,  said the state government had prioritised the environment through policies and programmes such as the institutionalisation of tree planting exercise with over five million trees planted to date, landscaping and beautification of open spaces, international summit on climate change, launching of climate change clubs in Lagos schools, improved waste management, renewable energy, drainage construction and waste water management.

    The World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 yearly. It was celebrated for the first time in 1973 with “Only one earth” as theme.

  • Ambode greets Sam Amuka at 80

    Ambode greets Sam Amuka at 80

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday paid tribute to the Chairman of Vanguard Media Limited and veteran journalist, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, who turned 80 on Saturday.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, the governor said Amuka-Pemu has contributed largely to the uplift of journalism in Nigeria.

    Ambode said his strides towards the growth of the media are not only evident in how he has spearheaded Vanguard to enviable heights, but also his stance on political stability, accountability and the rule of law.

    He said: “Nigeria has benefitted immensely by the presence of Uncle Sam Amuka in the media both as a journalist and columnist from the days of the Daily Times group, of which he served as Editor of the Sunday Times”.

    “His then column, ‘Sad-Sam’, stood tall amongst equals as he continuously kept his readers glued to his satirical and literary styled articles, a model he has maintained over the years.

    “It is not surprising that he has brought his wealth of experience to bear to Vanguard, one of the newspapers to reckon with in the country today”.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos, I wish you a Happy 80th birthday and many more years of good health, good speed and new heights going forward.”

  • NURTW hails Ambode at 52

    NURTW hails Ambode at 52

    The Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede , has congratulated Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode on his 52nd birthday.

    The governor, who was 52 yesterday, urged well-wishers to channel congratulatory advertisement resources to fund cancer research and treatment.

    Agbede, in a statement said: “The efforts of the governor since he was sworn in shows clearly that he means well for the generality of the people of the state. You have shown within a short period that you are ready to serve the people.”

    The NURTW boss assured Ambode of the union’s readiness to continue to cooperate with the government.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Osinbajo, Ambode, others call for collective efforts to reduce cancer

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said the fight against cancer requires the cooperation of all.

    Represented by former Attorney General of Lagos State, Ade Ipaye, Osinbajo said cancer is a deadly affliction that could affect anyone.

    He said he would be ready to support the fight agianst the disease because the fight against the cancer scourge requires the support of everyone.

    The VP spoke yesterday at a  programme to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode  tagged ‘The Banquet of Stars Against Cancer’.

    Ambode urged corporate organisations and individuals to invest in cancer awareness, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research to reduce the burden of the disease.

    The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Oluranti Adebule. The programme was organised by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy In Nigeria (CECP) to commemorate Cancer Awareness Week, raise fund and mobilise Nigerians to fight cancer scourge.

    He said that government recognised the task to provide quality healthcare for the people.

    ‘’Lives are lost everyday to cancer and this is unacceptable. This triggered the annual health mission organised by the Lagos State Government to screen the public for cancer.

    ‘’Government alone cannot do it. I call on corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals to invest in healthcare to reduce disease burden.

    ‘’To this end, I urge those who planned gifts and adverts for the celebration of my birthday to channel the funds towards the fight against cancer, ‘’he said.

    Mr Tony Elumelu, a former Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, highlighted lack of fund and private sector involvement as factors militating against adequate health care facilities in Nigeria.

    “I can rightly say that funding is the most critical in the delivery of health care.

    “Financing is a critical wall against the fight against cancer, so on realising this we proposed a fiscal policy aimed at improving our medical facilities.

    “However on our part as organised private sector and Capital Market Community, we have resolved to raise more than N1 billion in 10 years to fight cancer.

    “The specific goal is to raise funds to acquire and deploy 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC), which would take health promotion to grassroots of Nigeria. Each Mobile unit costs N120 million.

    ‘’Therefore, I call on other organisations to be a part of this fight against cancer by donating generously to this course,” he said.

    Dr Abia Nzelu, Secretary, CECP said one in three Nigerians would be diagnosed of cancer in their life time, 100, 000 new cases were diagnosed yearly and 80, 000 die annually of cancer in Nigeria.

    ‘’We need to act fast and now by providing these mobile cancer clinics, comprehensive cancer centre and a cancer institute to win the war against cancer.

    ‘’This move will screen, diagnose, treat and prevent cancers since early detection and prevention is the way to overcome the cancer burden,’’ she said.

    Some of the victims, who spoke at the occasion, were Maiden Olorogun Ibru, who lost her husband Mr Alex Ibru to colon cancer, and Ms Adenike Oyetunde, lawyer and broadcaster, who lost her limb to cancer.

    They appealed for generous donations towards saving many Nigerians from the scourge of cancer.

    Olorogun-Ibru asked the Lagos State Government to kick-start the campaign by donating a mobile cancer centre, to set an example for other states.

    Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Christopher Kolade said the CECP is engaged to fight cancer because the body realises what cancer can do and that it is a serious war.

    He said with the level of support demonstrated by the public to the cause, they are assured that every Nigerian would be able to have access to a means of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.

    Foremost economist Dr Pat Utomi who stood in for the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Fola Adeola, said CECP is passionate about ensuring that mobile testing centres are provided for every Nigerian because early detection is key to the survival of cancer.

  • Ambode: rural growth my priority

    Ambode: rural growth my priority

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the policy thrust of his administration will be community development.

    He spoke yesterday when he met with members of the Neighbourhood Watch and Community Development Committees.

    The governor, represented by Deputy Governor  Oluranti Adebule at the interactive session, said his administration would give back government to the communities.

    “Let me assure you that going forward you will be playing more significant and critical role in this administration. The present administration is giving back government to the communities.

    “We know that if we develop the community, we have developed the local government that means we are equally developing the state. But we will not start from up, we will start from the bottom so that we will go up like that.”

    Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Alhaji Akeem Sanni thanked the government for always according the watchers recognition.

    Advisory Council of the Community Development Committees Chairman Alhaji T.A Quadri who spoke on behalf of his members expressed the CDC members’ appreciation to the state.