The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode welcomes UK PM to Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday received the British Prime Minister, Theresa May in Lagos, affirming that the State remains a choice destination for investors from the United Kingdom.

    The British Prime Minister, who arrived the Presidential Wing of the International Airport at about 4:30pm, was received by the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and the Special Adviser, Overseas Affairs and Investment, Professor Ademola Abass.

    The Governor said he was delighted to welcome the British Prime Minister to Lagos, noting that the relationship between Britain and Nigeria dated back to the nineteenth century.

    He said that much of Nigerian education, cultural and political systems was influenced by Britain and that there are more Nigerians living in the UK than elsewhere in the world outside Nigeria.

    Governor Ambode emphasised that Lagos remained a place of choice for British investors especially given that stability in the government, the size of Lagos economy and population as well as the particular focus of his administration on the rule of law and justice sector reform.

    “We just had a sort of bilateral discussion with the Prime Minister of Britain and just like what you are already aware of, she had actually visited Abuja earlier in the day to see Mr President but again the important part of this visit to us more or less is to discuss about how investment in Lagos can be improved upon by British investors and you would realize the fact that Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and a whole lot of British investments are actually domiciled in Lagos,” he said.

    All of these, the Governor said, have not only enhanced the ease of doing business in Lagos but also ensured a greater protection of people and investment in the State.

    He also said that it would be of particular importance to Lagos State if British investors could explore the various opportunities that exist in the State in the areas of energy, technology, export finance, infrastructure and the creative industry.

    “So, we spoke about how we can improve the investment climate in Lagos and then the other parts of what Lagos has been doing to attract investors. You know we have been doing a lot in judicial sector reforms and security sector reforms and the Prime Minister was pleased with the progress that we are making in Lagos and ready to compliment our efforts by opening up export credit facility and development finance to some of the things that we are doing in Lagos State.

    The Governor expressed optimism in the strengthening of the relationship between Britain and Lagos and avowed that his administration would do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

    “We spoke about things relating to technology, infrastructure and also the creative industry. The relationship that Lagos has had with Britain dates back years and you know Lagos in 1861 was a British Colony and so the history has been so long that we need to just reactivate that and also make sure that a whole lot of British investments come in to Lagos and she is pleased with the progress that has made. She has gone round and she is willing to do more with us and encouraging British investors to come in to Lagos and we are happy with that,” he said.

    Speaking to journalists at the airport, the British Prime Minister noted that she was happy to be in Nigeria and Lagos in particular to see the thriving business community.

    “I have had a fantastic visit to Nigeria and we have outstanding relationship between UK and Nigeria but there is much more that we can do in the future. I enjoyed being able to come to Abuja and also to Lagos to see the thriving business community here.

    “We want to see increased trade between Nigeria and UK; increased investment; bringing jobs here to Nigeria, jobs in the UK being good for both countries and I have had an excellent time here and I am very pleased to being able to be here and thank you Governor (Ambode),” the British PM said.

    She pointed out the important role that a stable government in Lagos plays in giving extra confidence of investors in the State.

    The Head of the British Government also disclosed the availability of export credit finance to the tune of 750 million pound sterling as well as a considerable development finance, which Lagos State could look towards.

    She spoke about the role that British could play in the development of the technology industry in Lagos given the particular capability of the UK in that area.

    In that regard, the PM disclosed that she brought as part of her delegation, an expert in Fintech to explore the opportunity in this area that Lagos could benefit from.

    The British Prime Minister also noted the special strength of the London City as a financial hub that could be of considerable importance for Lagos State, just as she emphasized sustainability and growth in Britain/Lagos relationship. 

    She further expressed the desire of the British government to assist Lagos in the development of her creative industry and alluded to the fact that the jacket she was wearing when she met with the Governor was actually made in Nigeria.

  • Security beefed up as British Prime Minister, May, visits Lagos

    Security has been beefed up at the Murtala Muhammed Airports, Ikeja, ahead of the British Prime Minister, Mrs Theresa May’s visit to Lagos on Wednesday.

    Security agencies including the Police, the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps and the Nigerian Army are at strategic locations within the precincts of the airport.

    Also deployed are officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency to ensure smooth human and vehicular movement.

    An official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) told our reporter that the facility has been secured with the deployment of the security personnel for May’s arrival.

    Read Also: UK ‘ll use aid budget to boost trade in Africa, says May

    NAN reports that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State is expected to receive the Prime Minister and her entourage later today at
    the airport.

    May is on a trade mission in an attempt to bolster Britain’s post-Brexit fortunes. This is her first visit to Africa since she became Prime
    Minister in 2016.

    She will be accompanied by a 30-man business delegation as part of her efforts to “deepen and strengthen” partnerships around the world
    as the UK prepares to leave the European Union (EU) next year.

    Former Prime Minister David Cameron had in 2013 visited Africa for Nelson Mandela’s memorial service.

  • Ambode urges LASPEC officers on pensioners

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has challenged officers of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) on effective communication with retirees and pensioners.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, spoke during the workshop tagged: ‘Top skills for public-facing officers of LASPEC in Lagos.

    He said the training was designed for officers of LASPEC who interact with pensioners, retirees and the public.

    According to him,  the rationale for the training is to ensure that the officers are reminded of the fundamentals of communicating effectively and compassionately to those with whom they interact.

    He said members of the public expect senior public servants to possess general top skills.

    He added that the state recognises the fact that there was need to train the officers to ensure that they cultivate skills that public-facing officers of the LASPEC ought to cultivate.

    The Governor said: “The first skill or trait should be a passionate commitment to the mission of the agency and the service as a whole. Excitement trickles down from leadership to the employees on the ground. When the administrator is enthused about the organisation or agency’s mission, the employees will mirror those feelings. In times of crisis, great administrators remind their staffs of the purpose of their mission and the role their organisation plays in the larger society.

    “The possession of a conceptual skill is also part of the critical skills and traits. As public servants, they must also learn how to pay attention to details. As important as it is for leaders to see the big picture and think strategically, it is equally important for them to pay attention to the details. This does not mean that leaders have to be involved in every minor decision, or undermine the decisions of subordinates; rather, leaders must remain aware of the activities of their staff and the status of projects, allowing autonomy whenever possible,” he added.

  • Obas to meet Ambode over Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    The Lagos Council of Obas is to meet Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over the dilapidated Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Akran of Badagry De Aholu Menu Toyi I said yesterday.

    Menu-Toyi I told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry that the road had retarded the growth of the ancient city and the movement of people.

    The monarch said the council would visit the governor in order to hasten work on the Mile 2-Okokomaiko section of the road.

    “I am not happy with the state of the road. Lagos-Badagry Expressway is an international road, which is supposed to be the responsibility of the Federal Government, but it has been abandoned.

    “The road is deterring investors from coming to the town, while tourists are no longer visiting Badagry.

    “Sons and daughters of the land now prefer to enjoy their holidays in Lagos instead of coming home.

    “Motorists and passengers spend up to five hours in the gridlock before getting to the city, a journey that is supposed to take an hour.

    “The road has now become a death trap to my citizens, this is sad,” the monarch said.

    National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Chapter Vice-Chairman Oloyede Edun said many lives had been lost to accidents due to the bad road.

    Special Adviser to Ambode on the Environment Babatunde Hunpe said the state was awaiting the Federal Government’s approval to reconstruct Okokomaiko/Seme Border Section of the expressway.

    Hunpe said work on the road would start immediately the state got the approval.

  • Obas to meet Ambode over Lagos-Badagry Expressway

    The Akran of Badagry, De Aholu Menu-Toyi I, on Tuesday said the Lagos Council of Obas would soon meet Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode over the deplorable state of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    Menu-Toyi I  told the News Agency of Nigeria in Badagry that the deplorable state of the road had retarded the growth of the ancient city and movement of people.

    The monarch said that the council had decided to pay a visit to the governor in order to hasten work on the ongoing road construction between Mile 2 and Okokomaiko.

    “I am not happy with the state of the road. Lagos-Badagry Expressway is an international road, which is supposed to be the responsibility of Federal Government, but it has been abandoned.

    “The road is deterring investors from coming to the town, while tourists are no longer visiting Badagry.

    “Sons and daughters of the land now prefer to enjoy their holidays in Lagos instead of coming home.

    “Motorists and passengers spend up to five hours in the gridlock before getting to the city, a journey that is supposed to take an hour.

    “The road has now become a deathtrap to my citizens, this is sad,” the monarch said.

    Read Also: Ambode,  Wike, El-Rufai, others for Re-Make Nigeria project

    Also, Mr Oloyede Edun, the Vice-Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), said that many lives had been lost to accidents due to deplorable condition of the road.

    Meanwhile, Babatunde Hunpe, the Special Adviser to Ambode on Environment, told NAN that the state government was awaiting Federal Government’s approval to reconstruct Okokomaiko/Seme Border Section of the expressway.

    Hunpe said that work on the road would start immediately the state government secured the approval.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, others for The Ambassadors Summit

    This year’s edition of The Ambassadors Summit will have Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, as well as the former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke as the special keynote speaker.

    The youths’ event, with the theme: The Nigerian Dream: Collective Building for Today and Tomorrow, will hold on September 8 at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at 9 a.m prompt.

    Also billed to enlighten over 5,000 working professionals, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, and youths expected at the programme are: presidential aspirants, including Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Mathias Tsado, Ahmed Buhari, Tope Fasua, David Esosa Ize-Iyamu, Dr Kola Christwealth, Eunice Atuejide, Dr Elishama Ideh, among others.

    According to the convener and president of the initiative, Joshua Oyeniyi, the event aims at charting a new course for the youth in the Nigerian project.

    He said: “The Ambassadors Summit is arguably the most consistent platform in South Western Nigeria for the three ‘E’s of our mission, called Engagement, Enlightenment and Empowerment.

    “Since 2014, we have continued to stay true to our vision to raise sterling Nigerian leaders across diverse fields of endeavours. They will have the highest level of ethics, values and convictions necessary to building a vibrant nation and can represent us well anywhere in the world.”

  • ‘CDAs, CDCs are symbols of peace’

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) to be symbols of peace and harmony.

    He restated his determination to promote peaceful co-existence among residents, irrespective of ethnic group, religion and political affiliation.

    The governor spoke on Sunday during Eid-el-Kabir celebration with members of the Community Advisory Council and CDAs at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Ambode, represented by his Special Adviser on Communities and Communications, Hakeem Sulaimon, enjoined residents to play their role in developing the state.

    He hailed the CDAs for protecting infrastructure, and described them as strong pillars of his administration.

    “Let me again take this opportunity to reassure residents that we remain committed to the welfare and well-being of citizens, irrespective of their location in the state and without prejudice to ethnic, religious, political and socio-economic background,” the governor said.

    The governor praised the CDAs, who have completed their self-help projects and advised those yet to complete theirs to do so.

    Ambode told the CDA members that his promise to provide annual grants to complete self-help projects would be fulfilled, stressing that the fulfilment is hinged on the judicious use of the N500 million grant given to 275 CDAs.

    CDC Chairman of Ijede Mr. Ayoku Owolawi thanked the Ambode government for the “unexpected recognition” given members.

  • Ambode, Wike, El-Rufai, others for Re-Make Nigeria project

    Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) have been identified as icons of a new Nigeria.

    A statement by the Convener of Re-Make Nigeria, Mr. Tom Obulu, said the governors and others were chosen based on their performance in office in the last three and a half years.

    Others listed as icon of Re-Make Nigeria are Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal,  Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi,  Imo State governorship aspirant Senator Sam Anyanwu, and a diplomat from United Nations, Sam Abashe of Plateau State.

    Obulu said: ”These icons of Re-Make Nigeria  have been carefully selected by our team of assessors nationwide after considering the impact they’ve had on the people of their states in terms of the projects they have executed”.

    Obulu noted that the Re-Make Nigeria Group is a non-political organisation. “It is a hub of interactions and assessments by citizens for the nation’s advancement and has come on the national stream to focus on those administrators activating democracy in a unique way.

    “Agree or disagree with us, these governors or aspirants have done well for their people. Never in the history of Nigeria has any governor inaugurated projects before an array of VIPs like Governor Wike.

    “Governor El-Rufai was crowned the Most Focused public administrator in Nigeria, becoming the first governor to present his 2019 budget prioritising education”.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode for Lead Big Innovation Festival

    Come Saturday, September 22, 2018, the 10th Lead Big Innovation Festival will hold at the Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Dignitaries expected at the event include -Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, African richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija amongst others.

    According to the Executive Coordinator for LEAD, Paul Jide Peter, the event is designed to ignite the spirit of enterprise, innovation, creativity and service excellence, and also stimulate economic growth in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

    Jide revealed that the event would bring together over 5,000 participants made up of highly innovative individuals, bright minds, young business owners, SMEs, career professionals, amongst others.

    Jide added that the participants of the event would be expected to leverage on the opportunity to meet with leading idea geniuses, thought leaders, global innovators that would help them expand their creative quotients, as well as explore new ideas, emerging technologies, innovations and creative solutions that will support Africa’s long-term economic advancement

  • Prisons congestion: I’m very concerned -Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Friday expressed concern about the congestion of prisons, with over 70 per cent of inmates in the state awaiting trial

    The governor called for major reforms to decongest prisons across the country.

    Ambode spoke when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Prison Services, Lagos Command, led by the Controller, Mr Tunde Ladipo, at his residence in Epe.

    He said that the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy would look into some of the cases of inmates and see the possibility of granting official pardon to prisoners who had shown remorse.

    The governor said that inmates of good behaviour and those ready to contribute meaningfully to the society would also be pardoned.

    “I am very concerned about congestion of prisons in Lagos State. However, there is no better time to carry out reforms in our prisons, and it is necessary, especially as regards the decongestion of the prison,” he said.

    Ambode also directed the Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Dr Olufemi Onanuga, to provide adequate health services for all the prisons in the state so as to prevent outbreak of diseases.

    Read Also: Ambode donates vehicles, ambulance to Lagos Prison

    The governor also donated vehicles and other equipment to the Lagos Prisons Service, saying it was his administration’s contribution to make the prisons more conducive.

    “For a State like Lagos where development is ongoing, it is bound to attract people from other states and neighbouring countries, and this means increase in population.

    “We are providing these critical assistance to the prison authorities to make them more efficient and make our prisons more conducive,” Ambode said.

    Earlier, the Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, Mr Tunde Ladipo, said that the visit was to remind the governor of their requests for some vehicles and equipment.

    These, he said, were to enhance their capacity to effectively transport and secure inmates awaiting trial.

    Ladipo said that as at Jan. 31, 8,191 inmates — 7,887 male and 304 female — were in custody across the five prison facilities in the state.

    He said that the prisons include the Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri; Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri; Female Security Prison, Kirikiri; Ikoyi Prisons and Badagry Prisons.

    Ladipo said that out of the number, 6,290 inmates were awaiting trial and attending the various court jurisdictions in the state.

    “The challenges toward fulfilling the responsibilities of effective prison duties are indeed overwhelming and seriously challenging especially in a state with a large inmate population like Lagos,” he said.

    Ladipo, while commending the governor for his developmental strides as well as massive support to security organisations, said the Lagos Prison Command was working toward reforming prisoners.

    He revealed that two inmates, Kabiru Tunwase and Oladipupo Moshood were currently pursuing PhD in Business Administration and Peace and Conflict Resolution respectively.