Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday evening, visited Maracana stadium in Ajegunle, to announce his plan to transform the facility to a world class multi-purpose sports complex.
The initiative, he said, will help the youth harness their natural talents in a positive way.
Addressing a crowd comprising youths, dancehall artsiste, Daddy Showkey, and other residents of the area, Ambode said, “The last time I came here, I promised that I was going to do something in this arena. I am not happy that after three years of my administration, the reconstruction of the Maracana stadium is yet to commence.
”However, the design is ready, the contractor is here, and they will start the work. If you go to Onikan stadium, you would see that we are rebuilding it to world class standard; by January it would be completed. The same contractor working on Onikan stadium will handle the Maracana Stadium,” he said.
The governor assured that the new complex would also have a Volleyball Court, Tennis Court, Swimming Pool, Track and Field area, an all purpose events centre among others.
He said the contractor had also been given the mandate to address the challenge of flooding, in the area.
”All the schools around here, we know that there is a challenge of flood disturbing them, and we are not happy about it; so, the same contractor will do the drainage in this area, and because of the road, we will do a jetty behind, so that we can use the ferry to bring athletes and sports people to this place,” he said.
The governor, however, appealed to residents to cooperate with the government to transform the area, adding that when the facility is in place and handed over to them, they must go all out to protect it from vandalisation.
Earlier, giving an insight to the plan of work for the proposed Maracana complex, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Adebowale Akinsanya, said it will also accommodate an administrative building, and a bus terminal to bring athletes to and fro the complex.
“In addition to these, we would do rehabilitation of the access roads because it is very key to getting into the stadium. What we want to do is to discourage people driving in, instead they would take buses to come in. So, there would be a small terminal for buses to come in. In addition as well, we are doing a jetty across, a shoreline protection and the jetty would be functional 24 hours.
Akinsanya said they were also in talks with the Ministry of Education, to improve on the facilities in the 58 schools located within the area.
In his speech, the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Ayoola Fatai, thanked the governor for visiting, assuring that the residents would cooperate to make the project a reality.
***as LASG hold 1st roundtable on water transportation
Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said he wants the private sector to own the state economy because that is the only way to grow the Gross Domestic Product, GDP of the state.
Ambode stated this in his speech at the first Roundtable on Water transportation organised by the state government under the auspices of the state ministry of transport which took place at Eko Hotels, Ikoyi on Friday.
The Roundtable which was in collaboration with both local and international strategic partners especially from the Maritime industry was organised to discuss the issues facing the state in the water transportation sector and identifying steps for progressively engaging and addressing them.
The strategic partners in attendance include: United Passengers Waterways Association; University of Lagos; The Good Beverage Recycling Alliance; Uk, US and South Africa governments, Paramount Maritime Holdings of South Africa etc.
The governor promised that his government will create the enabling environment and a sense of transparency for the private sector to invest in the state and grow the GDP of the state.
Among such conducive environment, he said is to give relief that will make the investors more comfortable, saying “Lagos is open to business, you can walk into Lagos and do your business.
According to him, the whole objective is not more about profit but to “create a platform for our people to live a more comfortable ife”.
Ambode who said the chaotic traffic situation in Lagos was due to the fact that concentration was more on road transportation to the neglect of other modes of transportation stated that it was his desire to develop other modes of transportation like rail and water to reduce pressure in the roads.
“I have been trying to fight the chaotic traffic situation in the last three years. About 25 per cent of the 3,577 square kilometre land the state is made of is water, so why don’t we think of other mode of transportation; we are already working on the rail system with the approval of the Federal Government, much has been done there but there is still a long way to go. So why don’t we think of other mode of transportation.
“There are so many cars plying Lagos roads on a daily basis with about 6million entering the business districts, we need to focus specifically on water transportation, the canoes doing that now are not good enough, there is also insecurity.” Adding that parners are needed to make water transportation more attractive and safer for Lagosians.
“So how do we convince car owners to come and use the waterways.” Adding that the whole essence is geared towards creating a better platform for Lagosians to have a better life”.
The governor commended the strategic partners who had earlier pledged to partner, support and assist the government in waterways transportation through investments, research, financial grants, both technical and otherwise, training and management, freeing the waterways of wreckage and general clean-up of waterways.
Ambode said it is imperative for those concerned to do something about the chaotic traffic situation in the state more so that the population of Lagos is expected to hit about 51million in 20 years time from the current 20million, “if not those coming behind us will not forgive us if we fail to do something now”.
In his welcome address earlier, the commissioner for transport, Mr. Ladi Lawanson said there is a lot of potentials in the waterway which has not been sufficiently harnessed.
Adding that there was need to invest sufficiently on water transportation
“in order to unlock this very important asset, unlocking it will project Lagos from the 5th to the 3rd economy on the continent.
The reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway will begin in two weeks, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.
At the Third Quarterly Town Hall Meeting at Iberekodo, Ibeju-Lekki, Ambode said the road had been in a bad state for too long.
He noted that traffic has improved in the axis in the last one week compared to what it was some few weeks ago.
According to him, the gridlock has become perennial, and going and coming is pathetic.
“But the challenge is to give a permanent solution and in that reason, the President (Muhammadu Buhari) has directed the Vice President (Yemi Osinbajo) to visit Lagos and provide permanent solution,” he said.
Ambode asked that ports in other states be revived to resolve the perennial traffic congestion in Apapa.
Beyond reviving other ports, tankers queuing up to lift petroleum products from tank farms in Apapa is also a major issue causing gridlock and damaging road infrastructure there.
The governor said: “It would be very unfair to Lagosians if I don’t talk about issues relating to traffic management and integrated transport management most especially what we have witnessed in the last one week in Apapa, but again I would like to tell Lagosians that every stakeholder that is ?relevant to resolving the Apapa crisis, we have gone to work and you can see that there is a major improvement.
“We are grateful to the President for his intervention. We believe that every layer of government should collaborate to resolve the crisis. But we all must know that Apapa crisis is more than traffic issue.
“That is where all states depend on for revenue through Customs because the revenue is shared at the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). If anything goes wrong in the port, whatever they get from the place could reduce. It is a national issue and it must be addressed as same immediately.
“It is bad that we still use trucks to lift petroleum products from Apapa to other parts of the country. As it is now, other ports in Nigeria must begin to work immediately to decongest gridlock in Lagos.”
Ambode called on the Minister of state of Petroleum and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to work towards reviving the pipelines.
He thanked the Federal Government for shifting the date for the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge.
The governor said his administration had kept faith with the people.
“Our promise from the very beginning was that we are going to give you a government of inclusion and it’s very clear that we are on track. When we look at our scorecard, which is to keep Lagos on a trajectory of growth and development, we are on that track,” he said.
On his plan for Ibeju Lekki, Ambode said the construction of the Epe Airport and reconstruction of the Coastal Road were on course, adding that the dualisation of the Eleko Junction to the T-Junction will begin in January. He promised to complete the 27 network of roads in Ojokoro and Ayinke House, among others before the next quarter.
He directed the recruitment of 1,000 teachers adding that more would be recruited as the need arises.
A physically-challenged graduate of Computer Studies, Michael Ogunyemi, who has been jobless for five years could not hold back his joy when the governor directed the Civil Service Commission to employ him from August 1.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has pledged to support the initiatives of Olusoye Compensatory Centre, which is saddled with the responsibility of taking care of children with special needs.
Ambode spoke through the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Agbo Dabiri during a talent show and awards organised in memory of the centre’s founder, Mrs Ellen Olusola Caulcrick, who died five years ago.
The Governor said the state prioritizes child development, noting that its Child Rights Law was enacted to protect children. He said every child had the right to good education, and to this end the government has adopted best practices from developed countries on how to gain early intervention skills to cater for children with special needs.
He encouraged the management team and workers of Olusoye Compensatory Centre to write their own stories and be the best they can be.
The Governor also praised the centre’s leadership and the board of trustees for their selfless service and commitment to the children’s welfare.
He praised the children who participated in the team and individual categories of the talent show regardless of their learning challenges, for their courage and enthusiasm to make something worthwhile out of their lives.
The event held at the Ilupeju Recreation Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos, was chaired by Mrs Adefemi Abeke Taire, a former secretary to the Lagos State Government and chairman of the centre’s board of trustees.
In her speech, Mrs Taire, thanked Ambode for honouring the centre’s invitation. She said shared the history, vision and mission statement of the non-profit private school, urging the audience to appreciate the laudable efforts of the late Mrs Caulcrick.
Fourteen schools featured in the school category while four pupils featured in the individual category of the event tagged “Yes, I can”. The audience cheered the challenged-children, as they sang, danced and perform wonders on musical instruments.
Following the amazing performances, Mrs Taire, encouraged the guests to give to support the development of the centre’s permanent site in Epe. She said the 2 ½-hectare site at Oke-Osho village, Temu, Epe was to facilitate the full accomplishment of the founder’s vision for an exclusive academic and vocational centre for children and youth with special needs.
Starting with guests on the high table, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, represented by Mrs Delphine Misan-Arenyekam and Pastor Niyi Famuyide, the guests donated handsomely, while others pledged continual moral and financial support to the school.
At the end of the competition, Child Development Centre (CDC), Surulere, emerged winner of the school category with 120 points, while Lekan Ogunkoya with 116 points, won the individual performers’ category.
•’Our greatest achievement is security of life, property’
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said the state has become one of the safest cities in Africa.
The governor spoke as the guest speaker at this year’s Executive Intelligence Management Course participants of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The event, with the theme: Cultural Values, National Security and Challenges of Contemporary Governance: Perspectives from Lagos State Experience, was attended by participants from across the country.
Ambode said the greatest achievement of his administration in the past three years is the protection of life and property of the residents.
The state, the governor said, had invested over N20 billion on security in the past three years.
With the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corp (LNSC) his administration set up, he said crimes had reduced across the state.
Ambode noted that the problem with the country was problem of discipline and the challenge of attitudes.
He said: “Indeed, I strongly believe that the fight against crime and all forms of criminality would be better enhanced if efforts are geared towards embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies.
“This is what informed the setting up of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency of which I shall later speak. However, what we have found in our experience in Lagos State is that intelligence gathering through community policing will be ineffective in the absence of certain germane cultural values in the society.
“Indeed, the security of life and property of citizens remains the topmost pursuit of my administration. Indeed, one of the biggest achievements of my administration in the last three years is the security of life and the property of Lagos State residents. And of course, it is gratifying to note that Lagos State is now one of the safest cities in Africa.”
The governor also said an efficient and effective security architecture would ensure the implementation of other policies and the preservation of investment made.
“After all, that is what really grows our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that is what makes other people to want to come to Lagos State to live and work and invest,” he added.
Ambode noted that to reclaim the cultural values in multi-cultural and cosmopolitan Lagos State, there were four cardinal values that should be observed: truth, justice, hard-work and character.
According to him, 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population is below the age of 35.
Ambode said security is the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government, even though the Lagos State government supports the security agencies to protect the citizens.
The Director of the Institute for Security Studies, Mathew Seiyefa, thanked the governor for the support of the state through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has praised Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, Chief Executive Officer and founder of “The Home and You” for establishing its ultra-modern furniture factory.
The Governor also urged Nigerians to continue to patronize made in Nigeria products.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, which held in Ikorodu Lagos, the Governor said that the factory would produce industrial made-in-Nigeria furniture that can compete globally for both corporate and home use within and outside Nigeria, noting that “it is only through this means that the local economy could be developed.”
Ambode, who was represented by Rotimi Ogunleye and Mrs. Olayinka Oladunayo, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Commisioner for Commerce & Industry , described the sitting of the factory at Ibeshe, a suburb of Ikorodu, as a key driver for the economy of the state and the country at large.
“This is the first furniture company of its kind in the Ikorodu axis and a clear indication that the efforts of Lagos Sate government to provide security and infrastructure is beginning to yield positive fruits,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Abiru, identified, “passion and an undying crave for success had been the reason I was able to whether the storms in the early days of the 21 year old business.”
She noted the exemplary role and support of Bank of Industry (BOI), in the realization of the noble dream which today has become one of the major economic drivers in Lagos state and Nigeria as a whole.
“But for the support from BOI, we won’t be here today. They gave us the first facility in 2006 to get us running. We acquired world class machines from Italy, when we needed to improve on our quality and expand the capacity of the business, we approached them again for another facility which was granted in 2017,” she said.
Olusegun Osunkeye, the pioneer chairman of the company, described the ‘Home and You’ as a great edifice, noting that Nigeria would benefit from the establishment of the ultra-modern furniture factory as it would create employment and boost the local content policy of the government.
EDMARK Group of Companies, a multinational company present in 30 countries, on Sunday unveiled its state of the art International Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
The company also announced his venture into real estate business in Nigeria, stating that their 2nd project is currently under construction in Lekki, Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State to mark the flag off of the project.
The commissioning of the EDMARK’s D’Podium, situated at Aromire Avenue, off Allen, Ikeja, was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Mr. Bolaji Are, Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Shirley Vicario and her Husband, Mr. Pascario Vicario, Malaysian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohd Yunus Bin Ibrahim and Kano born Nigerian Business Mogul, Alhaji Hassan Dantata.
The Chairman/Founder, EDMARK Group of Companies, Mr. Sam Low (middle), Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Shirley Vicario, Senator Akin Odunsi, and during the grand opening of D’Podium International Event Centre situated at Aromire Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday July 22nd 2018.
Also present were Former Nigerian Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr. Ringo Bello, former Nigerian Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Mr. Akin Odunsi, top management executives of EDMARK led by its Founder/Chairman, Mr. Sam Low and many of the company’s distributors and guests alike.
Speaking at the official grand opening of the master piece edifice that was partially opened earlier in March, the Chairman/Founder of EDMARK Group of Companies, Mr. Sam Low expressed his happiness over the feats his organization had achieved within nine years of starting businesses in Nigeria despite the initial huddles encountered.
In his words, the Malaysian said “I am very happy to be in Nigeria to commission this multi billion naira edifice. Some years ago, I heard a voice in me, “Sam stop going to America to expand your business and go to Africa but i asked which part of Africa because at that time Africa was the last place I thought of investing.
“But finally, I found out from my map that Nigeria was in the centre of Africa and ironically was the biggest and the darkest part to invest at the time. After making up my mind to invest in Nigeria, we were faced with some challenges but we were not deterred, we re-planed and re- strategized and for this I want to say, I am grateful to my team who believed in our dream.
“Though our operation started in Ghana as a result of the initial challenges we faced when we attempted to set up our businesses in Nigeria; however, a year later, we moved into Nigeria after crossing the hurdles with the regulatory authorities and to cut the long story short; today we have eleven branches all over the major cities of the nation of Nigeria including Lagos and Abuja, where we have built up with employees from across the globe.
“Ours is a company committed to people’s well-being. We want citizens of Africa to live well and that is why our healthy supplement products help to tackle obesity and reduces the spread of cancer.” The joyous Low said amidst cheers from the audience.
He said that he strongly believe that the newest property which is humanitarian in approach, will enhance more businesses, open more opportunities, change the face of businesses and help boost the economy of Nigeria and other African countries.
In his opening remarks, EDMARK General Manager, Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Etim stated that the firm started the construction of the multi-billion naira building at a very trying period when recession was at its peak in the country and of course in Africa, but despite the economic challenges at the time that made so many investors to run away from Nigeria, his Chairman, Sam Low did not run away, rather, he invested heavily in Nigeria, creating over 5, 000 jobs in the process.
“Today, Edmark International is not only a success in Nigeria but a huge success in West Africa. Edmark International has helped to combat obesity in Nigeria as well as empowered many Nigerians and other African citizens.”
“I must also say that the success would not have been possible without our hardworking team and distributors. Today, we can see that Edmark International is a big success in Nigeria and the evidence is why we are in this multi billion naira state of the art edifice in the heart of Lagos” Etim said.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Edmark International whose office constructed the event centre, Mr. Bien Wapiano listed the several infrastructures embedded in the edifice such as offices in fourth floor, Staff House and Kitchen at the sixth floor, Modern Restaurant for Malaysia, Chinese, Philippines and Nigerian Foods, Seminar Hall and Open Roof-top with Waterproof Membrane.
Other features of the building are a Roof-top Cooling System for Fun Seekers, a State of the Art 2, 000 Capacity Event Hall, Well-Equipped Offices for all Employees of the Company in Lagos, a Micro Finance Banking Hall, Food Outlet, Office and Store Spaces for Rent, just to mention but a few.
Also present at the event were the President, Edmark, Philippine, Sir Joey Urquia, Chief Marketing Officer, Edmark International, Mr. Lynden Valdez, Chief Operation Officer, Edmark Nigeria, Mr. Bien Wapanio, Chief Operating Officer, Edmark to Everything (ED2E), Mr. Marc Camaligan and several other staff of the company from Ghana, Sudan, Cameroon, Togo, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Congo, Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Malaysia.
Edmark international group of companies, a multinational health and wellness firm, at the weekend unveiled its Nigeria’s corporate head office and centre aimed at combating obesity in the country.
The company also announced his venture into real estate business in Nigeria, saying a 100-flat is currently under construction on a 21-hectare of land in Lekki, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State to mark the flag off of the project.
The opening of the head office, situated at Aromire avenue, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, was attended by Governor Akinwumi Ambode, who was represented by his personal assistant Bolaji Are; Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria Mrs. Shirley Vicario and her husband Pascario; Malaysian Ambassador to Nigeria Mohd Yunus bin Ibrahim and Alhaji Hassan Dantata, among others.
Chairman/founder of Edmark International Group of Companies Sam Low expressed his happiness over the feats his organisation had achieved within nine years of starting businesses in Nigeria.
He said: “I am happy to be in Nigeria to open this edifice. Some years ago, I heard a voice in me saying “Sam stop going to America to expand your business and go to Africa, but I asked which part of Africa because at that time Africa was the last place I thought of investing.
“But finally, I found out from my map that Nigeria was in the centre of Africa and ironically was the biggest and the darkest part to invest at the time. After making up my mind to invest in Nigeria, we were faced with some challenges but we were not deterred, we re-planed and re-strategised and for this I want to say, I am grateful to my team who believed in our dream.
“Ours is a multinational firm in the healthy and life style industry that is committed to peoples’ wellbeing; we want African to live well and that is why our healthy supplement products help to tackle obesity and reduces the spread of cancer.”
The General Manager, Maurice Etim, said the firm started building the edifice at a time recession was at its peak, but despite the economic challenges, his chairman did not run away.
“Today, Edmark International is not only a success in Nigeria, but a success in West Africa. Edmark international has helped to combat obesity in Nigeria as well as empowered many…”
The Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) has conferred an award of excellence on the Lagos State Government in recognition of its commitment to capacity development.
Speaking at its 26th Annual Trainers’ Conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said it is gratifying that third parties have taken notice of the commitment of his administration to expanding the capacities of officers of the state public service for the betterment of the state.
The Governor, represented by Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, said NITAD plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s human resources development and management ecosystem.
He stated that the mission of the professional institute to improve human resources development practice in both the public and private sectors of the economy is commendable and vital.
He said: “The Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions have long been dedicated to envisioning the future of work in the state public service. In our view, the future for the state public service is heavily dependent on the systematic, yet aggressive development of capacities and the innovative and creative use of resources so as to do more with less.
“I have always emphasised that high performances have been known to increase in organisations that expose their human capital to development through capacity development trainings.
•Contractor unveils new machine to meet December target
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is satisfied with the progress of work on the 10-lane Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Adebowale Akinsanya has said.
Ambode, represented by Akinsanya, spoke at the unveiling of a new machine by the contractor, Hi-tech Construction Company, to facilitate delivery of the project.
The project, he said, was progressing well, with all the components now at advanced stages of completion.
The Wirtgen WR 250 Recycler machine would enable the contractor meet the December date of delivery.
The government is reconstructing the road to meet international standard.
The scope of the project includes two flyovers, one U-turn Bridge, five pedestrian bridges, and multiple laybys, among others.
The governor, who also inspected work on the Oshodi-Abule-Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor and the roads construction in Ojokoro, appealed for understanding on the inconveniences caused the public by the projects.
The Ojokoro roads are in Aremu Street, Alhaji Luqman, Amusa Agbaje Street, Abu Balogun Street, Philip Majekodunmi Street, Unity Road, Osho/Udeh Brown Road, Oshota/Aina Streets and Home Science Road, among others.
The governor said the Oshodi/Abule-Egba project would also be delivered in December.
“This is a highly populated area but the contractor has been mandated with the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to do everything possible to make life bearable and easy for all road users. The work during the day is being limited right now and a lot more would be done at night.
“The traffic is better than before and there is a lot of rehabilitation of existing road going on and it will continue. This is an ongoing exercise but we need the cooperation and support of the people to make it workable. It is just a matter of time, this will be done and there will be a big relieve coming to this axis,” he said.
Under the phase two of the project, he said, more pedestrian bridges would be constructed, especially between Abule-Egba and Sango Otta, the boundary of Lagos and Ogun states.
The first phase has 14 bus stations and 14 pedestrian bridges.
“The phase one is from Oshodi to Abule-Egba. Phase two from Abule-Egba to Old Toll Gate in Sango Otta will follow after that and the key thing is the care of pedestrians, which we are taking very seriously. So, you will see a lot of pedestrian bridges.”
Hi-tech’s Managing Director Ivan Becker said the equipment, which has the capacity to construct 400metres daily, would go a long way to facilitate the delivery of the Airport Road on schedule.
He said the Wirtgen WR 250 Recycler was capable of 12,000 square metres performance maximum daily, adding: “The machine can mix two per cent bitumen, one per cent cement, 50 per cent stone base and 50 per cent reclaimed existing asphalt with water which makes road construction with the machine faster and better with higher quality.”
