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Tag: Ambode

  • Youth Council backs Ambode for second term

    The Lagos State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria yesterday endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    A statement by its State Chairman Gbenga Ogunsola at the Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard PVC collection enlightenment in Ifelodun Local Council Development Area and Alimosho Local Government Area said the endorsement followed the governor’s extraordinary achievements since he took over power in 2015.

    The statement said the group was working to canvasses for 5 million votes for Ambode.

    It said: “When you talk of achievements, even the blind in Lagos can see what Governor Ambode has done in less than three years. These cut across every sector of the economy.”

    The group hailed Ambode for his employment policy, saying the youth are its greatest beneficiaries.

    It noted that since the governor came to power, over one million people, mainly youths, had been employed as teachers, neighbourhood corps members, traffic control officers and cleaners in the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state.

    The chairman of IBILE Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Kolawole Taiwo, said Ambode’s achievements were monumental, hence the need for youths to ask him to continue for another four-year term.

    He said Ambode’s name would go down in the history of Lagos State as the governor who spread development across the state by giving loans to young entrepreneurs in each of the 57 local governments and the LCDAs.

    Taiwo added: “It is the first time we are witnessing the construction of two roads per local government in the history of Lagos State, which Ambode inaugurated in 2016. He has also increased the number of the roads to three in each local government.”

    The State Coordinator of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangaurd, Seyi Bamigbade said: “Governor Ambode’s administration will continue to take actions and support all programmes, policies and initiatives meant to enhance gender parity, put an end to all forms of discrimination against youths. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the ‘Not Too Young To Run bill into law.”

    He urged Lagos residents, especially the youth, to enrol in the ongoing PVC registration.

     

     

  • Eredo, Ikosi-Ejinrin back Ambode for second term

    All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful, leaders of thought and other stakeholders in Eredo area of Epe, Lagos State, have endorsed the second term ambition of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The event took place at Lanre Odubote’s Multi-Purporse Hall in Eredo.

    It was attended by Wale Raji, a member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency II, local government and ward chairmen of the APC in Eredo and Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), among others.

    Raji lauded Ambode’s giant strides, saying his administration had meaningfully impacted the governed.

    He said: “Without sounding immodest, I doubt if Ambode has a challenger. We can all see what he has done in Lagos, ranging from educational and sports development, environmental renewal as well as infrastructure development.”

    The organiser of the event, who is also an aspirant for Lagos State House of Assembly’s Epe Constituency I, Oluwadahunsi Segun (aka Sketel), described Ambode as a working and performing governor, hence the need for another tenure.

    He added: “There has been massive road infrastructure across the state, schools rehabilitation and construction, functioning health care service, industrialisation and mouth-watering welfare packages for the work force.”

  • ‘Ambode will win convincingly’

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Alhaji Lanre Razak, has been drumming up support for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s second term. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the former commissioner explains how the APC has been sustaining unity within the rank and file of the party.

    Can Governor Ambode sustain the tempo of development, if he gets another term?

    There is no reason to doubt what he will do when he gets another term. He is a performing governor and would keep up with the streak achievements. You cannot have such a wonderful performer and expect that he will do less, when re-elected. He is presently doing very well, even the blind and deaf can attest to his wonderful performance. Ambode’s work is unprecedented and everybody is happy about it. I remain solidly behind him and will continue to support him in the task ahead. I remain committed to our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whose insights led to the emergence of people who have met the expectations of the electorate in the task to make Lagos one of the best places in the world. We are grateful to God who bestows on mankind the wisdom and ability for our leader to have the vision. I must say Ambode has performed far beyond our expectations. Nobody thought he could do half of what he has done so far. He had done more than we expected; we cannot afford not to stand by him in the task ahead. More importantly, I am from Epe; we are major beneficiaries of the good performance. If not for zonal arrangement, I am sure that after his two terms people would want Epe to produce another governor, because of Ambode’s performance. They now believe Epe people are performers.

    What is your reaction to the insinuation that some party leaders are working to undermine his second?

    I do not see genuine lovers of Lagos working against his second term. Much people may exist, given human nature. But, their percentage cannot be reckoned with. So, we do not have to bother ourselves about such insinuation. They cannot openly challenge what Ambode is doing for Lagosians. We do not have cause to bother, because there are lots of foot soldiers for our leader Asiwaju and Ambode himself. It is not unusual, because no matter how good you are, some people will work against you. Let me also make it clear that the APC is a united family and we are happy that Ambode is doing well. I do not see any genuine member of the party that will work to undermine the second term of Ambode.

    If the APC is a united family, why did we witness parallel congresses across the country recently?

    There were no parallel congresses across the country. Some people were just trying to be comedians or behave funny for recognition. It is only when you see those sent from Abuja to officiate at the congress at two venues that you can say that we had parallel congresses. But in this particular case, those who came from the party headquarters operated at one location. All party structures from the councils to state all met at that location and it was monitored by the officials from Abuja. So, if anybody wanted to create a drama situation for people to laugh, I do not consider that strong enough for people to say there were parallel congresses. If you know how party structure functions and how the organs of the party perform their duties in line with the conduct of congresses, you will agree that there were no parallel congresses. It is as good as saying that when Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting election and somebody decides to conduct another election; which one would you say is the official election? That is just the situation.

    How will you now reconcile yourself with the position of your party which came out to acknowledge there was parallel congress in Lagos? 

    I never heard that from my party headquarters; you are in a better position to clear from those who came up with that theory.

    What steps are you taking to harmonize the disunity within the APC ahead of 2019?

    What you have failed to realize is that political party is a platform to acquire power and power is not acquire on a platter of gold. The people who want power will struggle within the framework and that does not amount to frictions. The party is very strong and has sufficient crisis management mechanism to apply at the appropriate time. You will not see all these things we are talking about and I must say there is no crisis in the APC.

    Muiz Banire said he was surprised that Mr. Tunde Balogun was inaugurated in spite of the fact that the Lagos congress was short of expectation…  

    He would be in the best position to respond to that, he is the legal adviser of the party and he should be in position to respond to that. I do not see atom of reason that should disturb the national headquarters from swearing in Tunde Balogun our Lagos APC party chairman. So, if anybody in his own wisdom thought otherwise, you should meet such persons to explain why.

    President Muhammadu Buhari recently honoured M.K.O Abiola has the Yoruba been placated?

    I think what the leaders should comport themselves with is that the President had done the right thing. It should be appreciated and commended. Abiola is beyond the issue of Yoruba nation, it is a national issue. Every segment of the nation voted for Abiola, it was an election one could described as wonderful in the history of the country. So, that alone had made the issue a national affair not a Yourba agenda. Buhari had done wonderfully well to recognize that situation. I doff my hat for him; I want to thank those who advise the president to do it. I want to thank the President for accepting to do it at the right time and God will reward him abundantly.

     

  • ‘Ambode, a special gift from God to Lagosians’

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been described as a blessing from God to the people of Lagos State.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, said this while speaking with newsmen at the weekend.

    According to the Commissioner, God’s unwavering love for Lagos State has manifested in the leadership of Governor Ambode, whose methodical approach to governance has brought about rapid development in the state.

    Describing him as a special gift to the state, AbdulLateef said the governor has addressed the challenges  inherited when he assumed office three years ago, including traffic congestion, kidnapping, cultism and other crimes that were hitherto.

    Although he noted that the state is not a stranger to progressive leadership, especially since the defining era of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commissioner added that Ambode has raised the tempo of governance with ongoing massive infrastructural projects dotting the landscape of the state.

    AbdulLateef said: The network of roads in the state has improved under the current administration, with construction of inner city roads and those of the highways with lay-bys and bus-stops. The face of traffic flow and management has been redefined. Travel time within the state has reduced. You will certainly see the improvement while driving on Lagos roads. I am sure driving and living in the state would be more interesting and enjoyable by the time several ongoing urban-renewal projects are completed. Flyovers are springing up on highways to prevent residents from losing their lives while crossing the highways. Lay-bys are being constructed on major roads to also prevent indiscriminate parking by motorists, a practice which used to contribute to the traffic gridlock.

    “Nothing less than modern 1000 bus-stops will soon be completed to ease traffic flow. The lay-bys and slip roads are constructed with installation of wire mesh fencing to bring out orderliness on our highways like never before. And of course the icing on the cake is the sustained Light-Up Lagos, which has been able to perform multi-functions on our roads and metropolis. It enables motorists to see clearly at night. It has also chased criminals and other night marauders away from the black spots in addition to beautifying our city. We can now feel the beauty of having our streetlights illuminate the nooks and crannies of Lagos at night. What about the gains accruable through the night economy in the areas with streetlights? Gradually, Lagos is becoming a Smart City of our dream.”

    The Home Affairs Commissioner, however, added that what is being witnessed in the state is just a tip of the iceberg, insisting that the future promises to be better and more rewarding for Lagosians.

    “More massive capital projects will be completed before the end of the year. While others are busy playing politics of bitterness, Governor Ambode remains committed to fulfilling all his electoral promises because he believes all residents, regardless of their tribe, religion, age and sex, would be positively impacted if government truly works for the people. This is what the governor means by running an all-inclusive government. Under Ambode, Lagosians don’t have to know somebody in government before they feel the impact of the administration. That is the new Lagos, a dream that is fast becoming a reality,” he said.

  • Groups laud Ambode, urge more investments to communities

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has been commended on the various state projects executed in his first tenure.

    The groups under the auspices of Epe Indigenes Stand for Ambode (EISA) and Community Network Initiative (CNI) made the commendation during a rally staged in Epe to endorse Ambode for second term.

    The rally tagged “One-Million March for Ambode,” which held at the Marina axis of Epe town enjoyed a massive turnout of supporters and indigenes of Epe from far and near.

    Addressing the crowd at the rally, the convener of EISA, Princess Bola Kazeem noted that the achievements and determination to transform the state inspired the need for the Epe indigenes to endorse the governor for a second term.

    The group, according her, seeks to support the development of the state and advance the efforts of the governor at achieving more developments in the state.

    She stated that his achievements cut across employment, infrastructural development, empowerment of security operatives, investment in agriculture, youth empowerment, welfare and social economic programs among others, across the state.

    “Part of the achievements of our Governor is that he has brought together for the first time in the history of Epe Division, all Epe indigenes from home and abroad to discuss developmental strategies to uplift the state and to affect the nation positively,” Kazeem added.

    Describing the governor as a focused and committed leader, she said Ambode has proven to be “a true citizen of Epe and Lagos state and has followed the good foot steps of every Epe Indigene that has ever attained the height of leadership in history.”

    According to her, the infrastructures embarked upon by this administration must be completed and such could only be achieved when Ambode is allowed to return.

    In an address also, the convener of CNI, Otunba Tajudeen Abass, noyed that Lagos state particularly Epe has been witnessing and infrastructure regeneration that is unprecedented.

    Noting thag Ambode is poised to open Epe for investment and business opportunities, he said the goal of the network was to continually promote community interface among the stakeholders.

    He said, “Governance to him is compassionate and reaching out to the less privileged people. These are the things that are encouraging us in Epe as a people. We want to build not only Epe but, the entire Lagos state.

    He said the rally was also intended to address voters’ apathy and sensitize the people to obtain the PVC and vote in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

    Abass hinted that the goal of the network was to deliver between 500, 000 to 1 million votes for the governor in the 2019 Lagos state governorship election from the Epe division which comprises Agbowa Ibeju Lekki, Epe, Eredo, Ikosi Ejinrin.

    He added that the network keyed into the vision of the governor to make Epe first class tourist center which will attract numerous investment opportunities to the town.

  • Ambode, Chief Imam to Muslims: don’t relent on prayers

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Sulaimon Abou Nolla have called on Lagosians not to relent in praying for the nation.

    The duo made the call during Eid-il-Fitr celebrations.

    Ambode, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr Tunji Bello in Evans Square, Lagos Mainland Local Government, said Lagos is getting nearer its Smart City objective.

    He urged Muslims to continue in their acts of charity, mutual understanding and not to give up praying for the nation, as the country “moves gradually towards 2019 general elections.”

    Lagos, he said, has made giant stride in the march to the Smart City project.

    He enjoined Lagosians to keep supporting his administration by discharging civic obligations, while promising that “together the state would soon achieve an ideal modern city that is livable and in which all citizens have opportunity to achieve their dreams.”

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said Lagosians “are unique people” because they are prayerful, tolerant and hospitable.

    Sheikh Nolla said: “Fellow Muslims, we started this fast with a lot of non-Muslims joining us to fast. Some shared gifts and sent greetings. Now that the month is over, and as we celebrate, let us not celebrate alone but extend the spirit of peace, unity, love and solidarity to these non-Muslim relatives and neighbours. That is an age long tradition of the Lagos people, and one that I encourage Nigerians to imbibe, especially at this period of tribal and religious tensions in the land.

    “Let us all love and be our brothers’ keeper. We all know that anyone who preaches hate, or asks us to kill a fellow human because that other person does not belong to our tribe or share our religious belief is definitely not of God but inspired by the Shaytan.”

  • Ambode, Akeredolu, Aregbesola, Ganduje, others preach peace, tolerance at Sallah

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday charged Muslims across the state to keep up acts of charity with a view to fostering mutual understanding and unity in the country.

    Ambode spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, at an Eid-el-Fitr celebration held at Evan Square, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    Muslims, he said, should not forget the lessons of the holy month which is the fear of God and care for the needy as they celebrate the successful conclusion of this year’s Ramadan fast.

    He noted that a year ago, this same occasion was celebrated in 20 locations across Lagos State in furtherance of the commitment of the State Government to promote all inclusive governance and ensure that Lagosians feel the pulse of good governance irrespective of their location within the state.

    He added that apart from the festivities and the promotion of the social bonding, the occasion is also a way of showing gratitude to God for his love which made it possible for Lagosians to experience an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence and religious harmony which has contributed significantly to the progress and prosperity that has been achieved in the state.

    He explained that the Government has made giant strides in the march towards the Smart City of everyone’s collective dream, adding that Lagosians should keep supporting the Government through their commitment to the discharge of their civic obligations.

    Funsho Raji and other dignitaries including the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs Taiwo Oyemade, Chairmen of Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Omolola Essien and Hon Kayode Omiyale and several Muslim faithful.

     

    Akeredolu hails Muslim faithful

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the successful celebration of this year’s Ramadan.

    Akeredolu said yesterday that the successful celebration of this year’s Sallah is a proof that Islam is a religion of peace.

    He urged the Muslim faithful to continue to sustain the lessons learnt during the Ramadan by contributing to the selfless service of humanity and offering assistance to the less-privileged.

     

    Akeredolu expressed optimism that Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political belief, will continue to promote unity, love, oneness and peaceful co-existence, which Islam as a way of life is promoting.

    The governor, however, urged Muslims across the country to imbibe all the lessons learnt from the one-month Ramadan.

     

    Aregbesola tasks Nigerians on disciplined, focused life

    The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urged Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves by living disciplined, focused and pious life that will translate to prosperity for the country and her people.

    He called on Nigerians to work in unity, love, peace and harmony and form a formidable force that will help to stimulate the commonwealth of the nation for the benefit of all.

    Aregbesola made the statement while addressing the Muslim faithful during the 2018 Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Osogbo ýCentral Eid Praying Ground.

    He named productivity as the panacea to nation’s challenges, saying Nigerians must begin to champion hard work in the quest to reposition Nigeria on the path of greatness.

    Governor said the time has come for Nigerians to keep hope alive and engage in things that will enhance productivity.

    Aregbesola admonished Nigerians to jettison any act capable of promoting and aggravating resentment, anger and bitters in the course of their national daily lives.

    The Governor implored those at the helm of affairs to justify the essence of their positions by being sensitive to the needs of the electorate in the implementation of their policies and programmes.

    He called on Nigerian leaders to see leadership as service to humanity and not to amass undue gratification, adding that the interest of the people must be at heart of every leader for the nation to be great again.

    While speaking on the significance of Ramadan and Eid-el-fitri, Governor Aregbesola admonished Muslim Ummah to maintain the virtues they have inculcated during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

    He charged Muslims on love, peace, patience and perseverance, saying it has become incumbent on every Muslim to love others as he or she loves himself or herself.

     Bayelsa charges Nigerians on perseverance

    In a statement signed by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state government congratulated the Muslim faithful in the state and across the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan.

    The statement enjoined Muslims to live in peace with one another irrespective of their differences. He said as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri, they should uphold the vital lessons of love, peace and perseverance which the holy month teaches. He also called for more prayers for Nigeria.

    It urged Muslims to pray for the nation’s leaders to remain focused in the discharge of their duties for the overall interest of Nigerians.

    The Commissioner stressed the need for religious tolerance which he noted would engender peaceful co-existence, unity and a prosperous Nigeria even as the 2019 general elections draw near.

     Amosun preaches religious tolerance 

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State yesterday advised residents of the state to continue to live peacefully with one another to sustain the pace of progress and development recorded in the last six years.

    Amosun said the state is one, regardless of differences in people’s faith, saying everybody should live in love, harmony and unity with one another.

    The Governor made the appeal in his Sallah message shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayer with Muslims in Abeokuta.

    He charged Muslims to practice the good virtues they have acquired during the Ramadan and not go back to the vices they jettisoned.

    He said: “It is all about Ogun State. Whether Muslims or Christians, we are one and the same. There is no difference.

    “As we celebrate the Sallah to today, we shall celebrate more in good health.

    “All the things we did not do during the Ramadan, we should not go back to them. We should not go back to life of vices because Allah is against it.

    “We should tolerate one another, share in love with one another and continue to live the good attitude we have imbibed during this period.”

    Adopt Ramadan lessons as lifetime habit —Masari

    Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State urged Muslims to make the lessons learnt during the just concluded Ramadan “their lifetime habit’’.

    Masari made the appeal in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Audu Labaran, in Katsina.

    “Having gone through the fasting period in devotion, obedience, charity, perseverance and respect for others, these traits should be a lifetime habit that should outlive the limited period which the Ramadan fasting was observed,’’ the governor said.

    Masari also urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another and pray for the nation and its leaders.

    The governor praised non-Muslims who became their brother’s keeper by joining in feeding less privileged Muslims in many parts of the country.

    Gaidam lauds sustained peace, security

    In his Sallah message to the people, Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, praised the sustained security in the state, attributing it to the prayers of the people and the resilience of security operatives in the state and the region.

    Gaidam noted that sustained prayers of good people is what has defeated insurgency in the state.

    He called on the people to use the lessons of Ramadan which instils discipline, truthfulness, patience, humility, devotion and obedience to the Almighty Allah, and move those virtues beyond the Ramadan period.

    The governor noted that through prayers, the kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirls were safely returned except for a few that died in the process, calling on the people not to relent in their prayers for the total return of peace in the region.

    He praised the gallantry of the security forces whom he said fought very hard and made sacrifices to secure the state and the region from the hands of Boko terrorists.

    Gaidam also thanked international Non-Governmental Organisations and other NGOs while calling on them to assist in the recovery and rehabilitation programme of the state as peace has returned.

    Ganduje urges Muslims to imbibe Ramadan lessons

    Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urged Muslims to continue to cherish the teachings of Ramadan and imbibe its lessons on self-discipline, piety, love, unity, peace and support for the weak and less privileged in order to attain spiritual upliftment and peaceful coexistence.

    Congratulating Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr marking the completion of Ramadan fasting, Governor Ganduje also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclination, to love one another, live peacefully and selflessly contribute to the development of Nigeria.

    “As we approach the 2019 general elections, politicians must learn to be tolerant, accommodating, decent in their utterances and avoid hate speeches so as to sustain the peaceful atmosphere in the state.”

    A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Mallam Muhammad Garba, said Governor Ganduje also expressed appreciation and gratitude to the people of Kano for their support and goodwill to the administration.

    He also reiterated his commitment to the completion of all major projects and implementation of youth skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for the improvement of the wellbeing of the people and general development of the state.

    Tambuwal counsels youths against violence

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State called on youths to resist any move by politicians to use them as political thugs to foment violence.

    Tambuwal, who made the call in a special broadcast yesterday, said the 2019 election campaign has commenced and many politicians are devising means to secure political gains.

    “Use your intelligence on productive means capable of contributing to the country’s development and shun the antics of using you (youths) on disturbing peaceful coexistence.

    “You (youths) along with all categories of politicians should strive towards ensuring the nation’s peace and progress and  refrain from all forms of fomenting trouble which deter the nation’s growth,’’ Tambuwal said.

    Tambuwal also challenged all Nigerians to work for the unity and peaceful coexistence in achieving a successful 2019 general elections.

    “We must focus on ensuring the progress of Nigeria and her budding democracy by ensuring that only those who have our collective interests are given the privilege of leadership, ’’ he said.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the people in the state through viable projects on health, education, agriculture and infrastructural development.

     Dankwambo sues for peace

    Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State called for peaceful co-existence amongst Nigerians as Muslims celebrated the Eid-el-Fitri.

    He said that meaningful development for the wellbeing of all Nigerians could only be achieved with peace.

    He asked everyone to “live in peace with one another as no meaningful development can be achieved without peace.

    “We must embrace the tenets of peaceful co-existence as the catalyst for the socio-economic development of the state and the nation.

    “Islam preaches peace, tolerance and mutual respect amongst members of every community, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.

    “So I admonish us, in the spirit of the season, to imbibe the good lessons of Ramadan, which connotes selflessness, endurance, sacrifice, piety, generosity and total obedience to Allah (SWT), “ he said.

  • Kudos to Ambode at 55

    SIR: Permit me to single out the heart-warming and tremendous role you played in the fight against cancer. Your feats are bold and exceptional. I recall that in 2016 you dedicated the celebration of your 53rd birthday in raising funds towards the procurement of Mobile Cancer Centres to stem the scourge of cancer in the state. Fast forward to 2018, you passed a bill of N365million for a digitally equipped mobile cancer clinic to support the advocacy, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the state. A week after, you were represented and your speech was read out, at a WORLD CANCER DAY EVENT – the ATINUKE CANCER FOUNDATION (LET’S KILL IT)  which was a walk, free medical treatment, aerobic exercise for over 1000 participants in the Surulere constituency. I was marvelled by your humility to identify with and respond to the cry of cancer patients in Lagos.

    As a cancer survivor who is passionate about seeing to the eradication of cancer in Nigeria and the world as a whole, I commend your laudable interest in ensuring that cancer patients in Lagos, do not continue to loose their lives to the scourge.

    We at ATINUKE CANCER FOUNDATION (LET’S KILL IT!) will not relent in our effort of creating awareness about cancer among the populace especially the locals, grassroots who believe that cancer is voodoo, juju or arrow attack from the enemies, educating and encouraging screen and early detection and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality.

    You have continued to distinguish yourself as a courageous and focused leader with a tenacious spirit and undiminished commitment to improve the socio-economic well-being of Lagosians with the ultimate goal of positioning Lagos State on the ladder of economic prosperity.

    On this auspicious occasion of your 55th birthday, We join your family, friends, associates and millions of well-wishers all over the world to felicitate with you by giving thanks to the Almighty God for His numerous blessings in your life.

     

    • Tinu Lawal,

    Lagos.

  • Ambode: Celebrating a ‘restless’ governor at 55

    In this tribute to Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his 55th birthday, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Habib Aruna highlights the imprints of the governor in the past three years.

    Prescient Nigerian observers who are watching what’s going on in Lagos State would rightly agree that hard work in the right direction delivers enduring fruits. Hard work doesn’t kill; it yields life that history acknowledges ultimately. That is the enviable story of Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he marks his 55th birthday today.

    To Ambode, the ideal celebration would not be to organise an elaborate feast, to bring friends and well-wishers together for a mother of all feasts. Doing so is not in his character. If there would be a get-together at all, it would be with the deprived, the vulnerable, children of the poor, or the special class of the handicapped as he has done in nearly three years as the governor.

    Therefore, it’s only appropriate to seize the occasion of his middle age birthday to examine his relentless work schedule that has benefited the state and made it possible to refer to it as the investors’ destination, tourism hub and construction site. It is in addition Africa’s fifth largest economy.

    Demographers also say without disputation that Lagos is Nigeria’s most populated state, surpassing the figures for a couple of some African countries put together. In recent times it has begun to wear a new look with state of the art road network and city intersections and terminals that transport you to scenes in Europe and oil-rich Gulf states.

    Most of these have taken place only under Ambode’s watch, even if I must admit that government is a continuum. But every age would have to carve out its distinct identity. History has a keen interest in taking note of this identity aspect in the unfolding events. No administration can appropriate the honour due its successor or predecessor, the continuum theory notwithstanding, you have to carve out your own niche, as it were.

    This explains the reason some leaders, desirous of standing out of the crowd in the history books, would burn the midnight oil for brand-new ideas to tackle the seemingly intractable challenges of the society. They don’t want to be classified as simply adorning the wall of the governor’s office with their portraits. They want to live in the hearts of the people through their performance. This is a governor, who at any time of the night, come to the office to scribble down new ideas that come to his head. He once told me and a cabinet member that even if he is asleep, his brain never sleeps.

    Ambode has pitched his tent with this history-making camp. It comes with a price: courage. According to Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States (U.S.), “one man with courage makes a majority.’’ This U.S leader is credited with numerous courageous policies that toppled the established norms of his time. He was not afraid to take a decision as long as it was in the interest of the people.

    For instance, Ambode displayed rare courage and compassion by approving a hefty N11

    rescient Nigerian observers who are watching what’s going on in Lagos State would rightly agree that hard work in the right direction delivers enduring fruits. Hard work doesn’t kill; it yields life that history acknowledges ultimately. That is the enviable story of Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he marks his 55th birthday today.

    To Ambode, the ideal celebration would not be to organise an elaborate feast, to bring friends and well-wishers together for a mother of all feasts. Doing so is not in his character. If there would be a get-together at all, it would be with the deprived, the vulnerable, children of the poor, or the special class of the handicapped as he has done in nearly three years as the governor.

    Therefore, it’s only appropriate to seize the occasion of his middle age birthday to examine his relentless work schedule that has benefited the state and made it possible to refer to it as the investors’ destination, tourism hub and construction site. It is in addition Africa’s fifth largest economy.

    Demographers also say without disputation that Lagos is Nigeria’s most populated state, surpassing the figures for a couple of some African countries put together. In recent times it has begun to wear a new look with state of the art road network and city intersections and terminals that transport you to scenes in Europe and oil-rich Gulf states.

    Most of these have taken place only under Ambode’s watch, even if I must admit that government is a continuum. But every age would have to carve out its distinct identity. History has a keen interest in taking note of this identity aspect in the unfolding events. No administration can appropriate the honour due its successor or predecessor, the continuum theory notwithstanding, you have to carve out your own niche, as it were.

    This explains the reason some leaders, desirous of standing out of the crowd in the history books, would burn the midnight oil for brand-new ideas to tackle the seemingly intractable challenges of the society. They don’t want to be classified as simply adorning the wall of the governor’s office with their portraits. They want to live in the hearts of the people through their performance. This is a governor, who at any time of the night, come to the office to scribble down new ideas that come to his head. He once told me and a cabinet member that even if he is asleep, his brain never sleeps.

    Ambode has pitched his tent with this history-making camp. It comes with a price: courage. According to Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States (U.S.), “one man with courage makes a majority.’’ This U.S leader is credited with numerous courageous policies that toppled the established norms of his time. He was not afraid to take a decision as long as it was in the interest of the people.

    For instance, Ambode displayed rare courage and compassion by approving a hefty N11 billion to be paid as backlog of arrears to retirees few weeks after coming to office. It was unprecedented. But, more than that, it presented the appealing image of a governor who can’t be accused of caring only for those in service.

    The point has long been established that Ambode is a man who does not sleep, in a literal sense, until he has touched every citizen’s life. He packs a thousand and one activities into the 24-hour schedule he has at his disposal in a day. This was demonstrated early in the life of Ambode’s government in 2015, when he moved like a hurricane to prove that government business isn’t meant for the laid-back.

    Few weeks ago, I was in the office of a prominent commissioner and we were talking about on-going projects spread across the state and the amount of time and capital the governor is committing to making Lagos a Smart City. The bottom line and the aggregation of opinion of those at the meeting was that of a governor who is restless, committed, determined and passionate to change the face of the state for good.

    Consider these staggering statistics: in his first year in office, the governor initiated and successfully completed more than 40 impactful projects, including injection of 434 new BRT buses for the Ikorodu corridor; fortification of security in Lagos with a whopping N4.7 billion worth of  equipment for the Police and subsequently up to N7 billion; employment of 1300 teachers to revive primary education; setting up of N25billion Employment Trust Fund, massive road rehabilitation and reconstruction in inner Lagos; approval for development of N49 billion medical park in Ikoyi; provision of 20 mobile care unit ambulances and 26 transport ambulances; building of  flyover bridges for Ajah and Abule-Egba areas, rebranding of One Lagos Fiesta to boost tourism and entertainment and creating enabling environment for foreign direct investment, among others.

    Also in the first year, he planned for gigantic schemes that began to blossom into reality in his second year. For instance, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kebbi State on the development of commodity value chain (rice production). In his second year, Lake Rice became the talk of the town. Lake is the acronym for joint effort of Lagos and Kebbi to produce the grain.

    Another achievement of this toiling governor is his boundless vision to move the state from a pedestrian plane to the sophistication of a 21st megacity through the erection of structures of gothic and exotic expressions. Examples: Ojodu Berger Flyover Intersection, Tafawa Balewa Bus Terminus and the breath-sapping Ikeja Bus facility recently commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Shortly after, the governor declared open 21 roads and two bridges with a combined stretch of 27.4 kilometers in Alimosho-Agbado-Oke-Odo area. Yet, other iconic on-going construction has turned Lagos into a huge construction site to make it look like the People’s Republic of China when it was being transformed into a world power by Mao Tse Tung between the 1950s and 1960s. But, as much as Ambode appears rooted to work in the office and on the streets to commission projects, he is also addicted to seeking compassionate affinity with the people he governs.

    He has been known to show up at road accident scenes to help rescue victims. Once when he read of a woman whose husband ran away from home because she gave birth to three sets of twins, Ambode directed prompt welfare support that brought back the fugitive man.

    The governor has received notable local and international recognition for outstanding governance and the service to the people. For a man who has demonstrated severally that experience can indeed be an asset in governance, the governor is always calm and dutiful when there is a major challenge in a state that is becoming increasingly complex to govern.

    For sure, Lagos under the pragmatic, humanist and visionary leadership of Governor Ambode can only get better. As the governor rightly noted recently that “where ever you come from, as far as you labour and add value to the productivity of our dynamic and vibrant state, our government shall work with you to make Lagos a better, livable and more prosperous home.”

    Happy birthday sir!

  • Ambode lowers his voice, raises his logic!

    “Good leaders are trailblazers, making a path for others to follow” – forbes.com

    As global attention is riveted on the unfolding spectacle of the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup in Russia today, there are interesting parallels to draw with a goal-getting Nigerian, whose illustrious life trajectory clocks 55 years on this same day. Much like the world-acclaimed beautiful game, which few observers gave a chance to survive, talk less of exploding when it began back in England in 1863, Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode was the little known aspirant when political pundits began to permutate on the likely successor to erstwhile governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola then in 2014.

    But the leadership narrative has since changed, as Lagos State has become a reference point to Nigerians, nay Africans within the political power context. In a similar compelling, centripetal attraction that soccer enjoys amongst people of diverse races and religion, social strata  and even political persuasion, the question on virtually everyone’s lip is what magic wand has Ambode waved to turn Lagos into an emerging smart city? That is, within a short span of three years in the saddle of the world’s fastest growing city and Africa’s fifth largest economy. The questions persist.

    However, to be on the good side of history and more significantly to become better by the day, let us attempt answers from Ambode’s life experiences. Especially, those that have stood him in good stead. Just like football, with its thrills and frills and its team- game format there are rules to obey. We can only win life’s daily matches if we, like Ambode have the focus, the desire, the determination to excel no matter who would tackle us when we eventually have the ball.

    For instance, the early death of his father was one of such challenges. However, instead of capitulating, he took it as a stepping stone to climb to greater heights by sacrificing his time and talents to concentrate on his studies. That he emerged the second-best student in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Ordinary Level examinations at the end of his secondary school days is a testament to such iron-will determination to succeed against the odds, as John Harold Johnson(now  late) of Ebony Magazine fame  once admonished.

    Secondly, Ambode was one young man who was written off by his uncle, at the age of 11 years, especially when he expressed his desire to become an accountant. The older man thought he did not possess the DNA to ever qualify as one. But the story has since changed its tempo and tenor.  By 2015 when  he became  the APC flag-bearer of the state, he had already metamorphosed into a  thoroughbred, tested and trusted technocrat.  He was the former Accountant –General, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance and Auditor-General who has traversed several of the local government councils in the state.

    Another salient, vital feature of successful leadership, as exemplified by Ambode is to be fully prepared for the onerous tasks at hand. Based on his wealth of experience, he knew the needs and nuances of the state like the lines on his palms. So, he hit the ground running.

    Little wonder that within six months in office, his forward-looking administration achieved all these and more.  Specifically, in the health sector, the governor commissioned 20 Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) and 26 Transport Ambulances one for each of the 26 General Hospitals.  He ensured that ambulances were bought for all the public hospitals in the state,  paid the aggrieved medical doctors their outstanding  salaries and the  long-suffering pensioners.

    Similarly, Ambode approved the recruitment of more paramedic staff and  special medical coordinators to guarantee 24 hours service.  Besides, he  upgraded the General Hospitals and constructed a Medical  Park fully equipped  with quality drugs and new mobile X-Ray machines. He similarly lent helping hand to victims of disasters including motor-accidents, fire outbreaks as well as mudslide in addition to diffusing governance to those at the lower rung of the Lagos  society.

    Making a wise choice, he began by beefing up security across the state. This he did by acquiring 10 armoured tanks, three helicopters for aerial surveillance and policing, two gun boats, 15 armoured personnel carriers and dozens of Isuzu trucks.  Still on security, he initiated the Light Up Lagos Project covering at least 365 streets across the state.

    On the massive infrastructural development, Ambode has turned Lagos into a vast construction site, as people are currently awed by the 10-lane Airport Road and the Oshodi Interchange edifice. Indeed, Lagos now boasts of state-of-the art flyover bridges at Ajah and Abule-Egba with that of the popular Pen-Cinema in the works.

    Also, in less than one year in office, some 282 inner roads received massive rehabilitation, as requested by the people during his tour of the LCDAs before  his election. In fact, his ‘114 Roads’ project where each of the 57 local councils in the state got two good roads was completed by May 2016.

    Economic empowerment was next. It received a boost in December of that year as he began the disbursement of the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund,(ETF) to carpenters, tailors, hairdressers, vulcanizers and other players in the informal sector in the state. The initiative will see the disbursement of N6.25 billion annually over the next four years. It was also one of the promises he made during his campaign in 2015.

    The food security issue was kick-started with the launch of the Lagos-Kebbi (Lake Rice) in December 2016.  It came at the right time as thousands of residents trooped out to various centres across the three senatorial districts to buy the commodity which sold for N12,000 (50kg bag); N6,000 (25kg); and N2,500 (10kg). It was a much needed respite for a population that had been reeling under the impact of economic recession. The smiles widen as Lagos is getting ready to commission one of Africa’s largest rice mills months from now.

    Barely over two years in office the state had raked in N287 billion in IGR, a whopping N19 billion more than was generated the year before. A revamp of the state’s revenue generation agency played a major role in this feat, but Ambode also gave credit to tax-paying citizens in the state.

    It is a similar swan song from education through agriculture, to transportation and tourism. One great lesson for millions to learn from the governor’s success story  therefore, is for one to be blessed with a strong God-fearing  family. Both he and Bolanle, his woman of virtue have their lives firmly rooted in God. She is there as a pillar of support and as one who has stood by him through thick and thin. Besides, is their humility and tracing every success to the throne of God.

    Said he, at a recent Sunday Service to mark his three years in office: “No matter how much strategy that you have read in school or how much work you have done in the public service, …if it is working back- to -back and consistently, there has to be some other source that is making it work because you are just one out of several others. Why it works for Lagos is the more reason why one has to be very sober and humble, to actually know that there is something that is making that to happen and that has to be God”.

    If, for the first time in the history of Lagos state and indeed Nigeria no other politician has come forward to challenge Governor Ambode, nine  good  months to the 2019 gubernatorial election , it must be God. That explains why he is being celebrated nationally and globally, like a World Cup winning goal!

    Many happy returns, my dear, iconic boss.

     

    • Ajanaku is Special Adviser, Information and Strategy to the governor.