The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Be patient with Ambode, Lagosians told

    Former Head of Service in Lagos State,  Sunny Ajose, has called on Lagosians to be patient with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he works harder at making Lagos cleaner. He spoke at the Badagry Federation Youth Coalition public endorsement of the governor for second term. Ajose said Visionscape, the new company saddled with the duty of keeping Lagos clean, will soon get its acts right.

    Speaking on major projects that the governor has brought to Badagry that made him win the youths’ support, he recalled that the governor had his first town hall meeting at Badagry to sensitize the people about his development plans. “He is implementing plans that will ensure that youths have opportunities to succeed as entrepreneurs and professionals.

    He further stated that the governor has started opening roads in the area to make movement easier for the people. “There is the 10-lane road coming from Orile. It has gotten to Okokomaiko where there is a PPP arrangement that will take over from there to Seme. It is to make sure that Badagry becomes a hub for tourist activities internationally. “The Aje oil, the free trade zone, and the mega sea port are all coming here soon. We just need to be patient with the governor,” he appealed.

     

  • Ambode: Record-breaking exploits in governance

    Has it been seen, heard or recorded that a Governor or President, within the Africa’s context, commissioned 21 Roads plus 2 Bridges around the same vicinity or locality within a day? This is indeed unique and uncommon. In fact, to put it squarely, saliently and succinctly, without mincing words, especially in these days of dipping and diminishing revenue accrual that is the sing-song while crisscrossing the Nigeria’s landscape, it is indeed a record breaking feat in governance in Nigeria’s annals of history.

    It is now part of history that the incumbent Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Easter Monday (2nd April 2018), commissioned a total of 21 roads and two bridges, altogether spanning 27.4 kilometers stretch within Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA)-the largest LGA in Lagos State. During the commissioning, the helmsman at the Centre of Excellence went down on memory lane pouring encomiums on his progressive predecessors in office, firstly, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was the architect with the blueprint of a model and modern megacity, and his successor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. According to the Governor, it was Asiwaju Tinubu who as the architect of transformation in Alimosho with the construction of LASU-Iba Road while the erstwhile Governor Fashola took it farther to Ipaja. The present administration in the State of Aquatic Splendour has taken the opening up of Alimosho from Ipaja to Ayobo, Command Secondary School, Gate, Abesan, Aboru Bridge and many other roads within the Alimosho axis.

    The writer as a scholar and also a practitioner of Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E), was involved with others officials of the Lagos State Government in the monitoring of the project spanning a period of one year. It would be recalled that the hardworking, energetic and innovative Governor Ambode directed the commencement of the construction of the 21 Roads and 2 Bridges last year March simultaneously as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on his 65th birthday, was commissioning the Aboru-Abesan Link Bridge and other inner roads, namely Church Street, Giwa Street, Victor Fagbemi Road, Ogunfayo Road, Ogundare Street, Salami Kazeem, altogether totaling 5.5km with covered drains, walkways and street lights within the same Alimosho axis.

    There and then, describing and depicting the situation as it was, the sagacious and strategic Asiwaju Tinubu stated inter alia:

    “When you (Ambode) took over, I know you inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high, I was wondering how you will re-engineer and face the challenges to make progress. Today, I can see your report card, you have scored well, and you have been prudent in the judicious use of resources of the State. You didn’t disappoint us. Ambode is silently achieving, meticulously planning, religiously executing and brilliantly giving results for Lagos State.”

    That Ambode, as the man in the saddle, is strategically thinking and simultaneously innovative as well as creative in the face of daunting and dwindling resources is to be commended then and now. Moreover, periscoping the expanse and entirety of the Lagos State landmass, one cannot but visualize the handiwork of the innovative leader-Ambode-spanning Ikeja, Badagary, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe (IBILE in Lagos common parlance).

    It is remarkable to highlight that the fervency and frenetic speed heralding the delivery of the project is unique despite the gory and gloomy financial outlook in the economy of Nigeria. Kudos should be accorded the indigenous contractor, Visible Construction Company Ltd. In the author’s interaction with the company’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr Olalekan Adebiyi, he revealed that to achieve the feat, his dutiful and dedicated workers was at a particular period working for 24 hours in order to meet the deadline for delivery! It was done and dusted!!

    The innovative Governor stated that the roads were alternative routes to resolve traffic logjam while traversing the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway as the roads and bridges could be exploited to access Ipaja and going forward from there to Badagary while possibly jettisoning the expressway. Moreover, the Governor commended the people for positively responding in paying their taxes, and encourage them to do more so as to enjoy more dividends of democracy. Furthermore, even though the people were not acting Oliver Twist, however, the magnanimous helmsman promised to dredge Ilo River, rehabilitate Adekoya Road, Makinde Road, Suberu Oje Road, Old Ota Road and Ishefun-Ijan Road. Moreover, in executing his intermodal transportation policy, the innovative leader intends connecting these roads to a jetty thus ensuring movement of people on water through ferry ensuring movement from Alimosho to Marina in Lagos Island within 20 minutes.

    Socio-economic Significance

    In concluding this piece, it is worth mentioning the details of 21 Roads and 2 Bridges in order for independent assessors, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and M & E experts to conduct bias free inspection to corroborate or controvert the claim of Lagos State Government. These are details:

    Ikola Road with Bridge (7.2km), Aiyetoro Road with Bridge (1.280km), Dualization of Raypower Road (2.7km), Amikanle Road (3.340km), Oko Filling Road (1.660km), Ogunseye Road (1.870km), Osenatu Ilo Road (0.700km), Aina Aladi Road (1.109km), Oluwasanya Road (0.636km), Igbehinadun Road (0.360km) and Community Road (0.750km). Others are Isoto Road (0.730km), Palace Road (0.660km), Timothy Afolabi (0.745km), Peak Thomas Bright Crescent (0.490km), Baale Street (0.710km), Joe Ikebudu (0.460km), Bishop Oderinde (0.270km), Alhaji Ganiyu Salami (0.520km), Kadiri Adebambo Street (0.533km) and Church Street (0.710km).

    In Result-based Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E), there is a term referred to as the Outcome. This in simple terms is the immediate positive effect on the citizenry of any governmental intervention-programme/project. In the course of carrying out monitoring inspections of these roads and bridges, many residents of Alimosho that thought roads may never reach their vicinity in decades to come, were elated and one man in particular said that it was his wife always voting in general elections but in the coming election, he would sacrifice all it takes to vote for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode so as to continue the good works.

    Cognitively, one may ask: what are the immediate Outcomes of this laudable project? Firstly, travel time has greatly reduced making socio-economic activities to receive a boost. Secondly, the Alimosho axis has been further opened up for more businesses resulting in increased income of the people. Thirdly, more jobs are generated by new business coming on board. Fourthly, landed properties appreciate in value. It is significant to point out that before the project initiation and close out (completion), prices of parcels of land have multiplied as much as 300%. Fifthly, within the next few years, it is expected that more housing projects will spring up in Alimosho thus positively altering the landscape.

    In essence, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has innovatively taking governance far in achieving this feat especially when one takes cognizance of the fact that virtually every Local Government Area/Local Council Development Area (LGA/LCDA) in Lagos boasts of projects initiated and completed by the Ambode’s administration. In this vein, myriads of gargantuan projects such as the 10 lane Airport Road Project, Epe Arterial/Network of Roads, Oshodi Bus Terminus, Oshodi-Abule-Egba

    • Dr. Ekundayo is Director, Monitoring and Evaluation Ministry of Economic Planning and Buedget, Lagos State

  • Ambode to stakeholders: be flexible

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged stakeholders to be open-minded and flexible in their demands for minimum wage, in the interest of everyone. He said there was an opinion on the need for workers to be reasonably remunerated in line with the present economic realities.

    The governor spoke in Alausa-Ikeja at a public hearing on national minimum wage for workers.

    It was organised by the Tripartite Committee of the National Minimum Wage for Southwest Zone.

    He said a provision was made in the law for periodic review of the national minimum wage, as every worker deserved a wage that would guarantee decent standard of living.

    Ambode, represented by the Head of Service, Folasade Adesoye, said at N18,000 minimum wage, the state’s monthly wage bill was in excess of N10 billion for a workforce of 103,000, besides retirement benefits.

    He said while it was true that Lagos State generated the highest Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR), it must be noted that due to the growing population, “we also shoulder the highest responsibility in terms of the resources that must be spent on social and physical infrastructure renewal and development.”

    “The issue, which I believe is more peculiar to the public sector is striking a balance between what goes into recurrent expenditure of which salaries and allowances are a major component and the ability of the government to fulfil its obligations to the larger society.

    “In this instance, the revenue profile of each state becomes a major determinant of what can reasonably be afforded in terms of wages, without jeopardising the ability of the government to fund social services critical to the well-being of the citizens,” the governor said.

    The Chairman of the committee, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, represented by his deputy, Col. Samaila Dabai, said the national minimum wage was first fixed in 1981 and reviewed in 1991, 2000 and 2011.

    “It, therefore, means that hitherto, there appeared to be an unwritten cycle of 10 years between reviews,” he said, adding that the committee set up by the Federal Government comprised governments at the federal and state levels, the organised labour and organised private sector in accordance with the Conventions of the International Labour Organisation.

     

     

  • Ambode trains workers in information management

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday that in its determination to make workers in its employ the envy of all, the government was organising a training for senior civil servants in information management.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, spoke while declaring open a two-day training for senior management staff with the theme: “Information Management for Positive Perception of Lagos State government”. It was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, in conjunction with Messrs. XLS Consult Ltd, at NECA House, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The governor said information had been described as the fuel of the government, hence the present administration deemed it fit to train and retrain its workforce, so as to fit into the wheel of progress as the state moves from mega to smart city.

    He said: “One may suppose that what sustains a government and in fact, a system of government, is the will of the people. That may be true. But what influences the will of the people is information and the way it is managed. This is why every responsible government will place premium on the establishment, maintenance and sustenance of a modern, robust and effective information management system. The net effect is that if civil servants are well-equipped to discharge these tasks, government’s programmes will be positively perceived by the populace and will receive support for success.”

    Ambode urged the trainees to participate in the discussions and justify the money spent on them by the government.

    He challenged the workforce to come up with data-backed and data-inspired ideas that would rival the example S of France and Moscow.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, congratulated the participants for being part of the programme.

    She said they should thank Governor Ambode for approving the training, which would not only be beneficial to the government, but also to the civil servants who participated in the training.

     

     

     

  • Gani always a hero, role model, says Ambode

    It was another day of honour – although posthumous – for Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (SAN), who died nine years ago.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode unveiled a 44-foot statue of the legal luminary at the ‘Liberty Park’, in Ojota to “symbolise the phenomenon that the rights activist represented in his life time.”

    The statue was also unveiled to mark the 80th posthumous birthday of the late icon as an affirmation of Ambode’s administration’s commitment to celebrating personalities whose actions helped to define the fortune and spirit of the state positively over the years.

    The governor recalled that Fawehinmi led the struggle for attainment of human rights and dignity especially during the military regimes which dehumanized many Nigerians.

    He said the late human rights activist would continue to remain a hero and role model for many till date.

    “We celebrate the invaluable contribution and personal sacrifices of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in the campaign for human rights and dignity, especially in Lagos State where he spent the greater part of his life.

    “Chief Gani Fawehinmi loomed large in the minds of the people, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable masses for whom he was ready to lay down his life. In the hallowed corridors of the Law Courts where he fought many battles, he was revered as a titan. Also his acts of philanthropy were borderless. He remains a hero and role model to many till date,” Ambode, represented by Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, said.

    He added:  “Although Chief Gani Fawehinmi is no longer in our midst; like all great men, he lives on in our hearts and memories. We will continue to keep his ideals alive and pass it on to the next generation. He will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead with the missing of building a better society. This monument stands as a testimony of his strength and courage.”

    The event was well attended by members of the human rights movement and Fawehinmi’s family including his widow, Alhaja Ganiyat Fawehinmi; Chief Femi Okurounmu, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Jiti Ogunye, Debo Adeniran, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Declan Ihekaire, Nelson Ekujumi, Dr Yunusa Tanko, among others.

    Mohammed, eldest son of the late activist thanked the State Government and Governor Ambode. He said:

    “I am totally overwhelmed. I want to say a big thank you to Lagos State Government and another very big massive thank you to Governor Ambode. In all honesty, he is the man I least expected this to come from.

    “We understood when former Governor Fashola started this with a smaller statue and we were all glad that at least he remembered our mentor, our father, our leader in the human rights struggle and senior advocate of the masses. But now seeing this, I now started to say to myself that Governor Ambode has placed the name Gani Fawehinmi on a global map.”

    He described Ambode as a very reputable accountant and one of the most outstanding governors, adding that such a gigantic statue would enter the Guinness Book of Records.

    Mohammed, who alluded to the massive infrastructural renewal and efforts to make Lagos rank among top global cities, also announced the decision of the Fawehinmi family to endorse Governor Ambode for a second term in office to continue the good works across the State.

    “We hereby endorse Governor Ambode for second term in office to continue the good works in the State,” Mohammed said.

    Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) described the statue as one of the best in the country. “The monument we are unveiling today is one of the best in the country and it has to be so. We want to thank the Lagos State Government for the investment in this edifice. We can assure you that many Nigerians or anybody who enters Lagos through this road will want to find out who is here and every day we are going to teach lessons about Gani Fawehinmi.

    “We thank the Lagos State Government for rebuilding this statue. We were wondering when the former one was collapsing but we are sure this one can never collapse. It is very solid and very strong,” Falana said.

    National Secretary of National Conscience Party (NCP), Comrade Ayodele Akele, said the edifice was a wonderful 80th posthumous birthday gift to the family and associates of the late activist.

    Akele, who spoke on behalf of the NCP, a party founded by late Fawehinmi, specially thanked the State Government and Governor Ambode, saying that the government deserved to be commended.

    “I am totally flabbergasted by this wonderful edifice in honour of my icon, in honour of my mentor, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. For me, this is a wonderful memory of late Chief Fawehinmi.

    “This would be auspicious gift to the posthumous 80th birthday of our mentor and this is wonderful. For doing this to the memory of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, my humble self, National Conscience Party (NCP) and all its associates across the world say a big thank you to the Lagos State Government and particularly Governor Ambode,” Akele said.

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) represented by the Deputy National President, Comrade Issa Aremu also appreciated the State Government for the statue, saying it was well deserved.

    “We appreciate the Lagos State Government ably led by Governor Ambode for the honour done to our mentor, our leader, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. For us to identify with this occasion is a total commitment because when the late chief was alive, he was with us totally. He was there on the streets joining our protests and several times when we were being harassed with black market injunctions, Chief Fawehinmi was always there to defend us,” Aremu said.

    President of Women Arise, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin commended the State Government, saying that the legacies of the late Fawehinmi would continue to be remembered.

    “We are gathered here today at the statue of a great life wire of the human rights and pro-democracy movement. I want to specially thank the Lagos State Government. I know that Gani Fawehinmi continue to live in the unconsciousness of the people,” she said.

  • Draw strength from late Fawehinmi’s legacies, Ambode, others urge Nigerians

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday urged Nigerians to draw strength from the legacies and exemplary life of the late human rights lawyer,  Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

    He urged them to do so in fighting poverty and improving the society for the benefit of generations to come.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at the unveiling of the remodelled statue of late Fawehinmi at Liberty Park in Ojota area of Lagos.

    The unveiling of the statue was in commemoration of the late activist’s 80th posthumous birthday.

    Fawehinmi died on Sept. 5 2009 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.

    Fawehinmi set up the National Conscience Party (NCP) and contested in the Presidential election in the 2003.

    Gov. Ambode, at the unveiling the 44-feet high statue, described the late legal luminary as a relentless human rights lawyer, social critic and a towering figure in human rights activism.

    ”This event is a celebration of the life and times of Chief Gani Fawehinmi as well as his contributions to the pursuit of the ideals of democracy and human rights.

    ”Chief Fawehinmi remains a hero and a role model to many till date.

    “His memory would remain evergreen in our minds while his lifetime should encourage us to seek for greater good of the people in the society.

    ”As a government, we draw inspiration from his struggles and ideals as we strive to make life meaningful for our people.

    “We will continue to keep his ideals alive and pass it on to the next generation,” he said.

    According to him, ‘the monument stands as a testimony of Fawehinmi’s strength and courage.

    “He will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead with the mission of building a better society,” Ambode said.

    The governor commended late Fawehinmi’s family sustaining his legacies..

    A legal practitioner, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) described the new Fawehinmii statue as the best monument in the country.

    Falana said Fawehinmi was a thorn on the flesh of dictators as he was totally committed to fundamental change — Change from poverty to prosperity.

    He appreciated Gov. Ambode for investing in the remodelling of the statue in honour of Gani and his legacies.

    ”It is a mark of greatness to honour great people like Gani who stood for justice, accountability, transparency and equity.

    ”I want to appeal that the streets named after British administrators who carted away with our country’s resources should be changed to names of our countrymen who have contributed positively to good governance,” Falana said.

    Mr Ayodele Akele, Secretary, National Conscience Party (NCP), who also expressed happiness over the remodelling of the statue, said it was a birthday gift to the family, friends and associates of Fawehinmi.

    Also speaking, Mr Isa Aremu, Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress described Fawehinmi as defender of the masses who was always on the street to protest against bad governance.

    Aremu said Fawehinmi also fought a legal battle to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission could register as many political parties as possible.

    ”Gani is our mentor because he was with us totally on the street during protests.

    “The best way we can all honour him is to sustain his legacies,” Aremu said.

    The Convener of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said Fawehinmi gave all his resources, time and energy to defend human rights.

    ”We should imbibe all he lived and died for — justice, good governance, equity, accountability, adherence to rule of law.

    “Gani will continue to live in the sub-consciousness of all Nigerians,” she said

    The international Coordinator of Concerned Human Rights – Nigeria, Mr Declan Ihekaire, who spoke on behalf of the civil society groups, said Gov. Ambode had respected the interest of the civil society organisations.

    ”When the old statue of Gani was being dismantled, we were not happy and we protested, but now we are very happy with the new statue.

    ”This statue represents all that Gani lived and died for. He will continue to live on,” he said.

    Responding, the first son of the late Fawehinmi, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked the state governor.

    ”I’m overwhelmed seeing this statue and I’m saying a massive thank you to Gov. Ambode for honouring our father with this statue.

    ”It is an indelible work of Art that will place the name of Gani in the global map and it will go into the Guinness book of records no doubt  — a statue of 44-feet, it is unbelievable.

    ”I have a feeling that I will dream about this because when I attended the last unveiling of the old statue, for about three months consecutively I was dreaming of my father telling me things.

    “So, I think with this one he will still speak to me.” he said.

    Mohammed appealed to Gov. Ambode to listen to the yearnings of the residents of Lagos by scrapping the Land Use Charge.

    ” We appreciate the Governor’s efforts in driving development and making Lagos a megacity, but he needs to listen to the yearnings of the people, ” he said.

    Mohammed also urged the Federal Government to intensify its efforts to address the challenges facing the country, especially the herdsmen killings.

    According to him, the nation’s natural resources can be utilised to take the country out of its current challenges.

    Earlier, the Sculptor of the statue, Mr Olurotimi Ajayi of Modupe Studio appreciated Gov. Ambode for the opportunity to use creative arts to develop tourism as well as create employment for artistes.

    Ajayi also commended the state government for investing in the statue of Fawehinmi, a promoter and defender of the rights of the citizens, as it would serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.

    ”Visual arts feeds on perception. This statue will sell our local creativity and skills, and investors would be attracted.

    ”A society that values its heritage and culture is educating and counselling the younger generation on positive pathway, ” he said.

    In his address,  Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture said that the remodelling of the Gani Fawehinmi statue was part of the State’s strategy to enhance the aesthetic beauty of open public spaces and parks across the state.

    Ayorinde said the remodelling of monuments across the state was to celebrate and immortalise worthy icons that contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State.

    He said the statue was also informed by the desire of  the state government to project and entrench the enduring legacy of the country’s foremost human right lawyer.

    Fawhinmi, he said, was also an activist, philanthropist and one of the icons of pro-democracy movement in Nigeria. (NAN)

  • Ambode: how we’ll end Apapa gridlock

    The Lagos State government will fix  the 3000-capacity Abat Truck Terminal in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos mainland, to end perennial traffic in Apapa axis.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made this known at the second quarter 2018 Town Hall Meeting at the Apapa Amusement Park.

    He said he was concerned about the hardship people were going through because of the activities of containerised trucks and tankers.

    He said: “We have a major challenge in Apapa, the menace of trucks on our roads and bridges causing endless traffic and loss of business time by Lagosians. This is why we have come here today. To see for ourselves and find a solution.

    “Effective today, our government will take over the Abat Truck Terminal, Orile-Iganmu and commence immediate repairs to make the park ready for effective use. In the meantime, we will appeal to the Tanker Drivers Association to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and cooperate with our task force to ensure smooth flow of traffic and better access to the Ports.

    “We thank the people of Apapa for enduring such harsh conditions but I assure you that this situation will be a thing of the past by the end of this year.”

    Ambode said the truck terminal would accommodate at least 3000 trucks, adding that the government was already working with security agencies to see how some of the trucks parked on the Western Avenue Bridge would be moved into the park.

    “Already, we have cleared the shanties and the way we are trying to run it is such that we will be able to accommodate at least 3,000 trucks in the park. In addition to that, we will work with security agencies and see how we can move the trucks into the park because right now the park can accommodate about 300 trucks but the people are not using it.

    “So, if I tell you that one of the areas that I always feel very bad about is this Apapa gridlock and that is the truth and that is why I have decided that let us bring all our resources together; let’s discuss with people; let’s also talk to the experts and see what is happening there,” he said.

    The governor, while responding to complaints from residents on the menace of motorcycle operators popularly called Okada riders, directed the police and other security agencies to enforce the State Traffic Law, especially with regards to their restriction on major highways and roads to bring about sanity in Apapa.

    He added that as part of his administration’s efforts to regenerate the axis, Fadaini Road, which is in a deplorable state, would be fixed while Orile-Mile 2-Trade Fair-CMS Road would also be repaired to open up alternative roads for motorists plying the axis.

  • Lagos building infrastructure to promote tourism, says Ambode

    LAGOS State is investing huge resources to build an enduring infrastructure to ensure its tourism potential is harnessed for economic growth, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.

    The governor spoke at the Lagos Tourism Summit with the theme: ‘Destination Lagos: Towards a sustainable tourism-driven economy’, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He said the plans, concepts and executions of his administration were deliberate and well-thought out to make the state culturally attractive and artistically functional.

    “As a government, we are conscious of the fact that infrastructure, security, stability and partnership with all stakeholders are fundamental ingredients for tourism development. We have channeled a lot of resources into creating an enduring infrastructural architecture for the business of tourism to thrive,” he said.

    He said his administration was not unmindful of the fact that for the state to match up with other leading world tourism destinations like Miami; São Paulo; Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo as well as African cities such as Cape Town, Cairo, Marrakech and Accra, the right infrastructure has to be put in place.

    “In order to do this successfully, we must first build a solid infrastructural architecture that will endure. It must be safe and secure; it must provide functional and diverse venues for the arts, culture, festivals, creative industry, recreation and wildlife; and it must constantly and productively engage with its critical stakeholders.

    “So when you see us reclaim 50 hectares of land at the Oworonshoki end of our lagoon; when you see us clear a whole stretch at the Badagry and Epe Marina; when we insist that our prime waterfront must not be taken over by shanties and slums; when you see us embark on some ambitious road, fly-over and modern bus terminal constructions; we are preparing the grounds for a major source of employment and prosperity.

    “When you see us continue to plead for the control of wasting federal assets like the National Arts Theatre, National Museum and National Stadium and possibly declare our intention to have the Murtala Muhammed International Airport concessioned to us; we are focused on our tourism sector.

    Alluding to the massive opportunities available in the sector, Ambode said the activities within the tourism sector contributed about N800 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

    Noting that Nigeria boasts of very rich culture and heritage, Ambode said it was not in doubt that the country has the largest concentration of the black race, adding that Lagos sits in a better position to tell the story of the black race.

    He said the Lagos Tourism Master plan, which would emerge at the end of the summit was premised in the context of the fact that the State can become an iconic brand of the black race.

    In his keynote address, former President of Ghana Mr. John Dramani Mahama said Lagos has the potentials to emerge as a foremost destination for tourism development in Africa.

    While hailing Ambode for his efforts towards growing tourism through investment in infrastructure, he said with the billions of dollars revolving in the sector across the world and over 1.8 billion tourists, the state was heading in the right direction in its bid to become Africa’s tourism hub.

    He urged  the government to make tourism plan competitive and not focus on the raw tourism development alone.

    He  advised that such plan should be linked to SMEs that would produce consumables, furniture and other items needed in the hospitality industry. This, he said, would enhance the creation of wealth. “If you import all the consumables then there will be capital flight,” he said.

    Several paper presentations by speakers at the summit, including Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Prof. Pat Utomi, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho, Mr. Philip Hughes.

  • ‘Why Ambode deserves second term’

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have said  Governor Akinwunmi Ambode deserves a second term.

    They explained that the governor deserved a second term, based on his performance, urging Lagosians to extend his tenure to the state beyond 2019.

    The party stalwarts also set up a mobilisation group, ‘the Ambode Mandate Support Group,’ to drum support for the governor, who they also requested to seek re-nomination for next year’s election.

    The Coordinator of the group, Omoyele Oris-Sulaimon, lauded Ambode for his creative financial management, successful infrastructure battle, rural-urban integration efforts, the development of the tourism sector, job creation and security in the metropolis.

    He spoke with reporters at Ikeja on the activities of the new group. With him were other members, including Chief Sunny Ajose, Hon. Alawiye King, Hon. Paul Kalejaye, Chief Tunde Temionu, Mrs. Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, Hon. Abiodun Mafe, Dr. Rasak Balogun, Mr. Hakeem Enilolobo, Hon. Toba Oke, Yemi Ali, Hakem Bamgbola, Hon. Adedeji Joseph, Hon. Shamusedeem Olaleye, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, Adekunle Olayinka, Wale Ojora, Kamal Olorunoje, Kolade Alabi, Wale Adelana, and Afolabi Kasim.

    Sukaimon said the group has set up 20 directorates to take charge of critical assignments germane to the realization of second term for the governor. The directorates include Administration, Research and Intelligence, Ethnic Nationalities, Planning and Statistics, ICT, Finance, Budget, Media, Welfare, Women Affairs, Monitoring and Evaluation, Protocols and Events, and Mobilisation.

    He said a Directorate of Party Affairs will also be set up to liaise with the party to foster a harmonious relationship and avoid conflicts.

    Sulaimon said no fewer than 130 volunteer groups clamouring for a second term for the governor have agreed to team up with the organisation to achieve the objective.

    He clarified that the group was set up not to intimidate any governorship aspirant, adding that people are free to also drum support for aspirants of their choice in an atmosphere of democracy.

    Sulaimon, a three-time chairman of Bariga Council, said: “This is not a structure that the governor has put in place. This is a structure that those who loved the governor has put in place.”

    Justifying the endorsement of the governor for a second term, he said there is the need for him to consolidate on his achievements in the interest of Lagosians.

    He said the mobilisation by the group is targeted at Lagosians so that they can endorse Ambode’s second term bid at the poll.

    The coordinator said: “Governor Ambode has brought a new approach to governance at a time of economic difficulties. He believes that time is money. Thus, he decided to resolve the traffic snarl in Lagos. He is not running government for the elite, but concerned about the development of both urban and rural areas. That informed the first contract of 114 roads and the projects have been done across the 57 councils.

    “The governor has also done 131 internal roads. He has in the process created jobs for artisans, peasants, sand suppliers, bricklayers, carpenters, food vendors. The way and manner the governor is developing the tourism potential of the state is second to none.”

    Sulaimon praised Ambode for completing 21 network of roads in Alimoso area, noting that he hs accomplished the same in Agboyi-Ketu area.

    Lauding the governor for financial creativity, he said Ambode has lived up to expectation in the area of judicious spending for developmental projects.

    He added: “Ambode is talking about a movement to a smart city at a time some people are still dreaming of a mega city. He has created employment through the Neighbourhood Watch, with 5,700 employed. Employment generation is reducing crime in the state. More teachers have been recruited and the process is transparent.

    “Ambode has been able to ensure security of life and property in Lagos State. The approach the governor has taken is to prevent crime.”

  • As Ambode goes to Apapa

    The 11th edition of the Lagos State government Quarterly Town Hall Meetings berths in Apapa today. Since its inauguration in May 2015, it has become traditional for the state government to periodically render account of its stewardship as well as interact with Lagos residents on diverse issues of governance. The Town Hall Meeting, which quarterly alternates across the state’s three senatorial districts is in fulfilment of Governor Ambode’s resolve to run an all-inclusive government in which “no one or segment of the society, irrespective of colour, race, faith, status, ability or disability is left behind”.

    The forum provides a steady platform for Lagos residents as well as other key stakeholders to be part of decision making process in the state. This, of course, is the whole essence of democracy. For any democratic system to be truly about the people, it is imperative that every democratically elected government constantly relates with the citizens on key issues of governance. Without a doubt, the people remain the bedrock of democracy and as such it is critical that their views on government policies and programmes are carefully and systematically sought from time to time. This way, it will be easy to evolve strategic means to determine ways of improving the quality of the citizenry’s social life.

    Since inception of the Quarterly Town Hall Meetings, opinions of various stakeholders as well as resolutions reached have been quite helpful in assisting government to prioritize its developmental plans across various sectors of the state.  For instance, at the maiden edition held at Abesan Mini Stadium in Ayobo-Ipaja, residents clamoured for a lasting solution to traffic grid along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway as well as rehabilitation of the Ayobo-Ipaja Road. Governor Ambode had promised that a flyover bridge would be constructed at Abule-Egba to ease traffic along the axis while the Ayobo-Ipaja Road would be rehabilitated within three months. Both promises have since been fulfilled.

    Besides helping government to prioritize its activities, the town hall meetings equally offers opportunity for the people to be briefed about various policies and activities of government on a quarterly basis. This is quite important because where access to official information is lacking, the citizenry are bound to take rumours, misconceptions, falsehoods and half-truths as the gospel truth, especially in this era of unbridled social media phenomenon.

    Therefore, today at Apapa, Lagos residents will have the prospect of hearing directly from the governor about several decisive issues that might be of immense concern to them. Similarly, Governor Ambode will equally have the opportunity of informing the people about the several strides of his administration across all sectors since the first quarter of this year.

    For instance, residents of Alimosho were recently given a rare Easter treat when 21 roads and three bridges connecting the state with Ogun State were commissioned. The roads commissioned  are Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge – 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road – 1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);Oko Filling Road – 1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River).Others include Osenatu Ilo road – 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle road – 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road – 1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge– 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

    The Akinwunmi Ambode administration has no doubt, taken infrastructure renewal to a new height in the state.  Just recently, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned a World Class Bus Terminal at Ikeja. At the event, Governor Ambode revealed that more of such are soon to be replicated across strategic locations in the state.

    In furtherance of the Lagos State government’s resolve to open up more communities in the state through the construction of inner roads, the Aboru Link Bridge was also constructed and commissioned for public use. The 500 metres bridge, which was designed to last for over 100 years, serves as a major link road to Iyana-Ipaja from Abule-Egba, Abesan Housing Estate, Ayobo-Ipaja, LASU-Iba and Okokomaiko. It has huge positive socio-economic effects on eight communities along the axis. These are Agbelekale, Aboru, Abesan, Iyana-Ipaja, Ayobo, Ipaja and the neighbouring Ogun State. With the coming of the Link Bridge also came construction of numerous other link roads along the axis such as Aboru road, Ogunfisayo Street as well as Kasumu Street.

    Presently, work is also on-going on the Pen Cinema /Agunbiade flyover which is aimed at reducing traffic gridlock within the corridor. The project entails the construction of reinforced concrete bridge over Pen- Cinema junction and Agunbiade/Old Abeokuta road junction respectively, with a spur linking Old Abeokuta road to the elevated deck and rehabilitation of adjoining roads. The adjoining roads will be improved upon to act as effective detour during construction of the flyover. The project is complemented by traffic signalization of the intersections. When completed, Pen Cinema flyover will help reduce the traffic grid lock along the axis.

    Similarly, the redevelopment of the Lagos Airport Road into a 10-lane international standard highway is on course while work is equally progressing on the Oshodi Transport Interchange which when completed is bound to change the face of public transportation in the entire country.

    The N699.08billion earmarked for key capital projects in this year’s budget is also being judiciously spent on road other infrastructure projects such as the alternative routes through Oke-Ira in Eti-Osa to Epe-Lekki Expressway; the eight kilometres regional road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) with Freedom Road in Lekki Phase I and the BRT Lane from Oshodi to Abule-Egba, to mention but a few.

    It is instructive to note that this particular edition of the Town Hall Meeting at Apapa is quite significant. Apapa is very strategic to the economy of Nigeria, being a major gateway to the country’s sea ports. The major share of government’s revenue comes from both the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. More than 75 per cent of the goods that are imported into the country come through the ports in Lagos and the major ports in the country are based in Apapa. Without a doubt, Apapa is undoubtedly vital to the prosperity of Nigeria. It is, therefore, expected that major stakeholders in the axis would avail themselves the opportunity of today’s forum to come up with creative ideas that could further help in optimizing and sustaining the enormous socio-economic potentials of Apapa.

    In the words of Harvey Firestone, foremost American Business man, “Capital isn’t so important in business. Experience isn’t so important. You can get both these things. What is important is idea. If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn’t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.” It is hoped that today’s town meeting at Apapa will come up with several innovative ideas that will further enhance sustainable growth and development in the state.

     

    • Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.