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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode connects Ogun with 21 roads, two bridges

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday praised tax payers for performing their civic duty as he opened 21 roads and two bridges to mark Easter in Alimosho, the largest federal constituency in the country.

    He said the projects, which are in four different locations within Alimosho, were part of the continuous bid to transform the axis and build a new economy around it.

    Ambode said: “This is what is called dividend of democracy. We are making this Alimosho axis economically viable and also livable. We don’t need to travel far to earn a living. By opening up the whole network stretching 27.4km, we have brought economy back to this place.

    ‘’With the walkways and street lights, these communities are becoming safer and there is more to do. By expanding the infrastructure around this axis, you can travel as far as to Ojo or Badagry without necessarily passing through the express road. That is what you voted for and that’s why we are returning  here to say we have kept all our promises.”

    Ambode hailed All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for activating the transformation of Alimosho when he was governor,  with the construction of LASU-Iba Road and former Governor Babatunde Fashola for taking the project up to Ipaja.

    He said: “What we are doing today is historic and of great importance that we must send the message rightly so that people can understand why we are celebrating on Easter Monday the change in the life of our people which the resurrection of Christ symbolises.

    “First, we salute all our political leaders starting with Asiwaju Tinubu for starting the vision of making Alimosho a place of pride with the construction of LASU-Iba Road such that taking off from Badagry, you can drive through LASU-Iba Road up to Igando, Egbe and so on, and you have a pleasurable ride. My predecessor, Governor  Fashola took it up to Ipaja all in a bid to build a new economy in this particular axis.

    “We have taken it from Ipaja to Ayobo, Command Secondary School Gate, Abesan, Aboru Bridge and roads. What we are doing today is momentous as we are connecting over 60 communities together and we are happy we have achieved this.”

    Ambode said the roads were alternative routes to decongest traffic from the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, adding that they  could be used to access Ipaja up to Badagry without using the expressway.

    “It is an alternative route, we don’t need to congest ourselves on the Lagos-Abeokuta express when you drive from Gateway Hotel and start driving through Ojokoro, Ipaja and so on. Now, you can take this alternative route and go all the way to Ipaja and Badagry without having anything to do with the expressway,” the governor said.

    The government, he said,   completed the projects using the taxes paid by the people.

    “These projects are made possible by the tax payers. Your taxes made it possible for this administration to improve on the economy and solve traffic challenges in the state.

    “So, when you understand that this was not done with Akin Ambode’s money; When you realise that I did not put a kobo there apart from my own taxes. When you realise that it is the taxes that you have contributed that we have used to improve on this particular economy, then you will be able to support our commitment to make every part of Lagos economically viable and livable, so that all the people in this area can have the same kind of life that others are enjoying in the other axis of Lagos. The idea of the project is to open up all our suburban communities, reduce traffic congestion and then create better life for the people,” Ambode said.

    As part of the continuation of the axis’  development, the governor promised to dredge Ilo River, rehabilitate Adekoya Road, Makinde Road, Suberu Oje Road, Old Ota Road and Ishefun-Ijan Road, which will be connected to a jetty through which people can ride a boat  to connect  Marina on Lagos Island in 20 minutes.

    He also said  a modern bus terminal and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor would soon be constructed in the area.

    “We would do more, based on the budget for 2018. There are other infrastructure we have to put in this community… We want to do economic integration of all the Southwestern states and the nearest to us is Ogun State and that’s why we are expanding the road network to enter into the boundary of Ogun State.

    “We are doing something similar between Epe and Ijebu-Ode to enter into the Ijebu-Ode-Ore Express road. That is what economic integration means, that is how to expand commerce, that’s how to create jobs for our people and by this project people in this community will benefit from the jobs and also benefit from the commerce and that is what inclusive governance is all about,” the governor said.

  • Women endorse Ambode for second term

    A group, Lagos Women for Akinwumi Ambode (LAWAA) has endorsed Governor Akinwumi Ambode for a second term.

    Speaking at a rally held in Police College, Ikeja,  Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule assured the women that they would continue to get the best from Ambode’s administration.

    “Be rest assured that the administration would not stop to ensure  women are giving their pride of place in the state.  We would continue to provide enabling environment for women to continue to thrive and take their place in the society,” she said.

    Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, hailed Ambode for enabling women to participate in his government.

    She called for more participation for women in governance, noting that women are compassionate and would not allow people suffer.

    “We promise that we would not let you down. Continue to do your good work and we will make you proud,” she said.

    LAWAA Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said Ambode has done well for Lagosians, urging all to vote for him to enable him continue the good work he has started.

    She said: “We thank him for the great job he has done in the state especially for women, widows and children, and for the work he has done on roads, hospitals and schools; we want him to continue. He has imparted our lives; he prioritised women and we know he will make us shine.”

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Women Leader (Southwest) and Executive Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Chief Kemi Nelson said Ambode has made the state’s economy risen to be number five in Africa.

    Ikorodu Local Government Area Vice-Chairman Folasade Olabanji-Oba, urged women to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

  • Ambode: No going back on making waterways safer

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said his administration will not waver in making water transportation and tourism safer.

    He spoke at the annual Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront in Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi.

    Government, he said, would continue to make further investments and partnerships in the channelisation of the water routes, as well as provision of more standard jetties and ferries.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, Ambode noted that the last boat regatta organised simultaneously in four locations to mark the Lagos at 50 last year, was a success and has brought the treasure of the waterways to the fore.

    According to him, “We have made a modest investment in a few luxury boats that are meant to target tourism promotion. The Lagos lagoon boasts of perhaps the busiest water route in West Africa. There is a vibrant boat club with members’ boat collection that is astonishing; there is a growing interest in surfing and our waterways are acknowledged as one of the best for scuba diving in the world.

    “This is why our determination will not waver in making our waterways cleaner and safer with further investments and partnerships in the channelisation of the water routes, in the provision of more standard jetties and ferries.” he said.

    The event featured traditional Boat Regatta parade and display competition by 20 qualified boats from Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Lagos Island, out of which five boats were eventually selected, while Agbowa Ikosi emerged overall winner.

    It also featured search and rescue demonstration, water safety tips, entertainment boat parade and cultural performances.

    Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Steve Ayorinde said the event was a cultural and entertainment funfair meant to showcase part of the state’s rich aquatic cultural asset.

    Ayorinde explained that what had been displayed was a festival that is common to the traditional coastline communities.

    Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA) General Manager Daramola Emmanuel said the state government was serious about promoting water transportation as an alternative to other means of transportation.

    He advised participants to wear life jackets and avoid drinking before driving.

    Dignitaries who graced the event included members of the Lagos State Executive Council; former Deputy Governors – Femi Pedro and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Akiolu; former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adeniran Ogunsanya; Senators Muniru Muse, Musiliu Obanikoro, among others.

  • APC leaders laud Ambode over completion of 21 boundary roads

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Alimosho axis of Lagos State on Saturday lauded Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over the completion of a total of 21 roads and three bridges connecting the state to Ogun State. The leaders, in a joint statement, said the development was another eloquent testimony of the commitment of the state government to make every part of the state economically viable and livable.

    They are Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan; member, House of Representatives representing Alimosho, Olufemi Adebanjo; his counterpart representing Ifako-Ijaiye, Nurudeen Akinwunmi; Lagos State Commissioner for Employment and Wealth Creation, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Housing, Kehinde Joseph; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Bisi Yusuf; and Lagos State APC Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo.

    “The launch of a network of 21 roads, totalling 27km with bridges from Command, Ipaja to the boundary of Ogun State, marks the final implementation of a vision started by our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, with the construction of LASU-Iba Road, to Egbe, Igando and Egbeda (when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was Commissioner for Works). Governor Raji Fashola continued the dualisation to Ipaja.

    “You (Governor Ambode) continued the improvement from Ipaja to Command School, Ayobo, and now to the boundary of Ogun State. Apart from creating an alternative route away from the Abeokuta Expressway, we can now travel to Ota boundary from Ogun State through AIT to Ipaja and Abesan to LASU-Iba Road- Ojo-Badagry without going through Agege-Abeokuta Expressway,” the leaders said.

    The Lagos-Ogun boundary roads which have been completed and ready for inauguration 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); 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).

  • Easter: Ambode preaches tolerance, sacrifice

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another, stating that development and growth can only occur in the nation when all tribes and tongue unite and speak with one voice. He said this in his Easter message made available to reporters yesterday.

    The governor said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.

    He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew bitterness along ethnic and religious lines, as no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives. “We must therefore see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness,” the governor said.

    Governor Ambode commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration and promotion of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and religious diversities. “No doubt, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country that we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another.”

    While wishing all Lagosians a happy Easter celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined them to continue to support his administration to deliver more developmental projects that would make life more comfortable for them. He stated that the cooperation of residents for government programmes and policies was responsible for the massive development across the state in the last 34 months.

     

  • Butchers back Ambode for second term

    Members of Lagos state Butchers Association have expressed  their full support for the state governor,  Mr Akinwunmi  Ambode for a second term in office

    Addressing journalists at their 3, Ogunmokun  Street Mushin Olosha, State secretariat of the association, chairman, Alhaji Alabi Bamidele Kazeem commended Ambode for his achievements in Lagos State with only three years as governor

    He said “Everybody can see the  tremendous work he has  done. We feel proud and delighted to the part of the efforts  to give him a second  term in office”

    Bamidele also commended Ambode  for appointing Honorable  Isiaka Toyin Suara as Commissioner for Agriculture  and Cooperative saying “The commissioner has brought a lot of honor and dignity to the work of butchers: he is dynamic, he has transformed Agege Abattoir which used to be known for its filthiness”

    He added that because of the foresight Suara has, the place has become an enviable Abattoir where meat could be processed even for exportation, as it is safer and has better environment for butchers to operate.

    The butchers association chairman also commended the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr. Sikirudeen Onasanya for the hand of fellowship he gave to his members and  also for moving their work to a higher level throughout the State.

    Speaking on dividends of democracy which Ambode administration in Lagos State gave to his members, Bamidele listed: workshops, seminars, empowerment for butchers and procuring cows  for their members, apart from the general facelift he was giving  to Lagos to ensure success of the Mega city project.

    Bamidele said the over 50,000 strong members of Lagos State Butchers Association  in the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas were solidly behind  Ambode for the continuity of the good work during  his second term: therefore they will soon embarked on solidarity rallies in all the councils in the state.

  • Ambode to Buhari: Lagos truly deserves special status

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider the possibility of granting Lagos a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as the driver of the nation’s economic growth.

    Ambode, who spoke at a State Dinner in honour of President Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate his two-day official visit to the State, expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left to strive for development without much Federal support.

    The governor said that despite the strategic position the State plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the State, which he said his administration was doing its best to explore by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

    He, however, said that for these potentials to be realised, the State requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the State same was turned down by the Senate.

    “Mr President, it has become glaring that Lagos State cannot achieve this alone. Mr. President, 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left without much Federal support.

    “Your Excellency, despite all these, Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to grant our State a Special Status. I recall that a bill seeking to accord it a Special Status has been rejected three times in the Senate. Lagos deserves a Special Status if we want the State to continue to serve as the major driver of the nation’s economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    Thanking President Buhari for magnanimously yielding the State’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy, Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the State Government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

    “Mr. President your word has been your bond as far as your promises to Lagos State are concerned. You approved the reconstruction of the Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road that will be ready by the end of this year. You gladly released for our kind use, your Presidential Lodge in Marina because you believe in our vision to transform the lodge into a monument and cultural legacy as part of the Onikan-Marina cultural and architectural regeneration.

    “In addition, as part of our drive to use entertainment and sports to drive tourism and economic growth, we again ask of Your Excellency to consider ceding the ownership and management of the National Stadium Surulere and the National Arts Theatre Iganmu to Lagos State. These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “This is not too much to ask but we are reassured that our President is a listening father who understands the yearnings of Lagosians. We are confident that he would listen and respond positively to the demands of about one-eighth of the nation’s population resident in Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking on Friday after conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) which is a multi-billion dollar project expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis, Governor Ambode said the project was a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

    He recalled that the project, which was conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a brilliant engineering display which had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

    “This project has actually saved the whole of Victoria Island and is standing on over 750 square kilometres bigger than Victoria Island itself when it is eventually completed. This is just an example of what the private sector can really do to the Nigerian economy and that is why we have made it possible that Mr President should take a practical tour of how we can really move the Nigerian economy when we partner with the private sector,” Governor Ambode said.

    Responding, President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I’m impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and positive effect which this project is capable of having on the economy.

    “I’m really grateful for those who agreed to invest so much in our country to get a secured area for operations capable of handling big businesses and investments throughout Africa,” the President said.

  • Ambode to Buhari: Lagos truly deserves a Special Status

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday evening launched a fresh appeal to the the Federal Government to grant the state a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as driver of the nation’s economic growth.

    Ambode told President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on a two-day official visit to Lagos, to seriously consider the possibility of granting the request.

    The governor spoke at a State Dinner in honour of Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate the President’s visit to the state.

    He expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the state has been left to strive for development without much support from the centre.

    The governor said despite the strategic position the Lagos plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the state.

    Ambode said his administration was doing its best to explore these opportunities by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

    He, however, said for these potentials to be realised, the state requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the state same was turned down by the Senate.

    “Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the federal government to grant our state a Special Status,” he said.

    He recalled how a bill seeking to accord it a Special Status was rejected three times in the Senate.

    However, he thanked the President for granting the state’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy.

    Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, to the state government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

    “These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

    And conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) on Friday, the governor described the project as a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

    The multi-billion dollar project is expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis.

    He said the project conceived and initiated during the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor of the state, had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

    President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

     

     

     

     

  • Photo: Buhari visits Eko Atlantic City

    President Muhammadu Buhari while on his two days visit to Lagos, toured Eko Atlantic City on Friday.

    He was pictured  with the Governor of Lagos Akinwunmi Ambode,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the popular British Model, actress Naomi Campbell.

     

     

     

  • Buhari hails Ambode for developing Lagos

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday hailed Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for developing the state within three years.

    He spoke while inaugurating Ikeja Bus Terminal, shortly after arriving the state for a two-day official visit.

    The President, in his brief remarks during the ceremony, praised Ambode for his reform in public transportation.

    He said the Federal Government would adhere to its plan for the ports and other transport infrastructure.

    Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, stabilising the economy, creating an enabling environment for jobs and returning Nigeria to its pride of place in the comity of nations.

    Ambode thanked President Buhari for waiving the import duty on the 5,000 air-conditioned buses, which will be operated from the terminal.

    He said the state looked forward to having an assembly plant for the buses in the next 20 months.

    Ambode said his administration was committed to improving public transport infrastructure and management.

    He said with the state’s bus reform project, 5,000 buses would be introduced in the next three years.

    According to him, 820 environmentally-friendly high-capacity buses, in the first phase, are expected by September.

    Works and Infrastructure Commissioner Ade Akinsanya said the terminal was part of the bus reform initiative, based on recommendations of the 2015 Lagos Transport Summit.

    The terminal has a concourse for arrival, ticketing, waiting and departure areas, loading bay, ATM gallery as well as food court and parking facilities.

    It is designed to change the face of public transportation and will convey more than 200,000 passengers daily to over 22 destinations.

    The facility, which is sitting on a 10,000 square metre-land, is equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), free Wi-Fi and electronically controlled shades, among others.

    Through the ITS, passengers can be informed of the departure time and arrival of the next bus, which allows them to plan their movement.

    The facility was designed and constructed by Planet Projects, an indigenous construction firm.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President’s plane landed about 9:30 am at the Presidential Wing of the airport.

    Buhari was received by Ambode and top officers of security outfits at the airport, including the Police, Air Force, Immigration Service, Customs Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

    He inspected a ceremonial guard of honour before proceeding to the Ikeja Bus Terminus for the inauguration.

    The President returned to the airport later and proceeded to Lagos Island via a chopper to attend a colloquium in honour of the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    NAN reports that security operatives re-opened the General Aviation Terminal , which was earlier barricaded, shortly after the departure of the President for the colloquium.

    Buhari received a rousing welcome from Nigerians who lined the airport road to catch a glimpse of him.

    The crowd chanted “Sai Baba ” as the President’s motorcade made its way back to the airport after inauguration of the bus terminal.