The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode woos Japanese investors on transport, urban development

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday  met with the Japan-African Union Parliamentary Friendship Committee, an influential group in the Japanese parliament, in Tokyo.

    Ambode said the meeting, which was attended by members of Japan House of Representatives – Hon. Ichiro Aisawa and Hon. Asahiko Mihara, was in furtherance of his quest to woo Japanese investors especially with regards to finding a comprehensive solution to the challenge of transportation in the state.

    He said his presence in Japan was pursuant to his determination to achieve infrastructural renewal for Lagos State.

    “As a government, the renewal of infrastructure of Lagos State is of paramount interest to us. We cannot afford to miss the train of regeneration going around the world. We must continue to seek comprehensive and holistic solution to the various challenges confronting us.

    “Lagos and Tokyo share many similarities including huge populations which require a comprehensive transportation and urban management strategy to deal with. Japan is also a city Lagos should aspire to be in terms of vertical development, land space optimisation, and efficiency,” the governor said.

    The meeting was also attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke and the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Mallam Mohammed Gana Yisa.

    During the week, the governor also visited the headquarters of Yurikamome Incorporated, a light rail transportation facility which connects the down town Tokyo with Tokyo Waterfront City.

    The light rail is patronised by all those who live, work and visit the facility since it opened in November 1995. It operates in just 14.5km and has 16 stations.

    The light rail carries more than 45 million people yearly. It was further gathered that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government built the infrastructure, while Yurikamome Incorporated provided other necessary equipment.

  • ‘Ambode taking Lagos on flight to better future’

    A group of Lagosians, under the aegis of Lagos Peoples Assembly (LPA), has said the upward review of the Land Use Charge (LUC) by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration is meant to take the state to greater heights.

    LPA noted that the state government would use the gains of the LUC to prepare the state for bigger future development.

    The group reacted yesterday to the planned protest by the Ikeja branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

    The body of lawyers practising in Lagos State had said it would stage another peaceful protest to compel the government to return the LUC to its original rate.

    Rising from a meeting yesterday, the lawyers, led by their chairman, Adesina Ogunlana, issued another seven-day ultimatum to the government to revert the LUC.

    Ogunlana threatened that if Lagos government failed to do so, “NBA Ikeja will go on the streets again on Thursday, March 29”.

    He added: “Where the government of Lagos State neglects, fails and refuses to positively consider these positions, the NBA Ikeja will organise and embark on another protest on March 29 to make the government truly answerable to the electorate.”

    In a statement by its Convener, Comrade Femi Lawson, and Clerk, Malam Okwechime Abdul, LPA said: “On behalf of the teeming members of the Lagos Peoples Assembly spread across the nooks and crannies of Lagos State, we commend the efforts of Governor Ambode to position Lagos State as a preferred destination for investment and tourism through the astute adherence to the Centre of Excellence master plan for development as well as his recent announcement of reductions in charges payable in the state as a result of the newly amended Land Use Charge Law 2018.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we fully identify with the aspirations of the governor for holistic development of the state. We note that an unwary observer of governance in the state would have jumped to the conclusion that the state is for the development of areas where the upper and middle classes reside, like Victoria Gardens City, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ikeja, among others, in the provision of basic infrastructural facilities.

    “However, the strides of this administration in the near-slum areas of the state are worthy of commendation. Vintage examples can be cited with the bridges in Abule-Egba, Aboru/Ipaja and Agege as well as the ambitious infrastructural strides in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry.

    “We totally share the underlying philosophy of the state as encapsulated in the recently amended Land Use Charge Law 2018. It is an equitable social justice practised globally to tax in progressive ratio the more privileged, affluent and wealthy sections of society in order to provide basic social amenities for the poorer sections. This is not just a social re-engineering mechanism but a veritable tool for holistic socio-economic growth, social stability and security.

    “It is trite to emphasise that the rich can sleep better when the poor are not hungry and can live in habitat suitable for human beings and not in zoological environment.

    “Lagos with an estimated population of more than 20 million is projected to surpass 35 million in a few years from now. Yet, it lost the campaign to be accorded a special city status and it is grappling with reductions in allocation and dwindling revenue.

    “The state administrators must put on its thinking caps and reason out of the box about how to meet up with the challenge of gaping infrastructural deficits in health, education, housing, pipe-borne water, road network, sports, street lights, security and habitable environment.

    “We are most concerned about the negative activities of some elements to throw spanners into the wheel of growth and development of the state. In a democracy, there is no one-man show; it is run by institutions and processes. “We thus advise those who are against the developmental policies of the state to modern and civilised status to engage the parliament/state House of Assembly that passed the law instead of threatening fire and brimstone to create social chaos in the state. It is trite to reiterate that no group had the monopoly or copyright to mass actions.

    “We challenge the NBA Ikeja branch to seek judicial interventions or be prepared to meet us in street barricades. It is rather worrisome that the organised private sector, which ought to be a social partner in the infrastructural development of the state, has seemingly become organised political sector for some hawks in the corridors of power…”

  • Ambode trains workers on conflict resolution

    The ability by workers to persuade, negotiate, resolve conflicts and avoid chaos is crucial to the development and peace of Lagos State, Govenor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He spoke during a workers training held in Lagos, tagged: “Building Values And Sound Human Relations Skills in Lagos State Civil Service”.

    Represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, he said the workers are expected to be able to identify and spot potentials for conflicts before they fester into full blown crisis.

    He pointed out that the world is fast changing and issues are becoming more complex, adding that the state need workers who are able to make critical observations.

    He said: “A refined officer is expected to have the skills to solve problems. The state need people who can be left on their own to figure out how to resolve conflicts and avoid chaos and ill feelings. You are expected to be able to identify and spot potentials for conflicts before they fester into full blown crisis. Indeed, the ability to persuade, negotiate and resolve conflicts is crucial if you plan to move up. You need to have the skills to develop mutually beneficial relationships in the state so you can influence and persuade people. You also need to be able to negotiate win-win solutions to serve the best interests of the state  and the individuals involved.”

    “As officers of the state who is in charge of important organisations, you must be able to observe and critically assess the impact and consequence of developments as they arise and, sometimes, even before they arise.”

    Ambode said the objective of the training is to inculcate and sharpen the vital interpersonal human relations skills and values that officers of the state civil service require to properly and fully serve the government and the people of Lagos.

    “This is why we have also ensured that we keep our officers happy to achieve good human relations and productivity.

    “A happy worker is a productive worker. A business relies on the productivity of its employees and that is where human relations comes into play,” he added.

    He told the workers that as an officer of the state civil service, they will attain better performance  if they possess good communication skills.

    “This doesn’t mean you have to be a brilliant orator or writer. It does mean you have to express yourself well, whether it is writing a coherent memo, persuading others with a presentation or just being able to calmly explain to a team member what is needed.

    “Also, your department will become more effective and efficient if you can work in a team and collaborate. The state civil service wants people who play well with others and can effectively work as part of a team,” he said.

     

  • Ifako-Ijaiye endorses Ambode for second term

    All Progressives Congress leaders in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    The Chairman of the council,  Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, said the endorsement was based on Ambode’s grassroots policies and his all-nclusive programmes.

    Oke said the chairmen of the 20 local councils and  and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs)  are rooting for the governor’s re-election bid.

    He said: “This is premised on the simple fact that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has demonstrably distinguished himself as bastion of hope and beacon  of light for light for good governance, in less than three years in the saddle.”

    He said a vote for APC the governor is a vote for continuity, transparency, integrity, accountability and good governance.

    Oke urged party chieftains to collect their voters’ cards and mobilise for Ambode’s victory at the poll.

    He  called on Lagosians to re-elect Ambode, asssuring that he will not let them down.

    Oke added: “With a population close to 20 million, we should be able to show our appreciation to this amiable governor by giving him five million votes to ensure the continuation of his good works.”

    He said the people of the council will give 250,000 votes to the governor, adding that he has set up a mobilisation team, “Ambode Continuity Babes,” to swing into action.

    Oke said: I challenge you to summon a new spirit of loyalty, patriotism and responsibility where each of UA have resolved to pitch in and work harder to pursue the greater interest of the party.”

     

  • How to achieve good governance by Ambode

    The combination of the experience of political elders and the creative and innovative ideas of young people is crucial to achieving good governance and sustainable development in the country, Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He said while delivering goodwill message at the second edition of the   Bola Tinubu Youths Summit, held at the weekend at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

    The summit was parts of the activities lined up for the 66th birthday of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Ambode noted that it is very imperative to create a platform in which the benefits of the experience of the elders would be effectively combined with the creative and innovative ideas of young people to align the nation’s desire for good governance and growth with global trends.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, the governor said that his administration right from the inception believed in government of inclusion in which a level playing ground is provided for everyone including youths so as to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

    Describing the theme of the summit Making Nigeria Work- Synergy between Leadership and the New Generation as apt, the governor noted that the summit was relevant as it came when political activities towards next year’s general elections were gathering momentum.

    He noted that the summit could not be better organised than now when there was a general clamour for increased participation of the youths in governance which according to him is inspired by the Not too Young to Run bill that is fast gaining ground at the National Assembly.

    The governor t challenged the youths across the country to be steadfast and continue to demonstrate good character in their quest to make positive difference in governance , urging them to ‘’show strong determination and draw inspiration from leaders who are selfless and people centred in their ideas, policies and ideologies’’

    Praising Asiwaju Tinubu for his leadership quality, Ambode noted that his numerous contributions to the evolution and sustenance of democratic governance / ideals in Nigeria are widely acknowledged not only by Nigerians but across the globe.

     

     

  • Union urges Ambode on 33% pension short-payment

    The Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on Governor Akinwumi Ambode to come to its aid by finding solution to the 25 per cent short-payment and the 33 per cent pension increase.

    Its Chairman, Elder Oluremi Johnson, who spoke with The Nation at the council’s office in Lagos, lamented that some pensioners had problem with the 25 per cent short-payment.

    He added that pension should also be harmonised to enable pensioners who retired on the same rank to be paid the same or similar pension, be it after 30 years of retirement or a year.

    He called on the government to avail the Lagos NUP office of accommodation, noting that this should be in the Central Business District (CBD), preferably Alausa, Ikeja. He regretted that it is only Lagos NUP that does not have its own office, which is why it iss operating from a rented apartment.

    “We are also requesting for utility vehicle, which would enable us carry out official assignments and attend meetings with ease,” Johnson said.

    He further appealed that the welfare packages given to pensioners by the government should be monetised, adding that this would help to prevent the stress experienced by pensioners to get the packages.

     

     

  • Ambode, others for International Day of Happiness

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will on Tuesday participate in the inaugural celebration of International Day of Happiness.

    The United Nation General Assembly declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness with Nigeria adopting the resolution with other nations.

    The celebration in Lagos coincides with the inauguration of the Way To Hapinness Foundation International (Nigeria) headed by Professor Magnus Atilade.

    It will also witness the presentation of a book The way to happiness: A common sense guide to better living to capture the essence and quest of life.

    Atilade, in a statement, explained the foundation has the backing of the UN to organise seminars, public enlightenment and other activities that will guarantee the happiness of Nigeria.

    He said the pursuit of happiness is essential to Nigerians considering the socio-economic challenges as well as threats to their existence around.

    “We are poised to educate our people on how to be happy. Our commitment is to ensure we eliminate and reduce whatever stands in the way of happiness for Nigerians,” he stressed.

     

  • Lagos councils endorse Ambode for second term

    Leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Authorities (LCDA) in Lagos State have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office. During elaborate events held separately across the state last Thursday tagged, ‘Ambode Lekan si’, the APC stalwarts declared their support for Ambode’s second term.

    Leaders of the APC in the six councils of Ikorodu division, in separate rallies held same day, expressed their unflinching support for the re-election bid of the governor, vowing to mobilise the people of the division to vote en masse for him in 2019. Thousands of party faithful trooped out to participate at the rallies attended by prominent party leaders from within and outside the division.

    Speaking at one of the rallies, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Hon. Bolanle Agunbiade, assured the governor of the support of the people of the division. According to him, “the people of Ikorodu, seeing the good works of Governor Ambode since he took over the leadership of the state, are appreciative and ready to help him do more for Ikorodu and its people by ensuring he is re-elected.”

    Similarly, Kosofe L.G.A, led by its executive chairman, Afolabi Babatunde Sofola, at an event held at the council secretariat in Ogudu, promised to deliver the votes of the people of the area for Ambode in 2019. Sofola said his administration’s endorsement of the governor is based on “the legacy of performance, excellent delivery of people-oriented governance and unwavering continuity of exceptional leadership laid by our political hero and father of modern Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The council boss added that “any other contestant for the office of governor in Lagos State for 2019 is a counterfeit,” stating categorically that “nobody in the state would say they have not felt Ambode’s impact one way or the other.” To underline his conviction, Sofola said all the 57 local government bosses in the state were “simultaneously endorsing the governor that same day, same hour.”

    In a related development, APC chieftains in Alimosho promised to deliver more than 60 per cent of the nearly 700, 000 registered voters in the constituency to ensure that the governor returns for a second term. The leaders made this promise at a press briefing for the endorsement and declaration of support for Ambode’s second term which took place at Mosan Okunola, Alimosho, yesterday. Alimosho is the largest constituency in Lagos with six local councils.

    The group, Alimosho Federal Constituency Coalition of Support Group, said that it would mobilise people of Alimosho behiind Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for second term following his sterling performance. Addressing the party supporters and other leaders who packed full the hall, Chief Olusegun Badejo, who read the group’s speech, said that Ambode’s infrastructural renewal strides and people-oriented initiatives informed the support.

    The Deputy Whip of the Lagos Assembly who represents Alimosho constituency 2, Hon. Omotayo Oduntan Oyeledun, also said, “The Alimosho people will forever be grateful to his Excellency for the landmark achievements across Lagos and particularly Alimosho among which are the construction of Abule Egba flyover bridge, the Aboru/Moran road and bridge, the Ikola/Ajasa/Amikanle and Ray power road network and the completion of the various roads and projects inherited from the previous administration.

  • 2019: Market women, men endorse Ambode

    Members of the Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men of Ajah Ultra Modern Market, Ajah, Lagos State, have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for the governorship election taking place next year.

    The Babaoja of the market, Alhaji (Chief) Rasaki T. Odunlami, during a press conference in his office in Ajah, said the decision to endorse the governor was taken as a result of his great achievements which are in all parts of the state.

    “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is a knowledgeable politician and great governor. He has done a lot  for the people of Lagos State. His projects are all over the state and these are projects which are highly beneficial to all Lagosians.

    “Apart from his marvellous performance in the area of embarking on useful projects, he has worked hard to secure the state. Lagos is very peaceful. Everybody is going about his or her business without harassment. Governor Ambode deserves praise and cooperation of all residents of Lagos state.

    “The people of Eti-Osa are very happy with the governor. He did a lot for us here. He gave us the Jubilee Bridge and other projects we are very proud of. We are grateful to him, and I can assure him of the support of market men and women in Eti-Osa,” the Babaloja said.

    Alhaji Odunlami also appealed to the governor, on behalf of market women and men of Ajah Ultra Modern Market, to open up the market by linking Baale and Sulu Baale Streets with the Lekki-Epe Expressway in order to make the market accessible to people.

    “I am begging our good and understanding governor to open up Baale and Sulu Baale Streets which have been blocked with a fence, separating the market from the expressway. Before the construction of the fence, people could gain access to the market easily through the streets from the expressway. But now, it is not possible.

    “We are losing our customers to other markets around, and market women and men are relocating to other markets. It is difficult for motors bringing in goods to access the market.

    “We also need pedestrian passages on the expressway for convenience and safety of the people of the area generally, Alhaji Odunlami said.

    After the conference, jointly handled by Alhaji Odunlami and Prince Sanni Akinsemoyin R. A. Olugbani, there was a rally during which market women and men carrying placards commended Governor Ambode for his achievements and implored him to open up the market.

    All the market women and men interviewed lamented their suffering as a result of the fence blocking the two streets and appealed to the governor to bring comfort and progress to their lives by graciously granting their requests.

  • 2019: Agege adopts Ambode, Obasa, Ogundimu

    RESIDENTS of Agege, a Lagos suburb, yesterday endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and lawmaker Oluyinka Ogundimu for 2019.

    The residents, at a rally in Agege, agreed that the trio should be supported to return as governor, speaker and lawmaker representing Agege II in the House of Assembly.

    They were led by Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos West, Chief Funsho Ologunde.

    Other APC chieftains at the endorsement rally include a Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) member, Prof Tunde Samuel and Iyaloja-General Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

    Ologunde said: “Ambode has turned Lagos to a construction site and Agege community has been one of the major beneficiaries. Both lawmakers (Obasa and Ogundimu) have been playing the needed supportive roles for the governor. Therefore, for this good work to continue, I urge you all to support our governor, speaker and Ogundimu for another term.”

    Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, who was represented by Mrs. Toyin Kudu, confirmed that in view of the huge achievements of the Ambode administration, particularly in Agege, it becomes imperative for the people to endorse not only Ambode, but Obasa and Ogundimu, who she said have supported the governor.

    A communiqué confirming the endorsement was later read by a former local government chairman and lawmaker, Rotimi Adeshina.