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Tag: Ambode

  • Councils endorse Ambode for second term

    No fewer than eight local government and local council development areas yesterday endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second.

    Hundreds of party enthusiasts stormed secretariats of Oshodi-Isolo, Odi-Olowo, Somolu, Ifako-Ijaiye, Iru-Victoria, Apapa-Iganmu, Bariga, Onigbongbo for the endorsement.

    Apostle Oloruntoba Oke of Ifako-Ijaiye said the endorsement was as a result of Ambode’s grassroots policies and all-inclusive programmes of the government.

    Oke said all the chairmen of the 20 Local Government and 37 LCDAs are rooting for return of Ambode because “Ambode has distinguished himself as bastion of hope and beacon of light for light for good governance, in less than three years in the saddle.”

    Alhaja Funmilayo Mohammed of Apapa-Iganmu said Ambode has reduced crime in her council to the barest minimum due to his people-oriented policies.

    Besides this, she said, Apapa-Iganmu benefitted immensely from the governor’s employment opportunities.

    Her Iru-Victoria Island counterpart, Princess Rasheedat Abiodun Adu said a vote for Ambode is a vote for good governance.

    Princess Adu said the governor has endeared himself in the minds of Lagosians through massive developmental projects executed in the last three years.

    Idris Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh of Oshodi-Isolo said: “Many people had called me to express their love for the governor to continue beyond 2019, that is why I asked everyone to come to the open to signify their willingness.”

    Muse-Ariyoh thanked Ambode for the ongoing construction of Oshodi Transport Interchange and expansion of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road among other projects.

    His Somolu counterpart, Abdulhamed Salawu aka Dullar said Ambode is a source of blessing to Lagos State.

    Ambode, he said, came in when the country was facing severe economic hardship but ensure Lagosians don’t feel the impact.

    In Bariga, Kolade Alabi said: “It is commonsensical to give our unalloyed support to Governor Ambode because he has done well in constructing roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, water treatment plants, sewage and storm water drainages.

    “Lagos today is a city of honour, a land of opportunity; Ambode is turning Lagos to smart city.”

     

  • Lagos CP to Ambode: Declare state of emergency on cultism

    Lagos State Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, on Thursday appealed to the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to declare a state of emergency on cultism.

    He also said the state House of Assembly should be prevailed upon to propose stiffer punishment for cultism, decrying the recruitment of primary school children into various cult groups in the state.

    Edgal spoke at Badagry while receiving 139 youths, who renounced their membership of various cult groups and surrendered arms, ammunition in their possessions.

    According to Edgal, the police will adopt the carrot and stick approach in tackling cultism, describing the vice as an instigator to other violent crimes.

    While those who voluntarily relinquished arms, ammunition and denounced cultism would be rehabilitated and taken through vocational trainings and offered employments, Edgal said those caught by law enforcement agents would get maximum punishment for the offence.

    The police commissioner also called for more surveillance of the borders to prevent arms smuggling into the state.

    He said: “I want to use this opportunity to call on the government to declare a state of emergency on cultism. The House of Assembly needs to also award stiffer punishment for cultists because the practice of initiating our children in primary schools is worrisome.

    “We will use the carrot and stick approach in fighting cultism in Lagos. The carrot aspect involved encouraging youths in all communities in the state to voluntarily relinquish cultism and surrender arms and ammunition in their possessions.

    “We are also calling on local government chairmen and others who have the capacity to take these youths and give them vocational training so that they can come back and be reintegrated into the society and earn decent living.

    “From the list handed over to me, I have seen that some of these repentant cultists are university graduates. Some have higher diplomas. Some are teachers and artisans. These are people who should be contributing meaningfully to the growth of society.

    “I am happy as CP in Lagos to receive them back to the fold of responsible, decent and law abiding citizens of Badagry. Before us are weapons of mass destruction voluntarily surrendered. We have AK47 rifles, pump action rifles, several locally made pistols, axes, cutlasses, AK47 and pump action ammunition, among others.

    “The weapons would be taken to public armoury and would be well documented. All those who have renounced membership of different cult groups would be profiled, their biometrics taken and files opened for them so that we can track their progress.

    “The local government chairman has assured me he would do everything within his power to ensure those without skills and qualifications are trained and have means of livelihood. Those with degrees would be offered some forms of employment.

    “I am happy my colleagues from other security agencies are here. I call on us to join hands to police our borders seriously and prevent arms and ammunition from entering into our communities because they would be sold to our youths and criminal gangs, who would use them to commit crimes.

    “I thank the traditional leaders and all those who made this possible. I call on other parts of the state to emulate Ikorodu and Badagry. It would be my pride to be invited by other communities especially Mushin, Oshodi, Ajegunle, Isolo, Ijora-Badia for similar purpose. The war against cultism and drug peddling should not be left for the police because the police alone cannot win it.”

     

  • Ambode urges new perm secs to champion growth mindset

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged permanent secretaries to lead by example and be champions of growth mindset in the public service.

    The state recently launched a special advocacy campaign to engender growth mindset among civil servants and imbue them with the right skills and attitude to fast-track development and set the state on the path of growth.

    At a brief swearing-in ceremony at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, the capital, Ambode advised the new appointees – Mrs Ayinde Rhoda Olubusola and Mr Olusanya Ebenezer Abayomi – to key into the template created for the civil service to stimulate the change of mindset and the infusion of innovation and creativity in government business.

    He said: “Every appointment comes with higher responsibilities and expectations. For the Lagos State public service, a template has been developed and it is being implemented systematically.

    “Essentially, the template is about change of mindset and the infusion of innovation and creativity in government business.

  • Ndigbo in APC drum support for Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been endorsed a second term by Igbos living in  the state.

    The ‘Igbo Vision in All Progressives Congress (APC)’ has started mobilising to ensure victory for the governor in 2019, according to Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Mr. Joe Igbokwe.

    He said stakeholders have resolved to support the governor for a second term, because of his excellent performance.

    Igbokwe said outcome of the 2019 election would convince the ethnic group the APC is the most reliable  party.

    The Publicity Secretary said Ndigbo would vote for the governor in next year’s poll.

    He said: “In recognition of his hard work, we are going to come out in millions to support him once again through voting.

    “I know that the Igbo, under the aegis of Igbo Vision, supported Ambode to become governor in the face of victimisation. But they have not been recognised for their loyalty. Today, I want to assure you that our governor did not forget the Igbo; you will be rewarded at the appropriate time.”

    Igbokwe said although Ambode’s government does not share money, it has impacted positively on the lives of the people through its developmental projects.

    He added: “We have seen physical developments across Lagos and the ongoing transformation in Ladipo market is one of the numerous projects to make life better for Lagosians. We are pleased with this and we want it to continue.”

    The Vice President, Association of Ndieze Igbo in Diaspora Worldwide, Chief Uche Dimgba, said his group has commenced sensitisation of Igbos in Lagos. He said Igbos in the state have been enjoined to get their voters’ cards.

    Dimgba added: “We also encouraged those that have voters card to come out and vote for Ambode in recognition of his selfless service to the development of Lagos State. Lagos State is our home and this is where we have majority of our investments.”

     

  • Ambode, RRS chief warn against insensitivity to Nigeria’s security

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Olatunji Disu, have urged Nigerians to be sensitive to the current security situation in the country.

    They spoke in Lagos at a security symposium with the theme: Nigeria Security Challenge: How It Concerns You.

    Speakers at the symposium, which was organised by the state’s area unit of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), included the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof Is’haq Akintola.

    Ambode said the current security situation in Nigeria required collective efforts to be defeated.

    The governor said Nigerians must pay a serious attention to the nation’s security situation without bias.

    He advised parents to monitor the activities of their children, adding that those causing insecurity in the country were wrongly enlightened.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, said: “Parenting is a profession. It is the greatest job of every one of us. We have a job to build leaders. We must dedicate time to learn and build the type of children who will guarantee security.

    “Let us walk the talk. When we make a promise, let us deliver. We must all be sensitive to the current security situation by playing our roles adequately.”

    Disu, who was the lecturer at the symposium, advised Nigerians to be sensitive by developing security codes with family and friends.

    This, he said, would make communication easy with friends and family in times of distress.

    He said: “Let us all learn some gestures and codes to send messages to our family, especially our children, to warn them to be careful with a person or in a place. It could be a handshake, or a gaze or a pat on the back.

    “We should also learn to keep details of our lives away from the social media. It’s a security measure to know what goes on when we are not around and to know who is watching us. Also, protect your ATM cards, cheque books and SIM cards, especially the one you opened your account with. Some thieves are not interested in your phones now but your SIM cards.”

    Speaking on the topic, Role of Women in National Security, Mrs Okei-Odumakin advised women to step up their roles as key security agents.

    “Recruiting women in security agencies is also essential as we should build a sustainable relationship and be conscious of people’s needs,” she said.

    Akintola said it is important for government at all levels and institutions to ensure the protection of rights by promoting equity.

    The Amir (President) of the MSSN Lagos, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, said the symposium was organised to resolve the security challenge in the country.

    He said: “We are also affected by the security challenge in the country. In fact, recent condemnable occurrences have shown that students are the worst hit by the challenge. We hope that government will intensify effort in its move to ensure security in Nigeria.”

  • APC Lagos Central endorses Ambode, Senator Tinubu for another term

    Leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos Central Senatorial District yesterday endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for another term.

    The endorsements came at the end of the Leadership Assembly organised by the district at Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island.

    After the resolution of the conference was read by Mr Abiodun Osunmo and necessary corrections were made, the floor was declared open by the district leader, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, for endorsement motions.

    House of Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun moved a motion for the endorsement of Ambode for a second term.

    The motion was seconded by Princess Obiageli Onu.

    Olusi put the motion to voice voting and the hall erupted in unanimous AYES! in support of the motion.

    Former Deputy Speaker Adetoun Adeniran also moved another motion for the endorsement of Senator Tinubu to get another term.

    She was seconded by a lawmaker representing Eti-Osa in the House of Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu.

    Again, Olusi put it to voice voting and the AYES! backed the motion.

    He announced Ambode’s and Senator Tinubu’s endorsement on behalf of the district.

    Akeem Sulaimon, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communication, as well as Mrs Omolola Essien, the Chairman of Conference of 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, thanked the gathering for endorsing the duo.

    Sulaimon, who stood in for the governor, promised more developmental projects for Lagosians.

    Mrs Adeniran said Senator Tinubu is poised to deliver more dividends of democracy to her constituents.

    In a communique read at the end of the assembly, the participants urged political office holders in APC to be active, supportive of the growth of the party and connect with the people.

    The conference noted that the current leadership in the state is a pride of the APC with its rugged pursuit and execution of people-oriented programmes as enshrined in the party’s manifesto.

    According to them, elected officers on the platform of APC have performed well at Federal, state and local government levels.

    The conference hailed the 13 local government areas and LCDAs in Lagos Central Senatorial District for the onerous delivery of the dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

    The district praised Senator Tinubu for not only ensuring a robust and qualitative representation at the Federal level but also for also giving quarterly reports to the constituents, thereby cementing democratic representation.

    The conference recognised Ambode’s sterling performance and his responsiveness to the yearnings of Lagos residents.

  • Land Use Charge: Dialogue will lead to positive outcome, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed optimism that the current dialogue with various stakeholders on the new Land Use Charge Law would bring about a positive outcome in the overall interest of the people going forward.

    He said the State Government would come out with a positive position to ameliorate the issues raised by stakeholders on the new Land Use Charge Law in the next one week, saying the increment was all in a bid to protect the future and create permanent prosperity for the State.

    Ambode, who addressed reporters after leading a symbolic walk against sexual and domestic violence in Alausa, Ikeja, the state capital, said his administration was sensitive and responsive to the yearnings of the people.

    The governor said he had met with various stakeholders in the last one week to explain the rationale behind the new law.

    He said: “Just the way you would have observed, we held a session with the business community last week on Lagos Means Business and one of the topical issues that were raised was about the Land Use Charge. During that session, I did say that the state government was open to dialogue. Ever since that Tuesday, we have been consulting people and we have also been trying to explain the basis of this Land Use Charge law.”

    Ambode said out of the 300 tax items in the state, only the Land Use Charge and one other law were reviewed upwards.

    The governor said the development was targeted at fast-tracking development and protecting the future of the state.

    Also, a rights group, the EIE Project Ltd/GTE, yesterday sued the state government over the Land Use Charge (LUC).

    It is praying the High Court in Ikeja to declare that the state’s House of Assembly lacks powers to make the law, as it is.

    It prayed for a reversal of portions of the law for contradicting the 1999 Constitution.

    The plaintiff is seeking an interpretation of Section 7 (5) Item 1(J) of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    It is praying the court to strike out sections 3, 5 and 6 of the law for being inconsistent with 1999 Constitution.

    According to the plaintiff’s lawyer, Olumide Babalola, sections 3, 5 and 6 of the LUC Law 2018 are in conflict with the provisions of Section 7(5) and Item 1(J) of the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

    It prays the court to declare those portions of the LUC Law 2018 null and void, and restrain the Lagos State government from enforcing them.

    In a supporting affidavit deposed to by Seun Akinyemi, the plaintiff said being the occupier of 8, Alhaji Murtala Street, Aturanse Estate, Gbagada, Lagos, it was subject to the LUC law.

    “Upon passing the law, all the respondents have made press releases of the contents of the law and their intentions to start enforcing same any time soon.

    “I believe that sections 3, 5, 6, 10 and 14 are inconsistent with the provisions of Section 7(5) and Item 1(j) of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    “I believe that the applicant will be greatly prejudiced by the enforcement of the Land Use Charge Law,” the deponent said.

    Lagos State government, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and the House of Assembly are the respondents.

    According to the plaintiff, Lagos lawmakers lack the powers to make or pass the Land Use Charge 2018, which contains provisions of the constitutionally exclusive functions of the local governments to assess, levy and collect tenement rates.

    It is praying the court to strike out the provisions of sections 3, 5 and 6 of the Land Use Charge Law of 2018.

    The plaintiff said it filed the suit after it made several unsuccessful attempts to settle the matter out of court.

    EIE Project Ltd/GTE prays the court to determine whether or not the respondents can validly pass the LUC, which contains several provisions on assessment, levying and collection of tenement rates that are the exclusive functions of local governments.

    No date has been fixed for hearing as respondents are expected to be served with the suit, which was filed yesterday.

     

  • Group backs Ambode for second term

    A head of next year’s election, the Badagry division of Women Development Forum, on Saturday backed the re-election bid of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Its Coordinator Princess Sewede Pot-Balogun, said Ambode was adopted because of his achievements in the last three years.

    she said the governor’s total dedication to duty coupled with the enormous developmental projects and his desire to make the state a better place to live, had earned him a second term in office.

    “In this division, we profited in the programmes and plans of Governor Ambode led-administration. This is why we are announcing out support for his re-election so that he can continue to make our division and Lagos an enviable state,” she said.

    Coordinator General of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard Seyi Bamigbade, said the new tax policy is for the development of the state.

    He urged Lagosians to continue their cooperation with the Lagos State Government.

    Dr Innocent Nwankwo, who led members of the Igbo community to the event, said his people supported the move to endorse the governor for a second term because of love for all Lagosians irrespective of their tribes or religions, noting that the governor has proved himself to be a detribalised Nigerian and highly focused person.

    “I am calling on all non- indigenes to support Governor Ambode. It is our collective civic responsibility,” he said.

    He urged residents to be part of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, adding that their voter’s card remains the weapon to support continuity of good government.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Babatunde Hunpe, said Ambode’s performance in office had made the state a reference point in the country.

    Receiving the endorsement letter on behalf of Ambode, the Commissioner 1 in the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Alagbe said Badagry was an important and most populated division in the state.

     

     

     

  • Lagos West endorses Ambode for second term

    Lagos West endorses Ambode for second term

    Amid funfair, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was yesterday endorsed for a second term by members and leaders of the ruling party from the Lagos West Senatorial District.

    The APC family, led by the  senatorial leader and member of “G22,” Chief Rabiu Oluwa, said the governor deserved the endorsement, stressing that he has lived up to expectation.

    Prominent APC stalwarts from the zone, including the state chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, the vice chairman (Lagos West), Chief Funso Ologunde, the state Woman Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, former Deputy Governor Sarah Sosan and Pa Muraira Taiwo, described Ambode as a dynamic, workaholic and performing governor who has given hope to Lagosians.

    Oluwa asked the party faithful: “Do all of us agree that Ambode should go for a second term?” The party members chorused: ‘Yes.”

    Following the endorsement, Oluwa asked Ajomale to convey the message of goodwill and solidarity for a second term to the governor, adding that the district had resolved to mobilise for his victory in next year’s poll.

    As from 9 am, party faithful converged on the Blue Roof, Lagos Television Ground, Agidingbi, Ikeja, singing and dancing. Broom, the symbol of the party filled the air. Apart from party members from 28 local governments that make up the populous district, representatives of the Arewa, Ndigbo, Nupe, Northcentral, and Southsouth communities in Lagos also endorsed the governor, saying that he has given non-indigenes a sense of belonging.

    The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Governor Oluranti Adebule, Senator Solomon Adeola , Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Prof. Tunde Samuel,Environment Commissioner  Samuel Adejare, Information and Strategy Commissioner Kehinde Bamigbetan, his Home Affairs counterpart, Abdulakeem Abdulateef, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, member of House of Assembly Hon. Bisi Yusuf, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Benjamin Olabinjo, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Alhaji Ganiyu Badmus and Rev. Kareem Daramola.

    Other chieftains include former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Bola Olujobi, who gave the opening prayer, Hon. Paul Kalejaye,  the Chairman of Mushin Council, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, his Ifako/Ijaye counterpart, Toba Oke, Hon. Bolaji Ariyo, Chief Chris Ekwilo, Alhaji Hakeem Enilolobo, Hon. Seyi Jakande, and Ademola Sodiq, a lawyer.

    Oluwa, who welcomed the chieftains, said Lagosians were fortunate to have Ambode at the helm of affairs, adding that they have not voted for him in vain.

    He said: “Everybody in Lagos is endorsing Ambode. Even, Femi Otedola, who is not a politician, has endorsed him. Today, we have come from 28 local governments making up the Lagos West to endorse him. We don’t want disunity in our party. Although the constitution says anybody is free to contest, we believe that Ambode is competent and good for a second term.

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  • ‘Why Ambode deserves second term’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Employment and Wealth Creation, Pharm (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, yesterday said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode deserved re-election for his giant strides in the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State.

    Akinbile-Yussuf said Ambode’s all-inclusive policy has engendered massive turnaround of the state through provision of goods roads, proactive health institutions, security, schools in all parts of the state in the last 36 months of his government.

    She said: “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode deserves another term in office because his achievements are visible to Lagosians. He has been able to touch all facets of development through his all-inclusive policy. He has been able to reduce insecurity in the state through the provision of multi-billion naira equipment, including vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, helicopters, boats for security the state’s police command and security outfits such as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, among others.

    “In Alimosho Local Government Area where I come from, the governor has built almost 40 good roads, including a flyover bridge in Abule Egba, Command Road, Aboru Road and a link bridge with Mosan, a state-of-the-art health centre in Aboru within 36 months. Apart from that, many schools had been built and rehabilitated in the council area. One of them is Oke Ishagun Secondary School which was recently commissioned by the Deputy Governor.”