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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode gets new aide on information and strategy

    Ambode gets new aide on information and strategy

    The Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, has approved the appointment of Mr. Idowu Ajanaku as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy with immediate effect.

    In a letter signed by the Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Sidikatu Adesoye, the appointment is in line with Ambode’s vision of strengthening the information machinery in the state with the aim of making it more people oriented, effective and right to the grass-root.

    Ajanaku, a multiple award-winning journalist and political strategist until his elevation was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Strategy. He is expected to use his wealth of experience to promote Ambode’s administration having worked with the Vanguard and the Guardian Newspapers for over one and half decades.

    He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies (Second Class Upper) from the Lagos State University (LASU) and a Masters degree with distinction in History and Strategic Studies from University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    He is also a fellow of Martin Luther king center for leadership

     

     

  • Ambode swears in new perm secs, urges them to add value to civil service

    Ambode swears in new perm secs, urges them to add value to civil service

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday  swore-in two new Permanent Secretaries, asking them  to add value to the State Civil Service .

    Sworn in were Engr Abdul Adeniyi Omotayo and Mrs Adebimpe Dada  who were also told to  come up with fresh ideas that will facilitate delivery of dividends of good governance to the people.

    Governor Ambode said the position of Permanent Secretary was very crucial to the smooth running of government machinery, and as such the new appointees must justify the confidence reposed in them by making positive difference especially in the manner through which responsibilities are discharged.

    “In discharging their responsibilities as the accounting officers of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Permanent Secretaries are expected to provide leadership and ensure effective coordination of government business with one goal in mind which is effective and efficient service delivery to the people,” he said.

    Expressing confidence in the ability of the new appointees to deliver on their well-deserved appointments, Governor Ambode also lauded the Body of Permanent Secretaries in the State, saying the body had proven to be a reliable pillar of support to his administration since assumption.

    He  tasked the new appointees to bring their knowledge and years of wealth of experience to bear on the public service, adding that such remained the only way to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    He said: “In line with the well-acknowledged policy implementation strategies that we have set out which is driven by creative and innovative thinking, I expect you (new Perm Secs) to come up with new ideas that will make positive difference in the way and manner responsibilities are discharged in your assigned MDAs.

    “This is the way to go if we are to align with modern realities and also keep pace with the expectations of the diverse and enlightened population like a State that we are

  • Pen Cinema Bridge: Agege residents support Ambode

    Pen Cinema Bridge: Agege residents support Ambode

    Community leaders and residents of Agege area of  Lagos yesterday  gathered at the site  of the ongoing Pen Cinema flyover to express their support for the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    They also heaped praises on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; the representative of  Agege State Constituency 2 in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu; and  the state  Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dr. Samuel Adejare for the positive roles they played in bringing the project to the area.

    Spokesman for the  of the group, Mr. Rasheed Osanyinpeju described Ambode as a man of his words  who always delivers on his promise.

    Osanyinpeju,  former legislative leader in Agege Local Government,also  praised recalled that it was Ogundimu who moved the motion for the construction of the  project in 2016 while  Obasa played his part well in  ensuring that this project became  to reality.

  • Breaking: Ambode reshuffles cabinet, drops commissioners

    Breaking: Ambode reshuffles cabinet, drops commissioners

    Drops Three Commissioners

    …Appoints Five New Ones

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, dropping three commissioners and appointing five new ones.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the three affected cabinet members are Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, Mr. Femi Odubiyi and Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola.

    The newly appointed cabinet members include Mr. Hakeem Fahm (Ministry of Science and Technology); Mr. Ladi Lawanson (Ministry of Transportation); Mr Segun Banjo (Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget); Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and Mr. Hakeem Sulaiman (Communities and Communications).

    The Statement added that major deployments have also been effected.

    Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye from Commerce and Industry to Physical Planning and Urban Development; Mr. Steve Ayorinde from Ministry of Information and Strategy to Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan from Communities and Communication to Ministry of Information and Strategy; Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi Etti from Ministry of Wealth Creation to Ministry of the Environment; Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf from Ministry of Youth and Social Development to Ministry of Wealth Creation; Mr. Agboola Dabiri from Central Business District to Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

    Others include Dr. Samuel Adejare from Ministry of the Environment to Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development; Engr. Ade Akinsanya from Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development to Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

    In the same vein, the statement also added that Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo has been moved from Special Adviser Commerce and Industry to become Special Adviser Civic Engagement, while Mr. Kehinde Joseph moved from Special Adviser Civic Engagement to become Special Adviser Housing.

    Mr. Deji Tinubu, Special Adviser Sports has been redeployed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry and Mr. Anofiu Elegushi moves from Special Adviser Transport to become Special Adviser, Central Business District.

    The new Commissioners are expected to be cleared by the State House of Assembly while the other redeployment and postings take immediate effect.

    According to the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Bello, the new appointments and redeployments are intended to create a new vigour and vitality for service delivery which has been the hallmark of the Governor Ambode administration.

  • Ambode inaugurates model school

    Ambode inaugurates model school

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has advised pupils to take advantage of the Girls Junior Model College, Igbogbo to equip themselves academically.

    The college  built by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC, took off last September with 100 pupils. It has nine classrooms, two laboratories, one dining hall, library, computer room and two staff quarters among others.

    The college is the second model college for girls and the 16th model college in the state.

    Speaking at the commissioning, he said his government would  ensure the education of the girl-child

    “The inauguration of this citadel of knowledge therefore, brings  the number of existing model colleges in the state to  16th and the second model college for  girls. This is a clear statement of our intention of our administration to take education sector to a higher level and expand the opportunities for girl-child education.

    “The girl-child has a special place in the heart of the governor and myself. We know that giving them the best and conducive environment will make them to do better and compete with their male counterpart. Again, we understand that with  an enabling environment for learning provided for a young girl with the best of teachers around them, they will do excellently well. We have our conviction and that is why we established this school” he said.

    He encouraged the girls to read

    “My amiable children and future leaders, I look forward to see you make your marks and set records through excellent performance in your examinations and curricular activities”.

    Represented by his Deputy, Mrs Idiat Adebule, he explained that his administration has invested in the future of children through strategic reforms and planning in the education sector and to enable the children compete globally.

    “I am happy that the intervention of our administration in the education sector have been yielding positive results as evidence by the improved  students’ performance in examinations, national and international competitions, as well as improved moral, etiquette and confidence in public speaking. I am confident that this newly inaugurated college will not be an exception” he said.

    Ambode noted that his mantra on change Lagos initiative will ensure continued prosperity and progress of all residents, which his administrative has achieved in the last 21 months.

    He advised the pupils  not to relent in taking advantage of the school to equip themselves academically as they are the future leaders.

    The Principal, Mrs  Bosede Abiodun , praised the governor for his effort to empower the girl-child, noting that the management of the school will  ensure quality education of the pupils which the state has entrusted  in their care.

  • SOS to Ambode

    SOS to Ambode

    SIR: Without prejudice to the previous efforts made by the leadership of the concerned communitities comprising Agbenaje, Ajasa, Ikola, Alagbado, Ayetobi and Agbenuba, all within Agbado Oke-Odo Local Community Development Area of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State – for the state governments’ prompt intervention to avert erosion crisis situation, I join my voice to cry out to the listening ears of Governor Ambode Akinwunmi.

    In addition to the ravages that trail unguided flood daily suffered by the Lagos-Ogun border residents is the abject lack of electricity in the entire neighbourhood. I am not sure there will be a better and fortunate period of time within which to make this clarion call except now that indeed, there is massive road reconstruction project ongoing in the affected areas.

    On behalf of the leadership of the community development association (CDA) spread across these residential and industrial entities, I make bold to repose confidence in the performing governor’s disposition and readiness to deliver democratic dividends to all and sundry within the state.

    It will be unnecessary for me to begin to enumerate the damage endured and the perennial sufferings which flooding and unstable electricity supply have subjected people of the communities to, but suffice to say that it has surpassed appalling level. Each time there is a downpour, the residents, schools, industries, etc. do not have alternative refuge place except to evacuate their flooded compounds. If you think their lamentations is limited to the rainy season, not at all; the electricity managers are just going to extend their exploitation to this same hapless people during dry season with the issuance of the infamous estimated utility bill for supplying darkness.

    Unfortunately, the provision of the Pre-paid meter has been made to look impossible by the unscrupulous managers in the power sector. We earnestly invite the Lagos State government’s environmental agents and those concerned with development to pay an effective visit (not a cursory one) and make on the spot feasibility study. We beat our hands on the chest that their findings will compel the action-oriented governor to take the necessary steps to arrest the impending crisis situation.

     

    • Steve Obum Orajiaku,

    steveobum@gmail.com

  • Ambode praises Lagos workers on productivity

    Ambode praises Lagos workers on productivity

    lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has praised the  state worforce  for a peaceful work environment leading to sustainable productivity for the Public Service,

    Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry Of Establishments, Training, And Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson spoke at the just concluded Retreat for Trade Union Leaders on the topic, “”Industrial Harmony and Sustainable Productivity in Lagos State” in Lagos.

    He stated that industrial harmony refers to a friendly and cooperative agreement on working relationships between employers and employees for their mutual benefit.

    He said that human resources are rightly regarded as the bedrock of an organization since organizations are overwhelmingly dependent on human capacity for the supply of physical labour, technical and professional skills, which are germane for effective and efficient planning and implementation of development policies, programmes, projects, and daily activities.

    He stressed that  there is no disagreement on the proposition that human resource policies and practices are influenced by strategy and structure and, more importantly, by external factors such as trade unions, labour market situation and the legal system.

    He said: “In Lagos State, we are proud to note that there is in place, a well thought-out and sequential model on industrial relations practices. In Lagos State, instead of suppressing conflicts, specific channels are created to make these conflicts explicit and resolved. It is in furtherance of this approach to industrial relations that the Governor approved a retreat for the purpose of the government and the leadership of the trades unions in Lagos State to deliberate on industrial harmony and sustainable productivity in the state.

    “The approach by the State Government is not a ruse or gimmick. Rather, it is well-engrained in the fabric of the industrial relations policies of the government. We have a number of industrial relations platforms such as the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC). The prevailing harmonious relationship between the government of Lagos State and the various trade unions in the Lagos State Public Service is an eloquent testimony to the relevance, importance, competence and strategic philosophy of the Governor to governance. We urge all stakeholders in the human resource and industrial relations arm of the State Public Service not to rest on their oars. In order to sustain the existing atmosphere of industrial harmony in the state and in order to transform such harmony into even greater productivity, we must be proactive

    “Governor Ambode is committed to a perpetual regimen of training and re-training of skills. This is because, in today’s world in particular, high premium is placed on the possession of skills that are adaptable to the needs ever-dynamic needs of modern society. Many of these skills are soft skills. All stakeholders should also commit to the promotion of the indispensable value of team work in labour and government relations. The Public Service will become more effective and efficient if all stakeholders rededicate to the values of team work and collaboration.”

    Benson said that with firm focus on delivering value to the people of Lagos State, the administration has since recognised that one of the most effective ways to ensure that officers of the public service are positioned to deliver value is to invest in improving their skills and knowledge.

    To this end, a number of trainings have been approved and delivered to ensure that officers of the Public Service are positioned to favourably compete with officers from other states and able to meet the challenges of today’s world, he added.

  • Pen Cinema flyover will be ready November, says Ambode

    Pen Cinema flyover will be ready November, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday assured that the Pen Cinema flyover at Agege will be delivered in the next 10 months.

    Ambode, accompanied by members of his cabinet, said the 1.4km flyover, which will run from Agege down to the Abeokuta Expressway, will be a key intervention strategy by his administration to address the perennial traffic in the area.

    Addressing scores of residents, the governor said though the project might bring inconveniences, he assured them that the end result will change the face of their environment forever.

    He said: “I want to reduce the sufferings that arise from the traffic congestion in this neighbourhood. So, I have decided to do the Pen Cinema flyover, starting from the beginning of this road by Total and then run straight for one kilometre down and then an additional 400 metres, totalling 1.4km to decongest this neighbourhood up to the Abeokuta expressway.

    “But, you can see that I have inconvenienced you by the demolition that has taken place here. It is temporal. In the next 10 months by the grace of God, we will deliver this project by November.”

    Appealing to residents to cooperate with the contractor ahead of the  planned closure of some parts of the road by tomorrow, Ambode assured residents whose properties were demolished for the project of adequate compensation.

    The governor said: “They (the contractors) are going to work day and night. But why am I here? First, to appeal to you for those that we have demolished their properties, we will compensate you fully.  Secondly, starting from Thursday (tomorrow), there will be partial closure of some parts of the roads here. So, we have provided alternative routes for your  vehicles . We will do this month by month. So, the area that we have finished, we would come back to the main road and Agege would never be the same again.”

     

     

    come to appeal to everybody, community leaders, all our school children that you should not worry, it has come with a little pain, but by the time we come back at the end of the year, Agege will look like Victoria Island and Ajah. Everywhere we go, we know there is economic prosperity around that neighbourhood, so my coming here is to plead with you to bear with us and cooperate with us,” the governor said.

    He said he would visit the site of the construction regularly to ensure the project is completed on time.

    Ambode also inspected the ongoing construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange which is expected to be delivered by July.

     

  • Groups holds march for Ambode

    Groups holds march for Ambode

    A group of Lagosians operating under the aegis of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard has staged a three million-man match in the three senatorial districts of the state in support of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration.

    Fielding questions from reporters, the coordinator of the group Mr. Seyi Bamigbade said they also led scores of Muslim at the weekend to hold special prayer session for the success of the administration, saying it is their desire for the governor to be reelected for second term .

    According to him, the prayers led by the President of council of Imams and Alfa, Imam. Khidir Olojeola used the opportunity to pray seek the support of the Muslim community for the second year in office of Ambode.

    Bamigbade explained that the three million man march for good governance and support for Ambode to continue in office was organized by different groups under the aegis of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguards.

    He said Governor Ambode needs the payer of Lagosians, saying the match took place at the three senatorial districts with one million in each senatorial district of Lagos State to show support and appreciation to the governor for not disappointing the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Lagosians as a whole.

    Also, the member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade urged the group to ensure sustenance of the transformation agenda of Lagos State.

    He pointed out that the state has been blessed with good leaders who have passion for making life easy for the residents, adding that “all we need is to support them with prayers.”

    Commenting on the prayer session, President of the Council of Imams and Alfa, Khidir Olojeola said the first term of Governor Ambode was characterised by series of laudable projects including improved road infrastructure, schools’ upgrade, improving the healthcare sector, and massive investment in the security apparatus in the state.

    The cleric said the Muslim community also used the occasion to pray for continued peaceful co-existence in the state as well as the overall progress of the country.

    He also expressed optimism that with Governor Ambode on the saddle as helmsman, the state will grow in leaps and bounds in the midst of economic challenges across the country.

    ”There is still a lot of work to be done in the state, but Governor Ambode has started on a very sound footing despite the economic challenges in the country.”

  • 2018 will be successful for APC, says Ambode

    2018 will be successful for APC, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said 2018 would be another successful year for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in fulfilling its promises of developing the state.

    The governor spoke in Lagos at the One Lagos Fiesta, which started on December 24 and ended yesterday at the Eko Atlantic on Victoria Island.

    He said: “Congratulations, Lagosians, as I welcome you into 2018.

    “We have every reason to believe that this will be a remarkable and special year for every Lagosian and for our dear state.

    “Without a doubt, 2018 will be a unique year in our political trajectory. The Lagos State government shall not relent in fulfilling its promises to you.

    “I urge you to expect the very best this New Year, a year that holds such a great promise for all of us.”

    Ambode wished every citizen, every family and every community a remarkable and prosperous year ahead.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 300 music artistes and comedians participated at the talent hunt competition where three people won prizes.

    Ambode gave cash awards of N500,000, N1,000,000 and N1,500,000 to the third, second and first winners.

    Some musicians at the competition include DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Spinner, Adewale Ayuba, Humble Smith, Olamide, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Ice Prince Zamane and Simi, to mention a few.

    David Adeleke, popularly known as ‘Davido’, during his performance, told the technical department to focus the lighting on revellers to illuminate the crowd as he wished them a happy New Year.

    Mrs Angela Obey, one of the vendors, thanked Nigeria Breweries Plc for providing the venue, ice blocks and other stuffs that aided the sale of the company’s brands of drinks.

    She said: “Some of my colleagues paid N75,000 for a space to do business here, but those of us selling NB products were offered spaces for free.

    “NB has already taken care of all financial commitment and it just provided the enabling environment for us the retailers to take advantage of.”

    NAN reports that the security at the venue was tight, while exotic fireworks illuminated the skyline as Lagosians were ushered into 2018.