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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode, Ashafa, others bid APC leader, Sunmola final farewell

    Ambode, Ashafa, others bid APC leader, Sunmola final farewell

    Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Chief Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Mudasiru Obasa  and hundreds of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, yesterday bade a deceased chieftain of the party,  Alh. Safiriyu Abiodun Sunmola final good bye .

    Sunmola died last  Thursday in Lagos and was interred at his country home, off Obalende area of Ijebu – Ode, Ogun State yesterday. He was 77.

    Dignitaries including  politicians and members of the Muslim community in Ijebu – Ode as well as the Mende – Maryland area of Lagos who were still pained by the shock of his passage, said Sunmola would be “greatly missed.”

    Governor Ambode, Senator Ashafa and Senator Olurunnibe Mamora all maintained mournful mood all through and unwilling to speak with journalists but some other dignitaries said Sunmola’s manner of exit was “like a  joke and play” to them.

    The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, described the late  Sunmola as a man of “good character,” saying even when he was not holding any elective office  or appointment, his death and burial drew the presence of people cutting across all strata of the society.

     

  • We’ll begin construction of three new general hospitals this year — Ambode

    We’ll begin construction of three new general hospitals this year — Ambode

    Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday said that plans were already underway to commence construction of three new ultra modern general hospitals in the state this year to improve healthcare delivery.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the second quarterly Town Hall Meeting for the year and seventh in the series held at Shibiri/Ekunpa Area Office in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said the state government was already concluding the necessary paperwork before the contractors would move to site.

    The governor, who took time to field  questions from community leaders, traditional rulers, market women, youth leaders and party leaders in the area, said the decision to bring the Town Hall Meeting to Oto-Awori LCDA was in continuation of his commitment to leave no community behind in the development of the state.

    He said he was also in the area to listen to the requests of the people in the axis and see how his administration could respond accordingly.

    Responding to the request for a general hospital to be constructed in the area,  Ambode said three new facilities have been catered for in the 2017 budget.

    “In the budget, we have designated general hospitals for three areas and Ojo Local Government is one of them. It is in the pipeline and  we are already closing in on it,” he said.

    Ambode also assured that efforts would be made to improve healthcare service delivery in the riverine area in Oto Awori, saying that residents in such areas have remained relevant in the government’s achievements over the years.

    “This area is traditionally and historically known to be a major supporter of government and we must give back to them for the support which they have always been known for,” he said.

    The governor also acceded to the request of the residents for the rehabilitation of the access roads linking the area to the Alimosho General Hospital which they currently use pending the construction of a nearby general hospital.

    He, therefore, directed the state Public Works Corporation to immediately fix the roads to improve accessibility to the facility.

    Besides, the governor directed contractors handling several ongoing road projects across the state to return to their various sites or risk having their contracts terminated, saying that his administration would not tolerate any form of laxity in project delivery.

    “I like the idea of bringing to the fore the issue of uncompleted projects. If we are able to do a link bridge in 11 months, if we are able to do Ajah flyover in 13 months and Abule Egba flyover in 13 months and we are going to commission all of them next month, how can these roads be there forever? So, obviously we should use the same spirit of delivering service to do all the outstanding roads. The ministry of works must go back to these sites, I must know what is going on within the next few days,” the governor said.

    He listed some of the projects to include Mile 10 Road, Mowo Road, Tedi Road, Ilaje Road, GoriolaOseni Road, Sabo Mosafejo Road and ImudeOrisa Road where only 1.5km of the road was covered by the contractor.

    “These are contracts already awarded. It is for our own contractors to go there and finish the job, so the responsibility is on us to make sure you deliver these roads within the shortest possible time,” he said.

    Ambode also said that he had approved all the mini waterworks across the state, numbering about 41 to function optimally within the next 12 weeks to ensure that residents have access to clean and portable water.

    Addressing issues concerning the physically challenged, the governor directed that the Civil Service Commission and the Local Government Civil Service Commission should put modalities in place to employ at least 250 physically challenged persons into the state civil service.

    He also ordered the chairman of the state’s sports commission to offset all arrears of allowances owed the physically challenged athletes in the state next week.

    Projecting for the next quarter, Governor Ambode said the government would kick-start the implementation of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, implement the construction of 181 roads across the 57 LGs/LCDAs, complete the Abule-Egba and Ajah flyover bridges, further signalization of Lekki – Ajah express road and continuation of road network upgrade in all the three senatorial zones.

  • Lagos paid N16.9b pension arrears in one year – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday said the state has released N16.9 billion pension arrears from April 2016 to March this year.

    Ambode stated this while inaugurating the headquarters of Providus Bank in Lagos.

    He also said N2 billion had also been disbursed to young entrepreneurs and artisans under the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) scheme.

    He said his administration had maintained a consistent programme of actively reflating the economy through massive expenditure in infrastructure development and engaging competent local contractors to employ the people.

    Ambode expressed delight at the state government’s consistent investment in critical sectors that contributed to the resurgence of the economy.

    He said as a government, his administration was relentless in its commitment to providing a conducive, safe and secure enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    The governor also said that efforts were being made daily to improve the ease of doing business in the state, especially by working to ensure that all businesses succeeded, even in a recession.

    “We have maintained a consistent programme of actively reflating the economy through massive expenditure in infrastructural development and engaging competent local contractors who in turn employ our people,” he stated.

    “Our Employment Trust Fund has disbursed almost N2 billion in the last quarter to young entrepreneurs and artisans.

    “We have released N16.9 billion for payment of arrears to pensioners in the state between April 2016 and March 2017.

    “Our Light Up Lagos initiative has given traders and artisans extended time to carry out their businesses as we move towards our 24/7 economy.

    “With these actions, we energized the economy and ensured that commercial activities continued in the state.”

    Ambode called for a convergence of the foreign exchange rates.

    He said there should be deliberate strategies to force down inflation to single digit and reduce lending rates to enable more businesses to access funds and meet their obligations.

    The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) recently released by the Federal Government.

    He said the economic blueprint would go a long way in charting the course of economic recovery and growth desired by all.

    NAN

  • Ambode urges workers to simplify bureaucracy

    Ambode urges workers to simplify bureaucracy

    Lagos State Govenor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged civil servants to be transparent with the citizens on government activities and finances as well as simplify bureaucracy.

    He urged public servants to comply with global best practices to meet the needs of the people.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Benson Oke, he said the state has embarked on training sessions for workers on how to deliver value and excellence in the state through global best practice.

    He urged the workers to provide citizens with the information they need on how to process a request, adding that this would enable the citizens to complete their transactions and processes in swiftly.

    Ambode also advised  the workers to exhibit good interpersonal relationship in the discharge of their responsibilities to enable members of the public to have hitch-free transactions.

    He said: “The delivery of value to citizens is the fundamental objective of any democratically-elected government. In today’s world, however, the delivered value must be delivered per excellence. This is chiefly because citizens have become sophisticated and exposed to the standards of governance in other climes such that their expectations have been conditioned to demand and insist on compliance with global best practices at all levels of governance. Meeting these expectations is the the central challenge for governments in the developing world.

    “In Lagos, we have a government that has boldly embraced this challenge and is, in fact, executing a reasoned-out plan to transform governance and its processes in such a way that the ever-changing and complex expectations of citizens can be admirably met. The present administration is poised to examine those areas, processes and institutions and practices that need to be overhauled or remodeled in order to achieve this end.

    “It  is a vision of a the state where government objectives, processes and services meet the global standards-conditioned expectation of citizens.

    “Providing the necessary information for common processes and procedures in an easy-to-use resource can reduce the number of people in lines at government offices and allow government workers to spend more time helping citizens complete processes, and less time providing instructions.

     

    As a result, government workers can be more efficient and productive. By creating opportunities to inform and discuss public finances with citizens, the government can foster an informed and involved citizenry. Providing citizens with information regarding government budgets can make them feel they are part of a community development process.”

    Ambode noted that citizens had become exposed to the standards of governance in other climes, and urged public servants to comply with global best practices to meet the needs of the people”, he added..

  • Pensioners to honour Ambode, others

    Pensioners to honour Ambode, others

    The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) will honour Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and five other governors for prompt payment of pensions.
    The other governors, who will be honoured at the 10th quadrennial delegates’ conference of the union in Kaduna are: Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Mohammed Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) and Simon Lalong (Plateau).
    The union will also honoured the Director of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), M.O. Murtala and the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Pension, Hassan Shekarau.
    In a statement in Abuja, NUP’s spokesman Bunmi Ogunkolade said new officials will be elected at the conference to run the affairs of the union for the next four years.

  • PDP leader, CSO hail Ambode on new waste management policy

    PDP leader, CSO hail Ambode on new waste management policy

    Achieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Prince Yakub Aromasodu, has hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for renewing the waste management policy.
    Aromasodu, who is a former Youth Leader of the party in the state and Deputy Leader in the Southwest, said the governor’s Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) would ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.
    To strengthen the initiative, the governor signed the new Environmental Management and Protection Law and to make it function efficiently.
    The government also assembled a consortium of global leaders in waste management, led by Visionscape, to manage waste collection and disposal, using ultra-modern facilities.
    It noted that the initiative would also empower the Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to play key roles in waste collection.
    Aromasodu said the good intention of the policy was not in doubt, adding that Lagos residents need to support the government to properly manage environmental issues.
    He said: “Irrespective of party differences, I think the new environmental policy is a good one and, if implemented as planned, it would bring about a cleaner and healthier environment. As a youth leader and former Coordinator of National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) in Lagos State, I particularly note the fact that over 27,500 jobs would be created through the initiative, aside other layers of jobs.
    “When waste management is properly prosecuted in line with international best practices, all the people will benefit, irrespective of creed, colour or background. I believe the initiative will be in our collective interest.”
    Also, a civil society group, Centre for Democracy and Socio Economy Rights (CEDESER), said the CLI demonstrated Ambode’s commitment to the progress of the state.
    CEDESER’s Executive Director Michael Popoola Ajayi said many parts of the Lagos metropolis had been suffering from filthiness because of inadequate waste management, which have made most of the areas an eyesore.
    It said: “Critically appraising the initiative, it is obvious that it is in the best interest of the people. It has both short and long term benefits and, most importantly, the benefits cut across diverse areas of life. While it is ensuring immeasurable cleaner and healthier environment, the initiative will also open enormous opportunities for people in creation of wealth and massive provision of jobs and so, it is a thing to be encouraged.
    “It is a fact that filth and dirts are almost taking over the streets in some areas of the state. This actually contradicts the status of the state as a megacity. The initial waste management arrangement had been conspicuously overwhelmed by the weight and volume of waste being generated in the state. Therefore, there is need for more effective strategy in making the state cleaner and healthier.
    “This has been demonstrated by Governor Ambode with the Cleaner Lagos Initiative. It will go a long way in securing better environment for everyone, especially our children.”

  • Ambode and celebration of history

    Ambode and celebration of history

    History is here and deserves a welcome. The journey to this juncture took 50 years.  The journey will continue, but this is time to take a look back at the beginning and to look forward to unending continuity.
    It is symbolic that the year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lagos State, which will climax on May 27, was re-energised for the last 50 days of the festivities. By the logic of history, the story of the state’s journey from 1967 is also the story of its journey to 1967.
    Two realities define Lagos today: its megacity status and its remarkable resilience. It is noteworthy that Lagos was in 2015 listed 12th among the world’s largest 35 cities.   Evidently, a megacity needs mega governance because it has to grapple with mega challenges. In the light of its status-related difficulties, Lagos also needs mega resilience. Indeed, its recognition as an important resilient city is evidence of the extent of its resilience.
    If resilience is elasticity to manage change, then the inclusion of Lagos State in the circle of 100 Resilient Cities (100RC), a project of the U.S.-based Rockefeller Foundation, is a testimony to the administrative adroitness of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration.  This definition by the organisation gives an insight into the nature of resilience: “Urban resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience.”
    As Governor of Lagos State at a historically significant point in time when the state is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Ambode is particularly positioned to manage its colourful complexity.  ”Being a part of the network of 100RC comes at a good time when our state is hoping to join the leading city-states of the world. We are open to new ideas, new technology and new methods,” Ambode had declared while receiving the 100RC Certificate of Admission at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on February 7.  The 100 Resilient Cities include places in Africa, U.S.A., South America, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
    A report said: “President of 100 Resilient Cities, Mr. Michael Berkowitz, said out of the over 1,000 applications received and three rounds of selection process, Lagos was chosen for its innovative leadership, infrastructural strides and influential status not just in Africa but in the world.” In reality, a city’s resilience is driven by its Chief Resilience Manager. In the case of Lagos, Ambode’s gubernatorial role makes him the chief driver.
    On the eve of the 100RC event, Ambode had focused on the challenges of urbanisation at the 14th Annual Lecture of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Ambode had observed: “The issues lying at the heart of urban policy making in any city, old or new, developed or developing, include infrastructure, employment, population growth, economic sustainability and environmental viability. In addition to these, there are the classic urban challenges of overcrowding, unplanned and chaotic growth, insufficient provision of municipal services, from policing to healthcare to education to electricity and sewage – all of which are top of the agenda in many African cities.”
    He continued: “There is perhaps no better classic example of where these challenges of rapid urbanisation come to life than in Lagos. It is estimated that 86 immigrants enter Lagos every hour -the highest in any city in the world – and they have no plans to leave… This ever increasing population of the state however means that we have to be “on our toes” to provide facilities for this more than 23 million population.”
    At this point in its evolution, the centrality of a capable resilience manager cannot be overemphasised; and with Ambode at the helm, the signs are that the megalopolis will continue to survive and thrive. The rhythm of resilience is the rhythm of dynamism; and only the dynamic remain resilient. Less than two years in office, Ambode is impressively focused on remodelling Lagos and making it a model megalopolis. It is a reflection of the city’s resilience that the country’s other states cannot resist applauding Ambode’s governance model.
    There is no question that Lagos @ 50 is a special anniversary and deserves a special celebration. It may be said that Ambode’s position makes him the chief celebrator. The 53-year-old governor is not only at the centre of the show; he is central to the show. It is interesting that Ambode, born on June 14, 1963, was just three years old when the state was created in May 1967.
    When all former governors of the state join Governor Ambode for a special state executive council session on May 24 to mark the golden jubilee, the presence of 81-year-old Mobolaji Johnson, a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier and former military governor of Lagos State from May 1967 to July 1975, will reinforce the historic celebration.  Johnson, the state’s first governor, represents a beginning; Ambode represents a broadening of that beginning.  It is food for thought, and a reflection of the course of the journey, that Johnson was a military governor under military rule, while Ambode is a democratically elected governor.
    Lagos Carnival, scheduled for May 13, is an important part of the last lap.  The unique Eyo Festival, last held five years ago, will happen again on May 20. The grand finale on May 27 coincides with Children’s Day 2017 in Nigeria, and the major events include “a photo exhibition and the unveiling of a special coffee table book that captures the essence of Lagos through the lens of 50 accomplished photographers.”
    How much of history can be packed into a celebration of history? Perhaps providing an answer to this question has been a significant challenge to the organisers of the celebration.  Even as the festivities approach the finishing line, the question of what more should have been done, and the question of what more could still be done, remain relevant.
    Where will Lagos be 50 years from now? As Lagos turns 50, this is a logical question. The answer is unfolding, and Governor Ambode’s applaudable performance is part of the answer.

  • Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    As Christians in the country join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of love, sacrifice and peaceful co-existence, saying that it is only when such virtues exist that the nation can make meaningful progress.
    Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, 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 all of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.
    Noting that this season calls to mind the selflessness, love and tolerance which were the hallmark of Jesus Christ during His earthly life, Governor Ambode said, “It is a season when we should pause and reflect on our individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in our society.”
    “Therefore, we must see this period as a time that affords us to think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness.”
    He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew resentment along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where there is unity of purpose.

  • Ambode commended for infrastructure development

    LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has been commended for constructing a befitting road and a pedestrian bridge at Ojodu-Berger area of the state. Applauding the governor, an ex-NTA Chief Cameraman who is now the Baba Oba of Ojoduland, Chief Ganiyu Davies, gave glory to God that such development was taking place in during his lifetime. He also congratulated Ambode’s government for the 50th year anniversary of the State. Pa Davies, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of LAGOSOGUN Mineral and Farm Resources Limited, Gabovies Oil & Gas Limited, showered encomiums on Ambode for all the ongoing developmental projects in all parts of Lagos State, which he described as a continuation of former Governors Bola Tinubu and Raji Fashola’s development plans for the state. Davies said the road and pedestrian bridge built by the Lagos State government had turned Ojodu Berger area into a modern city that could be found in America, Britain or any advanced counties of the world.

    The 83-year-old cinematographer, recalled that road development started in 1960 when he was commissioned to shoot a documentary film for the LEDB now called LSDPC, titled: “No Road No Houses” and “Strange Tenant”. “ I was also the cinematographer that shot the declaration of creation of Lagos State in 1967 as one of the 12 States by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon in May 1967, with IGP Kam Salem, Rear Admiral Wey, Navy, and others in attendance.” Pa Davies also recalled a documentary film on road development titled: Changing City, he shot also for LEDB with the main actor, Orlando Martins to develop Lagos Island, Apapa and Oluwole area of Lagos. He paid glowing tribute to Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (rtd), first Military Governor of Lagos State which served as pace-setter to other governors that ruled after him. Chief Davies urged Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State to take a cue from developments now going on in Lagos State, in order to boost the economic prosperity of the State.

  • How to stop kidnappers, by Ambode’s aide

    How can kidnappers be kept at bay? It is by being vigilant and reporting strange activities to the police, Mr Kehinde Joseph, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, said yesterday. He spoke at a sensitisation programme on Lagos State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2017.

    He said the Ambode administration would not compromise on security.

    “The administration desires that all individuals pursue their legitimate business and livelihood in a free and safe environment,” he said.

    Kidnapping, he said, had become a dangerous trend, claiming several lives.

    He said the administration would not allow the threat to life to continue, hence “the enactment of the law to criminalise the act of kidnapping and punish culprit severely”

    Joseph urged the public to assist the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps with information.

    Director, Legal Department, Office of Civic Engagement, Mrs Tayo Alli-Balogun, said the office embarked on the simplification of the laws from English language to Yoruba, Egun and Pidgin, to enable the public to read and understand the law.

    According to her, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

    A lawyer, Jide Ologun, said fighting crime required enhanced community relations. “When people come together to say we do not want crime, then, we can together fight crime. We need enhanced intelligence and we must jointly fish out the criminals in our midst for us to achieve success,” he said.