The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode begins construction of six new arts theatres

    Ambode begins construction of six new arts theatres

    •Inaugurates Board of Arts and Culture

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the state government has begun the construction of six new arts theatres as part of efforts to engage the youths and promote tourism through arts and entertainment.

    The governor who disclosed this while inaugurating a Board of Arts and Culture for the state, said the state was also spearheading the initiatives to transform the National Museum and the iconic National Arts Theatre into world class centers of history, tourism arts and entertainment.

    The theatres, which would be situated across Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and on the Mainland, the governor said, would be up and running before the end of this year.

    He said the inauguration of the Board was in line with his vision to explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the state.

    Ambode said despite the achievements already recorded in the sector since assumption of his administration, there was still so much to be done if the state will achieve its aim to become a global hub for music, theatre and film.

    “The commitment of our administration to harness the huge creative talents that abound in the State in the fields of Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Sports has never been in doubt. The ultimate goal is to use all of these to drive tourism, create employment and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the state’s gross domestic product.

    “The Council for Arts and Culture which we have just inaugurated has a huge responsibility to translate our vision in this regard to reality,” she said.

    Members of Board include, arts aficionado, Mrs. Polly Alakija as Chairman, with veteran thespian, Mrs. Joke Silva, multiple award winning actor and movie producer, Mr. Kunle Afolayan, influential visual artist, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo and  foremost artist and designer, Chief Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye as members.

    Others are Mobee of Badagry, High Chief Patrick Yodenu, Mobee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi and Director of Culture at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Saidat Otulana.

    Ambode said the Board would among other things, be expected to ensure the sustainable management of arts and culture facilities and infrastructures in the State and create a sustainable framework for the sector.

    While urging the Board to generate local and international events to showcase and promote the State’s diverse talents in the field of creative arts, music, entertainment and sports, he tasked them to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage while being sensitive to the diverse cultures of the citizens of the State.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said that in recognition of the enormous responsibilities the Board would be saddled with, his administration ensured that only seasoned professionals, notable and respected personalities were chosen to serve on the council.

    He said the inauguration of the Board, coming on the heels of the 50-day event countdown of the State’s Golden Jubilee celebration, showed the total commitment of his administration to put the arts and culture sector in the right perspective.

    Ambode also thanked members of the Board for accepting to serve the State.

    Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Mrs. Polly Alakija thanked Governor Ambode for reposing confidence on her and other Board members, assuring that they would stop at nothing to make great impact in the lives of young people through arts, culture and creative sector.

    She also assured of the commitment of the Board to explore all areas of possibilities to achieve the set out objectives to make the arts and entertainment sector evolve as a revenue generating mechanism for the State.

  • Ambode and the new face of Epe

    SIR: Epe, one of the divisions in Lagos State which had for a long time been on the wrong side of development index in the state is gradually wearing a new look and a new face lift. In the last few years, the city had languished under the heavy yoke of bad roads and the twin problem of flooding and erosion. All past efforts at addressing this sore had ended in a fiasco, as most of the works were badly done by local contractors.

    The story of the ancient town is changing. In the past 15 months now, Epe residents have witnessed the noticeable impacts of governmental presence. The loudest indication of Ambode’s determination to fulfill his promise to make Epe town a modern metropolis in the new face of the city centre popularly referred to as Lagos Road/Aiyetoro/Ita-Opo Road and other major roads in Epe Local Government Area of the state.

    The Lagos Road/Aiyetoro/Ita-Opo, which was the busy, rough and crowded areas of the town usually avoided by motorists, has been cleared of illegal structures, motor parks and shanty stalls of traders and others to create the present environment that battles even the worst skeptics of government professed intentions. A new face of road of six lanes has returned to the area. For the first time in the history of the State, the usually narrow roads of the town have been stripped of the contending structures, which had made their desired expansion a tall dream with believe of building overhead bridge and also pedestrian bridge at Aiyetoro Market and Ita-Opo for the people to avoid being knocked down while crossing the roads by motorists.

    The seriousness of the exercise is underscored by the fact that the government has demolished structures that were erstwhile referred to as “untouchable”.” The determination of the administration to enforce total compliance with the government’s right of way and expansion of major roads to give town a new face lift considered sacrosanct is clearly indicated by the successful demolition of banks structures at Aiyetoro, a side view of one of the eatery in the town, Royal Treat partially affected in Ita-Opo; even Epe town hall was also affected.

    For the first time in Epe, several people who had exploited the weakness of previous administrations to encroach on the right of way including the commercial bank in the city, got the message and decided to embark on the expected corrective step of vacating the area and relocated.

     

    • Ademola Orunbon,

    Epe, Lagos State.

  • Lagos empowers entrepreneurs with N1.7b, says Ambode

    Lagos empowers entrepreneurs with N1.7b, says Ambode

    THE N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) created by the Lagos State government is projected to create more than 100,000 entrepreneurs in the next four years, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    The governor said N1.7 billion had been disbursed to 1,400 young entrepreneurs to finance their innovative ideas and projects, with the aim to create jobs and generate wealth to sustain the state’s economy.

    Ambode said his government would continue to create the enabling environment for youth innovation to thrive, adding that his administration’s partnership with private sector to drive job creation would be sustained.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, spoke at the induction of the 2016 Class of Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) on Wednesday at the United States (U.S.) Consul-General Residence in Ikoyi.

    The one-year social innovation and leadership training programme, started in 2011, is named after former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Carrington, with the objective to equip the youth with leadership skills and breed young generation of social innovators. Twenty fellows were inducted.

    Ambode said: “We are committed to ensuring that the Employment Trust Fund scheme is sustained until every youth on the street of Lagos becomes economically independent and creates values that would make them self-reliant.”

    The governor promised the CYFI fellows of the ministry’s readiness to partner them in accessing funds to execute their social innovation projects initiated in the course of the programme.

    Through the programme, U.S. Consul-General Mr. John Bray said, America is connected with Nigerian youths, describing the fellows as “shining examples” for others in strong leadership skills.

    He said: “Nigerian youths are dynamic and the future of Nigeria is in their hands. Through smart planning, hard work and passion, they have led positive change in their communities. They have served as examples to others and developed strong leadership skills. Through the programme, the U.S. is connected to Nigerian youths.”

  • AOCOED students task Ambode

    AOCOED students task Ambode

    ADENIRAN  Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto-Ijanikin students have praised Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his developmental strides, particularly in education. They are appealing to him to give their Students’ Union building a faceliftl like  their sister institution – the Lagos State University (LASU).

    “We humbly call the attention of His Excellency, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode,to the state of our secretariat, which has been in existence for decades. It has lost its structural beauty and is now ramshackle. This does not befit the union,” the students said in a statement signed by their President, Comrade Marvellous Ojumoola.

    He continued: “The students’ union building of Lagos State University (LASU) was once in a nondescript state before Lagos State pulled it down and gave the students a befitting structure.

    “‘Our predicament is being compounded probably because of our status as teacher training institute. Teachers are nation builders, therefore, we strongly seek your swift aid in this regard.

    “We are also appealing for a 5000-capacity lecture theatre.  The lecture theatres and halls in the college cannot accommodate more than 2000 students, which often make it difficult for students to benefit immensely whenever there are educational programmes that necessitate bigger halls because of the large turnout at such events,” the union further appealed.

    Ojumoola drew government’s attention to the deplorable state of the roads on campus. He noted that aside the two tarred roads from the college main gate, both members of staff and students have to contend with pot-holes that littered other road networks, especially during heavy downpour.

    Other demands include the upgrade of the 59- year old institution into a university of education; making the college on-campus by building of hostels for students as well as improved facilities and funding, among others.

    “AOCOED as a teacher training institute has groomed generations of teachers in Nigeria. It is known for its distinct training of morally sound students and efficient teachers who over the years, hav contributed immensely to the development of the state and the nation at large. On this premise, the institution has maintained her position as the best college of Education in Nigeria,” the students further said.

    Ojumoola noted based on students’ demand, he was under intense pressure by his colleagues  who want results as quickly as possible. He noted that it would be his greatest joy if the union’s requests were given prompt attention by the authority.

    “It is  known that AOCOED is one of the best nationwide. Therefore on behalf of all students in the college, we appeal to His Excellency to upgrade the college to the status of university,” Ojumoola concluded.

  • Lagos begins construction of six new arts theatres

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday said the state government has commenced the construction of six new arts theatres as part of efforts to engage the youths and promote tourism through arts and entertainment.

    The governor, who disclosed this while inaugurating a Board of Arts and Culture for the state, said the government was also spearheading the initiatives to transform the National Museum and the iconic National Arts Theatre into world class centres of history, tourism arts and entertainment.

    The theatres, which would be located in Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Alimosho and on the Mainland, the governor said would be up and running before the end of this year.

    He said the inauguration of the Board was in line with his vision to explore private sector support to nurture new talents and generate events for a sustainable development of the creative arts sector in the state.

    Ambode said despite the achievements already recorded in the sector since assumption of his administration, there was still so much to be done if the state will achieve its aim to become a global hub for music, theatre and film.

    “The commitment of our administration to harness the huge creative talents that abound in the state in the fields of Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Sports has never been in doubt. The ultimate goal is to use all of these to drive tourism, create employment and increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to the state’s gross domestic product.

    “The Council for Arts and Culture which we have just inaugurated has a huge responsibility to translate our vision in this regard to reality,” the governor said.

    Ambode said the Board would among other things, be expected to ensure the sustainable management of arts and culture facilities and infrastructures in the state and create a sustainable framework for the sector.

    While urging the Board to generate local and international events to showcase and promote the state’s diverse talents in the field of creative arts, music, entertainment and sports, he tasked them to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage while being sensitive to the diverse cultures of the citizens of the state.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said that in recognition of the enormous responsibilities the Board would be saddled with, his administration ensured that only seasoned professionals, notable and respected personalities were chosen to serve on the council.

    Members of Board include, arts aficionado, Mrs. Polly Alakija as Chairman, with veteran thespian, Mrs. Joke Silva, multiple award winning actor and movie producer, Mr. Kunle Afolayan, influential visual artist, Mr. Kolade Oshinowo and  foremost artist and designer, Chief Mrs. Nike Davies Okundaye as members.

    Other members are Mobee of Badagry, High Chief Patrick Yodenu, Mobee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi and Director of Culture at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Saidat Otulana.

     

  • Jide Kosoko supports Ambode with Street To Screen

    Jide Kosoko supports Ambode with Street To Screen

    Veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko has rolled out a filmmaking training program for youths in Lagos, christened Street To Screen.
    The six-month training program is targeted at taking youths in Lagos State out of the street and turning them into professionals in the movie industry, either as actors or technical personnel.
    According to Kosoko, the idea behind the training program is to support the youth empowerment initiative of the current Lagos State government under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
    “The Lagos State government has done a lot in the area of youth empowerment and we all know that it is not possible for it to do it all alone,” said Kosoko.
    “So the Street to Screen initiative is meant to bridge the gap and help shape the lives and destinies of talented but disadvantaged youths in the state.
    “At the end of the training programme which will be heavy on practicals and span all areas of the movie industry, participants would have been adequately prepared and equipped for a lifetime career in the movie industry.”
    Kosoko, a former National President of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners, ANTP, said the trained youths will be readily absorbed into the movie industry, just as they would also be having real life movie production experiences during their training.
    “This is a great opportunity for the youths of Lagos State and another avenue for the state government to empower our youths. The movie industry is perhaps the highest employer of labour in the country, making the participants to have ready-made employment when they graduate or if they want, become their own bosses.”

  • Ambode endorses Alimosho economic summit

    Ambode endorses Alimosho economic summit

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has endorsed the maiden Alimosho Economic Summit.
    The summit is being organised by Alimosho Mail in conjunction with Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation.
    The event, with the theme: Exploring Real Investment Opportunities for Economic and Developmental Rebirth, is in line with the governor’s plans to have different areas of Lagos State deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
    The event will hold on May 15 at the prestigious De Santos Hotel in Akowonjo.
    It is expected to bring together public and private sectors as well as corporate titans.
    Participants are expected to explore the dynamic nature of Alimosho.
    A statement by the organisers reads: “Alimosho is capable of contributing over 40 per cent of the proposed N1 trillion budget of the state in the next two years, considering the massive infrastructural development being carried out by the present administration, which is unprecedented in the 50 years of Lagos State.
    “The proposed relocation of Computer Village will turn the Alimosho city to a Silicon Valley hub for Africa, thereby turning the current state of Alimosho to mega fortunes.
    “Alimosho, which comprises of six local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs), is a unified area open to investors and business eggheads in view of the immense opportunity it avails.
    “The organisers …invite organisations within the old Alimosho Local Government Area and Lagos to participate in this strategic event. The organisers note that the only way to true development is grassroots development and strategic partnering, sighting home-grown/localised enhancement for cottage industries, SME development, technological partnerships and employment streams in the large land available to investors and a rebirth for state revenue generation while the people are the major benefactors.
    “The Alimosho Economic Summit is a grassroots enhanced programme, which will provide information and opportunity for investors and companies, especially consumer goods, to meet with its target and potential consumers, clients and business clusters in the area.
    “Alimosho is one of the local government areas where all classes of Nigerians are well represented. It has over four million estimated population with over 2,000 acres of virgin land and estimated over 200,000 SMEIS. There is no better time for Alimosho to be showcased to the world.”

  • Ambode promises to build on Lagos founding fathers’ legacies

    Ambode promises to build on Lagos founding fathers’ legacies

    •Governor opens 50th anniversary celebration  

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the weekend  opened activities lined up to mark the state’s golden jubilee anniversary, hailing the founding fathers and all his predecessors for their great vision.

    He pledged that his administration would leave no stone unturned to build on their good legacies to deliver a new Lagos that will be the pride of every African man.

    The governor said concerted efforts would be put in place to utilise the golden jubilee celebration to lay a solid foundation for another glorious 50 years for Lagos State.

    Ambode, who spoke at the premiere of ‘Wakaa The Musical’, at the new Terra Kulture Arena at Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, said as the fifth largest economy in Africa, his administration would explore all other areas of possibilities for growth.

    The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said the 50 years anniversary presented a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of its founding fathers in the last 50 years and also to showcase to the world its rich cultural heritage and immense potentials waiting to be tapped by people with ideas and great vision.

    Ambode promised to pay greater attention to the growth of young entrepreneurs.

    He vowed to back up his pledge with an enabling environment and friendly policies that would enhance success of their business initiatives.

    He added that the future of Lagos State would be premised on mutual love, peaceful coexistence, greater economic prosperity, tourism, urban renewal and infrastructure projects that will complement its megacity status.

    “On our part, we are determined and committed to fully explore all the possibilities presented by this moment to lay a solid foundation to another glorious and prosperous 50 years. This golden jubilee, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for us not only to celebrate our achievements, but also showcase to the entire world the immense potentials waiting to be tapped in our dear state,’’ he said.

    He said the government was more than committed to further boost the state’s economy by building capacities of young entrepreneurs, especially in the areas of arts, culture, tourism, hospitality and other  businesses.

    Ambode urged the youths, especially young graduates, to take advantage of hospitality and friendly business environment to explore other areas of possibilities and  develop their entrepreneurial skills that would place them at vantage position in the on-going economic reforms of his administration.

    The governor also lauded the Director/Executive Producer of Wakaa the Musical, who is also the founder of the Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen–Peters, for her initiative, focus and business ingenuity.

    He noted that the actualisation of the beautiful edifice, which, according to him, was the first privately owned ultra-modern theatre in the country, was a reward for her selflessness, vision, courage, determination and belief in her abilities.

    Mrs. Austen-Peters said Wakaa The Musical was a compelling story of the travails young people go through after graduation in a bid to achieve their dreams.

    The collection of plays, according to her, explored the challenges and obstacles young graduates faced after leaving their colleges and the assurance for victory and success when they show commitment, brevity and tenacity in the face adversity.

    “Wakaa celebrates patriotism, honesty, diligence and the eventual success of excellence over mediocrity, greed and selfishness’’, she said.

    The celebrations will feature series of interesting activities and will climax on Saturday May 27 to commemorate the May 27, 1967 date of the creation of Lagos State.

  • Lagos @ 50: Lawmaker, monarch laud Ambode over anniversary

    Commendations have continued to pour in for the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, over his decision that all the divisions of the state, as well as all residents of the state, should be carried along in the various activities marking the ongoing 50th anniversary of the state The commendation also comes with the call on the governor not to relent in his quest to extend development into all the nooks and cranny of the state.

    Speaking to The Nation, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, commended Ambode for taking the initiative to celebrate the anniversary in all the five divisions of the state. “We are happy. I am personally proud of the Governor. He has shown that he cares for all the people of Lagos. He is interested in the development of all the divisions.

    This is why he has ensured that the ongoing 50th anniversary of the state is not only being celebrated in Alausa. With the Boat regatta and other activities taking place all over the state, Ambode has ensured an all encompassing celebration,” the Ayangbure said.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade, said the people of Ikorodu division are elated that the Governor did not exclude them from the celebration. He added that beyond the good news of boat regatta and other activities holding in Ikorodu, the Governor has also reassured the people of his readiness to develop the division.

    “The Government of Lagos State has put machineries in place to commence the construction of Owutu/Ishawo/Arepo road as well as Igbe/Ginti road soon and a stakeholders forum regarding that will hold  later this month. The governor has given approval for a Government Chalet to be built in a lagoon front site in Ikorodu division.

    “Construction of a City mall has been approved to be built in Ikorodu division and the site is already approved by the governor. Ikorodu Local Government is positioned to get a new secretariat very soon. The government is committed to  the eight lane road from Sabo- Ikorodu to Itokin, to align with the road construction on Epe itokin axis.

    Construction of Divisional stadium for Ikorodu within the vast parcel of land at Lagos State Polytechnic is to commence very soon. Industrial park is now approved for Imota, in addition to the Regional Commodity market already approved for location and construction in the area. Kudos to Hon. N.S Solaja and Prince Rotimi Ogunleye,” he said.

  • 10 million kids homeless after parents’ divorce, says Ambode

    10 million kids homeless after parents’ divorce, says Ambode

    At least 10 million children have been rendered homeless and exposed to social vices following their parents’ divorce, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.

    He blamed the development on the prevailing economic challenges, which according to him, have rendered many families helpless.

    The governor spoke at the inaugural national conference of Family Court Judges and Magistrates in Nigeria held at Golden Tulip Hotel, FESTAC Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

    Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, urged participants to look at the Matrimonial Causes Act and align it with the Child Rights Law when adjudicating on divorce cases.

    He said divorce cases were impacting negatively on children, adding that the outcome could expose them to abuse and neglect which could hinder their effective development.

    Ambode decried the rise in domestic and sexual violence against children, charging the conference to examine the trend and proffer solutions.

    He said: “Our administration strongly believes in the Child Rights Law and its provisions because as parents and custodians, we have inalienable responsibility to ensure that no child is unduly deprived of the basic necessities of life, including the right to a family name, love, education, shelter and healthcare.”

    Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, condemned the increasing cases of child molestation, juvenile delinquency, paedophilia, rape and domestic violence, despite sustained advocacy and laws aimed at containing them.

    Justice Atilade said the judiciary’s concern for the family’s sanctity was informed by the need to preserve and protect its members, especially women and children.

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem charged the conference to focus on asset distribution among estranged couples to the children benefitted to preserve family values.

    Kazeem urged the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) not to relent in ridding the society of the vice saying: “we must send a message to those who abuse our women and children that Lagos State government has a zero tolerance for such perpetrators.”