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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode’s claims on Airport road, Presidential lodge not true- Works Ministry

    Ambode’s claims on Airport road, Presidential lodge not true- Works Ministry

    The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has denied claims by Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode that it is frustrating his efforts to carry out a “total reconstruction” of the International Airport Road from Oshodi in Lagos.
    It also said it is not true that the Ministry is denying the Lagos Government access to the Presidential Lodge in Lagos six months after President Muhammadu Buhari approved it off for the State.
    The Ministry denied the accusations of Governor Ambode in a statement by Special Adviser, Communications, to the Minister of Works, Hakeem Bello.
    The full statement follows:

    The attention of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has been drawn to certain statements credited to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode claiming that the “Federal Ministry of Works“ has been frustrating the efforts of his administration to carry out a “total reconstruction of the International Airport Road from Oshodi.
    The Governor also reportedly accused the “Federal Ministry of Works and Housing” and Security Services of denying the State Government access to the Presidential Lodge in Lagos six months after President Muhammadu Buhari approved it off for the State.
    This response is to ensure that members of the public are not misled by deliberate or inadvertent mis-statements.
    The allegations of lack of cooperation from the Ministry and frustration of Lagos State Government development initiatives are simply not true and the facts do not bear them out.
    In 2016, the Hon Minister for Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, approved the use of the Federal Ministry of works yard at Oworonsoki for Lagos State Government to create a lay-by to ease traffic.
    The Hon Minister also approved that Lagos State be granted the Rights to manage the Street Lighting on the 3rd Mainland Bridge to support the security initiatives of the State, a request which the previous Federal Government administration had denied Lagos State for years.
    During the same year the Hon Minister also supported the approval of the World Bank Loan of $200m to Lagos State, again a request the previous administration had denied Lagos State.
    As far as International Airport Road which is currently the ground for alleged “frustration” is concerned, the correct position is that the Lagos State Government presented a request for FOUR roads that it would wish to take over.
    This is consistent with the position being canvassed by the Hon Minisiter for States who are interested to apply to take over Roads that are within their States.
    The Ministry has presented the Memorandum conveying the request of the Lagos State Government to the Federal Executive Council as was done with a similar request by the Kaduna State Government in 2016.
    Due to the fact that TWO of the roads also connect Ogun State, the Federal Executive Council could not reach an immediate decision on them because it requested the input of the other State Government affected.
    The Kaduna State Government requested the Federal Government to transfer two roads within Kaduna Metropolis to the State in November 2015. Due process was followed and the request of the State Government was approved in August 2016, a period of ten months.
    Federal Executive Councill Memorandum are debated and commented upon by all members and in cases of roads, surveys, maps and other material have to be provided to assist members understand the location and connectivity of the roads, (in this case Four roads), in order to assist how they vote on the Memorandum.
    As far as the Presidential Lodge is concerned, it is under the management of the Presidency and not the Ministry.
    After the approval by Mr President that the Presidential Lodge be handed over to the State Government, there was a directive to the Ministry to work out the modalities for handing over.
    The Ministry has prepared a vesting instrument to convey the transfer and all that is needed is a survey plan.
    The Presidential Lodge is a high security location and officials of the Ministry also require security clearance to enter in order to do any works.
    Access to the lodge is not under the control of the Ministry.
    The motive behind this public accusations must therefore be scrutinized coming barely a week after the Governor spoke with the Honorable Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN on the outstanding requests of the State for several minutes and the Minister took time to explain the situation of things to the Governor. (The first telephone conversation the Governor has had with the Minister since May 29, 2015).
    If there is any lack of co-operation it is on the part of the State Government that has refused to acknowledge not to talk of approving the Ministry’s request for Land of the National Housing Programme in Lagos.
    The Ministry is not frustrated by this lack of response and remains optimistic that a response will come from Lagos State.
    The Ministry remains committed to serving the Government and Good People of Lagos and will treat all their requests on Merit and in accordance with necessary due process as will be done to other States.
    As far as the refund of N51Billion is concerned this is not a new item. Almost all if not all states have these claims and the Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing has verified these claims.
    What is left is the process of raising the finance to pay the Debt owed to the States.
    Those who are familiar with the workings of Government will attest to the fact that it is an intricate sequence of processses, consultation and collaboration.
    Equating processes to a lack of co-operation is therefore akin to creating a storm in a tea cup.

  • Ambode approves recruitment of 89 lecturers for LASPOTECH

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday approved the recruitment of additional 89 academic staff into various departments in the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu.

    Ambode, who stated this at the 25th Convocation ceremony of the institution, said the approval was in line with the recommendation by the polytechnic Governing Board.

    He also announced the approval for the construction of hostel accommodation for students of the institution.

    The governor said this would enable the students to reside within the campus and ease their stress of coming from long distance to attend lectures.

    Ambode said beyond academics, the state government was determined to promote the institution as a developmental tool to boost employability of students and improve the livelihood of Lagosians.

    He promised to build an auditorium and a standard stadium in the institution.

    “The next time I come here, I will not want to address a convocation congress in an open field,” the governor said.

    Ambode lauded the institution for justifying the 40 years of its existence with its current position as one of the best state-owned polytechnics in Nigeria.

    He charged the institution’s authorities to rise to the challenges of meeting the technical manpower requirement of both the public and private sectors, not only in Lagos, but Nigeria as whole.

    NAN

  • Ambode tackles Fed Govt over Lagos Airport Road

    Ambode tackles Fed Govt over Lagos Airport Road

    Governor: Ministry of Works frustrating us

    Lagos State yesterday accused the Federal Government of frustrating its plan to rebuild the Oshodi – Murtala Muhammed Airport road.

    Besides, six months after President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the Presidential Lodge in Marina should be ceded to the state, it is yet to take over the edifice, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said.

    The governor spoke after inspecting projects which he plans to inaugurate as part of the Lagos at 50 celebration and the second anniversary of his administration.

    Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967. Ambode mounted the saddle on May 29, 2015.

    Speaking to reporters at the Lagos House, he described the Airport Road as “a national embarrassment”.

    He said although his administration had come up with a design for the reconstruction of the road and the funds for the project, the Federal Ministry of Works failed to give it the green light.

    He said: “The road linking Oshodi to the International Airport, you would all agree with me, is a national embarrassment. In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired and we took it upon ourselves to appropriate in the 2017 budget that the House of Assembly should approve the total reconstruction of the Airport Road from Oshodi to the International Airport.

    “The State currently has a design of 10 lanes to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The contractor is already set to go and we already have the cash, but we are having challenges with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This is a Federal and not a state road. The Federal Ministry of Works believes that they should do the road, but they have not been able to do it all these years past.”

    Ambode said the Federal Government was owing the state N51billion, spent on repairing federal roads over the years. In spite of this, the state is ready to fix the Airport road.

    Ambode said if given the approval, his administration was ready to begin the construction within two weeks and finish it within six months.

    He urged the Federal Government to avail the state of the N2billion appropriated for the Airport Road in the 2017 National Budget to carry out the project as addition to what the state would spend on it.

    “I just want to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works, to let go or reimburse us with whatever it is that they are owing us and even if they are not willing to pay us now, we have the money to do it. It is a national disgrace. We would like to do it as part of the celebration of Lagos at 50,” Ambode said.

    The spokesman of Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Hakeem Bello, said last night that he would consult and get back to The Nation, but his reaction did not come until the newspaper went to bed.

    On the Presidential Lodge, Ambode said: “As we speak, we are yet gain entrance into that place. It’s frustrating our programme. So, I want to use this medium to appeal and say that the approval of Mr. President should be rightly honoured and the agencies concerned, that is the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Security Services, should honour that promise by Mr. President.”

    The Ojodu Berger regeneration project, the Abule Egba Flyover Project and the Aboru Abesan Link Road are to be inaugurated as part of the state’s golden Jubilee celebrations.

    Ambode said compensation had been paid to owners of properties that had to give way for the Oshodi and Ojodu Berger regeneration projects. Property owners at Abule Egba are also to get their’s within the next four weeks, he added.

  • Saraki, Aregbesola, Ambode, Ngige pay tributes

    Saraki, Aregbesola, Ambode, Ngige pay tributes

    Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday expressed shock at the death of the military governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, who passed on in Lagos yesterday. They paid glowing tribute to the Iyin-Ekiti-born general, who they said worked for Nigeria’s unity.

    He was a fine officer, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki expressed grief over the death of the defunct Western Region governor.

    In a statement, the Senate President described the late general as a courageous and fine officer, who spent the most active part of his life in the service and defense of his fatherland.

    He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Southwest and Nigerians in general over the incident.

    Describing death as an inevitable end for all mortals, Saraki noted that late Gen. Adebayo lived a highly productive, fulfilled and eventful life worthy of emulation.

    Saraki said: “It is sad that we have lost an elder statesman whose wealth of experience and fatherly advice is still needed to help us navigate our way out of the present socio-economic challenges confronting the country at this time.

    “We are however consoled by the fact that he served the nation conscientiously and gallantly as a courageous officer and gentleman. His life and lifestyle is worthy of emulation. I believe both present and future generations would continue to draw inspiration from his patriotism and loyalty to the national cause. He shall be sorely missed.”

    He urged the immediate family of the deceased to be consoled by the good name left behind by the late general and prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.

    We have lost another patriot, Aregesola

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola described the former military governor of the defunct Western Region as a patriot, as he joined well-meaning Nigerians in commiserating with the deceased family.

    In a statement, the governor said the death of Gen Adebayo has robbed Nigeria, especially the Yoruba race, of an elder statesman.

    It reads: “Gen. Adebayo served his fatherland well. He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and did his best in all the capacities where he served. The history of our country is incomplete with adequate mention of this fine officer.”

    Recalling the deceased interests in the growth and the development of the Yoruba race, Aregbesola said the former President of the YCE tried to ensure the unity and progress of the Yoruba people.

    His words: “We receive with heavy heart the death of one of Nigeria’s finest officers of the Nigerian Army, who fought for the unity of nation.

    “No doubt, he is a soldier of repute and commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.

    “The history of post-independence Nigeria and the crises that threatened the young nation’s existence will be incomplete without a chapter for this courageous soldier.”

    Ambode:  Nigeria has lost a great patriot

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode expressed sadness over the demise of elder statesman, describing Adebayo’s demise as a great loss to the nation, especially to the Southwest.

    Ambode said in statement: “Gen. Adebayo was a great patriot and one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists who never shied away from expressing his love for his country and his people. He was a brilliant administrator who was known for his dedication and zeal to serve his fatherland.

    “Those who know papa would attest to the fact that he was a man of many parts. For the Yoruba nation, this is a great loss. His passion to see the integration of the South West region was second to none. No doubt, we would miss his wise counsel especially at this time when our nation is on a path to rebirth.”

    Commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, the governor urged them to uphold the ideals he stood and fought for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.

    “His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria”, he said.

    Fasanmi , Fasehun mourn Adebayo

    Afenifere leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi  expressed shock over the death of the former Military governor  and  Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) President.

    Fasanmi in a condolence message stated: “I am greatly shocked to hear the sad news of the death of a compatriot of our dear General Adeyinka Adebayo. The great General had come, had seen and conquered; leaving an indelible foot-print on sand of our time.

    “His death is an irreparable loss not only to the Yorubas but to the entire nation that he served as an indefatigable army General and Governor. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.

    The Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) Founder Dr Fredrick Fasehun  described the death of Gen. Adebayo as a big loss not only to the Yoruba but the nation.

    Fasehun in a telephone interview said:  “Why should it happened now that the Southwest leaders have united to fight the course of the Yoruba nation. But who are we to query God, our creator”

    He prayed God to grant the family  the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the deceased  eternal rest.

    His death a personal loss, says Adelabu

    Former Ekiti State Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu described Gen Adebayo’s death as a personal loss to her, recounting how the former military governor stood by her late father.

    Mrs Adelabu said: “Baba’s death is a personal loss to me and the entire Adejugbe family. He stood in the gap for our late father who was a friend and brother to him.

    “Baba we would surely miss your fatherly role. You were the last man standing indeed and you stood firmly and right. Sleep on dear father.”

  • You’re now in public eye, Ambode tells Judges

    You’re now in public eye, Ambode tells Judges

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday swore in three new jusges, charging them to dispense justice without fear or favour.

    At the ceremony witnessed by the judges’ family members and friends, among others, the governor reminded them that their “conduct and carriage will now be subjected to public scrutiny”.

    Sworn in were Justices Emmanuel Ogundare, Sherifat Solebo and Idowu Alakija.

    Ambode enjoined them to be of good conduct and character.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to judicial reforms to make the state a pacesetter.

    He said: “Judicial reforms have not been stopped and the recommendations of the summit put together by the Ministry of Justice will be enforced.”

    Ambode described the event as another milestone in his administration’s quest to ease the people’s burden.

    “The Lagos State Judiciary is the most vibrant judiciary in the country and over the years, it has set a reputation for itself as a trailblazer through erudite judgements,” he said.

    The Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, said the judges were selected on merit by the National Judicial Council (NJC), adding: “Six individuals were sent to the NJC for approval but three had their appointment as judges approved. I commend the Lagos State judiciary for its productivity. Each judge in Lagos High Court has approximately 500 cases in his docket, the Chief Judge of Ekiti recently told me that the whole of Ekiti State has only 400 cases in their High Court.

    “I urge Governor Ambode to give more room for persons to serve in the high court. Our Magistrates are currently ‘top heavy’ with some Magistrates serving for 20 years, I hope they will be rewarded accordingly. I commend you all for your hard work, please keep the flag flying,” she said.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Adeniji Kazeem said the judges’ coming would help with the speedy dispensation of justice.

    The judges, he said, have “robust knowledge of the law, the charisma and mien required for the bench.”

    Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, Justice Alakija promised that they would discharge their duties effectively.

    “We shall abide by the law, the rules and code of conduct that govern the judiciary and shall contribute diligently to the growth of the judiciary,” she said.

  • Ambode swears in three judges today

    Ambode swears in three judges today

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will today swear in three new high court judges.
    Their swearing in would bring to 60 the number of high court judges.
    Their appointment followed the recommendation of the State Judicial Service Commission.
    A statement issued yesterday by Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos High Court Grace Alo, listed the new judges as Emmanuel Ogundare who until his appointment was the Chief Registrar Lagos High Court.
    Others are Miss Serifat Solebo, the Deputy Chief Registrar, Special Duties and Director of Public Prosecution, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Idowu Alakija.

  • How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    Lagos is witnessing all-round development, which Governor Akinwunmi Ambode spoke off at the weekend. In this piece, WALE AJETUNMOBI examines the projects already executed and those being executed.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode is opening up inner city roads in various parts of the Lagos metropolis. With this, new areas are being opened up and motorists are getting a better experience.

    Speaking at a media chat on Sunday in Ikeja, Ambode also said the state government was taking the initiative to refurbish Federal roads and street lights in Lagos State, without necessarily asking for reimbursement from the Federal Government.

    “Some of these roads pose problems to the people of Lagos and they do not make us to be globally competitive. So it is in our interest that the roads are upgraded,’’ he said.

    The governor explained that his administration was also working on inner roads to link the ongoing flyover project at Abule-Egba.

    He disclosed that a new road was being built to link the Meiran/AIT Road to the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor said the road was also being extended to enable motorists to link Sango-Ota without necessarily going on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

    He said the state government was  also making plans to upgrade a major road leading to the airport.

    One only needs to go round the city to understand what the governor is talking about.

    The governor’s footprints are everywhere. From Surulere to Festac town, Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, Epe and more and more, Ambode is boldly written everywhere in the forms of projects. It matters not to him who voted for him or not. He obviously does not care about which area voted for him during the election or not. All that matters to him is the development of Lagos.

    In 2016, he championed the construction of 114 roads in all the 57 local councils and LCDAs in the state simultaneously in six months. It was unprecedented in the history of the country. The development brought succor to residents through ease of vehicular movement. Man-hour lost to traffic grid-lock reduced greatly.

    In Apapa Local Government, the projects handed over by the governor include nine roads within the Apapa Business District, such as ultra-modern Liverpool Jetty, 12 block of classrooms at Methodist Nursery and Primary School and 4 block of classrooms at Arakan Barracks Nursery and Primary School with standard facilities such as modern toilets, sick bay, furniture, ceiling fans, ramps to accommodate the physically challenged, among others.

    The road inaugurated are Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Randle Road, Ibikunle Akintoye Street, Commercial Road, Burma Road, Plateau Road, Zeek Avenue, Marine Road Extension and Connector Road; otherwise known as Bombay Crescent to Calcutta Road Phase III.The roads were designed to accommodate walkways, street light and drainage system.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, some of the projects that are making the people happy are an Ultra-modern Court Complex and a 360-meters interlocking road with drainage situated in Aduke Street. In Ikorodu, an ultra-modern shopping complex at the popular Sabo Market, the Ota-Ona Dual Carriage Road as well as block of classrooms in Agbede, have won the hearts of the people of  Ikorodu for the governor of all.

    In Kosofe, the governor inaugurated road projects at Oladele, Shoyebi and Ademola Taiwo/Alamu Taiwo/Ogunsola streets.

    In Ifako- Ijaye Local Government Area of the state, the governor last year inaugurated Oluwasijibomi, Folorunsho Streets and Iju Primary Health Care Center, Lonlo and in Alimosho Local Government Area, the governor commissioned the Mosan Okunola Mini Waterworks after over 20 years of being moribund.

    In Osodi Isolo Local Government Area, the governor inaugurated the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a Police Post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State. Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years. Other projects commissioned are the upgraded Okota Road and the commissioning of Ashamu Police Post in Ejigbo. In Ejigbo, the governor commissioned the rehabilitated Ashamu Police Post in Ailegun, Ejigbo and handed it over to the police.

    In Ojo Local Government, Ambode last year commissioned the Usman Mogaji Road and the Data Capturing Centre.

    In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the governor  last year handed over 10 passengers capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers based in riverine areas.

    In Epe, the governor commissioned include blocks of classroom at St. Theresa’s College, Oke-Oyingbo, a Town Hall at Ita-Opo, Epe and Regional Water Scheme, Otta-Ikosi, while in Eti-Osa, the 1.9km Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road in Eti-Osa Local Government and block of 16 classrooms with modern facilities at Kuramo Primary School in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    In Shomolu Local Government, Ambode inaugurated a Primary Health Centre and Diagnosis Centre named after him and a 400metres road in Bariga Local Council Development Area. In Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Governor Ambode inaugurated the Origanrigan and Awoyaya PHC.

    In the next sixth month, the governor is going to make another history. This time, he is not championing the construction of 114 roads, but 181. Already, the bids have been advertised in the dailies and the Ambode I know will deliver and deliver excellently well.

    Epe is also witnessing massive make-over. From roads to the chalet and many more, Epe is wearing a new look. From whatever axis you enter the town from, whether Itoikin or Lekki-Epe Expressway, you are bound to have the feeling that something big is happening here and when you go into town proper, you are bound to give kudos to whom it is due.

    Abule-Egba’s story is certainly being re-written. By the time the fly-over bridge being done in that axis is completed, this urban renewal initiative will certainly go down in history as truly radical. The massive work will see the area being transformed and the spiral effect on property prices can only be imagined.

  • Ambode tasks security operatives on professionalism

    Ambode tasks security operatives on professionalism

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has implored security operatives to be thorough and professional in the discharge of their duties.
    This, he said, was the only way they could strengthen democratic institutions and guarantee security of lives and property.
    He spoke at the weekend during the passing out ceremony of 487 cadet Officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) Academy, Basic Course 29/2016 held at the Parade Ground of the State Services Academy in Ojo.
    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, the governorsaid huge resources had been committed to the training and retraining of security personnel to bring them in tune with modern day technology.
    He urged them to justify government’s investment by in security making the country safe.
    ‘’ Having been certified fit and worthy to be conferred with this responsibility, I urge you to be diligent, disciplined and dedicated, keeping in mind the need to exhibit the highest level of professional conduct . You must be guided by the rule of laws at all times and in all your actions,’’ Ambode said
    The governor pledged continuous support for security agencies, stating: ‘’We will continue to support our security agencies with the equipment and other facilities that would enhance your performance in the field. I urge you to consider residents of your host community wherever you may be deployed as friends because they represent a primary source of intelligence gathering.”
    DSS Director-General Lawal Daura said since training and retraining were essential for efficient manpower development, the government would continue to invest in capacity building to enhance security operative productivity.
    Daura hailed security agencies for working together to tackle security challenges especially the Boko Haram menace.

  • Dalung urges Ambode to revive Stores

    Dalung urges Ambode to revive Stores

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung on Wednesday made a passionate appeal to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to help revive Lagos-based Stationery Stores FC.

    Dalung made the appeal after they had jointly inspected facilities at the National Stadium, Lagos purportedly abandoned about 11 years ago for possible concession to Lagos State Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Stationery Stores, founded in 1958 by then business mogul, Israel Adebajo, became dominant in the football circles in Nigeria between the 1980’s and 1990’s, providing the bulk of the national team players.

    Notable among the players are Ike Shorunmu, Sam Opone, late Peter Fregene, Ganiyu Ajide, Abiodun Obafemi, Koya Dosunmu, Wasiu Adetoro and Hakeem Ogunlade among others.

    The team won a total 13 Lagos State Challenge Cups and was four-time champions of FA Cup in 1967, 1968, 1982 and 1990. The team was the champions of the premier league in 1992.

    Stationery Stores was also the runners-up of African Cup Winners Cup in 1981.

    Trouble started for the club in 1992 when they were relegated for failing to complete their fixtures due to financial problems. It also faced some legal battles thereafter.

    The team was unable to come back to life due to unresolved internal wrangling in the family.

    Baring the importance of the club to football development in Lagos, Dalung called on Ambode to wade into the matters affecting the club in order to resuscitate it.

    “I want to appeal to the Lagos State Government to resuscitate the club I so much loved when I was in Plateau State.

    “I am a fan of the club and I have been trying to look out for the club. I have searched the internet also.

    “When I arrived in Lagos yesterday, I was trying to see the semblance of the club because I want to associate with them.

    “Whatever be the circumstances that may have led to the end of the club, I trust you with your large heart and your capacity to intervene.

    “I want the crisis to be resolved and ensure that the team is resuscitated. The sentiments of that club to the national stadium cannot be wished away,’’ he said.

    Responding, Ambode said that he was a fan of the club too, adding that he had watched some matches of the club sometimes ago.

    “I am also a fan of Stationary Stores; I used to watch the team play against NEPA in the National Stadium. I was once thrown out of my seat during one of their matches,’’ he said.

  • Lagos set to take over National Stadium

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday said the state government would ensure that the dilapidated National Stadium is turned into an enduring world class facility rather than a waste.

    Ambode stated this when he spoke with journalists after a joint inspection tour of the stadium, purportedly abandoned about 11 years ago, with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung.

    The concession bid for the National Stadium was first muted when Ambode paid a condolence visit to Dalung in Abuja on February 18.

    Ambode riding on the crest of the Federal Government’s decision to concession some of the national stadia to the resident state governments, asked for a stake by the state government.

    The federal government had already given the nod to the Kaduna State Government to manage the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and gave the same approval to Enugu State and Cross River Governments.

    Ambode said if the concession could pull through, the state government would ensure that the stadium is given a facelift.

    “I will like to bring the National Stadium back to life. The last time a game was played here was in 2005.

    “If this project pulls through, it will bring about the employment aspect of football and hosting of matches to the stadium.

    “We want to bring back the football culture of Lagos State to the National Stadium after its renovation,’’ the governor said.

    NAN