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Tag: Ambode

  • Recession will soon be over —Ambode

    •As LASG holds carol service

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has said that the period of economic challenges in the country was only a passing phase that will soon become history. Mrs. Ambode made the remarks on Friday at the Carol Service organised by the state government as part of activities to celebrate the 2016 Christmas season in Alausa, Ikeja.

    She noted that tough times do not last but tough people do, adding that there was no endless smooth situation without interlude. According to her, the theme of the Carol Service, ‘Emmanuel, God with us’, is a confirmation that God will continue to see Nigeria through the turbulent waters.

    “Our nation and the state will once again witness abundance and our individual and collective lives new grace and upliftment. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, ‘Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He (it is) that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,” she said.

    In his goodwill message, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said Nigerians have countless reasons to be grateful to God for seeing the nation through the year despite the challenges besieging it.

    “Our state is much safer and we have made significant strides in infrastructure. We give thanks to God who has been faithful to us; it is not by our might, but by His grace. Without any doubt, we acknowledge that there is a power greater that is directing the activities of mankind and the strides that we have made could not have been possible without Him. Therefore we must continue to make all efforts to worship the one who created the universe.

    Governor Ambode, who took one of the bible readings, however, urged Nigerians to use the period to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity by showing love and kindness and go the extra mile by putting a smile on the face of neighbours and the less privileged.

  • Ambode preaches love, peaceful co-existence at Xmas

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has advised Nigerians to embrace the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence that the Christmas season symbolised.

    The governor gave the advice in his Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, on Saturday.

    He urged Nigerians to seize the moment to reach out to other Nigerians, who were in distress at this period of the nation’s history.

    He said despite the economic challenges, Nigeria was still making steady progress.

    While urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the government, the governor assured there would be better days ahead.

    “The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Ambode as saying in the statement.

    “We must continue to extend hand of love, benevolence and live as one family irrespective of our creed or colour.

    “We must also continue to respect each other’s right to live freely and peacefully.

    “The period of Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the symbol of Christianity and the harbinger of peace, love and good tidings

    “There is no better way to celebrate the season than by showing love and being our brother’s keeper.

    “Let us cultivate the habit of giving to those who need our help at this time; it would go a long way to put smile on their faces.”

     

  • 8th Governor’s Belt: SuperiorBet set to sponsor tournament.

    8th Governor’s Belt: SuperiorBet set to sponsor tournament.

    Sports betting outfit, SuperiorBet has moved to expand its sports sponsorship portfolio by agreeing to join the growing number of sponsors for the 2016 Governor’s Belt.

    The Governor’s Belt, which is due to take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Sports Hall, Lagos will mark SuperiorBet’s first major foray into the sports sponsorship market.

    SuperiorBets’ head of operations Seun Alli, said: “As an established betting operator we are delighted to be working with Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame and investing in Nigerian sports by supporting the 8th edition of the Lagos Governor’s Belt.”

    “This will be  the second time SuperiorBet will be supporting the Governor’s Belt but we will be playing a major role the first time and we are looking forward to it immensely” he added.

    The firm will be empowering three outstanding boxers above the age of 18 with fully branded shops and kiosks. The winner is expected to win a branded rent free, full equipped shop with the necessary training and awareness in any area he/she fancies.

    The Governor’s Belt is organized annually by the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Association in conjunction with the Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame and is foremost tournament for amateur boxing in the country. Past winners of the belt like Olaide Fijabi and Oto Joseph have gone to crave out successful careers in the professional ranks.

  • Ambode ratifies child rights’ policy

    Ambode ratifies child rights’ policy

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has ratified the first Executive Order establishing and safeguarding the child protection policy in Nigeria.

    He said the policy was designed as a catalyst for driving awareness and commitment of stakeholders towards the protection of children.

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Adeniji Kazeem, in a statement yesterday, said the Executive Order signed by the governor on December 16 highlights the emphasis which the administration placed on protecting children.

    Kazeem said the order applies to government organisations, public and private schools, child-centred institutions and orphanages.

    The policy also provides steps that must be followed in the case of a disclosure, role of the designated child protection and safeguarding officer, and the process of reporting and dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff.

    He said: “The Executive Order now makes it mandatory for child protection policy to be integrated into the induction programme of newly recruited staff into child-centred institutions. As regards employment of staff, it is now mandatory for child-centred institutions to conduct detailed background checks.

  • Ambode’s excellent stewardship

    SIR: When he was barely a few weeks in office, The Economist wrote a scathing criticism against his competence to run the demanding task of governing Lagos. The magazine concluded that Governor Akinwumi Ambode cannot fit into the big shoes left behind by his predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, currently Minister of Works, Housing and Power.

    It didn’t take long for naysayers to start devouring their words as Governor Ambode struck a remarkable impression in virtually all sectors of governance in Lagos in record time. He first decided to quickly arrest the security deterioration in Lagos by launching a very ambitious security outfit that aimed at tracking, arresting and dealing with incidences of crime in any part of the Mega City. He was as swift as he was thorough as he mobilised several billions of Naira to fund what should be the most ambitious security outfit in the country. He purchased drones, helicopters, hundreds of cars, patrol vans, motorcycles, all kitted with state of the art security gadgets to arrest the worsening security situation in Lagos. With a bang, he reversed the temporary glitch and criminals found the sprawling Mega City, a no go area for their nefarious businesses. Not only that, Governor Ambode’s Security outfit ensured that no criminals walks away with any crime in Lagos and with that, Lagos, a state of over 21 million citizens, has become perhaps the safest state in Nigeria today.

    Few days back Governor Ambode raised the bar once again by staking a whopping sum of N10 million on the head of any security personnel that goes down in active service.

    On roads, Governor Ambode moved in with such speed that has not been known in the country before now. He not only improved on the ambitious road construction projects of his predecessor, he embarked on massive construction of new roads in all nooks and crannies of Lagos as he vowed to open up all parts of Lagos. He was to start the construction of two roads for each local council that targeted all 57 local councils in the state and the first tranche of these roads have been delivered, complete with such appurtenances as street lighting, walkways, drainages. The construction of the second tranche is on-going now. These are apart from kilometres of urban roads, bridges and linkages which have either been completed, about to be completed or newly started. Today, no part of Lagos can claim to be cut off from other parts as a result of bad roads. What is outstanding in this massive road construction is the speed and clinical efficiency with which these projects are being delivered. Ambode has set a frenetic pace in infrastructural development that will certainly be difficult to contest with.

    What of the massive street lighting project that has seen almost all  the major roads in the state brightly lit up in Governor Ambode’s resolve to lighten up the state, drive criminality away and extend the frontiers of security in Lagos?

    The Ambode regime has built on a rich commitment to environmental sanity that has transformed Lagos from a sprawling urban slum to perhaps, Nigeria’s most beautiful state today. The present regime continues to invest in building a stately environment by developing more open spaces, building parks and lawns in every part of Lagos. Equally, the government has restored environmental sanity by ensuring wastes are appropriately discharged, street trading are outlawed, pedestrian bridges are built in strategic locations across the state and citizens are discouraged, through strict enforcement, from illegally crossing roads.

    The Ambode regime continues to expand the state healthcare delivery through the continued expansion of the state health facilities and equipping them to meet the growing demands of a fast growing Mega City. Equally, the state educational sectors has continued to receive prime attention of the Governor

    Even in the period of recession Governor Ambode has demonstrated through synergy and clinical financial engineering  that Lagos can still make the difference. Governor Ambode’s Lagos has raked N287 billion IGR as at December 16 2016 against N268.2 billion it generated in 2015. He attributes this achievement to synergy between the state government and the governed, insisting that Lagos is working because Lagosians understand the need play their own part as partners.

    All said, Governor Ambode’s has been a glorious era in a very short span and with his spectacular achievements. He has ingrained added confidence in governance in Lagosians and of course Nigerians. He has solidified trust and belief in the capacity of governance in Lagos and he continues to expand the frontiers of governance beyond the ordinary. The governor has not only justified the huge support Lagosians gave him to govern them but he has silenced his critics, disorganized the opposition and made every Lagosian proud with his achievements thus far.

    • Joe Igbokwe,

    Lagos.

  • Ambode ratifies executive order on child protection

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday ratified what was described as the first ever Executive Order establishing child protection policy in Nigeria.

    The new policy was designed as a catalyst for disclosures on child abuse and for driving the awareness and commitment of all stakeholders, including every member of the community towards the protection of children.

    The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who disclosed in a statement, said the programme was developed to create and maintain a safe environment for children, adding that in clear terms, the policy also articulates procedures to be adopted when disclosures of abuse are made.

    According to Kazeem, the Executive Order which was signed by the governor on December 16 highlights the emphasis which the present administration placed on protecting the lives of all children in the state.

    Giving further details on the order, Kazeem said it applies to all state government organisations, all public and private schools, child centred institutions, and orphanages located in the state.

    The new policy also provided for the steps that must be followed in the case of a disclosure, the role of the Designated Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer, and the process of reporting and dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff.

     

  • Lagos rakes in N287b IGR

    Lagos rakes in N287b IGR

    The Lagos State government has raked in more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) this year.
    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode hailed tax payers for performing their civic obligations faithfully.
    He spoke at a special evening of music and camaraderie held at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
    The governor said as at December 16, the state had raked in N287billion as against N268.2billion generated last year.
    Ambode said the taxes paid have been judiciously utilised to upgrade infrastructures and provide various services.
    Speaking on the significance of the event which featured performances by an array of musicians and was attended by top political leaders, captains of industries, media executives, professionals in various fields, members of the diplomatic corps, among others, the governor said the government was greatly appreciative of the contributions of the people to the state’s growth.
    He said: “You wonder what it is that we are doing? We said it is an evening with the governor but the truth is I just set this up to appreciate all of you and to say a big thank you.
    “Yes, people have been saying that Lagos is working but Lagos is only working because of the people who are here.
    “The taxpayers are the ones giving us the little energy that we have and even though when they say Nigeria is in recession, but somehow Lagos has been able to do it and it is because people are paying their taxes.
    “The truth is that the people have been carrying out their civic obligations and somehow we have been returning those obligations with the services that we have provided and you found out that this year; we have actually made more IGR than last year under a recession.
    The event was attended by Deputy Governor Idiat Oluranti Adebule; House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Majority Leader of House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information Lai Mohammed; former Osun State Governors Chief Bisi Akande and Senator Isiaka Adeleke; former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke; Senator representing Lagos West and his predecessor, Solomon Adeola and Ganiyu Solomon; Speaker of Lagos State; Managing Director of Access Bank Herbert Wigwe, among others.
    Some of the legendary musicians who performed at the event include Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Lagbaja, Queen Salawa Abeni and Adewale Ayuba.

  • Ambode’s bond

    Ambode’s bond

    • With a new inflow of N60b, Lagos State is poised to continue its infrastructure work

    As the nation has officially slipped into a recession, many states are clutching at straws to set in motion some level of momentum in capital projects, which includes roads, housing and health care commitments.
    Most are barely struggling to meet payroll obligations and, as of the last count, more than 30 states are lagging in salaries, some as long as six months. That is in spite of bailouts from the Federal Government.
    Under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State has been an exception, and it operates sometimes not only as immune from the general depredation but as though it is in another economy. It is in that context that its new approval from its state assembly of Governor Ambode’s quest for a N60 billion bond must be appreciated. It is intended to help boost infrastructure upgrade and renewal in the state.
    The bond is part of the N500 billion bond programme to be issued over the next three to five years. It is a clever decision in the wake of mounting demand of roads and other facilities in Nigeria’s largest city with a sprawl that continues to take in migrants from across the country, and even the sub-continent of West Africa.
    “The 60 billion naira bond approved for the current year would be used to accelerate the aggressive infrastructure development ongoing in the state”, said Governor Ambode.
    The governor has shown sensitivity to the need to continue a momentum he began late 2015 and earlier this year. But the finances and legality of the programme had to be in place. In April 2016, the state agreed to defray an outstanding N167.5 billion bond to holders before it matured to fend off interest payments. It was a clever move to avoid the damages from the plunge of oil prices. That would have pared the state government coffers.
    Explaining the decision, the governor said “what is in the appropriation law for 2016 is just N60 billion. So, it’s from the programme that we are pulling out this N60 billion.”
    The state legislature will approve according to the programme the governor presents, and for the year the governor has earned the approval of N60 billion, he said. “It’s not as if the state wants to go and take another N500 billion; it’s just a requirement by the Securities and Exchange Commission, so that you follow the procedure on a yearly basis.”
    With a plethora of infrastructure work in a bee hive, the money will be ploughed into the completion of the Abule-Egba Flyover, the Pen Cinema Flyover, the Ajah Flyover, the construction of public schools, bus parks, lay-bys, health care facilities and a raft of other projects.
    “All we are just doing is to accelerate development for the future prosperity of Lagos,” said the governor.
    Lagos State is able to do this because it does not rely on allocations from the centre to carry out its commitments. Lagos is an island in this regard in the federation as it generates about 70 percent of its revenue from internally generated taxes. With this sort of wellspring of money, it does not have to break its back to pay its debts.
    “The financial arrangement of the state is such that bond programmes embarked upon are easily repayable through internally generated revenue,” said Governor Ambode.
    The state’s population is growing, now over 21 million people. This puts tremendous pressure on roads, bridges, hospitals, schools whose sustainability continues to depend on maintenance as well as expansion.
    The state assembly deserves commendation for joining the train, and we expect that the money will be put not only to judicious use but at a good pace.

  • Ambode donates N5m to soldiers’ widows

    Ambode donates N5m to soldiers’ widows

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday donated N5 million to widows of soldiers who died in wars.
    He made the donation at the launch of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
    He noted that the armed forces, had over the years, shown courage and gallantry, which according to him, led to the return of relative peace to the Northeast.
    The occasion, he said, should afford Nigerians opportunity to spare a thought for the war heroes and to contribute to the welfare and wellbeing of the families they left behind.
    Ambode said: “Every year, we all come together, in different parts of the country, to show appreciation for the sacrifice of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who put their lives on the line to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and keep our country together as one indivisible unit. We must do everything possible not to allow the widows and orphans of these gallant officers to regret the sacrifices made by their husbands and fathers.
    “Whatever we do today to make life better for these people, including those officers and men who suffered lifelong disability, will go a long way to motivate those still in active service to give their best to the nation.”
    Responding to an appeal by Lagos State Branch of Nigerian Legion chairman Col Samuel Akanbi (rtd), Ambode granted his request for two operational patrol vehicles. He promised that some of the legionnaires would also be engaged to keep public schools safe.
    Earlier, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day would climax with wreath laying at Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.
    Col Akanbi praised the governor for transforming the state.

  • Minister, Ambode greet firm at 20

    A leading law firm, Jackson, Etti & Edu, has marked its 20th Anniversary with a charity walk and fund raiser for cancer treatment and support for victims.

    It also marked the event with a clients’ dinner at Claridges Mayfair, London, and a dinner dance for  staff and alumni in Lagos.

    Managing Partner, Koye Edu, said: “Our fundraising Charity Walk had great meaning to us, as we lost one of our partners to cancer, so we had a walk in her honour and to also create awareness on the benefit of early detection. We also raised money from our Walk and made a donation to a reputable Cancer Support Organisation.”

    Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode congratulated the firm.

    Onyeama, who delivered the keynote address at the London dinner, recognised the firm’s commitment to demonstrating the capability of Nigerian institutions and projecting a positive image of the country to the rest of the world.

    He also congratulated the firm’s partners and staff on the landmark celebration.

    Ambode, who was a special guest at the Lagos dinner dance, said: “Jackson, Etti & Edu is one of the firms Lagos State remains proud of.”

    The firm’s staff members who have worked for over 10 years got awards; alumni who have also played a role in its 20-year history were also recognised.

    Edu said: “This celebration is dedicated to the people who have supported us throughout our remarkable 20-year journey.  We are thrilled to be celebrating this momentous occasion with our clients, colleagues and friends and eagerly anticipate the journey ahead for our legal practice.

    “Jackson, Etti & Edu remains committed to providing excellent legal services to our local and international clients for the next 20 years and beyond.”

    Among guests at the clients’ dinner was the Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr Adah Simon Ogah.