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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode increases death insurance benefit for police to N10m

    Ambode increases death insurance benefit for police to N10m

    •Presents more equipment to RRS

    Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has increased to N10 million the death insurance benefit for police officers, who die in active service.
    Ambode announced this in his office yesterday after he was presented with two awards recently won in South Africa by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command.
    Promising that his administration would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of all citizens, he said security and safety of the people remains one of the focal objectives of his administration, and that government would continually embrace measures to motivate and encourage officers.
    The RRS, at the awards presented by Security Watch Africa (SWA), emerged the best anti-crime police squad in West Africa. The RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, won the award of most outstanding police operational officer in Africa.
    The government also bagged the award as the best security and most safety conscious state in Africa.
    Ambode congratulated the commander and men of the RRS for the feat, saying that the people were appreciative of the gallant efforts of the unit at reducing crime rate, especially in the last one year.
    He praised the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, for his purposeful leadership, saying it was evident that the police were performing creditably well.
    Alluding to the need for increment in the death insurance benefit of officers, the governor recalled the recent loss of some officers in active service, adding that while government was not praying for a recurrence, it was appropriate to reasonably reward the family of any officer in the event of eventual death.
    He said his administration was raising the stake of death insurance policy from N1million to rank and file and N2million to senior officers to N10 million.
    Ambode presented three patrol vehicles and 45 power bikes to the RRS.
    He directed the police to ensure hitch-free yuletide celebration across the state.

  • Ambode urges ship owners to collaborate

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has urged ship owners to form a strong partnership that will transform the economy.

    He also spoke of his willingness to donate land to the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) to build their headquarters in Lagos.

    Speaking at a Gala Night organised by the group, at the weekend, Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Commerce, Mr Adeyemi Labinjo, urged the group to forward its request to his office for necessary consideration.

    “As a government, we are committed to doing everything in our capacity to ease the process of doing business because this is the only way to attract investment to critical sectors of the economy.

    “Let me use this opportunity to inform you that the maritime Industry is set to witness a major boost with the impressive progress we have recorded on the $2.6 billion Badagry Deep Sea project, which on completion will be the largest in Africa. We are encouraged by the interest shown by international investors who are willing to partner with the state government to make the project a reality.

    “The Nigeria maritime industry, of which the shipping sector plays a vital role in its development, is widely acknowledged to be in need of far reaching reforms in order to align with global best practices. The industry has great potentials to be a major revenue earner and driving force for economic growth and development.

    “For these potentials to be fully harnessed there must be a convergence of ideas among stakeholders including the Shipowners Association on how best to move the industry forward in the best interest of the economy and private investors.

    “I believe one of the basic issues revolve around the need for government to create the enabling environment through the design and implementation of appropriate policies, incentives and the provision of the required infrastructure,” Ambode said.

    He urged the ship owners to forge “a strong partnership and make necessary sacrifices that will bring about a quick turnaround of our economy.”

    The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, who was represented by the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, inaugurated the SOAN’s 100 Cadets Training Berth Scheme on the occasion.

    He assured the group of the government’s readiness to create a conducive environment for them and other investors to do their business.

  • Ambode, Amosun mourn 

    Ambode, Amosun mourn 

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the death of foremost accountant and a former Minister of Commerce Dr. Bola Kuforiji-Olubi.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the lagos State governor described her as a distinguished businesswoman, banker, economist and accountant, who cut her teeth in the corporate world.

    The governor recalled the former minister’s decades of distinguished career in the private and public sectors, saying she was a role model for the future generation.

    “Dr. Kuforiji- Olubi was a woman of many firsts; she wrote her name in gold in the banking industry and was a pace-setter and leader in banking, manufacturing and entrepreneurship not only in Nigeria but also in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “It is not surprising that she was a proud and well-deserved recipient of National honours, fellowships, awards and honorary degrees from within and outside the country,’’ Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor said Dr. Olubi’s legacies would continue to be a source of inspiration to the younger generation.

    Governor Ambode also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul, urging her family to draw strength from the legacies she stood for while she was alive and the fact that she was a devout Christian.

    ”On behalf of my family and the people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr. Olubi, on this great and irreparable loss.

    “I had always admired her demeanour. She was a woman of true character, substance and quiet nobility. We will sorely miss her”, he said.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also expressed mixed feelings over her death.

    ”Yes we will miss her, but we still have to thank God for the impactful and successful life she lived,” Amosun said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka.

    He added that the late Mrs. Kuforiji-Olubi “impacted and motivated generations of Nigerians, especially women, through her industry and success as a technocrat and an administrator.”

    While commiserating with the Kuforiji-Olubi family, the people of Ogun State and indeed all Nigerians over the loss of Mrs. Kuforiji-Olubi, Governor Amosun said, “for us in Ogun State, she was an icon. She was one of those international icons that made us proud.”

    He added: “her enviable track record includes being the first woman in Sub Saharan Africa to serve as Chairman of a leading financial institution, UBA; the first Chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority and Vice Chairman, National Conference on Nigerian foreign policy among others.

    “We will particularly miss her words of wisdom at this critical stage in the development of our dear state.”

  • Yuletide: Ambode lights up Lagos with Employment Trust Fund

    Yuletide: Ambode lights up Lagos with Employment Trust Fund

    For many Lagosians, this yuletide season will be a time to smile again. While many Nigerians are lamenting the harsh effects of the ongoing economic rescission as the year draws to a close, a good number of Lagosians have been told to brace up for a new beginning this December as the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in the state roll out its plan to tackle the twin menace of joblessness and poverty in the state through the much publicized employment trust fund.
    With the passage of the regulation on the administration of the trust fund by the state Assembly, and executive assent given to it, the Governor, while presenting the 2017 budget to the House of Assembly during the week, said all is now set for the commencement of disbursement of funds to interested entrepreneurs. Ambode specifically announced that the funds will get to beneficiaries this month. The announcement sparked jubilations across the state, especially amongst the numerous entrepreneurs waiting anxiously to benefit from the scheme.
    Hon. Sola Giwa, who represents Lagos Island constituency 2, in the state assembly, is the of the Chairman of the House Committee on Employment and Wealth Creation. This committee it was, that worked on the regulations that was recently passed by the lawmakers to make way fort he disbursement of funds to anxious Lagosians.
    Giwa, who is as elated by the announced commencement of the scheme as most Lagosians, has been speaking on the fund and its benefits for the state. According to him, the House actually passed the regulation because it is entrenched in the law setting up the fund itself. “The law says the House from time to time should regulate the activities and administration of the trust fund.
    But basically, the trust fund is a cardinal part of the campaign promises of his excellency, the governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode to kind of alleviate or as a point of cushioning the effect of this unemployment issue, youths looking for white collar jobs and the like, to take care of the gap in the unemployment issue, so that is exactly what this loan is trying to address,” he said.
    Speaking on those who can benefit from the scheme and how Lagosians can benefit from the loan, the lawmaker insisted that the scheme is specifically and sincerely meant for Lagos residents of all ages excluding minors. “Once you are qualified to vote, that is from 18 upwards you are qualified, no matter your tribe, your party affiliation or religion.
    Basically if you check the regulation, the eligibility or those that will benefit from this are there, its actually meant to take care of the micro, small and medium enterprises, tech start-ups, market relations and all that. So these are the areas we are trying to look at. Of course there would be a guarantor. Maybe I should just put it in perspective.
    For you to be eligible, first of all you have to get the form, you need to prove that you are a Lagos resident, you need to prove that you need that money, your BVN will be required, that is, you have to have a bank account, just show that you will be able to repay this loan and then just one guarantor to the sum that you are being loaned, that’s just basically it,”he explained.
    Explaining further, Giwa said the scheme is not for groups or organizations alone as being erroneously inferred in some quarters. According to him, individuals can apply for the loans. “Individuals can apply, co-operatives can apply, people that have companies can apply. The maximum you can get is like N5million because the fund is actually like N6.2billion per year, that’s what the governor has disbursed and the fund will be disbursed twice in a year,” he said.
    Asked the need for regulation again when there is a law setting up the fund, he said; “There must be a process to adjust the law, and it is not always that easy to make adjustments to a law, it can be quite cumbersome. So to give the fund some kind of flexibility, that is why the regulation is there, so the management of the trust fund can actually make regulations as the reality of the country or economy changes.
    For example now, what they are doing right now with the fund, the fact is this, if things change and you have to amend the law to take care of the changes, you know the process of amending the law is cumbersome; so to make it easy that is why the regulation is there. And in the regulation we have the nitty-gritty of the day-to-day running of the fund which is different from the main body of the law itself. So that is basically what it is,” he added.
    According to Giwa, the regulation mandated a comprehensive insurance cover as part of the conditions to give out the loan and further went on to add that the fund should bear the cost of the insurance cover. Consequently, everybody or every entity that will be getting the loan would need to be insured. Also, equipments and other movables that may be sourced with the loan will also have to be insured against theft, fire, etc.
    “You know all loans are usually funded but what we are saying, the difference here is that this fund will be insuring that loan. Don’t forget this is like a small chunk of money and we are now saying the fund itself will insure it,” Giwa said.
    On fears that Lagosians may take the loans and renege on the many promises of paying back as stipulated by the trust fund, Giwa said; “I believe that Lagosians are trustworthy people, they are good people. If you give them loan, they know the difference between a loan and a gift. So I am sure that Lagosians that will be availed this loan will pay back when due.
    By and large, the mechanism is already in place to make sure that this loan is free of all this issues being enumerated out there and I just told you some of them. Insuring the loan itself, insuring the equipment and getting the BVN and guarantor for the loan are some of these mechanisms. And the good thing about the BVN is that you cannot collect money now and say that you will not pay back. In essence we would know if you have money in other account and we can step in for us to get our money from you. Apart from that, the fund itself is planning on, for each person that is getting this loan some few trainings for them to let them know how to handle it and there will be monitoring.”
    On the enthusiasm that has trailed the scheme since it was first mentioned and the multitude of Lagosians waiting eagerly to access the fund, Giwa said, “I think the Executive Secretary and the board of the fund are people who know their onions. They are capable hands. They know the best thing to ensure that deserving Lagosians get it right.
    And don’t mix it up, apart from distributing this loan, there are other programmes that they do like training people in terms of skills acquisition. So it is not actually just giving loans and loans alone, that is not what the fund is all about. So I am sure they are up to it. I think we are looking at say, in the next two and half years, about 6,000 Lagosians that would be helped by this scheme. That is the projection and I am sure they will do a wonderful job.”

  • We’ve kept faith with our promise to Lagosians—Ambode

    We’ve kept faith with our promise to Lagosians—Ambode

    LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration has kept faith with the electioneering campaign promises made to Lagosians, assuring that the state would witness quantum leap in infrastructural development in 2017.

    Speaking at the grand finale of the campaign of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Saturday’s bye-election for Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of the House of Representatives, Governor Ambode assured that no electoral promise made by him would go unfulfilled, saying that he had operated under that principle ever since assuming office and remained committed to fulfilling all the pledges and doing even more.

    “I like to start by thanking you for believing in us. Thank you for believing in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The past, the present and the future belong to all of you and so far that we are all working together, we know that Ojokoro and Ifako-Ijaiye will move forward and there will be tremendous progress in this community.

    “You have seen what we have done in the last 18 months, but I want to assure you that we have not started anything yet.

    As you are aware, we just presented the 2017 budget to the House of Assembly but you will not believe the progress that Lagos will make by this time next year. “This is the best State in Nigeria and we don’t make promises that we cannot fulfill. We will even do more than we have promised,” the governor said, adding that his administration will commence the construction of Ifako-Ijaiye Stadium within the first quarter of 2017.

  • Ambode: we’ll soon disburse N25b employment fund

    Ambode: we’ll soon disburse N25b employment fund

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the government will disburse the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) initiative this month.

    The governor spoke in Lagos at the graduation of 500 artisans trained by the government on modular employability programme in 19 trades.

    He said the informal sector was critical to economic recovery, adding that the government would reposition the sector for economic gains.

    Ambode said the N25 billion, to be disbursed in the next four years, was one  initiative to empower the informal sector, adding that government welcomes ideas and strategies to  aid  the sector’s growth.

    His words: “Let me tell you clearly that the N25 billion is for artisans and entrepreneurs in Lagos State. We will begin disbursement this month and let me assure you that a larger percentage will go to carpenters, tailors, stylists, vulcanisers, and so on.

    “Every tradesman and artisan in Lagos will have automatic access to the Fund.”

    Speaking at the event, which also coincided with the seventh Tradesmen and Artisans’ Week, the governor said the ETF was an initiative with the mandate to support establishment and growth of small businesses to create jobs, adding that soft loans will be provided to genuine and credible artisans and traders.

  • Ambode proposes N812.99b estimates for 2017

    Ambode proposes N812.99b estimates for 2017

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday presented a budget estimate of N812.998 billion to the House of Assembly for approval.
    In the estimates, capital expenditure is N512.99 billion and recurrent expenditure is N300 billion, a ratio of 63-37 per cent.
    Ambode said the budget would continue the massive infrastructure renewal and enhancement of Lagos as one of the foremost tourism and investment destination in Africa.
    “While we focus on physical infrastructure, we shall continue to pay attention to social infrastructure, especially health, education, youth and social development next year”, the governor said.
    He said the state was expecting an increase in federal allocation through the 13 per cent derivation from oil & gas, which will further boost its revenue profile.
    “In view of our financing gap, we shall continue to sustain deficit financing in the short-to-medium term and enhance revenue growth.
    “We would explore more collaboration with local and international investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), especially in the areas of road expansion, transport; housing, and the environment,” he said.
    The governor promised that next year his administration will “remain steadfast in its responsibility to make the state safe and secure for all citizens. We will continue to invest in security”.
    “The Neighbourhood Safety Agency will become fully operational by 2017 with presence in all local governments and LCDAs.
    “The key focus of the budget is road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance. Our government will focus on roads that will open up the hinterlands, improve connectivity in the state and reduce travel time.”
    He also promised that the administration will begin the Phase II of the 114 local government road projects and the Fourth Mainland Bridge and carry out fundamental reforms on all modes of transportation – roads, water and the walkways.
    In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year, Ambode said.
    “The government will embark on the urbanisation of the Marina axis, waterways channellisation, establishment of more parks and gardens as well as the community sports centres and stadia in various locations.
    “We will fully implement the medical health insurance scheme and deploy e-health/ e-insurance health service solutions; and complete the on-going upgrading and extension work in the state general hospitals and Ayinke House in Ikeja. Work will begin on our medical park in the 2017 fiscal year.
    “With the aim of making Lagos State the next technology frontier in Africa, we will invest in digital libraries (e-libraries) as well as Code Lagos projects to prepare our younger ones to meet the new workforce demands, harness the benefits of technology and communicate in the language of the future.
    “Our administration is committed to various projects in the area of tourism. Our vision is to create a tourism hub around the Onikan-Lagos Marina Axis. We will also develop the Epe and Badagry marinas to harness the tourism potential of these areas.
    “We will establish Museum for Art and Culture in Ikeja, construct five Arts/Culture theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikeja, with a 400-seater hall in each of them.
    “We will accelerate the food expansion programme, with a special focus in rice production, animal husbandry and root crops. We will intensify our collaboration with other states in the development of a commodity value chain specifically for food commodities.
    “We will boost fish production by improving the production capacity of Ayobo Fish Farm Estate in Alimosho in addition to providing jobs for the youth.
    “The Employment Trust Fund has begun financial support to our youths and entrepreneurs and this will be intensified throughout next year.
    “In the area of environment, we will improve water supply through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and increase the capacity utilisation of water treatment plants, ensure efficient waste management system by increasing the number of transfer loading stations from three to 15, mitigate the effect of climate change through the conservation of the natural environment and promotion of biodiversity, as well as minimising flood through effective erosion control.”
    The governor sought the cooperation and understanding of Lagosians in prompt payment of taxes.
    He called for the support of Lagosians in the successful implementation of the budget.
    “We have a huge responsibility to ensure that it succeeds as we cannot just afford to fail even at this critical period of recession,” Ambode said.
    The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, praised the governor for the successful implementation of the 2016 budget.
    He urged ministries, departments and agencies to provide the House with necessary documents to aid the quick passage of the budget.
    The presentation was witnessed by prominent Lagosians, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders as well as politicians and former lawmakers.

  • Residents petition Ambode over demolition

    Residents petition Ambode over demolition

    Residents of Magodo Estate under the aegis of Magodo Residents’ Association (MRA) are worried over plot to demolish a section of the estate.

    The residents are anxious over deployment of bulldozers and caterpillars at the area by the Lagos State Government.

    Their concern is that lives and properties will be exposed to danger, if the conservation, which shields the estate’s extension, is demolished.

    Southwest Report gathered that the residents were served with letter before the move to demolish the conservatory, but the residents alleged that the demolition was not authorised by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode or any designated authority.

    The letter, a copy of which was served to the MRA, dated October 18, with the title: “Removal of Endangering Bushes, Shanties and Creation of Access Road/ Channelisation of Canal between Magodo Brooks and Omole Phase 1” without any designated office.

    The residents, however, urged Governor Ambode to stop the planned demolition because “there are environmental implications to the host community if demolished.”

    According to the chairman of the association, Kunle Eludire, who debunked the subterfuge that the site is a shanty and a dangerous bush further explained that the conservation adds ecological value to the estate in particular and the state in general.

    He said: “The conservation covers the back of the estate. For security reasons, the reserve should not be removed because once it is removed; the entire estate, the residents and our properties will be exposed. We are not threatened by shanties and other things those that brought the letter claimed.”

    He, however, called on Governor Ambode to wade into the matter before the estate is unnecessarily exposed to security threats.

    “They earlier came with mobile policemen but we resisted them and now they came back with a letter which they hurriedly wrote. We can deduce that the letter is not from the governor or any of the commissioners or the Ministry of Environment and Lands,” he added.

    Jade Niboro, First Vice-Chairman said: “By the first meter they moved, we saw three big pythons. We have monkeys and crocodiles here. As we try to prevent flooding, here they want to create a larger problem.

    “We notice from the letter they brought that there is foul play because the letter was not from the governor or the ministry that supervises the environment; neither was it signed by any of the commissioners. We have written a petition to the governor and copied the various ministries and the Lagos State House of Assembly.”

    Bajo Osunubi, second Vice-Chairman of the association said: “The first time the people from Lagos State Land Bureau came, they said they wanted to access 12 plots of land here. We told them that if they should open this way, people will have easy access to the estate. After that they left. They came back the second time and we told them they can’t create an access road here. We know that government can’t destroy the estate. I know the governor has the power but what they are doing here is very wrong.

    “Secondly, they wrote us a letter that the governor gave them a right to link Brooks Estate to Omole Phase 1 and Magodo Phase 2 which is not possible. The moment you create an access road here, there will be general security threat.

    “The site only leads to Olowo-Ira and Agility Mile 12 which are very close to the estate. We believe the state government will always work with the Master Plan structured for development. The decision to demolish part of the estate was the handiwork of some dubious elements in government who are collaborating with land grabbers,” he added.

    Mrs Kemi Omotoso, the environmental secretary explained that there is a canal in the conservatory through which all waste water from the estate and its environs are channelled to. She said: “The canal serves Shangisha, Omole Phase 2 and Magodo Estate. So, if they demolish it, the neighbourhood will be affected.”

  • Ambode to present budget to Lagos Assembly tomorrow

    Ambode to present budget to Lagos Assembly tomorrow

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will, tomorrow, present the 2017 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly.

    A statement by Assembly’s Director of Public Affairs Miss Bose Lambo said the presentation would begin at 10 am.

    She said: “Year 2017 budget estimates presentation by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will hold tomorrow at the Assembly Chambers, Assembly Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambode presented the 2016 budget of N662.58 billion to the Assembly for approval on December 17, last year.

    The 2016 budget was made up of capital expenditure of N383.678 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N278.909 billion in the ratio of 58:42 as against 51:49 in 2014 and 2015.

    The 2016 budget represented an improvement of 26 per cent over those of 2014 and 2015.

  • Lagos communities raise alarm over cult killings

    Lagos communities raise alarm over cult killings

    Communities in Maya, Itele, Parafa and Idafa in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, have cried out to Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, their representatives in the state and national assemblies, as well as the Police authorities in the state, to come to their rescue over rampant killings and attacks by cult groups operating in the area.

    Victims and relatives of murdered persons, while speaking to The Nation last Friday after four persons were killed during a week long cult war between the Eiye and Aiye cult groups, said troops of young boys invaded the communities since last Sunday afternoon and turned the area to a war zone.

    “More than a hundred boys came into our communities from various places with dangerous arms and ammunition following they killing of one of the cult boys around here on Sunday by members of a rival cult group during an argument at Maya bus stop. By evening of the same day, another person was gunned down in Itele.

    “Many people returning late from town that day were stranded as the cultists exchanged gun fire indiscriminately. Residents of all the communities here were left in fear and anxiety all through Sunday night as the shooting continued all night long. Not even the arrival of the police could douse the tension,” our source said.

    The Nation learnt that the clashes continued all through the week and by Wednesday, two other persons were gunned down in the cult war and several residents were forced to abandoned their homes and seek refuge elsewhere for fear of being caught in the unabating crossfire.

    “By Wednesday, two more boys were killed in the area by cultists. Their activities and clashes are no longer restricted to the nights as they now fight and kill themselves in broad daylight. Efforts by the communities to appeal to the warring factions failed as the cultists allegedly vowed to fight to the last man.

    “The police too has been unable to curb the fights. Credit must however be given to the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. S.O.B A gunbiade who unrelentingly kept contact with the communities and updated the police commissioner and other relevant agencies on the need for more security measures to be taken. We also thank the Onyabo Vigilante group. They really tried.

    “We however want to tell the whole world that lives and properties are no longer safe here in Maya. These boys have turned our streets to war zones and our children are no longer free to go to school. All schools, including the public secondary and primary schools around here were closed for the better part of last week.

    What we want is for Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, our representatives in the state and national assemblies, as well as the Police authorities in the state, to come to our rescue over rampant killings and attacks by cult groups operating in our area. These boys are not part of us here. They were invited here and we need them to be forced out,” another source, a traditional ruler in Idafa, lamented.