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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode restates commitment to $2.3bn Badagry deep sea port project

    Ambode restates commitment to $2.3bn Badagry deep sea port project

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State met in London on Thursday with representatives of APM Terminals on the development of the Badagry Deep Sea Port project, restating his administration’s commitment to the creation of a  friendly environment for investors.

    He cited the over $2.3billion Badagry Deep Sea Port Project which he said would address the infrastructure enhancement and urban renewal agenda of the State.

    He hailed the investors for forging ahead with the project which,according to him is capable of generating over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    Government,he stressed, would spare nothing to see the project to realization.

    He said the Badagry Deep Sea Port, on completion, will be the biggest in Africa as it is expected to sit on a land space of over 1000 hectares.

    Speaking on behalf of APM Terminals, Head of Africa, Mr. Peter Volkjaer Jorgensen said the Group was strongly committed to partnering the State Government on the project.

    At the meeting were  Country Manager, APM Terminal, Mr. David Skov; Chairman APM Terminal Apapa, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Head of Africa, APM Terminal, Peter Volkjaer Jorgensen; Chairman, Supreme Offshore Limited, Mr. Chidi Ofong; Mr. Koye Edu; Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Global, Mr. Olajide Bashorun and Country Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr. Uyi Akpata.

  • Ambode to open Epe’s KayoKayo Festival next week

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, will next weekend lead top dignitaries to declare open the Kayokayo Festival, a historical and highly revered religious gathering of the Epe people. The one week festival, the traditional melting pot of Epe Indigenes, and a baby of Oba Shafiu Olatunji Adewale, Bamgbopa Eshilokun, the Olu Epe of Epe Kingdom, is an annual celebration of the historical arrival of Prince Kosoko, a famous Lagos King, to the Epe Kingdom in 1851.

    The festival, which places a lot of religious importance on its tourism value chain, is seen by the people of the town which incidentally is the home town of Governor Ambode, as a look-alike arrival of Noah of the bible.

    Chairman Kayokayo 2016 Organising Committee Alhaji (Chief) Shakiru Alade Okule explained that the 2016 festival will be celebrated to open the Epe historical kingdom to the tourism dreams of Lagos State government, adding that the week-long event would keep tourists on their toes with Oganla exponent, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, to drive the entertainment content.

    Other key contents of the KayoKayo festival include prayer outing, or Tahjud, at the Epe Central Mosque next Friday, a Quranic competition, a replica of the water voyage of King Kosoko, a youth rally, children’s party, royal visit by the Oba to the districts of Epe founding fathers, royal procession on the Lagoon beach and the Kayokayo Musical Night.

  • Ambode urges journalists to promote economic development

    Ambode urges journalists to promote economic development

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors  (NGE) to use their influence to promote socio-economic development and national unity.

    He spoke while commissioning the NGE House on Mojidi Street in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, the governor said  journalism should be practised in line with best ethos.

    Ambode urged journalists to pay attention to issues that will assist government to exit recession and make life worthwhile for the people.

    According to him, journalists should focus on developmental journalism that will guarantee protection of lives and property.

    He said: “As gatekeepers and models of opinion of our nation, you owe it as a national duty to ensure fear and objective reportage of issues with eyes on the promotion of national unity.”

    Thanking the editors for building their secretariat in Lagos, the governor said his administration would continue to partner with the press to make a difference in the lives of Lagosians.

    NGE President Funke Egbemode described the NGE House as a reward for hard work and the selflessness of a group of fearless individuals determined to achieve success in the face of difficulties.

    The house, she said, was a dream of over five decades, stressing that its commissioning would strengthen editors to ply their trade.

    She thanked the Federal and State governments for their contributions toward the building of the complex.

  • Save us from ‘land grabbers’, Lekki community urges Ambode

    Save us from ‘land grabbers’, Lekki community urges Ambode

    Communities within Ibeju-Lekki axis have decried what they called invasion of their land by grabbers.
    They appealed to the Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbing to halt what they described as “promotion of terrorism.”
    The communities are Oko-Olomi, Olowu-Oko-Olomi, Adeba Jaguna, Itapampa, Adeba Onikonko, Oko-Ile, Oko-Jegi, Alabula, Seriki Alabula and Alaga.
    A statement by their lawyer, Bamidele Ogundele, said the hoodlums shot sporadically before demolishing houses.
    Residents, Ogundele said, were caught unawares and could not go about their businesses.
    “The hoodlums invaded 10 communities. They claimed to have Certificate of Occupancy on the 1,561.20 hectares of land in the communities,” he said.
    Ogundele appealed to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to intervene in the matter.
    An affected resident, Mrs Antoine Djoyi, said: “The hoodlums came in and sent every one packing. We couldn’t sleep for three days and our children couldn’t go to school because they were shooting. So there was no point staying when we were not safe.
    “Initially, we thought the tension would ease but that was not the case. Before we knew what was happening, they brought caterpillar and dug the ground. So we could not drive in and out. They started putting wire to fence the community and demolished houses one after the other. When we bought the land, we didn’t know of any prior owner. My property was demolished including documents and all that we laboured for over 20 years. Some of us now live in uncompleted buildings. We are pleading with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to help us resolve this issue.”

  • Lagos State Governor Ambode hails Edo people

    Lagos State Governor Ambode hails Edo people

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday that Edo people have made the right choice by electing Godwin Obaseki as governor.

    In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor described the election as “not just a victory for democracy but the people will experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy”.

    Ambode, who was the chair of the APC National Campaign Committee for the election, said the people of Edo voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes. He urged all the stakeholders in the affairs of the state to accept the verdict of the people and work with Obaseki to develop the state.

    “Like I said during the grand rally of our great party, the APC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, a few weeks back, Edo State, being the heartbeat of the SouthSouth region, has all it takes to become another Lagos, and the decision of the people to speak with their votes in support of Obaseki is a signpost of their readiness for greatness and a testament to the monumental successes recorded in the last seven and half years by the incumbent Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    “We are enjoying the dividends of democracy in Lagos today because of the decision of the people to vote for continuity of good governance and I am glad that the people of Edo have also toed that path and the result will definitely translate to improved social services and welfare of the people,” Ambode said.

    The Governor said judging by Obaseki’s antecedents, he was certain that Edo State is set for transformation and consolidation of the achievements of the outgoing administration.

    Ambode said: “Governor Oshiomhole has laid the right foundation for progressive governance. He has been responsive, progressive and totally committed to the needs of the people. With the decision to vote Mr Obaseki, who is equally people-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and has the fear of God, the people have made the right choice and I can only urge them to continue to support him to deliver on the campaign promises.”

  • Recession: Nigeria needs to develop tourism, other sectors, says Ambode

    Recession: Nigeria needs to develop tourism, other sectors, says Ambode

    Lagos state Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday that the prevailing economic recession offers a viable opportunity for the country to harness the potentials of other sectors. He identified tourism as one of the critical sectors that can revitalise the economy.

    The governor, who spoke at the commemoration of this year’s edition of the World Tourism Day, at the National Tourism Conference, at the Eko Atlantic City (EAC), Lagos, described  the economic realities as a wake-up call for the country to re-order its economic priorities and develop other revenue generating channels.

    He said the conference, which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, has become imperative and strategic  to enhance the prospects of diversifying the revenue generation sources for the development and growth of the economy.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr.  Oluranti Adebule, noted that some states are blessed with natural tourism sites which could  harnessed  and developed to generate wealth and create jobs for the people.

    He said a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projected that the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria would contribute 1.6 per cent directly to the Gross Domestic product (GDP) of the country by 2024 which represents N1.366 billion and 1,194,000 direct employment.

    “The potentials of this sector can only be harnessed if we create the right environment for investment to thrive. We must open up the sector through incentives, attractive policies as well as the provision of world class infrastructure,” the governor said.

  • Recession: Nigeria must develop tourism, other sectors – Ambode

    Recession: Nigeria must develop tourism, other sectors – Ambode

    As the current economic recession takes its toll on Nigerians, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday said the period was one that offers a viable opportunity for Nigeria to harness the potentials of other critical sectors such as tourism to revive the ailing economy.

    The governor, who spoke at the National Tourism Conference held at the Eko Atlantic City (EAC), Lagos, in commemoration of the 2016 World Tourism Day, said the economic realities, was a wake-up call for the country to re-order its economic priorities and develop other revenue generating channels.

    He said the conference, which was organized by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, was a necessary and strategic decision that would enhance the prospects of diversifying the revenue generation channels of the country for the development and growth of the nation’s economy.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, said there are states blessed with natural tourism sites which could be developed to harness opportunities that would generate wealth and create jobs for the people.

    He said a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projected that the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria would contribute 1.6 percent directly to the country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) by 2024 which represents N1.366 billion, and 1,194,000 direct employment.

    “The potentials of this sector can only be harnessed if we create the right environment for investment to thrive. We must open up the sector through incentives, attractive policies as well as the provision of world class infrastructure,” the governor said.

    He said Lagos, as a coastal location, is blessed with 283 kilometers of coastline apart from other tourism potentials, adding that his administration remained focused on the goal of making the state the hub of tourism and entertainment in Africa.

  • Ambode: Lagos committed to rule of law, justice

    Ambode: Lagos committed to rule of law, justice

    •New legal year begins with religious services

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday restated his administration’s commitment to the rule of law.

    Describing the judiciary as the citizens’ last hope, he vowed to carry out judicial reforms.

    He spoke at the Cathedral Church of Christ during a special service to mark the 2016/2017 Legal Year.

    At the service were former chief judges of Lagos, including Justice Ayotunde Phillips, retired judges, magistrates, judicial workers, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other lawyers, who turned out in their ceremonial attires.

    A Muslim service was held at the Lagos Central Mosque, where the head, Department of Religions and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Lateef Adetona, delivered a lecture.

    Ambode said: “The judiciary remains the only and the last hope of the citizens in Lagos State.

    “Our administration is determined to enthrone the rule of law and protect the less-privileged in our society, and that is why we’ve laid so much emphasis on judicial sector reforms, and we believe strongly that this we can also do together.

    “I just want to urge all in the judicial sector that we should discharge our duties with the fear of God.

    “In this new legal year, let just innovate and reform, so that the Lagos State judiciary continues to retain its pride of place in Nigeria.”

    The governor said the Executive would continue to work harmoniously with the judiciary for the state’s good.

    The Lord Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Rev. Akinpelu Johnson, said judges had a divine mandate, which, according to him, is to do justice without fear or favour.

    The scriptures, he said, specified that only capable people, who fear God and hate dishonesty, should be appointed judges.

    He urged the judges to always do justice and ensure  it is seen to have been done.

    At the Lagos Central Mosque, Adetona, who spoke in English, advised judges to be wary of receiving gifts from members of the society, emphasising that such gifts can impact negatively on them in the course of dispensing justice.

    Rather, he admonished them to dispense justice with the fear of Allah, which commands believers to see one another as equals even when their family is involved.

    Prof. Adetona, who spoke on “Islam and Dispensation of Justice”, said: “Judges should restrain themselves from ungodly things that are vicious and unholy”.

    He stressed that they “must stand out wherever, and in whatever condition they find themselves”.

    The Islamic scholar, who quoted extensively from the Qura’n, berated judges, who were tyrannical in their judgment for selfish reasons.

    “Judges are three: two will be in hell and one will be in paradise. The judge who knows the truth and give judgment contrary to it will be in hell.  The judge whose judgment is based upon ignorance will be in hell.  But the judge, who knows the truth and give judgment in accordance with it will be in paradise,” the don said.

    The Imam, Shitta-Bey Central Mosque, who delivered his sermon in Yoruba, Ustaz Habibillahi Taofiq, counselled government to allow judges unfettered hands in adjudicating matters brought before them.

    The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammed Akinola, who led the special dua (supplication), prayed Allah to give judges wisdom with which to adjudicate and deliver judgment truthfully and without fear or favour.

     

  • Ambode: Lagos’ll set up kiosks for hawkers

    Ambode: Lagos’ll set up kiosks for hawkers

    The Lagos State Government will curb street trading on major streets by setting up kiosks for hawkers, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He spoke at the weekend in New York during a media event which ended President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to New York for the 71st United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA).

    The law against street trading, Ambode explained, has been in place for 13 years, adding that his administration would provide an alternative to hawking.

    He said: “We never banned street hawking. It has been existing since 2003. The law has been there, I only activated the law, and I’m trying to enforce it.

    “The issue is, on the main streets, we should not have hawkers. So I’m looking for provisions to make sure that at least I can create new kiosks, so that people can have a place to sell. I will create new kiosks.”

    The governor also refuted claims that his government was concentrating development projects on the Island at expense of mainland dwellers.

    “That is totally not true. We are so inclusive; the bulk of the projects are actually in the hinterland.

    “For the very first time, just recently we did 114 roads, two in each local government. That, in itself, actually indicates that we are into every nook and cranny of Lagos.

    “Lagos is actually enjoying a government that has been so responsive and has been able to touch the lives of the rich, the poor. Whether you’re on the mainland or the island, we’re touching lives, and that’s what we intend to do for the rest of this tenure,” Ambode said.

  • Why Lagos attracts investors, tourists, by Ambode

    Why Lagos attracts investors, tourists, by Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday attributed the significant influx of investors and tourists to ongoing aggressive upgrade of infrastructure, especially road construction and rehabilitation.

    Ambode, who spoke in Somolu Local Government at the climax of the inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), said the infrastructure provided has further improved the status of Lagos locally and internationally.

    The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Folarin Coker, said  the infrastructure has further improved confidence of tourists and investors in the state.

    According to him: “Construction of 114 roads not only gives access but further boosts the state’s economy, social welfare, creates employment and provides other benefits within the state.”

    In Isolo LCDA, Ambode inaugurated Panada/Lafenwa Road off Mushin Road in a ceremony attended by the Oba of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja; Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale and party chieftains.

    Represented by APC South West Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, the governor said that the construction of the roads across the 57 councils has made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country.

    He assured that no effort would be spared to make life more comfortable for residents.

    Sole Administrator of the council, Abimbola Osikoya, thanked the governor for the promise kept by the construction of the road, which she said would improve the economical pursuit of the residents of the area, especially because of its proximity to the popular Aswani Market.

    In Ikeja Local Government, Ambode who inaugurated Onilekere Street, where he was represented by Iyaloja- General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said Lagosians should expect nothing but a better and safer Lagos in the next three years.