The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Council chief hails Ambode, security agencies

    The Sole Administrator of Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril has commended the efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the security agencies on the successful rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni.

    Speaking in his office, the council chief said the governor’s effort was exemplary, saying it gave hope to the residents that their security is guaranteed.

    While thanking Governor Ambode, Jubril said the security apparatus of the state had been fortified with modern technology to track down kidnappers and wage total war against criminals anywhere they hide.

    ‘‘When Oba was kidnapped, nobody knew his health condition until when he was released.

    We thank God for sparing the life of Oba Oniba who was kidnapped. We are grateful to Ambode, the Commissioner of Police, the State Security Service (SSS) and the entire Nigerians for the valuable information given to the police who led to the successful operation that led to the rescue of our Oba,” he said. Jubril assured the residents that efforts were being made to improve the living standard of the people.

  • Ambode seeks policemen redeployment over unauthorized raid

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday asked the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, to redeploy some police officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Unit.

    The request followed last Friday’s raids in different parts of Lagos by officers of the taskforce, leading to a rough treatment and arrests of innocent citizens.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the governor sought an immediate redeployment of several of the task force officers from the unit and possibly from the state over what he called “unacceptable conduct.”

    Ayorinde said the request was necessary in order to prevent a reoccurrence of last weekend’s unauthorized raid and indiscriminate arrest of citizens who were out to have fun on Friday night.

    According to the commissioner, preliminary investigation showed that the unauthorized raid was carried out with the knowledge of the Taskforce second in command, SP Taiwo Adeoluwa, without the approval of the Chairman, SP. Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi.

    “The conduct of the affected officers is not in tandem with the vision of Lagos State Government and is therefore condemnable. Their conduct is also unbecoming of officers who are expected to protect the citizenry and ensure that citizens and visitors find every part of the state safe and conducive enough not only on Friday nights but every day.”

    The commissioner added that governor Ambode’s massive investments in security and “Light Up Lagos” Project was meant to create a 24-7 economy that encourages businesses to thrive.

    He said the government would not fold its arms and watch any overzealous officer derail the vision that has earned the government applause.

     

     

  • Edo can be another Lagos – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said the giant strides and economic growth recorded in Lagos in the last 16 years could be replicated in Edo if the people vote for continuity.

    Ambode, who is the Chairman, National Campaign Council for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 10 poll in Edo, spoke at the party’s final rally in Benin, on Tuesday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    He said the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration had recorded remarkable progress in the state in the last seven years and this should be sustained by electing the APC candidate as governor on Saturday

    Ambode said the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was a trustworthy, reliable and God fearing person, who would bring his wealth of experience as a financial expert to bear in the governance of Edo.

    He said Edo, with its vantage position, as well as its human and natural resources, has the potential to be greater.

    “We are happy for the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari in our midst and it is a pointer to the importance of Edo State to Nigeria’s economic development.

    “Edo State has witnessed tremendous progress under Oshiomhole this last seven years, and more than it achieved in the last 10 years of the previous government.

    “Oshiomhole has laid the foundation for the progress of the state.

    “Edo can be like Lagos State, it has all the potential to be great, and we need Godwin Obaseki to make it greater,” he said.

     

  • Photo: Good to see you Sir

    Photo: Good to see you Sir

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (right), in a warm handshake with former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (left) during the launch of RAISE Foundation, at the Athena Event Arena, Minna, Niger State, at the weekend.
    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (right), in a warm handshake with former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (left) during the launch of RAISE Foundation, at the Athena Event Arena, Minna, Niger State, at the weekend.

  • LOYALTY IN GOVERNANCE AWARD HONOURS AMBODE, OTHERS

    MARITIME Media Limited, organisers of the Loyalty in Governance Award have announced winners in the second edition of the reward system.

    In all, six state governors, one from each of the six geopolitical zones emerged. They are Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (South-west), Governor Nyesom Wike (South-south), Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (South-East), Governor Nasir ElRufia (North-west), Governor Kassim shettima (North-east) and Governor Abdul-fatai Ahmed (North-east).

    Governor Ambode was honoured for his pioneering effort to lighting up, improving security in the state, putting Lagos in the global map as an oil producing state; introducing a 25billion naira citizens empowerment fund, among other landmark achievements.

    Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State is also being honoured for his outstanding leadership style in the state. The 10,000 trees to keep Kaduna green, the war against illegal structures, the mandatory issuance of building plans and C of O for structure in Kaduna and his impartial enquiry into the Army/Shitteclash endeared him into our team of researchers, thus making him one of the shinning lights in our present democratic experience.

    In Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi has endeared himself to his people with 30% equity contribution to the civil servants housing scheme and the purchase of no fewer than 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate and 155million naira approved for rural electrification.

    In yet other categories, the Dangote Group emerged as “Nigeria’s Corporate Brand of the Year” in appreciation of its huge investment in the world’s biggest oil refinery in Lagos with a 650bpd refining capacity.

    Other winners of the award are the speaker of the House of Rerpresentatives Rt Hn YakubuDogara and Babatunde Fowler who was voted the “Most Outstanding Chief Executive of the Year” Held every four years, organizers say that the Loyalty in Governance Award is predicated on the need to reward loyalty and governance, deepen our current democratic experience, honour deserving Nigerians and corporate bodies for their contribution to the stability, unity and growth of our country.

  • Father of triplets appeals to Ambode for support

    Father of triplets appeals to Ambode for support

    A barber, Mr Nurudeen Nofiu, whose wife, Sola was delivered of triplets in June has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Nigerians to come to his family’s aid.

    According to Nofiu, the triplets, all males, were delivered at the Lagos Island Maternity in Lagos on June 1.

    But what is supposed to be a source of joy for the family is turning into a nightmare for Nofiu because of financial constraints.

    Nofiu, who already has a male child before the triplets is finding it difficult to cope with the upkeep of the children.

    Speaking with some journalists at Alausa on Monday, Nofiu said: “I work as a barber and my wife is a petty trader. It is extremely difficult for us to take proper care of the triplet and their mother financially with what we earn from our businesses.

    “We wrote a letter to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Alausa, Ikeja on June 22, soliciting for their assistance both morally and financially,” he said.

    Nofiu added that he got a call from the ministry towards the end of July requesting to know the occupation of his wife, saying that he told them that she works as a petty trader, and that he has not heard anything from the ministry since then.

    According to him, the triplet do not have access to basic things of life and his wife has been finding it difficult to care for them all alone because the family could not afford to pay extra hands to take care of the babies.

    He said: “I would be glad if the Governor Ambode and other well meaning residents of the state could come to our aid at this time of need.

    “My income is too meagre to sustain the family. All the efforts I have made have not paid off and we seriously need extra support so that the children would not die.”

    The parents of the child can be reached on 08023863014 or 08038274440. While donations can be paid into account number 0038122390, Access Bank.

  • Ambode appoints heads for lotteries, LASIMRA, scholarship boards

    Ambode appoints heads for lotteries, LASIMRA, scholarship boards

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the appointment of Mr. Seun Anibaba as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Lotteries Board.

    Anibaba graduated from the University of Oklahoma and the New York University, both in the United States of America, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

    He began his working experience with Merrill Lynch Corporate Audit and Global Lending as an intern before his elevation as Vice President of the Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Corporate Audit.

    Anibaba replaces Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila who was named the new General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA).

    Besides, Governor Ambode also approved the appointment of Mr. Steve Oshinowo as the new Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board.

  • Ambode inaugurates committee on Ikoyi, VI clean up

    Ambode inaugurates committee on Ikoyi, VI clean up

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday inaugurated a special committee on clean- up of Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki areas, saying a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos is not negotiable.

    Ambode, who spoke at the inauguration ceremony of the 15-member committee, said his administration is determined to rescue Lagos environment from avoidable impediments through a major clean-up exercise of Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki areas.

    He said gross abuse of urban planning and environmental laws of the state necessitated the action to clean-up its environment and restore it to its desired form.

    The governor said, “Cases of abandoned properties have become very rampant with miscreants and criminal elements taking over these properties as their base to cause havoc. The neat road sides of the past now parade pockets of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside beer parlours and commercial centres.

    “In addition, originally residential areas now have industrial and commercial concerns located there, distorting the balance of the environment. These bad environmental practices, thriving in these prime areas, can no longer be tolerated and will be brought to an end immediately. These areas must regain their lost glory as this administration demands a return of environmental normalcy.

    “A safe, clean and prosperous Lagos is non-negotiable; that is the commitment of our administration. We will not allow these environmental infractions to continue. We cannot allow our beautiful environment to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order.”

    He listed the responsibilities of the committee to include the implementation of the approved action plan and execution of the clean-up exercise, develop strategies for preventing re-occurrences as well as other recommendations as necessary to sustain environmental renewal of these areas.”

    Ambode added that the committee will embark on a public sensitization exercise for the sustenance of a cleaner community in the axis.

    The special committee is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello.

    The members are – Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Mr. Folarin Coker, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Mrs. Yetunde Afusat Onabule, Mr. Lateef Sholebo, Mr. Segun Adeniji, Simon Dogo, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and Mr. Adekunle Olayinka Chairman, Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences Unit.

     

  • Ambode nominates Subair as LIRS boss

    Ambode nominates Subair as LIRS boss

    •Dabiri is new LAMATA MD

     

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has named Mr. Ayodele Hamzat Subair as chairman, Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), to replace Folarin Ogunsanwo.

    Ogunsanwo, it was gathered, was relieved of his duties last week in what a credible source said was connected with financial irregularities.

    Consequently, the governor yesterday wrote to the House of Assembly requesting the confirmation of Subair as new chairman of LIRS.

    In the letter read on the floor of the House, the governor said following the retirement of Ogunsanwo, who held the post since September 2015, it became expedient to seek a replacement in view of the vital position of LIRS towards revenue generation drive and in attainment of the target of the administration to deliver good governance.

    Subair, who was born on May 21, 1960, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Metropolitan University of Manchester, United Kingdom and a Master’s in Business administration from the University of Lagos.

    Ambode also approved the appointment of Abiodun Dabiri, an engineer, as  managing director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

    Dabiri, born on January 2, 1964, holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos.

    He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN).

     

  • Ambode advises auditors on professionalism

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has urged auditors and other officers of the state public service to ensure effective collaboration and exhibit professionalism towards an efficient service delivery to the people of the state and beyond.

    The governor spoke at a three-day sensitisation programme organised by the State Audit Service Commission (ASC) for all accounting officers and auditors in the state public service, aimed at updating their skills and broadening their horizon in a technology-driven world.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Akinyemi Ashade, the governor said auditors as the third line of governance must be professional in the discharge of their responsibilities as this will help in reducing leakages and wastages in the face of lean resources available to the government.

    He said auditing entails systematic examination and verification of an organisation’s books of account, transaction records, relevant documents, as well as physical inspection of inventory by persons designated, mostly qualified and certified accountants.

    According to him, in Lagos, public service auditors are vested with the powers to periodically look into books and records of transactions of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the government.

    Earlier, the State Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, in her remarks charged auditors to come up with best practices that would help to curb corruption.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr, Adeyemi Fashola, she said: “Auditing is the cornerstone of good governance. Therefore, there is the need for proper auditing that will help residents hold government accountable.”

    Also speaking, the State’s Accountant-General, Mrs. Abimbola Shukrat Umar, said there was need for auditors to put in place measures that would ensure accountability and transparency across all levels of government.

    Umar tasked auditors to make judicious use of government funds especially with the dwindling revenue in the country. She advised them to acquire more knowledge that would help improve their skill and ensure best practices.