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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode’s “Cascade.”

    Ambode’s “Cascade.”

    Twice he wanted to make it not about himself. Twice it inevitably became his show. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s birthday of June 14 was billed as an onslaught on cancer. But it became the effort of a governor. He brought captains of industry and men of charity to buy mobile cancer centres for Lagos. His compassion secured at least four mobile centres. All attempts to make his role beneath the radar failed as he had to walk from table to table to shake the money out of the money bags.

    Last week, it was supposed to be about information commissioner Steve Ayorinde, who presented his book of columns. But all attention went to the governor and his first year in office. Reporter-in-chief Aremo Segun Osoba, who chaired the event serenaded Ambode not only as a doer but as an exemplar of humility. He extolled the virtue of continuity in Lagos. He also praised Ambode’s work in Lekki and roads across the state. Referring to his accessibility, he recounted how he drove to the governor’s office over a complaint and the chief executive wondered why he had to come over to him. He had only to call. The man walked Aremo to his car that was parked far away, opening office door for him as they walked out the building. “I wo na a da rugbo,” he prayed. (You too will grow old.)

    My former oga, Dr. Doyin Abiola said he was prepared for the job. Speaking with verve, she said she had never met him, but his works speak for him. She also commended the governor’s lack of airs, and drew applause when she said some people became unreachable once they became governors. She said there is nothing excellent in such people when they are called “Your Excellency.”

    Professor Pat Utomi asked the audience to close their eyes and imagine the fourth Mainland Bridge, Eko Atlantic, Smart City Lagos, Light Up Lagos. He added that the first few days of unease shows there is time to think, plan and act.

    When he stood, Ambode said the event was not about him. When Ayorinde wrapped up the event, he said it was about the governor. Enough said.

  • Ambode moves to scale up land administration in Lagos

    Ambode moves to scale up land administration in Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that his administration was working towards ensuring effective land administration that would go a long way to secure the future prosperity of the state.

    Ambode  who spoke when he received a delegation from Thomson Reuters, led by its Managing Director-Africa, Sneha Shah on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said that the State Government decided to partner with Thomson Reuters to improve land administration in the State.

    He said the State Executive Council has already given its nod to the project that would bring about an effective Geographical Information System (GIS) to generate credible data on land administration in the State, which according to him will aid planning in the State.

    “I am happy to let you know that with the approval of the Lagos State Executive Council, we have a partnership that is going to work for the benefit of all Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

    “This relationship is beyond a business relationship, it is about the development of Lagos and that is the way I have seen it and that is the way we want to carry out this vision. We know that land administration issues in Lagos are of paramount importance to this government.”

    “We know that there are about two million landed properties in Lagos, but right now what we generate revenue on is less than 400, 000.

    “What this project means for us is that Thomson Reuters brings its expertise alongside other partners in this same project to ensure that at the press of a button, we would be able to see all the landed properties in Lagos, and that also secures the future revenues of Lagos.

    Speaking further, the Governor said, “Beyond the fact that we have had fluctuating exchange rate, we have kept on moving forward with this project and I believe that the next 18 months, Lagos will have a very good data base. We are very glad that this has been a very credible and transparent process and I am happy that we are in this together. We thank you for believing in the economy of Lagos.”

    Earlier, leader of the Thomson Reuters delegation, Sneha Shah said the firm was pleased to be partnering with the state government on such project, saying that the administration of Governor Ambode has shown leadership to move the State forward.

  • Ambode seeks partnership with private sector on graduate internship

    Ambode seeks partnership with private sector on graduate internship

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday called on members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to key into the graduate internship scheme of his administration.

    He said it is aimed at equipping fresh graduates with necessary skills to transform them into job creators, rather than job seekers.

    The governor spoke when he received a delegation from Total Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Ambode said there was the need for the OPS to deploy their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards empowering youths with relevant trainings with the ultimate goal of making them to contribute to the advancement of the Nigerian society.

    Lauding Total for its giant strides on CSR, the governor said such relationship could be scaled up to the optimal benefit of the society, especially by creating wealth for fresh graduates.

    He said: “I want our relationship on CSR to be scaled up so that we can start to have some kind of synergy between your expertise and the kind of graduates that we churn out from our tertiary institutions in Lagos here.

    “We can look at a way of exploring new ways of creating wealth among our graduates or even in accessing training that you can afford us both locally and externally so that in the end, we will be able to do what we think is good for our new graduates and we will be part of the success story of Total and also make our graduates to be useful to the society.”

    He lauded the oil firm for its investments in Nigeria at a time when some others are running away from the country, saying the development underscores the trust and commitment of the firm to the improvement of Nigeria’s economy.

    The governor reiterated his commitment to creating conducive business climate in the state, saying that such would ultimately go a long way in creating jobs.

    “I just want to say that this is a partnership that we will like to enhance and also try as much as possible to ensure that your corporate existence is not jeopardized and in whatever form that government can do to assist in terms of needs of specific issues that relates to your organisation, we will do it,” he assured.

    The firm’s managing director, Mr. Nicolas Terraz, who led the delegation, said his team was at the Lagos House to further improve on the relationship which had always existed between Total Nigeria and the Lagos State Government.

  • Adegboruwa writes Ambode over officials’ ‘invasion’ of jetties

    Adegboruwa writes Ambode over officials’ ‘invasion’ of jetties

    Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has petitioned Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over an alleged invasion and forceful takeover of Tarzan Jetties by state officials.

    The lawyer said his client, Gani Tarzan Marine Enterprises Nigeria Limited, owned by Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, has been operating water transport in  Lagos for decades.

    He said the company had negotiated with and secured permits, approvals and licences from both the state and Federal Government to use certain locations in Lekki, Badore, Ikoyi, Ijede, Oworonshoki, Ebute-Iga, Elegbata and Victoria Island as jetties for water transport and boat yard.

    Adegboruwa said his client paid the necessary fees to the Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation as well as N5million for licence as ferry operator, which was issued by the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

    The lawyer said officials of the Lagos State Waterfront Ministry and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, with armed policemen, swooped upon Tarzan’s Ikoyi jetty on June 17 without prior notice.

    “All efforts made by our client to verify the cause of the sudden invasion were rebuffed, as the invaders claimed that they were acting on the orders of His Excellency, the Governor. They took photographs, made video recordings and left.

    “Not long thereafter, they came back to the Ikoyi jetty around 4pm to post a sticker, which demanded that structures and boats on the land be removed within 24 hours!

    “Our client had earlier on June 10, 2016, filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, against Lagos State to restrain the government and its agencies from forceful eviction.

    “Around 8am on June 18, 2016, Lagos State government officials stormed our client’s jetty at Ikoyi, with armed policemen, with bulldozers, with cranes, low bed carriers, trucks, lifters, etc, and commenced demolition of vital structures in the jetty. They lifted about 15 boats parked within the premises, some of which were wilfully damaged,” Adegboruwa said.

    He said his client has also filed a fresh suit against forceful eviction, adding that the appropriate thing to do is to await the determination of the appeal and fresh suit, and not for state officials to take the laws into their own hands by embarking upon illegal demolition of structures in Tarzan’s jetty.

    “The attempts to arm twist our client into surrendering its jetty to LASG, without following the due process and while a case filed in court is still pending, should not be encouraged by Your Excellency, who has so far been associated with a firm commitment to the rule of law.

    “It was this rule of law that Your Excellency leveraged upon to consolidate the governorship position, when the Supreme Court upheld your election. We urge Your Excellency to resist the temptation to turn against the Courts and give room for lawlessness through self help.”

    Adegboruwa said the issue of control and management of inland waterways should be harmonised between Federal Government and Lagos.

    “It is, thus, unfair for the Lagos State Government to deny our client the use and occupation of his jetties only because he chose to pay the requisite fees to the Federal Government as it had also paid to the Lagos State. Citizens should not be hemmed in between administrative feuds of government agencies.

    “It is not the making of our client that there seem to be some contention between Lagos State and the Federal Government on the management and control of inland waterways. Until that is resolved, our client should be protected and accorded its rights and privileges, based on the existing agreement between the parties,” the lawyer wrote.

     

     

  • Ambode dedicates birthday to campaign against cancer

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has no doubt won the hearts of most Lagosians since he became the governor of Lagos State. His simplicity, humility, infectious smiles and drive to build a better Lagos are some of the reasons that many have fallen in love with him.

    On Tuesday, Ambode clocked 53 and it was a day of jollity for those who share the governor’s vision for Lagos. While many expected him to roll out the drums in wild celebration, Governor Akinwunmi shocked them by opting for a more fulfilling way of celebrating his birthday. He dedicated the day to the fight against dreaded cancer by hosting a special luncheon to raise funds for the provision of three Mobile Cancer Centres across the three senatorial districts in the state.

    Tagged #GivingTuesdayLagos, the event was strategically put together by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP-Nigeria). At the event, the amiable governor said the centres would go a long way to save millions of lives from preventable suffering and death. He lamented the daily loss of lives to cancer and emphasised the importance of the public health programmes the Lagos State Government is focusing on. He urged all hands to be on deck as the government cannot do everything.

    The purpose of the luncheon was to raise funds for one mobile cancer centre for Lagos. The celebrant urged the people to not only give towards the project but also towards the provision of three mobile cancer centres servicing each of the senatorial districts in Lagos. The performing governor further reiterated that the luncheon was not a celebration but a call to service.

    At the occasion, Dr. Christopher Kolade, anchor of CECP-Nigeria, eulogised the governor’s heart of gold and dedication to enhancing humanity. He was later decorated as the State Patron of CECP by the organisation’s Convener, Mrs. Adetutu Adeleke. Others at the luncheon included the Chairman, Zenith Bank International, Jim Ovia; the MD of the bank, Peter Amangbo; Publisher, Guardian Newspapers, Maiden Alex Ibru; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Dr. Michael Omolayole; Chief Adebutu Kessington; Chief Rasaq Okoya; Rtd Justice Adesola Oguntade; Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps.

  • Lagos ‘ll meet UNESCO’s education standard, says Ambode

    Lagos ‘ll meet UNESCO’s education standard, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated new block of six classrooms, furniture, toilets and borehole at Farm Settlement Primary School, Odogunyan in Ikorodu area.

    He was optimistic that the facilities would go a long way to complement efforts geared towards meeting pupil/classroom ratio in line with United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) standards.

    The governor, who spoke at the inauguration of the infrastructure donated by Ford Foundation in conjunction with Journalists for Democratic Rights (JORDER), said they would help in restoring and sustaining confidence in the public school system.

    According to him, it would guaranty equal access to quality education to all children, especially those with humble socio-economic background.

    He said that the 17 per cent of the state’s budget earmarked for the education sector was the highest sectoral allocation in the budget and would go a long way to ensure that every child have access to quality education.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Tunji Bello, reiterated the commitment of his administration to positive reforms in the educational sector through the provision of necessary infrastructure and curriculum development.

    He expressed appreciation to the Foundation in promoting international cooperation and advancing human development through the collaboration with government, private sector, academia and the host communities.

    The governor later cut the tape to formally hand over the classrooms and facilities alongside the representatives of Ford Foundation in West Africa, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Executive Director of the Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Mr. Adewale Adeoye and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin.

  • Ambode raises fund to establish three cancer centres in Lagos

    Ambode raises fund to establish three cancer centres in Lagos

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has urged residents to donate funds towards the establishment of three mobile cancer centres.

    The governor made the appeal yesterday at an event to mark his 53rd birthday and investiture as the first state patron of the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, Nigeria (CECP) at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    He said the war against cancer would be addressed in phases, adding that the first phase of the war involves raising funds to procure the 37 mobile cancer centres for the 36 states, including the FCT.

    “I am glad to throw my weight behind this initiative, particularly due to the impact the initiative will have on the society. I believe that we can all work together to advance the big war against cancer in the country,” the governor said.

    He explained that the initiative would focus on raising funds to procure one MCC in Lagos.

    Ambode called for more support from residents to raise funds for three of the centres that will be established in the state’s three senatorial districts.

    “I must commend those philanthropists, who have donated to ensure the purchase of the first 10 MCC. I am delighted to support this initiative.

    “The purpose of this day is to raise funds to procure one MCC for Lagos. I must challenge us not only to donate to the procurement of one MCC but towards the procurement of three MCC for the three senatorial districts in Lagos. This will help us save millions of Nigerians from the cancer scourge.”

    He urged everyone to support the initiative by donating saying without donation, the war against cancer would not be achieved.

    He expressed the readiness of his administration to mobilise philanthropists and corporate organisations towards establishing a comprehensive cancer centre in Lagos within the next three years.

    The governor added that he would make available a piece of land in any part of the state as well as facilitate speedy paper work.

    “This is not really a celebration but a call to service. Against all odds; against all the things happening to the economy in the country; against the numbers; against the anxieties and the panic, we are still able to stand up and gather ourselves together and say we want to give back to humanity. That is symbolic and key for me and I think we must commend ourselves that all hope is not lost. There is more value to us and humanity in championing this course,” he said.

    Dr. Christopher Kolade, anchor of CECP-Nigeria, hailed the governor for accepting the request that his birthday be dedicated towards raising funds to fight cancer as well as accepting to be the first governor to be inducted as the state patron of CECP.

    A board member of CECP, Mrs. Maiden Ibru, stated that combating the cancer scourge should be a concern to all, including private and corporate individuals.

    Ambode was later decorated as the state patron of CECP by the organisation’s convener, Mrs. Adetutu Adeleke.

  • Ambode plans ‘world class convention centre’ in Lagos

    Ambode plans ‘world class convention centre’ in Lagos

    •LCCI President laud governor’s strides

    lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday revealed that his administration is working towards developing a top class international convention centre that would boost trade and investments.

    The governor spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he received a delegation from the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by its President, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande.

    He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct the centre has already been signed.

    Ambode said the centre, which would be constructed in the Victoria Island area on 30, 000 square meters space, upon completion, would be of international standard and it would compete favourably with best convention and exhibition centres across the world.

    Emphasising the importance of organisations such as LCCI in growing the economy, Ambode hailed the leadership of the organisation for partnering with the state to develop the economy, especially by ensuring businesses and investments keep thriving.

    He added that the LCCI remained a veritable instrument to reach out to investors and the private sector, assuring that his government would continue to partner with the organisation in the best interest of the people.

    He said: “We will continue to be partners in progress and I believe strongly in improving on the ease of doing business and like we have always tried to reiterate, our administration is actually built on a tripod. First is security and we believe that if we are able to secure the lives and property of our people, we will create an atmosphere that we can actually now create job opportunities that we allow investors to come in and those local investors too.”

    He said his administration is committed to give good governance and accountability to the people, as well as allow a better platform for the private sector and businesses to thrive.

    Akande said her delegation was at the Lagos House as part of activities to further improve on the relationship which had always existed between the state government and the LCCI.

    She hailed the governor for his numerous achievements just within one year in office, saying the state was witnessing a gradual but steady rebranding for better under the governor.

    Akande, a former minister, alluded to the donation of equipment to security agencies, the numerous road construction and rehabilitation across the state, effective traffic and environmental management, power sector development, Light Up Lagos Project, creation of Office of Oversees Affairs and Investment, N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF), among other achievements of the governor.

    The initiatives, she said, were important enablers for the private sector.

    “The governor has not only sustained the good legacies of his predecessors but he has created a new development trajectory for Lagos State.

    “Governor Ambode’s disposition is calm and amiable; his style is effective and his approach is inclusive, while his strategy is result-oriented,” Akande said.

  • Ambode: I’ll remove corrupt councils’ sole administrators

    Ambode: I’ll remove corrupt councils’ sole administrators

    lAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday swore in the 57 councils’ sole administrators, warning that anyone who abuses his or her office will be removed.

    The administrators, he said, were called to serve, adding that he would replace anyone found wanting.

    At the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Ikeja, Ambode said their appointment was another step by his administration to deliver on its promise of a government of inclusion.

    His administration, he said, was committed to its resolve to make governance at the grassroots vibrant and responsive.

    “The hallmark of any good government is to provide basic services to the communities at the grassroots. This is the only way the real dividends of good governance can spread downwards and touch the hearts and minds of its people.

    “Our state is growing so fast that the concept of the rural area will not be applicable to any part of Lagos very soon. Our government is working hard to meet the yearnings of our people who live in what I term semi-urban areas by providing them with services like water, good roads, street lights, efficient refuse collection, cleaning of drainage and roads, primary healthcare, recreational parks and sports facilities to make those areas liveable and economically viable,” he said.

    The governor added: “You are relay runners on a journey of reform that will ultimately culminate in the election of accountable people that will carry on the baton of good governance for our people. For the duration of your race, I urge you to run the race efficiently with diligence so you do not betray the trust that has been placed in you.

    “Your job is to go to the local governments you have been posted and make a difference in the lives of the people. You must touch lives and be prepared to have your lives also touched by our people. You must interact with the people, share their joys and pain, and reside among them. It is only through this symbiotic relationship that we can truly say we have begun to understand and serve our people.

    “A strict monitoring, control and feedback process will be put in place to ensure that there are no excesses or excuses. Strict accountability must be your watchword. Lagosians will be watching you and we will be watching you too.”

    Responding on behalf of others, Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Sole Administrator Mr. Sanya Osijo thanked Ambode for their appointment, saying they would give their best.

    The sole administrators and their councils are Gbenga Abiola (Agege Local Government, LG), James Agboola (Orile Agege LCDA), Fehintola Akabo (Ajeromi Ifelodun LG), Femi John (Ifelodun LCDA), Quadri Ganiu (Alimosho LG), Sola Akande (Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA), Abiodun Agbaje (Ayobo Ipaja LCDA), Doyin Salami (Egbe Idimu LCDA), Ibrahim Adigun (Ejigbo LCDA), Samuel Ojo (Igando Ikotun LCDA), Rotimi Ogunwuyi (Mosan Okunola LCDA), Oki Nurudeen Bamidele (Amuwo Odofin LG), Habeeb Aileru (Oriade LCDA), Jide Alao (Apapa LG), Olumide Olayemi (Apapa Iganmu LCDA), Jacob Kent (Badagry LG), Genesis Williams (Badagry West LCDA), Bolaji Adele Solomon (Olorunda LCDA), Olu Ogunniyi (Epe LG), Muyiwa Okesanya (Eredo LCDA), Babatunde Adetunji (Ikosi Ejirin LCDA) and Abiodun Elegushi (Eti-Osa LG).

    Ayeni Babatunde (Eti-Osa East LCDA), Goke Ona-Olawale (Ikoyi Obalende LCDA), Aderemi Adebowale (Iru-Victoria Island LCDA), Surakat Adigun (Ibeju-Lekki LG), Shefiu Osinnuga (Lekki LCDA), Label Raji (Ifako Ijaiye LG), Ipaye Adeleke (Ojokoro LCDA), Biodun Taiwo (Ikeja LG), Samson Oloyede (Onigbongbo LCDA), Stella Kokumo (Ojodu LCDA), Ogunleye Gbolahan (Ikorodu LG), Bashorun Bolanle (Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA), Emmanuel Aguda (Ijede LCDA), Shukura Okeowo (Ikorodu North LCDA), Segun Anifowoshe (Ikorodu West LCDA), Olufemi Okedeyi (Imota LCDA), Animashawun Adejumoke (Kosefe LG), Ilelaboye Rasaq (Agboyi-Ketu LCDA), Abdul Adewale (Ikosi-Isheri LCDA), Musa Nasir (Lagos Island LG), Are Abiola (Lagos Island East LCDA), Rojaye Olayomi (Lagos Mainland (LG), Adefuye Bayo (Yaba LCDA), Yinka Kazeem (Mushin LG), Adekunle Julius (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA), Wasiu Sanni (Ojo LG), Isa Jubril (Iba LCDA), Abiola Esrom (Oto-Awori LCDA), Adebayo Taoheed (Oshodi/Isolo LG), Oshikoya Abimbola (Isolo LCDA), William Lawanson (Somolu LG), Sanya Osijo (Bariga LCDA), Sheriff Balogun (Surulere LG), Yussuf Temitope (Coker/Aguda LCDA) and Samiat Raji (Itire-Ikate LCDA).

  • June 12: Ambode, others demand true federalism

    June 12: Ambode, others demand true federalism

    Abiola should be confirmed president, says family

    Kanu, Opadokun stress restructuring

    The 23rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, was yesterday marked in Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Ondo states.

    The governments of Oyo and Osun states declared today a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s  fairest and freest ever.

    Abiola, a billionaire accountant and publisher, won a pan-Nigerian mandate on the platform of his Social Democratic Party (SDP), beating Bashir Tofa, the Kano-born businessman, who ran on the ticket of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

    The two parties were the creation of the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida  military regime, which supervised the election. But the government annulled the results, leading to a national crisis. Abiola, who declared himself president, was arrested. He died in detention in 1998.

    In Lagos, there were at least three activities.

    The Abiola family called on the Federal Government to declare him the winner of the election and pay presidential entitlements to his family.

    The head of the family Alhaji Muritala Abiola, made the demand  at the commemoration event in Abeokuta, organised by the Ogun State government.

    “First, we want the Federal Government to declare June 12 as Democracy Day. It should do even more than that.

    “Ken Saro Wiwa died fighting over Ogoni oil spillage, the Federal Government is doing the cleaning up of the oil spillage in Ogoni land.

    “MKO was killed because of an election he won; it is you journalists or the government calling him acclaimed winner.

    “ He is not acclaimed winner, they should confirm him as the slain president of Nigeria,” he said

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola described June 12 as the real Democracy Day, saying May 29, which is marked as Democracy Day, is only a symbol of the transfer of power from the military to civilians.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, one-time Military Governor of Lagos Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu and Convener of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) Mr Ayo Opadokun, called for the restructuring of the country as a “true federation”.

    Ambode, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government Tunji Bello, said: “Going by what we have today, we still have a long way to go, and that is to say that we are not practising true federalism.  What we owe Nigeria today is nothing but true Federalism and for us to be able to achieve true federalism, we have to work hard for it.

    ”Lagos, as it is today, has everything to stand on its own. We run the police, we have the most viable infrastructure in the country, yet we are not given what we deserve. Look at the number of local governments we have, if we run true federalism we would not be having 37 Local Council Development Areas and 20 Local Governments. We should be able to create the number of local governments that we desire.”

    Ambode said it was imperative to ensure that some of the things that the country has gained since return to democracy is not wasted; one of which is to install a viable federal structure, through which the memory of the late Abiola will continue to guide and abide with us.

    Kanu said: “We are at this time struggling to build and we may still have the chance to build the country but it is a dwindling chance. Whatever is happening now in the country, either militancy, Independent People of Biafra and others will not stop until we go back to the Nigeria that we are expected to build; a federal Nigeria.

    “We should be prepared. Prayer will not solve the problem. We have to get back to a federal Nigeria. If not, we should be prepared because what we are seeing is just a child’s play. I have not lost faith in the country’s old anthem- Nigeria we hail thee”

    Opadokun said the country  won’t get out of the wood until it restructures this “skewed, warped, lopsided national structure; we will continue to grope in the dark. We will never find our bearing until we restructure the country.”

    At another event, prominent Nigerians urged Nigerians to keep the dream of June 12 alive.

    Guest lecturer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) said the role of the media in pushing for a better Nigeria is huge.

    “The restructuring called for by Atiku Abubakar will not lead the country to anywhere because it will only amount to the transfer of power from Abuja to the state governments.

    “That means transferring power without responsibilities. You will recall that nobody debates the budget of states. The governors are so powerful and would move against those who wish to stand between them and their plans. No President can do that in Abuja,” he said.

    Publisher Ray Ekpu put the blame of the problems facing the country on former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    “They brought a man and showed him to Nigerians, but the man initially objected, but he later accepted and became Nigeria’s President.

    “President Olusegun Obasanjo also gave Nigeria the late Umaru Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan. Nigerians have not actually elected their own President; it has always been tele-guided”

    Ekpu urged the government to look into the reports of the 2014 National Conference, stressing that it was the most comprehensive paper that addresses the problems facing the country.

    “People have told President Muhammadu Buhari not to look into the reports. They don’t even know what it contains, as far as I am concerned, the reports are the best for Nigeria.

    “The Avengers in the Nigeria Delta have done colossal damage to the economy, what they are simply saying is that they have not been fairly treated. Though, the method is condemnable. We have to look at the restructuring issues very seriously,” he said.

    Pro-democracy activists also had a solemn evet at the late Abiola’s residence in Ikeja. They called for the restructuring of the polity.

    The activists had a prayer session at the late politician’s tomb and laid some wreaths.

    The late Abiola’s son, Alhaji Jamiu Abiola, who said he believes that President Muhammadu Buhari will eventually recognise his father as the winner of the election and accord him all the rights and privileges as a former President.

    The young Abiola said Nigeria is like a country standing on a quicksand, because it does not stand on the truth. He said: “This country cannot move forward, because it does not stand on the truth; any country that does not stand on the truth cannot move forward.”

    Among those at the ceremony were Mr. Wale Okunniyi, Mr. Debo Adeniran, Mr. Chido Onumah,  Dr.  Chris Nwaokobia, Mike Ozekhome, Dr. Tunji Abayomi and Alhaji Shettima Yerima.