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  • Be innovative, Ambode tells public servants

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged the public service to be innovative  in revolving problems.

    He spoke at a training for civil servants on “Leading and managing through strategic planning and innovation,” held in Ikeja.

    Ambode said the readiness to innovate would stand the  public service out.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke, said new approaches were required as the government strove to balance priorities, including the effective allocation of resources and meeting public expectations.

    The government, he said, must find ways to make things easy in the areas of service delivery, process improvement, regulation and policy implementation.

    “The first strategy that the Lagos State public service may adopt for stimulating and sustaining innovativeness is the Inside-out idea Flows strategy. Outside-in idea flows have been well popularised and have become a common approach to access crowd-sourced or citizen-sourced ideas from outside the four walls of the organisation.

    “The less well-known counterpart to this is the notion of inside-out idea flows whereby unused or underutilised ideas are shared externally for others to explore and gain benefit. This is one area I believe has tremendous potential for departments and agencies of the Lagos State public service.

    “The second strategy has been popularly termed the Public-private idea hubs. It is well-known that industry partnerships can be a valuable way to gain access to additional capital and expertise to assist in advancing innovation in the public sector. Interestingly, in a similar approach to the first recommendation, the solutions and lessons learned from the DT-Hub will be placed in the public domain, so they can be utilised in other cities and beyond. In this manner, inside-out solution flows, as well as idea flows, can be a valuable way for innovations to be disseminated across the public sector such as the Lagos State public service,” Ambode said.

  • 18 LASTMA officials killed, 24 injured in one year, says Ambode

    Eighteen Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials have been killed in the last one year, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.

    Twenty-four were injured during the same period, the governor said while addressing reporters after a strategy meeting with the LASTMA leadership and heads of security agencies at the authority’s head office in Oshodi.

    The governor, condoling with the bereaved families,  said he was pained by the development, which he noted should not be allowed to go on.

    He said the government would ensure sanity on the roads, no matter what it takes.

    He ordered the Ministry of Justice to increase mobile courts to 20 to try traffic offenders “because the government will not allow violation of laws.

    “The government will, henceforth, punish traffic offenders. We cannot allow people to commit offences. We don’t want people to take advantage and say this is Christmas or election period. We need to protect our people. We need to ensure that the roads are safe. So, we will not allow traffic offenders to go scot-free anymore,” the governor said.

    Ambode said more police officers had been detailed to patrol all parts of the state to ensure security and free-flow of traffic.

    Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal said: “The synergy between the security agencies and traffic officers will now be intensified to ensure they are safe. We urge Lagosians to be law-abiding and report any security breach around them.”

    Present were heads of security agencies, members of the state executive council, LASTMA Chief Executive Officer Chris Olakpe, General Manager Olawale Musa, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps Chairman Israel Ajao, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG); Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander Hyginus Omeje and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commander Tajudeen Balogun, among others.

  • AU, AFRIMA honours Ambode

    For his contributions and support towards the growth of arts and culture in Africa, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has been recognised by the African Union Commission, AUC, and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, with the special award of Supporter of the Arts at the recently concluded 5th AFRIMA, the annual music awards held in Accra, Ghana, penultimate Saturday.

    In her letter to Governor Ambode, Mrs. Amira Elfadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs, AUC, noted “this recognition is in accordance to the pivotal role the Government of Lagos State played as the Official Host City of AFRIMA awards in 2016 and 2017 which impacted on the overall AFRIMA objectives of using the awards platform to unify the African continent, while celebrating its music and cultural uniqueness.”

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Lagos State; Steve Ayorinde, received the award on the governor’s behalf and congratulated AFRIMA, AUC, and the government of the Republic of Ghana.

    “I am pleased to be receiving this special recognition on behalf of the Art loving governor of Lagos State who sent his apologies for not being able to make it tonight, but also sent his warm courtesies, because to him Ghana is also home,” said Ayorinde.

    “We have a saying in Lagos, we say ‘One Lagos’, and he knows that in Ghana too, it is One Ghana”.

    The special recognition is a unanimous agreement by the AUC, International Committee of AFRIMA and a 13-man AFRIMA Jury- made up of African music, media and culture experts from the five regions of Africa (2 representatives each); one from Europe and North America respectively (representing the diaspora) and a representative from AUC to recognize individuals who have contributed to the creative economy of Africa.

    Other honorary awardees include internationally recognised South African singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who received the 5th AFRIMA Legend Award, and Ghana’s music veteran, Teddy Osei, founder of the famous Osibisa group, an Afropop band created in 1969. Similarly, winners also emerged from the popularised 36 awards categories (regional and continental), where music artiste had to battle it out in each genre to emerge winner of the 23.9k gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

    Lagos hosted the four past editions of AFRIMA before this year’s edition which held in Accra. The Ghanaian government also promised to host the next three editions of the music fiesta during a courtesy visit by AFRIMA to the Ghanaian president which had the Ghana chief of staff to the president and the honorable minister for tourism in attendance.

    Speaking at the courtesy visit, AFRIMA president, Mr. Mike Dada, commended the government of Ghana for hosting the event which had been hosted by Lagos state government for the past four editions.

    “We really appreciate the government of Ghana, and our guests and media practitioners from all over Africa have also confirmed the great hospitality received from the people of Ghana, during their stay in ACCRA, the capital city of Ghana all through the period of the awards ceremony.”

    AFRIMA, in partnership with African Union, is a music property that recognises and rewards the work of African artistes. AFRIMA also stimulates conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the potential of the creative arts.

  • Forget the past, work for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu’s victory, Ambode urges Epe Division

    *Says Lagos stands to gain more by voting all APC candidates

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged voters in Epe Division to vote en masse for candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 to ensure continuation of the good works of the party at the state and federal levels.

    Ambode, who spoke during a meeting with APC leaders in the division which was called at his instance, said it was time for the people to put events before and after the APC governorship primaries in the State behind and truly unite for the party’s victory.

    Ambode, who is from Epe, said it became imperative for him to meet with them to let them know that all members must submit to the decision of the party.

    He said: “All of us are brothers and sisters because this is a close-knit community.

    “It is now time for us to work together for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and election of Mr. Sanwo-Olu because Epe cannot be left behind.

    “I know that in view of what happened, some people are still aggrieved but what I want you to know is that there is no way PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) will work for the development of our division like APC.

    “We are also all aware that for the past sixteen years of PDP, they did not do anything in Epe division and it is only the APC that has been doing something for Lagos and for the country.

    “I want to assure you Epe will benefit more if we vote for APC. All my achievements in the last three and half years will be improved upon if Sanwo-Olu wins and so I want to urge you all to come out and vote for APC because that is how we can secure the future of our children and this division.”

    Also speaking at the meeting, Deputy Governorship candidate of APC, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, thanked Governor Ambode and all the leaders in the division.

    He said the governor displayed unusual maturity and character which eloquently confirmed that he is a man with large heart.

    “I want to thank Governor Ambode for being a man with a large and great heart.

    “What you are doing is unusual and I want to assure you that you have a future and that future will be very soon.

    “We will do everything to protect your interest and that of Epe division.

    “Governor Ambode has done his best and we will do our best to continue his legacies and build on what the Governor has done to further develop our dear State,” Hamzat said.

    Among those that attended the meeting are Hamzat, Senator Gbenga Ashafa(Lagos East); member of House of Representatives representing Epe, Hon Wale Raji; Chief Lanre Razaq, former Speakers – Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Jokotola Pelumi; Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, among others.

     

  • Work for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu’s victory, Ambode urges Epe electorate

    Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday urged voters in Epe Divison to vote en masse for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2019 elections.

    Ambode said voting for the candidates across board would ensure the continuation of the good work of the party both in the state and the country at large.

    Ambode spoke in Epe during a meeting with leaders of APC in the division, which was called at his instance.

    He said it was time for the people to put events before and after the APC governorship primaries in the state which produced Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the governorship candidate of the party behind them and truly unite for the party’s victory.

    Ambode said it became imperative for him to meet with the leaders to let them know that all members must submit to the decision of the party.

    “All of us are brothers and sisters because this is a close-knit community. It is now time for us to work together for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and election of Mr Sanwo-Olu because Epe cannot be left behind.

    “I know that in view of what happened, some people are still aggrieved but what I want you to know is that there is no way PDP will work for the development of our division like APC.

    “We are also all aware that for the past 16 years of PDP, they did not do anything in Epe division and it is only the APC that has been doing something for Lagos and for the country.

    “I want to assure you that Epe will benefit more if we vote for APC.

    “All my achievements in the last three and half years will be improved upon if Sanwo-Olu wins and so I want to urge you all to come out and vote for APC because that is how we can secure the future of our children and this division.’’

    Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC in the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat thanked Ambode and all the leaders in the division.

    Hamzat said the governor displayed unusual maturity and character which eloquently confirmed that he was a man with a large heart.

    “I want to thank Gov. Ambode for being a man with a large and great heart.

    “What you are doing is unusual and I want to assure you that you have a future and that future will be very soon. We will do everything to protect your interest and that of Epe division.

    “Gov. Ambode has done his best and we will do our best to continue his legacies and build on what he has done to further develop our dear state, ‘’ Hamzat said.

    Those that attended the meeting were: Senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa; and a member of the House of Representatives representing Epe, Wale Raji.

    Others were: Chief Lanre Razaq, former House of Assembly Speakers, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Jokotola Pelumi; Alhaji Akanni Bamu, among others.

  •  We’ll continue to provide enabling environment for entrepreneurial initiatives – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continually provide an enabling environment for private entrepreneurial initiatives to thrive from time to time across the state.

    The Governor who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bell, at the 2018 Annual Directors’ Dinner and Award Night held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, added that the private sector is the engine and prime mover of a modern economy in any country.

    He said as the government demonstrates commitment to deliver on its mandate, the private sector represented by captains of industry also has a responsibility to play by the rules and ensure the application of best global standards in business decisions and transactions.

    He stressed that in the last three and half years, the state government has tried to live up to the expectations of the private sector, by the amount of resources committed to infrastructural development, renewal, design and implementation of business friendly policies and programmes in the state as a whole.

    He said the only way people can build on an economy that is sustainable and globally competitive is what the Institute of Directors stands for and has shown serious commitment to over the years.

    He explained that the Institute’s admission in 2014, as a member of the African Corporate Governance Network is a testament to its commitment.

    The highlight of the event included the presentation of awards of excellence to some recipients including Governor Ambode for his continuous support to the private sector.

  • Lagos commissioner resigns from cabinet, APC

    Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Oluwo Olawale Wasiu has resigned both as commissioner and member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Wasiu who hails from Epe, submitted his resignation as commissioner to Ambode in his office Wednesday morning.

    Read Also:Commissioner: Lagos preparing workers for retirement

    He based reasons for on the conduct of the October 2018 primary election of APC in the state which he said leaves much to be desired.

    Describing the primary as integrity-deficient, Wasiu said it has diminished the hard-earned reputation of the state as a reference point for free and fair democratic practice.

  • Ambode: Lagos got nothing from PDP’s 16-year presidency

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday took a swipe at the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the nation’s drivers’ seat.

    He said the period between 1999 and 2015 under PDP’ watch amounted to nothing for Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital.

    Ambode spoke at the National Consultative Forum of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (BSG) at Nicon Luxury Hotels in Abuja.

    The BSG is the coordinating body of all groups campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s re-election next year.

    The governor said Nigerians, having crossed the Red Sea, would not go back to Egypt by bringing PDP back to power.

    He said that the APC was able to lay a solid foundation for economic growth and prosperity within three and half years of assuming power 2015.

    Ambode described the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket as the best option to take Nigeria to the next level and loftier heights from next year.

    The governor said: “Sixteen years of PDP, I can say it clearly that Lagos State never enjoyed anything from them. Three and half years of APC, I can clearly attest here that whatever it is that we have achieved in Lagos in the last three and half years, the present Federal Government has largely contributed to the things that we have achieved be it in terms of right of way, be it in terms of approval for waivers for import duties and other things that have actually made Lagos to be on the progressive trajectory that it had been in the last twenty years.

    “So, for me, it is very easy and it is just common sense that we have to uphold the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket to allow that economic progress and the growth in the GDP that we want for Nigeria rather than allowing it to get dismantled and then make us to go back to Egypt after crossing the Red Sea and we are not going back to Egypt.”

    He said since assuming office in 2015, the Buhari administration had worked tirelessly to bring about fundamental paradigm shift and returning the country to the part of progress.

    “The onus”, he noted, “is now on the entire country to give the APC a chance to consolidate on the massive development already embarked upon.

    “I just want Nigerians to understand and also to encourage all our members here that what we have started as a support group coordinating everything that is happening is not necessarily for you but it is a selfless service to put Nigeria on that trajectory that grows prosperity and also conveniently in another four years, we would make all Nigerians proud and I am very proud to be part of this.

    “We have made up our mind that we are going to work tirelessly; we would do everything that is possible in terms of supporting and campaigning to let Nigerians understand that there are two parallel lines between what we stand to offer which is growth and prosperity for this country and what PDP is trying to come and re-engineer to take us back to the debris of the past that we don’t want to ever go back to.

    “So, I just want to congratulate Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari and also the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and assure them that when they look at their back, they have true Nigerians who believe that yes, we want to build a skyscraper but we need solid foundation to be able to enjoy that skyscraper and then the next level we are thinking on is to be able to put the proper aesthetics and lay the proper foundation to allow Nigeria to make progress and that is what the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket speaks about.”

    Besides, the governor said it was also gratifying that all APC governors were united in ensuring victory for APC in the forthcoming presidential and other elections.

    “All APC Governors, I can speak on their behalf, are resolved that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket is what Nigeria needs and that is what we are going to pursue and I am happy that a handful of our gubernatorial candidates are here to align with us to make sure that what we would deliver is what Nigerians want and what Nigerians want is the APC President.” Ambode said.

  • Women key to Nigeria’s transformation, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday, urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and the ‘weaker sex’ tag in order to manifest as change agents.

    He said such measure was necessary to transform Nigeria from the family unit.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA), held at University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Governor Ambode said it was important for Nigerian women to understand that the world is changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change in every strata of the society.

    He said: “The world is changing everyday and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to as the “weaker sex”.

    “So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against. Every woman can be an agent of change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence.

    “From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and our country, against all odds,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also commended the convener of the summit and wife of Oyo State Governor, Florence Ajimobi, saying it was on record that many lives have been positively transformed in all communities in the State through the OYSOWA initiative.

    In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, commended Governor Ambode for professionalising governance. He also commended women in the State for standing by their husbands against all odds.

  • Culture critical to society’s healthy development, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said culture is critical to the healthy development of any society as its links a community’s past and the present, thereby imbuing the people with the requisite faith and confidence to face the future.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Lagos while unveiling a book, titled Owe: Yoruba Proverbs, written by Prof. Anthony Kila.

    He noted that culture evolves with time as a society faces new circumstances, confronts fresh obstacles and attains new levels of development.

    Ambode said the challenge is to successfully retain the best inherited traditions while making necessary changes to adjust to new realities.

    The governor hailed the author for writing the book, saying his efforts correlate with the commitment of the state government to champion the revival of Yoruba language.

    He said: “Earlier in the year, I signed into law the bill on Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law, which among others, makes the teaching of Yoruba language in private and public schools in Lagos State compulsory. This is why I am appreciative of the author for writing a book on this very important subject at this time when it has become compelling for cultural renaissance in our society.”

    Ambode noted that the book also represents a major contribution towards rediscovering and projecting to the world some aspects of the people’s rich culture which demonstrate that the Yoruba have the innate capacity to think and respond creatively to their environment, resulting in a civilisation that is as wholesome and admirable as any other.

    Read also: Ambode: Lagos remains preferable destination for leisure, entertainment

    The governor said the richness of the Yoruba language could only be appreciated through its proverbs, which he said are used to convey a specific message among others.

    He added that one profound characteristic of Yoruba proverbs, apart from the depth of wisdom in their meanings, is its evergreen nature in terms of relevance across all ages, ancient and modern.

    “Proverbs reinforce and validate our moral value system and must, therefore, be preserved and passed on to the younger generation. Once again, I commend Prof. Anthony Kila for your effort in packaging Owe in a book form towards sustaining our indigenous language.

    “Our mother tongue is our identity and a key component of our culture and tradition, which we must strive to pass on from one generation to another,” Ambode said.