The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ambode

  • Lawmakers urge Ambode to fix Ikorodu/Sagamu road

    Lawmakers urge Ambode to fix Ikorodu/Sagamu road

    The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to repair the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road.

    The resolution followed a motion by the Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, at plenary yesterday.

    The House also called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to wake up to its responsibility.

    The lawmakers urged President Muhammadu Buhari to arrange for the refund of all funds spent by  the state to maintain federal roads.

    Tunde Braimoh (Kosofe 2) said there was need for urgent intervention by the state, adding that the road was germane to economic activities.

    Nurudeen Saka-Solaja ( Ikorodu II) said the busy road has been abandoned for long.

    Lanre Ogunyemi, the Chairman, Committee on Education, urged the industries along the corridor to wake up to their responsibilities.

     

     

     

     

  • Ambode goes global

    Ambode goes global

    Barely a month of launching his Lagos Global, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has earned what is at once an accolade and a job. He has been appointed vice president of Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC).

    This is a move that affirms the status of Lagos in the line of investment and in a globalising world. As the helmsman of the alpha state in the country, the governor has staked out an opportunity to lift Lagos by selling its virtues.

    One of such virtues is security, a thing that he has built a sure template for. Governor Ambode has not only provided vehicles and gadgets but also illuminated the city. The infrastructure work around the state, especially in rural areas to connect the mainstay of the city will also sell Lagos as a hub of opportunity. The rail project is ongoing as well as plans to make Lekki the top deep-sea pot.

    This elevation was announced just as the governor inked a public private deal with a United States firm, Medpark International Consortium, to build a massive medical park to be located at Ikoyi. It will accomplish at least two goals. One, it will stanch what has become Nigeria’s medical tourism. Two, it will provide jobs and help flower an economy. It is intended to be completed in 2018.

    His new position as VP of the CEIC will only enhance his Lagos work.

  • Ambode picks ex-Lagos CJ Philips as LASIEC chair

    Ambode picks ex-Lagos CJ Philips as LASIEC chair

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has nominated former Lagos State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ayotunde Philips, as Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). She is to replace Justice AbdulFatai Adeyinka (rtd), also a former CJ of the state.

    In a letter to the House of Assembly, the governor said he nominated Justice Philips pursuant to his powers under Section 2 (1) and (2) of the LASIEC Act, 2008.

    According to the letter, which was read by House Clerk, Mr. Ganiyu Abiru, Ambode said Justice Philips’ nomination was in tandem with the provision of the law mandating the House to ratify such appointment.

    The letter reads: “Accordingly, following the retirement of Justice A.F Adeyinka, the current LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Philips (rtd) is being presented as the LASIEC chairman.

    “While looking forward to the favourable confirmation of the honourable House of Assembly, please accept the assurance of my esteemed regard.”

    The House adjourned to May 9 for Justice Philips’ screening.

    The House had earlier confirmed those nominated by Ambode as members of LASIEC commission.

    They are Dr Bunmi Omosehinde, Mr. Lateef Raji, Mrs. Toyin Ibrahim-Famakinwa and Mr. Olusegun Ayedun.

  • Pray for Nigeria’s prosperity, Ambode urges clerics

    Pray for Nigeria’s prosperity, Ambode urges clerics

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged religious leaders to intercede for the country in bringing about greater economic prosperity.

    Ambode spoke at the opening of the 33rd Synod of the Lagos Diocese of Anglican Communion, at the Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The governor said the country was in dire need of God’s blessings and prosperity at this critical point in time and the church has a great role to play.

    He expressed delight at the theme of the Synod which was to discuss the Ecclesiastical business vis-a-vis the role of the church, saying the topic was apt and timely, especially at this trying period for the nation’s economy.

    “At the critical time in the history of Nigeria, there is no better time for us to talk about what the position of the church should be in this trying time. There is nothing else that can be that significant for us to actually gather and talk about the business of the church and also about how it affects the country itself,” the Governor said.

    While alluding to the fact that the church has a major role to play in the economy, Governor Ambode said those saddled with responsibility of administering the country must put the interest of the people first.

    According to the Governor, “Nigeria is in dire need of God’s greater prosperity and blessings at this time and there are no other people that can actually do that for us except we take it up by spiritual blessings that come out from the church.

    “So, one can imagine that there is a correlation between the economy and the church and if the economy prospers, it is very clear that the welfare of the people in the church will also improve. So, it is in the best interest of those of us who are in government to ensure that the economy prospers or else people will not come into the church,” he said.

    The governor, however, expressed hope that deliberations at the Synod would be of greater benefit to humanity.

    Also speaking at the Synod, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, George Oguntade commended Governor Ambode for his remarkable footprints in the state in the last 11 months, saying that the good works of the Governor can indeed be felt everywhere.

    Oguntade, however, expressed optimism that the Governor has succeeded in laying a strong foundation for a successful tenure in office which will be of immense benefit to the people.

    On his part, Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, also commended Governor Ambode for his giant strides so far, saying the State is surely in good hands.

    “As the morning shows the day, Governor Ambode has always shown that he is a serious minded person. I have personally known him for 45 years to be intellectual propitious, brilliant, well focused, hardworking, disciplined, firm and gorgeous,” Ademowo said.

     

  • Lagos is Africa’s Jazz capital, says Ambode

    The Lagos Sate Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that his administration is committed to positioning the State as a destination with rich entertainment content.

    Speaking at the Lagos International Jazz Concert held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja to commemorate the 2016 International Jazz Day which attracted dignitaries as well as local and international jazz artistes, Ambode said the event was part of efforts to join the rest of the world, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the day.

    “This musical show is a continuation of our promise to Lagosians that we will use tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the arts as well as sports to create jobs and opportunities for our people and to position Lagos State as a destination with rich entertainment content,” the governor said.

    According to Ambode, the Lagos Jazz Concert took its cue from the success of One Lagos Fiesta, held on the eve of New Year’s Day, noting that there were at least four different jazz concerts across Lagos on Friday evening with artistes from all over the world, including several Grammy award-winners who performed.

    Governor Ambode expressed optimism that next year’s concert which will herald the Lagos @ 50 celebrations, coming up May 27, 2017, would have successfully placed the State as a destination of choice and one deserving of the Jazz Capital City appellation.

    Among dignitaries who graced the concert include former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams, Rtd Justice of Supreme Court, George Oguntade, among others.

     

    Artistes who lit the stage with scintillating jazz performances included former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, award winning Afrobeat musician, Lagbaja, veteran jazz diva, Yinka Davies, Jimi Solanke, Dare Art Alade, two time Grammy award winner, Lekan Babalola, Grammy award winner, Kirk Whalum and other local and foreign jazz artistes.

  • Workers behind our success, says Ambode

    Workers behind our success, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday identified workers as the secret behind the state’s success story.

    The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola at the May Day Rally held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, said every society must remember and appreciate its workers as they are the real heroes of the society, adding that Workers Day was about remembering and celebrating those who give their time, best efforts and worked hard for the good of the society.

    He said: “All over the world, the worker is recognised as the most important factor of production.  As a government, we appreciate workers and make bold to declare that they are the makers of history. Every day we say Lagos is working but I am here to tell you that Lagos is working because the workers are doing the right things at the right time.”

    Ambode said as Chief Executive of the state, one of his priorities was to ensure that all workers were happy noting that the aim of work is to create wealth and fulfillment for the worker and the employer.

    “I am happy to join the Workers of Lagos State on this May Day celebration. Before I became Governor, I was a part of the committee of workers and I am still a part of this group because I am still a worker but on a different platform.

    “I therefore identify with the entire work force in Lagos State and share with you the mission to sustain and increase our common wealth for the prosperity of all,” he said.

    He said despite the fact that this year’s celebration was taking place at a challenging time, the period presented great opportunities for the nation to build a strong and sustainable economy.

    “Most of the challenges facing us today are largely man-made and therefore the solutions lie in our collective capacity and ability to chart a new path that will lead to higher productivity, wealth creation and job opportunities.

    The governor however said that for the nation to chart a new course, the working class has a huge role to play, just as he urged them to cooperate with the government and other employers of labour.

    “It is a time for understanding and sacrifice, driven by patriotism and conviction in the political will of the government to turn things around for the better.  It is in this light that the theme of the celebration, “The working class and the quest for socio-economic revival” must be understood. We must all re-dedicate ourselves so as to attain higher productivity and maximum efficiency,” he said.

  • Alleged cloning of Ambode’s number: Man dies in DSS’ custody

    Alleged cloning of Ambode’s number: Man dies in DSS’ custody

    •Family cries out for justice

    A 39-YEAR-OLD man, Saheed Damilare Eyitayo, whose friend was arrested for ‘cloning’ Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s phone number, has allegedly died in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

    His family is alleging foul play, asking the DSS to explain how he died.

    It has refused to collect the body for burial from the DSS until the circumstances of his death are clear.

    The late Eyitayo was arrested in the midnight of April 4 by the DSS operatives, who were on the trail of the syndicate that cloned Ambode’s mobile number. He was taken to the DSS office at Shangisha, where he allegedly died during interrogation.

    The Nation learnt that the DSS operatives were acting on information that Rilwanu Jamiu, a member of the syndicate, might be hiding in the late Eyitayo’s home at 37, Aje Street, Pleasure Bus Stop in Iyana Ipaja.

    The DSS operatives allegedly broke into the late Eyitayo’s apartment while he was asleep. On being woken up, he was reportedly beaten and his hands and legs chained. Eyewitnesses told The Nation that the DSS operatives grilled him for minutes, asking him of Jamiu’s whereabouts.

    A resident, who pleaded not to be named, said: “I overheard Eyitayo telling the DSS people that the person they were looking for does not stay with him. He told them the suspect was his friend and only visited him the previous day. But, his explanation did not convince them. They beat him mercilessly till blood came out of his face. We could not recognise him again.”

    The DSS operatives, The Nation gathered, moved to other apartments in the building, allegedly beating occupants and searching their rooms for the suspect. After three hours, the DSS operatives whisked Eyitayo to their Shangisha office.

    Jamiu, it was learnt, was arrested that day in Alakuko.

    The late Eyitayo’s friends, who had been going to the DSS office for his bail, were kept in the dark about his death. On April 6, two days after his death, the DSS Director, invited his landlord, a pastor, to help the agency look for his family members.

    The landlord said: “Two days after he was taken away in chains, I was invited by the DSS Director. When I got there, the Director called me to his office and told me Eyitayo slumped during interrogation. He said they tried to stabilise him medically but he eventually died. The director asked me to help find his family members, but I told him I did not know anybody with him.

    “The DSS copied out five numbers from the late Eyitayo’s phone and gave me to call. I could not reach any of them except one man, who had been coming to the house as his brother. I could not tell him his brother is dead. Some 19 days after, we eventually met with the family members. We all went to the DSS office together and they heard the news from the DSS themselves. We were told the body had been taken to the mortuary.”

    The bereaved family is accusing the DSS of torturing Eyitayo to death. The late Eyitayo’s neighbour, who was allegedly maltreated by the DSS operatives, said the victim was chained before being taken away.

    The family, yesterday, asked the government to fish out the DSS operatives, who tortured Eyitayo to death. They wondered why the late Eyitayo would be chained and tortured when he did not know anything about the alleged crime. They rejected the DSS’ offer to release the body to them for burial, demanding investigation on the circumstances surrounding his death.

    Mr Hassan Kareem, who spoke on behalf of the family, said: “We have been told how Damilare was chained and tortured for hours before he was taken to custody. The DSS told us that he fell down as he attempted to escape. How is it possible for somebody whose hands and legs were chained to attempt to run? We are yet to be told the truth about the death of our son. This is why the government must help us to get justice.”

    Jamiu and Balogun Stanley Oyewoye were on April 20 arraigned before an Isolo Magistrates’ Court for allegedly cloning Ambode’s number.

    A DSS source told The Nation: “At 8:23am on the fateful day, Damilare was said to have slumped in a room where he was being interrogated and was said to have been rushed to the clinic in the DSS premises.  He was stabilised and allowed to rest for 45 minutes after which he was taken back to the investigation room. Several minutes after, he was rushed back to the clinic unconscious. He died at 11:50am.”

  • Lagos is Africa’s Jazz capital, says Ambode

    Lagos is Africa’s Jazz capital, says Ambode

    The Lagos Sate Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said that his administration is committed to positioning the State as a destination with rich entertainment content.

    Speaking at the Lagos International Jazz Concert held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja to commemorate the 2016 International Jazz Day which attracted dignitaries as well as local and international jazz artistes, Ambode said the event was part of efforts to join the rest of the world, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to celebrate the day.

    “This musical show is a continuation of our promise to Lagosians that we will use tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the arts as well as sports to create jobs and opportunities for our people and to position Lagos State as a destination with rich entertainment content,” the governor said.

    According to Ambode, the Lagos Jazz Concert took its cue from the success of One Lagos Fiesta, held on the eve of New Year’s Day, noting that there were at least four different jazz concerts across Lagos on Friday evening with artistes from all over the world, including several Grammy award-winners who performed.

    Governor Ambode expressed optimism that next year’s concert which will herald the Lagos @ 50 celebrations, coming up May 27, 2017, would have successfully placed the State as a destination of choice and one deserving of the Jazz Capital City appellation.

    Among dignitaries who graced the concert include former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams, Rtd Justice of Supreme Court, George Oguntade, among others.

    Artistes who lit the stage with scintillating jazz performances included former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, award winning Afrobeat musician, Lagbaja, veteran jazz diva, Yinka Davies, Jimi Solanke, Dare Art Alade, two time Grammy award winner, Lekan Babalola, Grammy award winner, Kirk Whalum and other local and foreign jazz artistes.

  • Ambode lauds Buhari’s economic investment drive

    Ambode lauds Buhari’s economic investment drive

    Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, where he lauded the President’s recent overseas trips aimed at attracting foreign direct investments into the country.

     Governor Ambode who spoke to State House Correspondents shortly after the visit expressed high optimism that the President’s trips would in no short time begin to yield benefits in the interest of all Nigerians.

     He said the investment pact signed with the Chinese Government will benefit the people of Lagos, especially with the coming of the Lagos-Kano Rail Project and the Lagos Metro-rail project expected to cost about $2.5billion.

     It would be recalled that President Buhari recently returned from a one week visit to China where Nigeria signed series of investment pact expected to yield about $6 billion investment for Nigeria and also expected to have positively huge impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.

     He said the visit was therefore to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his laudable plans for Nigeria and especially Lagos State.

  • With falling oil prices, it’s difficult now to run states, says Ambode

    With falling oil prices, it’s difficult now to run states, says Ambode

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State said yesterday that the falling oil prices in the international market have made it difficult  for the governors to run the affairs of any of the 36 states.

    The saving grace for the states,in his opinion,is a moritarium to enable them have more money to meet their obligations in the face of the economic crisis.

    Ambode  spoke to  State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “There is nothing wrong in asking for moratorium. Lagos State has just restructured its bond programme. It is about financial intelligence,” he said.

    “The states are not saying they are not going to pay back. We are saying that based on the present circumstances, we can hold down principal payments and just take interest.

    “Maybe for a while, let us also ask for moratorium to be able to pay principal at a future date. The issue is that you cannot operate a state in the manner in which the financial inflows are coming now. It is very difficult. We have to be realistic.

    “It is like any other organization. If the inflows are not up to what the fixed costs are like, you have to do something drastic and that is what we are all doing.

    “I am an accountant first before being a politician. You need to see the numbers. The numbers do not tally.

    “It has nothing to do with the status you are finding yourself now. It is about the past record, it is about the present status and it is about taking drastic decisions to be able to allow the states to stay afloat.”

    He said he was at the Villa to thank the President  on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State for the benefits which his  (Buhari’s) recent visit to China is bringing to the state,chief of which is the Lagos metro rail project.

    “The Lagos-Kano rail project and other projects are also there. There are many benefits coming to Lagos State. That is why it is important to come and thank him personally,” he said,adding that the President’s often criticized foreign trips are aimed at attracting foreign direct investments into the country.