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Tag: Ashafa

  • APC leaders okay Ashafa for another term 

    The Lagos East Senatorial District leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Lagos East Senatorial District have endorsed the senator representing the zone Gbenga Ashafa for another term.

    The leaders, under the leadership of Otunba Bushura Alebiosu, met on Tuesday to streamline issues as they affect the fortunes of the APC in the district in the build-up to the 2019 general elections.

    In a communique signed by the Secretary to the Lagos East Senatorial District and former Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Jokotola Pelumi, the leaders stated: “After deliberations, leadership considered the performance of our current elected officers at the National Assembly, undertook a careful scrutiny of their loyalty and support to the government and the party APC, a forensic exercise of sort of their activities since the last elections to date, and took the decision to re-present the sitting and incumbent senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa in the coming elections in 2019, for another term of four years”

    They their decision on the quality of representation so far provided by Ashafa in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

  • Osun Assembly, Lagos Speaker, Ashafa urge love, peace, tolerance

    Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Najeem Salam,  Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Lagos East Gbenga Ashafa have sent warm greetings to Christians over this year’s Easter celebration.

    The Osun State House assembly, in a statement by its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the Assembly acknowledges that Easter season is a sacred one filled with God’s love, blessings and redemptive power.

    It congratulates Christians in the state, urging them to celebrate moderately and never forget the lessons as well as the reasons for the season, which is the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Obasa urged Nigerians to imbibe spirit of love, peace and tolerance as taught and practised by Jesus Christ during his lifetime.

    The Speaker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, said: “Jesus Christ preached and practised love, peace and tolerance during his lifetime and these are the qualities we should imbibe and practise to move this great country forward.”

    Ashafa, in a statement, said: “I join my Christian brothers and sisters in Lagos East Senatorial District and across Nigeria, as they commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     

     

  • Ashafa trains 120 in vocations

    No fewer than 120 people from the Lagos East Senatorial District have sharpened their vocational skills at a five-day Entrepreneurship Seminar/Skill Acquisition Training.

    The programme was oraganised by the Senator representing the district ‘Gbenga Ashafa in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    Speaking when the curtain dropped on the at the weekend, the senator said training was in line with his commitment to empower many people with self-sustainability.

    He said: “Considering the economic challenges that Nigeria has experienced in the past few years, and the effect on majority of Nigerians, we were faced with two choices.

    “The first being whether to sit down and complain about the decline in the availability of jobs, or the second, being for us to square up our shoulders and face the challenge with a view to key in into the diversification drive of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, by acquiring entrepreneurial skills and contributing our quota to the rejuvenation of our economy.

    “Obviously, we have adopted the more sensible second option and I am pleased to say that we are already seeing the benefit.”

    The participants were trained on phone repairs, laptop repairs, general electronics repairs and catering.

    Lauding Ashafa for creating the opportunity, the participants promised to set up a co-operative society to enable them enhance their chances of a successful start-up business.

  • Ashafa: professionalism ‘ll increase transport sector’s contribution to GDP

    Ashafa: professionalism ‘ll increase transport sector’s contribution to GDP

    Senate on Land Transport Chairman  Senator Gbenga Ashafa yesterday said the passage of the Bill to Establish the Chattered institute of Logistics and Transport of Nigeria would enhance professionalism in transportation services in Nigeria. He also identified lack of professionalism and standardisation as factors responsible for the relatively low contribution of the transport Sector to Nigerian GDP.

    The senator made this assertion while leading the debate on the 2nd Reading of the Bill on the floor of the Senate.

    Ashafa stressed the importance of the logistics and transport sector to every economy. He said:“The world economy is increasingly being driven by service based activities of various kinds with logistics and transport service accounted for almost 71 per cent of global GDP in 2010 and is expanding at a faster s at the forefront. As revealed in the 2011 World Development Report, the services rate.”

    While decrying the relatively low contribution of the transportation and logistics sector to the economy, he added: “In the case of Nigeria its logistics sector is estimated to contribute over N200 Billion to our economy with an annual growth rate of 10%. The Transport sector’s estimated contribution is put at about 10% of the country’s GDP.”

    He identified the challenge as the lack of professionalism and standardisation in transport and logistics sector of the economy.

    “The challenge therefore is in the standardisation of quality of their professional practice, licensing procedure, certification and development of ethics of the profession that will guarantee safety of operations, uniformity of practice and integrity. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is well positioned to close this void and ensure enhanced service delivery.”

    Senator Dino Melaye while supporting the Bill stated that “transportation is a major source of internally generated revenue in UK, US and other countries, a Bill like this promotes economic integration and social welfare of the people.”

    The Bill passed the Second reading and was forwarded to the relevant committee of the Senate for further consideration.

  • It’s time to reap democracy dividends, says Ashafa

    It’s time to reap democracy dividends, says Ashafa

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East says the New Year holds the prospect of providing Nigerians the dividends of the hope they invested in President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In his new year message to his constituents, the senator expressed relief that Nigeria remains one despite the challenges of 2017.

    He said while the country is not yet where it ought to be, “we have definitely moved in a positive direction from where we are coming from.”

    He was particularly happy that “we have come out of the recession that we grappled with in the earlier years.”

    He added:”We now wait for the effect of this exit from the recession to reflect in the pockets and meal tables of all Nigerians. I see this happening in 2018.

    “In my humble opinion, I strongly believe that in 2018 all the work of this administration in the area of infrastructure, the economy, transportation and power would crystalize from promises into tangible performance. It would be a better year and we would all benefit from this.

    “In the area of transportation, I am excited that most of the rail construction and rehabilitation projects of this administration are progressing. The Lagos to Kano standard gauge rail rehabilitation project is in progress, the Itakpe- Ajaokuta and Warri line is nearing completion while there is also a proposal for the commencement of standard gauge rail rehabilitation along the Eastern Rail Corridor.  This is in line with the commitment of this administration to ensure that all parts of the country benefit from the rail rehabilitation drive.

    “The time to reap the benefit of our support for the Buhari led administration is now. Do not therefore be caught napping. We all must play our part in governance and rebuilding the Nigeria of our dreams.”

  • Ashafa: let’s share love, joy this Christmas

    Ashafa: let’s share love, joy this Christmas

    The senator representing Lagos East, Gbenga Ashafa, has felicitated with Christians on today’s Christmas.

    In a statement yesterday, Ashafa said: “I felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in the Lagos East Senatorial District and indeed across the length and breadth of our dear country, Nigeria, as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

    “This Yuletide season does not only commemorate the birth of Christ of ‘the Prince of Peace’, it also signifies to the Christian community the arrival of good tidings of love, comfort and joy.

    “I, therefore, seize this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to meditate and act on this timeless message. It is a good time to love by expressing love to one another, no matter our religious or ethnic differences.

    “I also use this medium to identify with all Nigerians as we go through this challenging period of unavailability of petrol across the country. Let us comfort one another with good cheers as I am certain that the Federal Government, ably led by President Muhamadu Buhari, is working assiduously to tackle whatever the cause of these temporary challenges may be.

    “Let the present circumstances not rob us of another critical component of the season, which is joy. Let us, therefore, ensure that not only are our tables filled with the goodies that characterise the season, but also that the tables of the less privileged among us are filled as well. This is a good way to share the joy.

  • Ekweremadu, Mark, Ashafa, Kashamu seek rededication to nation-building

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, former Senate President David Mark, Senators ‘Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East),  Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo Central) and Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East) have felicitated with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

    They stressed the need to rededicate to nation-building,  self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and growth.

    Ekweremadu enjoined Nigerians to eschew all forms of recrimination and imbibe self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and development.

    He said: “I congratulate our Muslim brethren on this occasion of Eid el-Kabir. This season of conviviality presents another opportunity to reflect on our national challenges and the way forward.

    “No nation realises its full potentials without equity, justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence. I enjoin the Muslim Ummah and indeed all of us to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness and love that the season represents in order to move the nation forward.”

    Mark canvassed for justice, righteousness and peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerians.

    The senator, in a goodwill message, said only a harmonious and peaceful coexistence could guarantee meaningful growth.

    Concerned about recent outburst from different regions agitating for self-independence within the existing geopolitical entity, Mark cautioned against any action or utterances capable of threatening the indivisibility of Nigeria.

    Ashafa urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for unity.

    He said in his message that Nigerians have more to gain in a united and indivisible country than a nation where people live in suspicion and hatred for one another.

    He said: “We should endeavour to pray for continued unity and togetherness. Nigeria can only attain the desired greatness in an atmosphere of peace and love.

    “Everything must be done to guard against the disintegration of the country. We must refuse to dance to drum beats of those promoting enmity amongst us. There is a lot to gain in living together.”

    Alasoadura congratulated the faithful on the religious festival.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) urged Muslims to support Akeredolu’s administration to facilitate meaningful growth.

    He said with the calibre of the new cabinet members appointed by the governor, the people should be rest assured of positive transformation in the state.

    Kashamu enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace and love.

    The lawmaker urged them to seize the opportunity of the feast to demonstrate the essence of unity among the various ethnic groups in the country.

    “Lack of unity among various ethnic groups in the country and self-centredness are the major ingredients that compromise peaceful co-existence and national growth.”

  • Ashafa hails release of kidnapped students

    Ashafa hails release of kidnapped students

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East yesterday described the weekend release of the six kidnapped students of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe as “unarguably the best news to have hit our ears this week.”

    He was full of praise for Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and the security agencies for their concerted efforts which he said were “helpful in securing the release of our dear children.”

    He said in a statement that, “More important is the steel will of the parents of the affected children, the collective prayers of well-meaning Lagosians and the solidarity of all Nigerians, which put paid to the fact that, indeed, our bonds are strongest when we are hard-pressed. Our collective resolve will be tested but we will maintain our humanity.”

    He added: “In the end, what matters most will be that in our darkest hour, when it mattered most, we stood up to be counted in words and deeds.”

    Ashafa condemned the activities of criminal elements in the society and urged the security agencies not to relent in “the never-ending war against kidnapping and other crimes.”

     

     

  • Ashafa: Workaholic senator at 62

    Ashafa: Workaholic senator at 62

    Tola Ogunnubi extols the virtues of Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), who clock 62 this week.

    In January 2001, Ashafa was appointed Executive Secretary, Lagos State Land Use and Allocation Committee. In this role, he was responsible for land allocation and management in Lagos State. He ensured efficient allocation of land in the State, transparency in land transactions and the timely release of title documents to land owners. Ashafa was appointed Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau in February 2005. He led his team to execute the computerization of documents in the State Land Registry, the creation of the Land Regularization Directorate and the implementation of the 30-day Governor’s consent policy on land transactions.

    The  computerization of documents in the State Land Registry created a digital databas of all land title documents in the State, making it infinitely more efficient to conduct land transactions in Lagos State. Notably, he laid the foundation for issuing electronic certificates of occupancy to land owners and oversaw the pilot scheme before he left office. While at the Lands Bureau, Ashafa re-started several stalled housing development schemes such as: Lekki Phase II, Ijanikin Rose Garden, Ipaja New Town, Imota Residential/Industrial, Agbowa Residential/Industrial, Obanikoro/Oke-Ira, Oworonshoki Residential, Gbagada II  and Ibeju Iberekodo mixed development schemes. He also led his team to develop new housing schemes such as: Ikorodu GRA Scheme III, Odo-Nla, Ijede GRA, an Millenium Model Scheme Igbogbo – Ikorodu.

    He is such a good human resource Manager with a resounding human relation that anyone who has come across him can attest to. Distinquished Senator Gbenga  Ashafa is a matured man, watching and listening to his contributions on the floor of the upper chamber of the National Assembly will tell you he is not your regular  Senator. His matured contributions to debates is admirable. His presentations are enviable while his approach to topical sensitive national issues are captivating. He is the Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport and also a member in other several Senate Committees like Establishment (Pension & Public Services), Foreign Affairs, Water Resources, National Security & Intelligence amongst others. He has successfully seen to the passage of the Nigerian Railway bill 2016.

    Over the course of his term at the Senate, he has implemented several community development projects such as the ICT Training Program, which has trained over five hundred youths in the Senator’s district since 2011. Senator Ashafa has also implemented the Youth Energy Career Program, a six-month internship designed for graduates. Attendees are trained on power and energy systems at the Siemens Power Academy, in collaboration with the Lagos State Electricity Board. This program is designed to equip mid-management officers with the skill set required to drive the emerging independent power sector in Lagos State. Another program, the Education Enhancement Program provides scholarships to students at the  primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education. The Senator’s office also implements a monthly health screening program free of charge, in several local government areas.

    Senator Ashafa has sponsored many bills at the Senate amongs which are:

    1. Income Tax Holiday Bill 2011
    2. National Agency for the Preservation & Promotion of Local Languages in Nigeria Bill 2011
    3. Treaties (Making, Procedures, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2012
    4. Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill 2012
    5. National Directorate of Employment Act (Amendment) Bill 2013
    6. Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2013
    7. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2013
    8. Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill 2013
    9. Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act (Amendment Bill) 2014

    10.Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill 2014

    11.Advertising Practitioners (Registration etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2014

    1. Nigerian Railway Bill 2016. His constituent is very much proud of him and hope he will answer their calls for more State and National Assignments in the nearest future. On this special day of this Special Gift to humanity, I join several other people to wish Senator Gbenga Ashafa another happy year of smiles and joys! Happy Birthday! Congratulations for another year of experience, memories and birthday cakes.
    • Ogunnubi writes from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
  • LG polls: Ashafa urges Lagosians to vote APC

    LG polls: Ashafa urges Lagosians to vote APC

    The Senator represen-ting Lagos East senatorial district, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has called upon Lagos East electorate to go out en masse and vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the forthcoming council elections in Lagos State. He spoke at the 18th edition of his senatorial town hall meeting, held at CMD road, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos, yesterday.

    “I urge you all to troop out en-masse to support the candidates of our party, when they emerge, for the upcoming local government elections. By doing this, we would be able to harness the development we are witnessing in Lagos State at the grass-root level  through the synchronised efforts of state and local governments,” he said.

    He commended the support of his constituents so far since his election into the national assembly and urged them to throw their full weight and support behind APC during the upcoming elections. According to him, the success of APC at the forthcoming council election will aid the party to win the 2019 general elections.

    “Victory for APC at the council election will further help Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to continue and improve on his relentless efforts to transform Lagos to the state of his dream,” he added. He initiated an empowerment programme targeted at empowering 500 widows in the district, with the first batch of 50 women receiving their funds from the senator at the event.

    The event also witnessed a medical outreach powered by a strong team of medical personnel from Steno Memorial Foundation. The outreach attended to over 1500 constituents who came in for free qualitative medical services ranging from blood pressure, body mass, blood glucose, cholesterol, diabetes, hearing and dental check ups, and medical advices.