The Nation Newspaper

Tag: boost

  • Two NGOs boost women empowerment

    In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of eradicating poverty and hunger, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), in conjunction with OjulogeArts Leadership and Development Initiative (OLADI), has empowered 16 widows and vulnerable women.

    At the event held at the Foundation’s office, each widow received N80, 000 and other materials to support the setting up of their microbusinesses.

    The women, who had earlier been trained months ago in various crafts ranging from soap making to facial make-up, were also supported with an additional N50, 000 each by Segun Ikugbonmire, managing director, Vibroflotation Geotechnical Nigeria Limited.

    CEF Chairman Philip Yaro, said this was the first time the foundation was making a sustainable livelihood intervention which involved more than just offering financial support. He said: ‘In the past what the organisation did was just to make financial donations to indigent persons. We have gone the safe step of ensuring that we are not just giving financial assistance but we are making sure you get the right materials to begin your trade. We cannot just dump you. We are making sure that you succeed in life.

    “For this reason, we want to make sure you get properly set up and we will stay with you until you make it through your difficult times. Please always make sure that you get in touch with us as we will like to continue to work with you especially at a time when you would have grown into mentors of those who are coming after you.”

    He believed that with the successful setting up of microbusinesses for the women, there will be favourable outcome such as enhancement of well-being, reduced vulnerability, access to regular income and improved food security, adding that the foundation office and personnel will be the constant buyers of their products.

    Ojuloge Arts Leadership and Development Initiative Trainer, Mrs Tosin Adegoke, enjoined the women to be diligent and embrace integrity as they grow their businesses.

    “You are now CEOs and I expect success, integrity and diligent as you grow your businesses. The success of this business depends on your ability to be creative. I also expect that in no time you will be mentors to others coming after you and also employ workers. Think outside the box and explore using other things in the course of your cosmetic produce,” she added.

  • How to boost indigenous drug production, by don

    Stakeholders have been advised to collaborate to review the administrative processes for identifing plants, research, development and approval of remedies and drug production from  herbs and plants.

    Emeritus Professor Joseph Okogun of the Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan made the call at a public lecture as part of activities  marking his 80th birthday.

    The lecture, organised by Bevekt Gedu Chemical Company, was entitled: “Active, bitter and sweet – A lifetime of research on plants, anti-cancer remedies and drug discovery”.

    In the lecture, Okogun said plants are organic chemical factories which produce useful chemicals that man exploits for healthy living.

    He spoke on various active ingredients that have been discovered from leaves and fruits in Nigeria and West Africa that can either treat or manage many common ailments at affordable cost.

    “There are organic and natural remedies for the management of various diseases, including cancer and HIV/AIDS, using several decades of data from scientific research on plants by Bevekt Gedu. Out of Bevekt Gedu’s work, a pure compound initially obtained from a Nigerian plant, which has been adopted and about to be finalised for drug development as a blockbuster drug by IMI of USA. This is an indication that opportunities for long-lasting and sustainable investments are abundant locally,” Okogun said.

    Okogun said the extraction, isolation, analysis and modification of active natural products for potential drug leads or drugs and molecular probes; and the role of different professionals in the process of drug discovery.

    “Plant materials are usually processed and powdered for extraction with solvents of various polarities so that different types of compounds are extracted by the different solvents. The solvents range from gases (carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon) in supercritical fluid states, petroleum ether through ethanol to water. For instance, the removal of solvent, the usually dark brown gum is separated into the component compounds in the mixture, using various chromatographic methods with or without bioactivity screening depending on the nature of the targeted compounds,’’ Okogun said.

    According to him, biological activity screening is done by pharmacognosists, pharmaceutical chemists, pharmacologists, biochemists and microbiologists to identify potential drugs and other biologically active compounds, including pesticides. Toxicologists determine the toxicity including teratogenicity of identified potential drugs.

    When biologically active compounds are identified, there may need to improve on the activity and or toxicity by modifying the structures using chemistry linked with biology. Identified potential drugs with known mechanism of actions are used as molecular probes in diagnosis and disease research.

     

  • Ekere gets boost for Akwa Ibom governorship race

    The five local governments that make up the old Abak Division organised a grand reception to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere. At the occasion, the people invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI reports.

    IF current developments in Akwa Ibom State are anything to go by, the next governorship election in the state promises to be a stiff contest between the two major parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The above indication came to the fore recently at a grand reception organised by the Abak 5 Redemption Movement to honour the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Nsima Ekere.

    It was a day the people of the five local government areas that make up the former Abak Division invited Ekere to throw his hat in the ring and contest the 2019 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State. It was a call to service; the people of Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oruk Anam and Ukanafun local government areas, popularly known has Abak 5, left no one in doubt that they had endorsed Ekere as their standard bearer for the 2019 governorship race.

    This was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State APC Caucus Chairman, Atuekong Don Etiebet, who chaired the occasion. He said the people of Abak 5 had resolved to purchase the party’s governorship nomination form for Ekere, because he has done well for them. Etiebet said: “He is not yet governor, but he has already intervened in the problems of Abak people. As you know, performance does not hide.”

    Former Minister of Women Affairs, Obong Rita Akpan said she was overwhelmed by the unprecedented gathering of the young and old people that that converged at the Government Technical College, Abak, Akwa Ibom State, to witness the event. She said: “People usually talk about sea of heads, but this is an ocean of heads. I have never seen this kind of crowd before. This must emanate from a wave of the burning desire of the people to bring change to their political and economic situation. These are people who say they can no longer continue to endure the pains and deprivations of living under tattered umbrellas that hardly shield them from the vicissitudes of life.

    “Looking at the faces of the crowd, one could easily discern that they were yearning for change and they already had their eyes set on a political beacon to chart the way forward. The diverse groups, some in colourful uniforms, were ceaselessly singing and dancing to all kinds of music, brass bands, local drums and blasting loud speakers.”

    Galvanised by the overwhelming acceptance of Ekere, Obongunwana Emmanuel Ukoete, a member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, moved a motion for the endorsement of the former deputy governor to contest the 2019 governorship election. The motion was seconded by the former member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. At the end of the day, it was unanimously endorsed.

    An APC chieftain and Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Mr. Umana Umana, said long before the Abak 5 people took the plunge, the entire Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District had resolved to purchase the APC governorship nomination form for Ekere because of his outstanding performance at the NDDC.

    Umana added: “We have come here to support and show solidarity with the people of Abak 5, who have taken the right decision to honour Obong Nsima Ekere for his outstanding performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. We have come here to say that this honour is well-deserved.

    “I know his ideas about Akwa Ibom State. His programmes for Akwa Ibom State will not be about promises and ground breaking. There is nothing as traumatic as somebody will come and break your grounds and after two years the site will be overgrown with weeds. We are here to align with the people of Abak 5 that things cannot continue like this in Abak 5. And we have a capable hand that will make our party proud. Has he not made our party proud? We thank the President who found him worthy. Our brother, you have done well and the reward for hard work is more hard work. We are very happy with you.”

    Umana dismissed media reports of a rift between him and Ekere, saying, “Those who continue to write in newspapers that Nsima and Umana are fighting, tell them that there is no fight. We are one. Our party is one and united.”

    A former Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Electoral Matters, Chris Okorie, who chaired the event planning committee, explained that the reception was organised to appreciate Ekere for “standing by us to rebuild the bridge that has brought change to Abak 5 and indeed the entire state”.

    He enumerated NDDC projects facilitated by Ekere in the five local government areas to include construction of Hospital Road, Abak, and adjourning Obot Street, construction of Spring Road, Abak, and Mercantile Bank Road in Ekparakwa, Oruk Anam and renovation of school buildings in 20 schools, expressing delight that all the projects were executed by indigenous contractors.

    Okorie added: “Ekere epitomizes the saying that a good friend is better than a bad brother, son or son-in-law.”

    A former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Uwem Udoma, described Ekere as the real deal for Abak 5, assuring him of the support of the people of the area. He attributed the clement weather that characterised the day to divine intervention.

    Others who delivered goodwill messages at the event were a former State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otu Ita-Toyo; a former PDP State Women Leader, Lady Victoria Mel-Udoh; a former Deputy Majority Whip of the State House of Assembly, Obonganwan Mabel Udongwo; a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Emem Wills; a representative of the APC in Diaspora, Dr. Abasiubong Udofia; and a computer mogul, Mr. Inibehe Otoho.

    At the occasion, Ekere was presented with a symbolic sword of authority and a native cow by the people of Abak 5. The NDDC boss expressed appreciation to the people for what he called their show of love and confidence and promised to react to their call at the appropriate time.

    Ekere said Akwa Ibom State deserved better governance. He said: “I want to respond by saying that this call by Abak 5 has been taken note of, and I will consider it very seriously. For, today, I am still the Managing Director of the NDDC. I have a job to do for the Niger Delta people. I have a job to do for Akwa Ibom people.

    “Mr. President showed confidence in our capabilities and gave us this appointment. We are committed to delivering on our mandate with everything that is in our fabric. We shall do it. When the time for politics comes, when the time for election comes, I will come back here and I will remind you of this resolution that you passed today.”

    The NDDC chief executive officer seized the opportunity to move a motion for the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term, stressing that the President had demonstrated uncommon love for Akwa Ibom State, particularly in terms of appointments.

    He commended Buhari for the enormous support to the NDDC, especially his approval for the harmonisation of outstanding remittances from the Federal Ministry of Finance and release of outstanding funds due the commission for the development of the Niger Delta region.

    On a sad note, however, Ekere decried the disruption of NDDC projects by agents of the Akwa Ibom State Government, reasoning that it was counter-productive because “the money NDDC is using to develop Akwa Ibom State is our own share of money for the development of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere said the commission was not competing with the Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state in the oil-rich Niger Delta region in the execution of its mandate. He said that the state government was antagonising the commission as evident in the disruption of its activities in the state by agents of the state government. The state Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, had told reporters that the state government chased out NDDC contractors because of poor execution of work.

    But Ekere said: “In the last several months, the NDDC had witnessed disruption in its project sites in Akwa Ibom while trying to intervene to make life more useful. NDDC is not in competition with Akwa Ibom or any other state. NDDC is here to make life meaningful.

    “The money NDDC is using to develop our state is our own share and if you stop us, that means you don’t love the people. The state should support development partners, rather than disrupting the work of the partners. We will engage all the state governments so that we can bring development to our people.”

    The NDDC boss promised that the commission will continue to seek ways of constructive engagement with all governments in the region “so that we can bring development to all nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta”.

    Ekere urged the people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for the APC to end “bad governance” in the state. He added: “President Muhammadu Buhari has shown uncommon love for the people of Nigeria. Never in the history of Nigeria has Akwa Ibom benefitted so much.”

     

  • It’s a boost for democracy, says Oshiomhole

    FORMER Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has described the post-humous award for the proclaimed winner of the June 12 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, as a boost for the nation’s democracy.

    Oshiomhole, who is an aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship position said Democracy Day is not the day people hand over power to their successors.

    In a statement issued in Benin City, Oshiomhole said the decision to immortalise Abiola was what many Nigerians had yearned for.

    The statement reads: “I am glad with the decision of the President, especially by declaring June 12 Democracy Day because the real democracy is not the day that people hand over power to their successors, but the day to celebrate heroes of our democracy such as Chief Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi.

    “It was as a result of the struggle by Gani and Abiola that some persons came to benefit as leaders later on. That is why I commend Mr. President for this great wisdom. This is the best way to honour those that labour for this democracy.

    “We know some leaders, who even though they came from the same zone with Abiola and Gani were resolute in ensuring that June 12 was not declared as a day we celebrate as our democracy.

    The former governor said the “struggle for a better Nigeria and the blood of those who fought and died for this democracy has been atoned for” by Mr. President.

    “I congratulate the families of late MKO and Gani, I congratulate APC for making this happen. This was what some of us has yearned for over the years but I am glad that God has used Mr. President to achieve this and this will further strengthen our democracy and make us greater,” he stated.

     

     

  • Crown Flour Mill set to boost agriculture

    The Managing Director, Crown Flour Mill, Anurag Shukla has expressed the readiness of the firm to partner with the Federal Government to develop agriculture in the country.

    Speaking during the firm’s customers forum in Abuja yesterday, he said the firm is ready to partner with the government to achieve food security for the country through boosting the agric sector.

    He said: “Crown Flour Mill is seriously diversifying into different agricultural branches, such as poultry feed, soyabeans, sale of day old chicks and so many others, all with the intent of partnering the government to move from oil to non-oil economy.

    “The year has been an eventful year for our operations; we made sure we grew our market by moving into our animal feed business; we have two large factories, one in Kaduna, one in Ilorin. Presently, we are the leading players in the day old chick market as well as the feed market.

    “We are proud to say our chicks have been accepted in the market very well; Olam has been the largest non-exporter of this country.”

  • Experts seek reforms to boost real estate

    The law regulating legal estate funding needs to be reviewed to accommodate crowdfunding, according to a financial expert, Mr. Sonnie Ayere.

    He said: “Crowdfunding,” an online platform for raising financing, is gaining popularity in other countries but is prohibited under Nigerian law.

    He spoke in Lagos when legal and real estate experts met in Lagos at the seventh Business Series seminar organised by Detail Commercial Solicitors (DETAIL), a law firm specialising in non-court room practice.

    Speaking on Alternative Funding Opportunities in a Digitally Enabled Market, Ayere, Chief Executive Officer at Dunn Loren Merrifield, said the growing trend is to look to financial technology (fintech) companies for alternative sources of funding for real estate projects, rather than the traditional banks.

    Ayere said “fintechs offer diverse financial services and solutions using modern technology, such as digital lending platforms; online real estate investment options for individuals; or investments in single-family homes for institutional investors.”

    He noted that there is a possibility that in the future, Nigerian laws and regulations could change to accommodate crowdfunding.

    Ayere also discussed financing options via the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, which was established to further increase access to mortgages in the market. He also proposed unlocking financing capital via pension funds.

    Speaking on PropTech: Developing a smarter marketplace, Dr Andrew Nevin, the Partner and Chief Economist, PwC Nigeria revealed that the real estate sector is the most important sector to the economy and the success of the economy is highly dependent on building a robust real estate sector.

    However, the growth of the real estate sector is limited by gaps in the land-titling system, he said.

    Nevin said: “The real estate system cannot work without a proper land registry. It is a mathematical impossibility. If you don’t know you own the land, you will not improve it. If the bank doesn’t know you own the land, they are not going to lend against it.”

    Nevin explained that technology, such as blockchain, can be explored and implemented to establish a proper land registry in Nigeria. Blockchain is a decentralised ledger of all transactions in a network.

    Participants in the network, he said, can confirm transactions without the need for a trusted third-party intermediary.

    “The advantages of blockchain for land registration is that it is tamper-proof, which reduces the chance of forgery or manipulation; it unifies the land registration process under a single digital platform; and it helps automate the process of registration,” said Nevin.

    Speaking on Using data to create an efficient property market, Mr. Dolapo Omidire, the Founder & Team Lead, Estate Intel explained that technology has made data more available than it was a decade ago. Data can assist in charting the future of any sector including real estate, he said.

    Omidire pointed out that access to data can assist greatly in making sound investment decisions in the real estate sector.

    An Associate Partner and head of DETAIL’s real estate and construction practice, Tosin Ajose, said: “we think that Nigeria cannot be isolated from the global trends in the real estate market and we thought it was an apt time for us to talk about the way the real estate environment is changing so people are well positioned to benefit from the disruptions.

    “DETAIL drives thought leadership around its practice areas and it has looked at the landscape and identified where the real estate market is heading, the reason for this forum’s discussion is therefore to ensure that people know where the market is going and position themselves in anticipation of the changes.”

  • Greenhouse tech ‘to boost agric production’

    Greenhouse technology has the potential to rapidly expand the country’s agricultural production, including a very attractive opportunity to generate huge Return-On-Investment for investors within a short time.

    The technology is acclaimed as a very innovative solution that enables all year round farming. It delivers a technique for achieving high quality increased agric produce thereby helping to  expand production.

    Antti Ritvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Dizengoff Nigeria, stated this in Lagos, at a media parley on agric investment in the country. He said the technology equally holds huge opportunity as an investment option with juicy returns on investment for investors within a short time.

    “Greenhouse technology is a huge breakthrough agricultural production, either way you look at it. And I believe its adoption holds the future for the country’s agriculture both in terms of production as well as investment.

    “It is a technology that delivers a unique farming technique that enables increased high quality production all year round. For the investor, what I see is that with proper management what you have within a short time is very attractive returns on investment that is perhaps difficult to get elsewhere.”

    Giving details, about the innovative greenhouse technology developed by the company  known as “Dizengoff Farmer’s Kit (DFK), Antti said “it is a managed all year round farming technique that is very suitable for investors and professionals who are not necessarily farmers.

  • FEC okays policy to boost power transmission

    FEC okays policy to boost power transmission

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a memo for a framework to boost transmission of power to Nigerians.

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, accompanied by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Water Resources  Suleiman Adamu and the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said the policy will facilitate investments into the sector and make it possible for power being generated to be added to the National grid for the benefit of Nigerians.

    He said while the country is generating 7000 megawatts of electricity, he regretted that the power Distribution Companies (Discos) don’t have the capacity to take more than 5000 megawatts.

    “FEC today (yesterday) approved a Memo providing a framework of investment at the 33KVA and 11KVA line in expanding the national distribution network, to deliver an extra 2000Megawatts of electricity to consumers, which is currently not getting to the grid, will get to the grid and then to consumers,” Fashola said, adding that Nigeria today has 2000Mw of electricity that cannot reach consumers because of lack of distribution capacity

    He said the reason they are not getting to the grid, is that those networks are not sufficient to support more than 5,000Mw, so investments has to come in.

    Fashola said while the federal government has 40 per cent  shareholder and the DISCOS have 60 per cent and will be compel to make additional investments which they were suppose to have made. The process of which will involved international … for the procurement  of the equipment, lines and all of the accessories to build those networks and there will be more under international procurement standards.

    “The federal government will put is own 40% and ask the DISCOS to put their own 60% and other parties who are interested will have the opportunity to improve the investments.

    “This is just to accelerate action to ensure that the 2000MW that is available now gets to the grid and gets to the people because power is coming. We are expecting many more power plants to complete this year which will add almost 1,600MW to the grid.

     

  • Ways to boost your immune system naturally

    These everyday lifestyle habits will keep your immune system in top shape and ready to fight off infections. 

    We all know how it feels to have a cold coming on: a pain in your sinuses, tickle in your throat, and heaviness all over your body. You’re getting sick, and you start cursing yourself for not scrubbing your hands after exchanging a handshake with your coughing co-worker or logging enough hours of sleep each night.

    Nobody wants this to happen, which is why you need to keep your immune system in infection-fighting shape. And the secret to that isn’t that complicated. “If you take care of yourself, the immune system will take care of itself,” says Timothy Mainardi, MD, an allergist and immunologist based in New York City.

    Read on for the healthy lifestyle habits you can practise in your day-to-day routine to cut down on sick days, and keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off any virus.

     

    Eat a nutrient-packed, well-rounded diet

    “The most important way to keep your immune system functioning normally is the old-fashioned way that nobody likes to talk about: diet and exercise,” Dr. Mainardi says. “Having a varied diet can be difficult, I do understand that, but it’s definitely worth trying to do and will keep you much healthier in the long run.” An eating plan rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins will defend your body against germs. (Try these antioxidant-rich foods.)

     

    Exercise regularly

    Working out does more than keep your waist trim. “As boring as it sounds, exercising regularly and eating healthy are the most significant factors for your immune system,” Dr. Mainardi says. “It’s been proven that people who live more sedentary lifestyles are far more likely to get colds or other infectious diseases.” Recruit a workout buddy or try a new group fitness class next time you’re paranoid about catching the bug that’s going around.

    When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list, it can be tempting to skimp on sleep to get everything done. But if not prioritising your shut-eye becomes a habit, it can have serious ramifications on your health. “There’s an association with lack of sleep and getting sick,” Dr. Mainardi explains. “Medical and surgical residents who would notoriously work 100-hour weeks during their residencies were at a much higher risk of not only getting an infectious disease, but also reactivation of a past disease.” Reactivation happens when an old virus reawakens in your system and causes a different, sometime worse, disease. A common example of a reactivation disease is chicken pox and shingles.

     

    Wash your hands with soap and water

    “Washing your hands is an extraordinarily good way of helping one from getting sick, but it’s something that we don’t always do very well,” Dr. Mainardi says. The FDA recently announced that washing your hands with plain soap and water is really all you need, and an antibacterial soap isn’t quite necessary or good for us in the long run. So find a soap that you love and remember these hand-washing techniques.

     

    Use hand sanitiser

    If you’re out in public and can’t use soap and water to scrub, using a hand sanitiser is the next best thing. “Purell is phenomenal if you can’t get to a sink,” Dr. Mainardi says. “We have it all over the hospital.” Not to mention, it’s offered in convenient, pocket-sized bottles and tons of different scents.

     

    Try probiotics

    The bacteria in your gut may affect your body’s ability to fend off infections. That’s why Dr. Mainardi suggests eating foods with live and active cultures. “A slew of new data has recently come out saying that probiotics may protect against certain inflammatory conditions,” he says. “Fermented foods and beverages such as kombucha and kimchi, for example, may offer additional benefits compared to regular food.” Consider taking a daily probiotic supplement or try some of these simple recipes that include a dose of probiotics.

     

    Be skeptical of supplements claiming to strengthen your immune system 

    “For the general, run-of-the-mill person who doesn’t have any illnesses, vitamin supplements aren’t really necessary,” Dr. Mainardi says. “The vast majority of nutrients we need we can get from the food we eat, and vitamins can get expensive.” But, if you do decide you want to take a vitamin, he advises taking the recommended daily dose of a general multivitamin. Be careful with individual supplements of vitamin A, D, E, and K, which can be dangerous to humans if taken in high doses.

     

    • Culled from: www.health.com/cold-flu-sinus/boost-immune-system
  • Boost for water transportation, others in Lagos

    Boost for water transportation, others in Lagos

    The ninth town hall meeting of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode shows that among other things water transportation, security of life and property in Lagos will not be the same again, writes WALE AJETUNMOBI.

    Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, since assuming office as the 14th governor of Lagos State, has shown great promise.  No wonder the state has literally been turned into a huge construction site. Every quarter he updates the people on how the affairs of the state are managed.

    Nine Town Hall Meetings have been held in all the three senatorial districts of the state on a rotational basis. The fourth quarter town hall meeting held at the SUBEB Proposed Permanent Site in Kosofe Local Government last Tuesday.

    At the meeting, the governor rendered account of his stewardship in the last three months, with another pledge to implement more infrastructural projects in all parts of the State in line with his electoral promises to the people.

    While reeling out some of the activities of his administration in the last three months, Ambode said during the period under review, the government commenced the reconstruction of Oshodi International Airport Road, construction of Pen Cinema Flyover, the reconstruction and upgrade of Igbe-Bola Tinubu road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, unveiled the first State-owned DNA and Forensic Centre in West Africa, while comprehensive plan to fix all roads that have been eroded by heavy rains witnessed in the last few months also started. To that end, the government said repairs of 43 major link roads across the five divisions of the State as well as a comprehensive flood control programme that will ensure a flood free State by end of year 2017 were being implemented.

    Ambode said: “The traffic situation in the Apapa area in recent times has been of major concern to our Administration. We will therefore not relent in our efforts to reclaim Apapa as a liveable part of Lagos and return it to its pristine glory as a hub of economic prosperity.

    “In Oworonshoki, construction work is progressing to transform the blighted waterfront into the biggest water transportation hub in Nigeria. When completed, the site will become a mega ferry terminal with the state-of-the-art facilities, including a park capable of accommodating 2,000 cars and cruise facility that will enable user’s easy access to the jetty.

    “Plans are also underway to unfold an intensive design for the beautification of Jibowu and Yaba as part of the general greener Lagos plan to rehabilitate and beautify blighted areas. As part of the Onikan-Marina Regeneration plan, we have approved the upgrade of the 5,000 capacity Onikan stadium to attain the standards of a 21st century sporting facility, while as part of strategies adopted to secure Model schools in the outskirts and those close to riverine areas, a Joint Tactic Squad comprising officers of all the security agencies has been established to increase security within and around such vulnerable areas of the state.”

    While responding to a request by a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Jokotola Pelumi, on the need to extend more developmental projects to Agbowa, Governor Ambode said his administration was already working towards transforming the Ikorodu-Agbowa-Itoikin-Ijebu Ode Road which is currently in a deplorable state to eight lanes through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, among other projects already planned for the axis.

    He appealed for understanding of residents on inconveniences being experienced as a result of ongoing projects, assuring that all the projects would be completed on schedule.

    Ambode used the opportunity of the meeting to reiterate the call for devolution of powers to state and practice of true federalism.

    For him, devolution of powers to states and practice of federalism in the true meaning of the word is a sure way to address the knotty issues slowing down the progress of the nation. At different fora, the governor has consistently maintained that there is a compelling and urgent need for the country to allow states which are the federating units of the country to actualise their potentials.

    For instance, while speaking recently at a joint working retreat of Senate and House Representatives Committees on the Review of 1999 Constitution held in Lagos, Ambode called for amendment of the Constitution to entrench fiscal federalism, which in turn, would go a long way in making the states to come up with innovative programmes and initiatives that would scale up development.

    So, it was not surprising again when Ambode renewed the call for devolution of powers to states and true federalism at town hall meeting.

    The governor said: “I support true federalism; I support all the issues raised by Asiwaju; we are on the same page. That is the page of APC; that is where we are and that is what we are committed to. Like I have always said, we need to deal with issues that relate to devolution of powers. Like somebody said, if I have more resources, all these items that you are coming to raise here, once you raise it, I will just say done. I need more money. So, why should somebody be saying they are the ones in charge of inland waterways when the waterways is transporting my own people and my own services and when there is a law about it.”

    Ambode also questioned why despite the existence of Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly, there were still attempts from the central government to regulate hotels and entertainment centres in the state, a situation he said was an anomaly that should be addressed accordingly.

    “We enact a law and somebody says he wants to do another law that regulates hotels inside Lagos. Is it not because of the roads that they put hotel there? That is what devolution of power is saying. If these things are on residual list, let Local Government and States deal with them. That is all that we are asking for.

    “So, obviously that is the whole idea behind this agitation for true federalism, devolution of powers and the need to use it to liberate ourselves so that we can get more prosperous; so that our people can be more comfortable and it is all about the welfare of our people. Our people have said that we should do this work and we must be able to speak on your behalf on the things that really matter to all of you,” he said.

    He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to join hands with the state government to wage a total war against all forms of crimes as well as drug abuse in their various communities.

    He said his administration will not relent in its efforts towards reducing the menace, adding however that concerted efforts from the traditional rulers and community leaders, who are closest to the people, were very pivotal to achieving the desired result.

    “We are in October and we are going to December, naturally, when it gets to the ember months, somehow traditionally, crime rate go up but in the last two years, we have been able to reduce crime rate when it is coming to December.

    “I want to appeal to all our traditional rulers and other community leaders; there is a need for us to support the Neighborhood Safety Corps. Also, our volunteers and the people should now be more vigilant and then cooperate with our security agencies to maintain law and order.  I want to reduce the crime rate to the barest minimum and I know that we are going to engage a lot of our youths in end-of-the-year activities to make sure that peace continue to reign in Lagos,” the Governor said.

    Ambode also implored the various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to increase their awareness campaign on the dangers of drug abuse, saying that there was an urgent need for them to also join the fight against all forms of domestic and sexual violence.

    “Like people already know, we are at the forefront of fighting drugs, sexual abuse and violence against women and children, we will not relent in fighting these menace in the society. I believe strongly this is the time to talk to our children; I believe strongly this is the time to talk to our wards and even those who are around us that this time around, the State Government is ready to fight crime in all its ramifications,” he said.

    The governor also commended residents for their continuous support to his administration, saying that it had gone a long way in driving the various infrastructural development programmes implemented by the State Government.

    He hailed the efforts of some community associations who have taken the initiative to start up projects in their vicinity, assuring that aside recognition from the State Government, his administration would ensure that such projects would be supported to ensure completion.

    Ambode also urged chairmen of the 20 local government and 37 local council development areas to look into the welfare of persons living with disabilities and the elderly, saying that the all-inclusive mantra of his administration must be felt in every part of the State.

    Among dignitaries present at the event include Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; former Speakers of the House of Assembly – Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Hon Jokotola Pelumi; APC Chairman in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I and other major traditional rulers; members of the State Executive Council, among others.