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Tag: Commissioner for Information and Strategy

  • Ambode expresses readiness for Saturday primaries 

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has declared readiness to participate in the primary election for governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, slated for Saturday across the state.

    The party has adopted direct primaries in the state and Ambode is to slug it out with two other contestants namely: Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Governor said he is restating his readiness in line with the choice of the party in Lagos State and the validation given to the direct primary preference by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

    Read Also:Ambode, Ganduje, Abubakar, Bello, others to face direct primaries

    “As our great party approaches Saturday, September 29th, 2018, earmarked for the direct primary election to choose the candidate to fly our party’s gubernatorial flag at the next general election, I am happy to restate my commitment to participate in that process having procured and submitted my nomination form and having formally declared my intention to seek a second term to continue on the path of unprecedented growth and development that our State has witnessed since 2015”.

    The Governor expressed profound gratitude to the National Leader of the Party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; party elders and executives; GAC members; all APC members and every Lagosian “whose support, understanding and prayers have assisted me in no small measure in being used as an instrument through which our State has redefined the concept of greatness”.

    The statement added that the Governor in seeking re-election is approaching the founding fathers and teeming members of the party with a “grateful heart, open arms and a pledge to open and deeper attention to the concerns of this one, big family”.

    It added that a return of the party’s ticket to Ambode will guarantee the stability of the State’s growing economy; ensure the continuation of the growth and development it has witnessed over time and ensure that the opposition does not take root in the State.

    The statement congratulates the Governor’s co-contestants for the courage and commitment to the party and urges party faithful to come out en masse and vote peacefully in all the 20 Local Governments and 245 wards where the election will take place.

     

  • Buhari pays two-day visit to Lagos

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday begin a two-day official visit to Lagos State, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan said on Wednesday.

    According to Bamigbetan, the President, will during the course of his visit carry out some groundbreaking ceremonies and inspect some ongoing projects in the State.

    He said the President, on arrival, will attend the Colloquium organised to mark the 66th Birthday of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled to hold at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

    He said the President would perform the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, Ibeju Lekki.

    Bamigbetan said on completion, the multi-purpose Lekki Deep Sea Port, located at the heart of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, would be one of the most modern ports in West Africa, offering enormous support to the growing commercial operation across Nigeria and the entire West African region.

    He said the President would also inspect the ongoing construction works at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

    He said the Eko Atlantic City Project, a planned city being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to accommodate at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters, adding that the development will also have a positive environmental impact, as it will help in stopping the erosion of the State’s coastline.

    The Commissioner said the President would also commission the Ikeja Bus Terminal, expected to commute over a 100,000 residents across 23 bus routes in the State.

    According to him, the Ikeja Bus Terminal is part of the comprehensive plan to redefine public transportation which the present administration is implementing across the State.

    Aside the Ikeja Terminal, the Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal has been commissioned, while work is ongoing in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ojota, Agege and other areas.

    It would be recalled that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal had on Tuesday announced traffic diversions and alternative routes ahead of the President’s visit assuring that adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

    The State Government had also declared Thursday, March 29 as work free day to ease movement in and around the State as well as enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome the President.

    Read Also: Lagos declares tomorrow work-free day for Buhari’s visit

  • Lagos plans star-studded concert for golden jubilee celebration

    Lagos plans star-studded concert for golden jubilee celebration

    …Thanks sponsors, media, Lagosians for Support  

     

    The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to host the best of Nigerian traditional and contemporary popular musicians and fashionistas to an anniversary concert to round off the unprecedented year-long activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the State.

    A statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that the event tagged ‘Lagos State Golden Concert’ will hold at the Bar-Beach on Sunday, May 28 and is expected to draw thousands of Lagosians from all walks of life to the venue.

    The statement added that the concert which is billed to hold from 2pm will have in attendance the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State House of Assembly as well as party chieftains and corporate players from the Organized Private Sector.

    According to the statement, some of the confirmed artistes gracing the show include the juju music maestros – King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey as well as the legendry Highlife Patriarch, Sir Victor Olaiya.

    Other superstars on board are Davido, Phyno, Olamide, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Partoranking, ‘Mr Capable’ Banky W, Runtown, Vanessa, MI, Eedris Abdulkareem, Mr. Eazi, and DJ Spinall.

    Also expected are star Fuji artistes like Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder).

    According to Ayorinde, the Lagos State Golden Concert will serve as an ecstatic climax for the year-long activities that have been celebrating the cultural essence of the State since May 27, 2016.

    “It will also serve as a bridge between the activities for Lagos @ 50 which will formally come to a close with an anniversary ball on Saturday May 27 and the second year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration on Monday May 29th 2017,” he said.

    The Commissioner said the Golden Concert will further attest to the State Government’s commitment to the promotion of tourism, arts, culture and entertainment in the State and how musicians and creative artistes, like fashion designers and models, help in sustaining a vibrant, creative economy that has made Lagos State the cynosure of all eyes in Africa.

    The statement thanked the media and corporate sponsors whose generous contributions have sustained the year-long anniversary as well as every Lagosian whose support, encouragement and enthusiastic participation made the Lagos @ 50 Celebration undoubtedly the most publicized event of the year across Nigeria.

     

  • Lagos terminates contract for Badagry 48-room hotel project

    Lagos terminates contract for Badagry 48-room hotel project

    The Lagos State Government has terminated the contract for the construction of a 48-bedroom hotel project at the VIP chalets in Badagry, which was awarded in 2013 to Messrs. Anatolia International Limited.

    The project is currently being promoted as part of measures by the Ambode-led administration to boost tourism within the Badagry axis.

    A statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that the decision to terminate the contract followed a resolution taken at the State Executive Council meeting which held on Wednesday after an appraisal of progress report on the project.

    The statement said the pace of work was not commensurate with the amount already released for the project. It also cited inefficiency and overall poor performance by the contractor as reasons for the contract termination and the subsequent blacklisting of the said company.

    It maintained that one of the major policy thrusts of the current administration is tourism and hospitality sector development and that the government has left no one in doubt about its resolve to grow the state’s economy and empower the youths through several alternative means which include the tactical promotion of tourism, entertainment and sports.

    “The inability of Messrs. Anatolia International Limited to key into the vision of the present administration, as part of the efforts to fast-track the development of its tourism sector, necessitated the decision of the State Executive Council to terminate the contract,” the statement said.

    Ayorinde added that the current administration is resolved in its avowed mission to bring rapid infrastructural development to the state in a manner that gives zero-tolerance to insouciance and inefficiency.

     

  • Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    …Commiserates with families of killed security guards

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday directed the State Police Command to ensure prompt arrest of kidnappers who struck on Wednesday evening in Isheri area of the State killing three security guards.

    The kidnappers were said to have also abducted the Secretary of the Isheri North Residents Association, Mr. Dayo Adekoya.

    A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said Governor Ambode has already directed the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni to move decisively and promptly to arrest the kidnappers.

    Governor Ambode, according to the statement, specifically commiserated with the families of the security guards that lost their lives to the unfortunate incident, and assured that government is on top of the situation and working with security agencies to ensure early release of the victim.

    Ayorinde said: “A while ago, the CP of Lagos Command of the Nigerian Police, confirmed that police has commenced investigation as well as put in place necessary rescue operation to ensure the release of the victim.

    “While the State Government commiserates with the families of the three dead estate security guards, it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that lives and property of residents in the State are protected.”

    It would be recalled that just last week, Governor Ambode had demonstrated his seriousness and determination to eradicate the menace of kidnapping when he signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

    The law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom and death penalty in the event of death of a kidnapped victim.

  • Lagos hosts beach soccer African tourney

    Lagos hosts beach soccer African tourney

    The Lagos State Government is to build five new stadia in the different divisions of the state in its quest to promote excellence in sports and market the state through sports tourism.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, made the assertion on Wednesday in Lagos while unveiling Lagos as the Host City, Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 2016.

    Ayorinde said that the five stadia were already captured in the state’s 2017 budget proposal.

    He said that Lagos as the Centre of Excellence had been number one in sports and entertainment and believed in using sports to sell the mega city.

    Ayorinde said that the government was sponsoring the 2nd Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, holding from Dec. 13 to Dec. 18 at the Eko Atlantic, because it believed in showcasing not just sports but its tourism potential.

    He noted that two major components had been built into the hosting — sports and tourism, arts and entertainment — to achieve the state’s quest to make Lagos the sports hub in Africa.

    Ayorinde said that the government had partnered with countries that excel in sports and many organisations to promote a culture of sports.

    “As you can see, FC Barcelona Youth Academy had started in Lagos because Barca has an ally in the state.

    “The state government has planned a package for the Yuletide which will commence immediately the competition ended with the first ever Lagos City Carnival.

    “It will also organise the Lagos State fiesta which will hold simultaneously in Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island divisions, ending on Dec. 31.

    “This year’s events have been well planned to ensure that people relaxed and enjoyed themselves during the Christmas and New year festivities under tight security,’’ he said.

    The Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu, said that Lagos was hosting because it wanted to showcase the excellence of Lagos through sports.

    Tinubu said that the state had created more opportunities and varieties partnering with organisations, noting: “We are trying to create a sports culture where everybody can get into sports.

    “Copa Lagos has been running for six years but we are redefining beach soccer. We want Lagos to be a sports destination’’.

    He said that there would be bus shuttle from different locations for fans wishing to be at the venue to cheer the teams at the six-day event.

    He added that there would be events to showcase Lagos at the opening and closing ceremonies.

    The President, Nigeria Football Federation, AmajuPnnick, thanked Gov. AkinwunmiAmbode for hosting the event, noting that the hosting “will redefine beach soccer in its annals’’.

  • Breaking News: Lagos cancels monthly environmental sanitation day

    Breaking News: Lagos cancels monthly environmental sanitation day

    …Urges residents to comply with environmental laws

     

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday terminated the monthly environmental sanitation exercise which hitherto held for three hours on the last Saturday of every month.

    The State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution arrived at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting which approved the need for a robust review of the environmental laws and procedures in the state in order to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment.

    The Government noted that considering the present economic situation in the country, it was no longer appropriate to restrict movement of people for three hours in a mega city like Lagos at a time they should be pursuing commercial and entrepreneurial activities.

    According to government, in the last two decades, Lagos has grown exponentially into a mega city with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over twenty million people.

    But sadly, the environmental laws, policies and procedures being practiced in the State have not been able to match the phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy, hence the need for the reform.

    Ayorinde said the State Government was not unaware of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

    According to him, the thrust of the fresh initiatives, among others, is to promote holistic and modern solutions to the unique environmental challenges confronting the State, while encouraging citizens to voluntarily partner with government to achieve the desired goals.

    The Statement said: “After a careful consideration, the State Executive Council has therefore resolved that the present economic climate can no longer support the continued lock down of a mega city like Lagos, when the citizens should be free to engage in commercial and entrepreneurial activities that can promote economic growth and prosperity.

    “Furthermore, Government will also accelerate the introduction of fresh reforms through the passage of the new harmonized environmental laws that will drive meaningful changes in areas of harmonized billing, waste management, modern Landfill sites, noise pollution, introduction of an Environmental Trust Fund and an Environmental Advisory Council.

    “The Government wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to a clean and secure environment for the benefit of its citizens, and will continue to provide the necessary leadership to meet the environmental challenges of a mega city like Lagos. Lagosians and visitors alike are therefore urged to embrace these changes and imbibe a culture of voluntarily maintaining and preserving their environment to create a beautiful and healthy city that we all can be proud of.”

    The statement added that the State Government would henceforth be tougher in ensuring expeditious enforcement against contraventions of its policies and regulations and as such, residents should voluntarily comply with the necessary laws and support government in its bid to have a clean and healthy environment.

     

  • Special Grant Bill: Lagos deserves special status – Ambode

    Special Grant Bill: Lagos deserves special status – Ambode

    …Commends Senator Tinubu

    The Lagos State Government has commended the distinguished Senator representing Lagos Central Constituency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for pushing the need for Lagos State to be recognized and rewarded with a Special Status and Grant into the forefront of national discourse even if the import of that request is lost on a number of her colleagues.

    The State Government said in a release signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, that history would remember Senator Tinubu kindly for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill that sought a special recognition for Lagos State as the commercial capital of Nigeria as well as one per cent of federally generated revenue in view of its socio-economic importance to the entire country.

    The statement quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as saying that without prejudice to the decision of the Senate to stand down the bill, Senator’s Tinubu’s informed position and push will remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in the national economic discourse.

     “At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians. She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues,” the statement quoted Governor Ambode as saying.

    It stated that in spite of the set-back the bill suffered on Wednesday, the fact remains that Lagos State has always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

    ” The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos.

    “A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill.”

    The statement quoted Governor Ambode as adding that in spite of the rejection of the bill, Lagos State would continue to be special and will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe.

  • Lagos debunks rumour of Ambode in Edo

    Lagos debunks rumour of Ambode in Edo

    The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations made by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu alleging that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Kaduna State counterpart, Nasir El-Rufai were in Edo State for the election.

    In a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde on Wednesday, the government described the allegations by the PDP candidate as reckless and disgraceful.

    Mr. Ayorinde while clarifying the position of the government said Governor Ambode was presently overseas for an official assignment and in any case had no business being in Edo State on Election Day.

    “The Lagos State Governor served as the chairman Campaign Council constituted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his duty ended 24 hours before the election because no campaign was supposed to hold 24 hours to the election and having completed his assignment which included appearing with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Grand Rally in Edo State earlier in the month, Governor Ambode has no reason to return to Edo State on election day and for this sort of lie to have been peddled by a candidate who is supposed to be a pastor, is reckless and disgraceful.

    Mr. Ayorinde said Governor Ambode had clearly enumerated his position on the election during the Grand Finale of the campaign when he said that like Lagos where continuity has moved perfectly well, Edo State also deserves continuity in governance.

    “That message has been passed and has been accepted by the majority of Edo indigenes and therefore there would not be any need for the Governor to return to Edo on Election Day. The general public and security operatives are hereby advised to ignore the desperate lies of Pastor Ize-Iyamu,” Mr. Ayorinde said.

  • Lagos reinforces security in Ikorodu

    Lagos reinforces security in Ikorodu

    …Seals off Western Lodge Hotel on Isawo Road

    The Lagos State government has reassured the general public that the lives and property of well-meaning and peace-loving residents in the state remain its priority.

    In a statement released on Sunday by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the government advised that the general public should be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their immediate environment to the Police or any of the security services within the state.

    The statement urges “members of the public not to allow any building to be used to harbor criminals or serve as a base for criminal activities.”

    According to the statement, recent security investigations in the Ikorodu area of the state have revealed that the Western Lodge Hotel, located at 123, Isawo Road, Agric area of Ikorodu has been associated with illegal and criminal activities “and the Lagos State government has accordingly decided to seal up the hotel until further notice.”

    The statement added that “government will immediately reinforce the presence of security agents in and around Ikorodu axis” in order to further reassure residents of the determination of the government to safeguard lives and property in the area.

    The press release added that the Lagos State government warns that it will not hesitate to prosecute and confiscate any building found to have been used or is being used to aid criminal activities.