The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat

  • Hamzat hails MSSN for proper youths’ orientation

    Hamzat hails MSSN for proper youths’ orientation

    The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has commended the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit for intentionally transforming the lives of Muslim youths through their laudable programmes.

    Dr Hamzat spoke at the grand finale of the 19th biennial Lagos Qur’an Competition organised by the MSSN Lagos State Area Unit in honour of the society’s pioneer national president, Dr Abdul Lateef Adegbite, at Ade Ajayi Auditorium, UNILAG.

    He said: “If it was possible for me to be a child again, I would have joined the competition to recite and contend with others. This is a laudable initiative that can transform the lives of youngsters and the Muslim ummah in entirety. We should emulate what MSSN is doing. The public needs to see what these children are doing. Memorising the Qur’an is not an easy task. Allah alone makes it easy and possible.”

    The deputy governor called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad in words and actions.

    Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, said: “We should all emulate the deeds of our noble Prophet (SAW) and his traditions. If you read his history, you’ll realise that his secretary, Zaid bn Thabit, started writing the Qur’an at the age of 15.

    “In essence, age doesn’t really matter. It’s about the path every individual chooses to tread. So, every parent should set a right path for their children.”

    A senior lecturer of Islamic Studies at Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Dr. Sanusi Lafiagi, stressed the need for Muslims to individually and as a Ummah conform with the messages of the Qur’an.

    He said: “The Qur’an provides directions and guidance for Muslims spiritually, morally, socially, economically, and politically. It’s a compass that guides a Muslim on how to lead his life and attain eternal bliss.

    Read Also: Patronis made-in-Nigeria goods to boost jobs, industrial growth – Industrialist urges Nigerians

    He expressed great delight in seeing young Muslims adorn the Qur’an with beautiful recitations.

     “I’m glad this is happening in Lagos, and it’s the 19th edition. The brothers have really gone far in promoting the culture of reading and memorising the Qur’an. I’m delighted to be a part of this. “I’ll advise the organisers to give this programme more publicity, so that more people can be a part of it. I also urge Muslims in positions of authority to grace occasions like this with their presence. It’s a way of showing reverence to the Qur’an,” he said.

    MSSNLagos Amir Kamoldeen Abiona, noted that the students’ body remains committed to nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development of Muslim students.

    “We will continue to organize programs and initiatives that promote the understanding and practice of Islam, and that empower our youth to become responsible and contributing members of society,” he said.

    He urged Muslims and youths to embrace the Quran as their unfailing compass and strive to build a society that is guided by its principles.

    Abiona appealed to the government and the Muslim community to honor the legacy of the Late Alhaji Lateef Adegbite by upholding the values he championed.

    Anas Ayub from Agbado-Okeodo Area Council tops 30 Juz male category at the competition while Rumaytha Abdul-Quadir from Fajr Centre won the female category.

    Winners in other categories are Ridwanullah Ishaq; Nusaybah Bunyamin; Kamilah AbdulHafeez and Abbas Abdul Quadri.

  • Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat: A winning combination for Lagos

    On November 4, 2018, Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially announced Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, a former Lagos Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, and earlier contender for the All Progressives Congress Lagos ticket, as his running mate for the 2019 Lagos Gubernatorial Elections. The announcement birthed a strategic dream team equipped to usher Lagos into a new dispensation worthy of its title as the Centre of Excellence.

    A competent, visionary and skilled pilot is the first order requirement for a successful journey but the importance of a co-pilot that has keyed into the vision and is equally competent is the second order requirement for an even more successful and comfortable journey. This is what the dream team promises for Lagos after winning the elections in 2019.

    In stepping down for Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat demonstrated his confidence in Sanwo-Olu’s ability to lead Lagos to the next level as well as showed himself as a worthy team player. A co-pilot has to believe totally in the pilot’s capability in steering the vessel right and Dr. Femi Obafemi Hamzat proved that belief when he decided to hoist his flag on the Sanwo-Olu ship.

    In his statement while stepping down, he said;

    “Having been part and parcel of the formulation and execution of various policies and programmes that transformed Lagos right from former governors Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola’s administrations, I strongly believe that Sanwo-Olu is equally rooted to fly our party’s flag in the 2019 elections.

    There is beauty in a concerted effort put forth by the right pair. This is why a synchronised swimming duet is always an absolute delight to watch. This beauty is brought to the fore in the combination of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; The Lagos 2019 Dream Team.

    Lagos is at a very important place in its history. 19 years of consistent leadership has allowed the implementation of a coordinated growth and development plan that beyond states, only a few countries can boast of. The next level of the plan involves a strategic combination of science, technology and a keen understanding of governance to reach set out goals of prosperity and development for Lagos.

    53 years old, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled the first order requirement and has emerged as the chosen pilot by winning the APC’s Lagos Gubernatorial primary elections. He spent 16 years in the public sector and 11 in the private sector. Educated at University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, Kennedy School of Government, London Business School, his educational qualifications, public and private sector achievements make him an extremely qualified candidate. He was a three-time commissioner in the state (Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions) and had done a lot of work on improving the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He had led the publication of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS) and had set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. His achievements and pedigree will be key in leading Lagos to the new level ahead.

    Let us now take a look at the other half of the dream team.

    Who is Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat?

    Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is a 54 years old, three time commissioner in Lagos State.

    At 28 years, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat earned a Ph.D. in System Process Engineering from Cranfield University, England and was the first student in the department to complete his doctorate within three years. For his first and second degrees he attended the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with a B.Sc. (Second Class Upper) in Agricultural Engineering in 1986 and a M.Sc. in Crop Processing Engineering in 1988. His quest for more knowledge also led him to the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Programme and Columbia University.

    His distinguished private sector career saw him serve in three of the world’s largest banks  Citibank, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley Inc., as System Design Lead, Design, Implementation and Alignment of I.T Strategy with Business Direction, and as Consultant on System and Infrastructural Upgrade. In Nigeria, he served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Group Head, IT & Strategy at Oando Plc, managing the company’s key information assets.

    Having distinguished himself in the private sector, he was excited about the plan for a new Lagos and began work immediately when appointed as the Commissioner for Science and Technology during the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2005 and retained the position when Governor Babatunde Fashola assumed office in 2007.

    Great strides in the above ministries led to an appointment to a bigger portfolio at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure between 2011 and 2015. The Ministry, which had no Commissioner in the first term of the administration, had been supervised directly by the governor with help from a special adviser, but Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat’s success and the urgent need for increased focus on statewide infrastructural development had birthed this position.

    From Electronic Document Management Systems to e-health initiatives to upgrades and management of the State Network Infrastructure to ICT laboratories and Forensic laboratories that provide better evidence in the adjudication of criminal cases and unsolved murder cases to the Lagos State residents registration agency framework, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat set out and completed rapid science and technology reforms across different sectors.

    What is his role as Deputy Governor?

    Constitutionally, the Lagos State Deputy Governor is directly responsible for supervising the Office of Civic Engagement and the Ministry of Education, two very critical areas where Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat’s vast experience can transform for the future of Lagos.

    Apart from also deputizing for the governor on all state matters, he is Chairman, Lagos State Boundary Committee, handling all boundary disputes and development of border regions; Vice Chairman of the State Executive Council; Vice Chairman of the State Security Council and directly coordinates the Local Government Chieftaincy Committees as well as any other ministries assigned to him by the governor.

    It is safe to say Dr. Obafemi Hamzat’s vast experience will come out to play and be extremely useful in the handling of his duties and any other duties given to him by the governor.

    Selecting Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the best possible choice Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the All Progressives Congress in Lagos could have made not just for the party but also for the people of Lagos State.

    It isn’t common to have a governor and his deputy so in sync because more often than not, the deputy position is usually given out as a form of tokenism to placate one faction or one arm of the party. This is not the case in this situation as Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadiri Olufemi Hamzat have been friends and colleagues for over a dozen years so there’s a mutual respect and understanding of the work that is needed to move Lagos to the next level. Dr. Hamzat will be a busy Deputy Governor who will compliment his friend the Governor. He will not be a spare tyre. For both Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, governance in Lagos will get two for the price of one.

    Never before in the history of governance in Nigeria has a team as experienced in the highest levels of private and public sectors as Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ever come together dropping personal glory and leaving their individual dreams to join hands in focusing on taking a state to a new level. Their combined cerebral prowess is not in doubt. This combination is definitely the Dream Team for Lagos in 2019.

    And that people, is a fact you can take to the bank.

  • ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the administration of Babatunde Fashola is committed to the development of infrastructural facilities in the state.

    Hamzet, who was fielding questions from reporters on why the state is seemingly struggling to get the infrastructural development of the metropolis right, said: “We are not struggling. We have the master-plan that we are implementing, which, of course, can’t be exhausted magically in a calendar year, given the enormous challenges inherited by this administration. The state believes that improved infrastructure is a major pivot on which poverty eradication can rest,” he said.

    Citing the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Isheri-Oshun-Jakande Road, now fully awarded to Hitech Construction Company to complement the bridge works that started some time ago, and the Blue Rail Line project as examples, Hamzat said “the ultimate target of the administration is to develop sufficient infrastructure portfolio across the state for a competitive business environment.”

    On residents’ fears about the deplorable state of most inner roads, especially in the suburbs, the commissioner stated: “Across the state, some roads are federal while some belong to the state. It is important that the major roads are made fully motorable before we fix a good number of the inner roads. But the state government has fixed a lot of the federal roads, thus reducing its financial ability to fix most state roads.”

    He, however, hinted that the state had constructed a lot of major roads, adding, “others are currently under construction across the state. Last year, we started the construction of 156 roads, mostly, inner ones. And importantly, we are being careful with the number of roads being constructed at a time to prevent gridlock.” Continuing, he said: “We use the same approach in the rural areas-to rehabilitate as much as we can, bearing in mind that we can do all in a short while. However, many are resurfaced to bring relief to users. Such include the Isuti and Powerline roads in Ifako Ijaiye, Oke Agbo Street in Ojo Council Area and many others.

    “It is to allow for motorable roads because it will be a traffic nightmare if we shut down all the roads at a time for rehabilitation or construction.”

    On the crippling effects of vehicles that ply the roads daily, especially, oil tankers, heavy-duty and articulated ones, he said: “The load on our roads is very heavy; thus causing faster deterioration. Ninety-three per cent of containers coming into Apapa Port travel through Lagos roads. They are important to the economy of the state, since as a nation, we don’t have a standard rail infrastructure. The state traffic law regulates the movement of these vehicles to certain time of the day for the safety of road users.

    The commissioner further said that it was good to develop satellite towns and it comes with standard and auxiliary roads. But, it is important that we take care of the existing roads. Now, the state is renewing the blighted areas such as Badia, Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu. A typical example is the housing construction at Badia with the accompanying auxiliary infrastructure.”

    When reminded that most of the roads deteriorate easily, he said: “Some of the biggest threats to the roads are willful damage, conversion of roads to mechanic shops and car wash. Hence, the advocacy that we must as a community, take ownership of our roads. Also, we see concrete is an option; hence, we constructed the road leading to Gbagada hospital in Kosefe Local Government Area with concrete.”

    Hamzat revealed that the state’s plan was to build infrastructure that can cater for 40 million people. He further said: “The state has also expanded its capacity for water transportation. Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) is on top of our waste disposal. Lagos State is making good progress on all fronts. As a mega city, there are unique challenges such as transportation, refuse disposal and others. Our approach is to tackle these challenges one after the other.”

    Calling on the Federal Government to carry out its responsibilities in Lagos, he said: “Our prayer is for the Federal Government to take care of its responsibilities by fixing the Airport Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Road and other such infrastructure. Importantly, the Federal Government should allow the states to control these roads, but that must come with the resources that will allow them to carry out this responsibility. In essence, the Federal Government must shed weight and focus on security, immigration , and general aviation policies.

    Drawing a comparison between Lagos and some states in the United States, the commissioner said: “The infrastructural availability in New York is far higher and the federating states in the US are truly independent and can control their destinies. That is not the case in Nigeria. We must practise true federalism. Lagos will continue to build infrastructure that will give us a competitive advantage to be a knowledge-based economy. We are already on the rise; we just need to keep the momentum going. We continue to focus on our developmental strategy of Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing.

    “It is important that the two components in the budget, the revenue and expenditure, perform optimally. As a state government, we have focused on the capital expenditure which is why we have been able to achieve the type of infrastructural upliftment we have seen in the state. The revenue and the expenditure components must perform for the state to deliver people’s infrastructural needs. The revenue must be fully enhanced and reliable for us as a state to continue to uplift our society. So, we as people, must pay our taxes to build roads, sustain our hospitals, schools and so many other social amenities for people to enjoy better life.

     

  • ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the administration of Babatunde Fashola is committed in its drive to develop the infrastructural facilities of the state.

    He stated this while fielding questions from journalists on why the state is seemingly struggling to get the infrastructural development of the metropolis right, especially, the roads.

    “We are not struggling. We have the master plan that we are implementing, which, of course, can’t be exhausted magically in a calendar year, given the enormous challenges inherited by this administration. The state believes that improved infrastructure is a major pivot on which poverty eradication can rest,” he said.

    Citing the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Isheri-Oshun-Jakande Road, now fully awarded to Hitech Construction Company to complement the bridge works that started some time ago, and the Blue Rail Line project as examples, Hamzat said “the ultimate target of the administration is to develop sufficient infrastructure portfolio across the state for a competitive business environment.”

    On residents’ fears about the deplorable state of most inner roads, especially in the suburbs, the commissioner stated: “Across the state, some roads are federal while some belong to the state. It is important that the major roads are made fully motorable before we fix a good number of the inner roads. But the state government has fixed a lot of the federal roads, thus reducing its financial ability to fix most state roads.”

    He, however, hinted that the state had constructed a lot of major roads, adding, “others are currently under construction across the state. Last year, we started the construction of 156 roads, mostly, inner ones. And importantly, we are being careful with the number of roads being constructed at a time to prevent gridlock.” Continuing, he said: “We use the same approach in the rural areas-to rehabilitate as much as we can, bearing in mind that we can do all in a short while. However, many are resurfaced to bring relief to users. Such include the Isuti and Powerline roads in Ifako Ijaiye, Oke Agbo Street in Ojo Council Area and many others.

    “It is to allow for motorable roads because it will be a traffic nightmare if we shut down all the roads at a time for rehabilitation or construction.”

    On the crippling effects of vehicles that ply the roads daily, especially, oil tankers, heavy-duty and articulated ones, he said: “The load on our roads is very heavy; thus causing faster deterioration. Ninety-three per cent of containers coming into Apapa Port travel through Lagos roads. They are important to the economy of the state, since as a nation, we don’t have a standard rail infrastructure. The state traffic law regulates the movement of these vehicles to certain time of the day for the safety of road users.

    The commissioner further said that it was good to develop satellite towns and it comes with standard and auxiliary roads. But, it is important that we take care of the existing roads. Now, the state is renewing the blighted areas such as Badia, Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu. A typical example is the housing construction at Badia with the accompanying auxiliary infrastructure.”

    When reminded that most of the roads deteriorate easily, he said: “Some of the biggest threats to the roads are willful damage, conversion of roads to mechanic shops and car wash. Hence, the advocacy that we must as a community, take ownership of our roads. Also, we see concrete is an option; hence, we constructed the road leading to Gbagada hospital in Kosefe Local Government Area with concrete.”

    Hamzat revealed that the state’s plan was to build infrastructure that can cater for 40 million people. He further said: “The state has also expanded its capacity for water transportation. Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) is on top of our waste disposal. Lagos State is making good progress on all fronts. As a mega city, there are unique challenges such as transportation, refuse disposal and others. Our approach is to tackle these challenges one after the other.”

    Calling on the Federal Government to carry out its responsibilities in Lagos, he said: “Our prayer is for the Federal Government to take care of its responsibilities by fixing the Airport Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Road and other such infrastructure. Importantly, the Federal Government should allow the states to control these roads, but that must come with the resources that will allow them to carry out this responsibility. In essence, the Federal Government must shed weight and focus on security, immigration , and general aviation policies.

    Drawing a comparison between Lagos and some states in the United States, the commissioner said: “The infrastructural availability in New York is far higher and the federating states in the US are truly independent and can control their destinies. That is not the case in Nigeria. We must practise true federalism. Lagos will continue to build infrastructure that will give us a competitive advantage to be a knowledge-based economy. We are already on the rise; we just need to keep the momentum going. We continue to focus on our developmental strategy of Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing.

    “It is important that the two components in the budget, the revenue and expenditure, perform optimally. As a state government, we have focused on the capital expenditure which is why we have been able to achieve the type of infrastructural upliftment we have seen in the state. The revenue and the expenditure components must perform for the state to deliver people’s infrastructural needs. The revenue must be fully enhanced and reliable for us as a state to continue to uplift our society. So, we as people, must pay our taxes to build roads, sustain our hospitals, schools and so many other social amenities for people to enjoy better life.

  • Infrastructure remains key to development, says commissioner

    Lagos Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has said the path to Nigeria’s greatness depends on its ability to develop the critical infrastructure for the economy.

    Hamzat stated this while on a tour of road projects in Eti-Osa Local Government.

    He said Nigeria could not fulfil its potential if it was unable to develop its road network, rail system and harness both its potential in the aviation and maritime sectors.

    According to the Commissioner, there is abundant evidence all over the world as to the need to build infrastructure. “Brazil has just recently announced infrastructure development package of about $63billion and it is not alone in the race”, he said.

    He stressed that the nation needs roads linking up all its regions on which the citizens can drive pleasurably based on its qualities and facilities.

    Hamzat said road construction efforts of the current administration in the State are a result of the belief that the quantum of economic development of any nation is closely tied to the quantum and quality of its infrastructure.

    Stressing that the obvious concentration on road is reflective of the fact that most of the movement of goods and services within the nation takes place on roads.

    While assuring that all the state’s projects are on course, the Commissioner noted that visible sign of project progress especially pedestrian bridges will only be felt when they are to be installed. He added that off-site castings are on-going.