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Tag: Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Easter: Ambode preaches love, sacrifice, tolerance

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has assured residents that his administration would continue to work for the greater good of the state until his exit from office.

    Ambode gave the assurance in his Easter message in Lagos on Saturday.

    He commended Lagosians for the sustained peaceful co-existence that the state had experienced since the commencement of his administration, despite being home to multi-ethnic, cultural and religious diversities.

    The governor said as Christians celebrate Easter, Nigerians in general should to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another.

    He said the celebration of the resurrection of Christ, which the season represents, should be a constant reminder for everyone to extend the virtues of selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance.

    Ambode urged Christians to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles toward promoting and sustaining the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the nation.

    “We must therefore see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity by working in the spirit of togetherness, because no nation can make any meaningful progress in an atmosphere riddled with pockets of violence and killings,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Ambode hails Lagosians for remaining steadfast with APC

    The governor said with the elections over, it was time for every Nigerian to unite and eschew bitterness along ethnic and religious lines for the sake of a more prosperous Nigeria.

    According to him, no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives.

    “The elections have come and gone, we must not allow our political leanings determine our actions.

    “The Nigeria we desire will only be a reality if all hands are on deck toward achieving a peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country.

    “This is the time for us to avoid all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to,” he said.

  • God’s goodness to my family, immeasurable – Mrs. Osinbajo

    Elated Pastor (Mrs.) Dolapo Osinbajo,  wife of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Sunday testified of the goodness of God to her family, saying it is immeasurable.

    Dolapo said she was particularly grateful to God for his mercy and compassion upon the family, which she stressed, protected her husband and pulled him out from the jaw of death unscathed when he miraculously survived a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State, last February 2.

    The Vice – President’s wife who rendered her brief testimony in a core Yoruba language during an Interdenominational Service of praise and thanksgiving in Ikenne, Ogun state, also appreciated God for the re – election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The service of praise and thanksgiving was put together by Christian community in the state in conjunction with the Vice – President to express their gratitude to God for the re -election of President Muhammadu  Buhari and Osinbajo.

    The exciting event where the septuagenarian gospel singer, Dr. Ebenezer Obey entertained guests with many soul lifting songs of praise and worship, was attended by Governor Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) who reads the bible lesson from Psalm 149.

    They were also  Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governor – elect in Ogun state, Prince Adedapo Abiodun and ex – Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Sir Kensington Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, traditional rulers, community leaders and Christian community.

    The governor – elect, Dapo Abiodun, who came in the company of his wife, described Osinbajo as a “worthy son of Remo” and “Omoluabi one of Nigeria.”

    He said the Vice – President is an embodiment of diligence, sincerity intellect, whom he always confidently call a leader.

    Read also: Buhari poorer now than in 2015, says Osinbajo 

    The successful entrepreneur, oil magnate and real estate player, reiterated what had kept him going in the journey of life despite daunting challenges is his absolute and unshakable faith in God.

    She said such faith was anchored on the message of Christ in Mark 11:23, which assured that an unwavering faith could relocate a mountain from one point to another.

    He pledged to run an equitable, just, accountable  and a transparent government which would create a public, private partnership for the benefits of Ogun state, the citizens and residents.

    In his brief sermon, the Archbishop Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Dr. Olusina Fape, said it was the mercy and compassion of God that delivered Osinbajo from death and helped him and his principal, Muhammadu Buhari to emerge victorious in the presidential election.

    Anchoring his message on Romans 9 : 15 – 16, Fape said it is God that elevates one and not necessarily the product of one’s effort, praying that God in his mercy would also protect and keep the Vice – President safe during his second tenure.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, Fashola, Sanwo-Olu meet in Lagos

    Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola on Saturday met in Lagos.

    The gathering was made known by the Lagos State All Progressives Congress Governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a photo tweeted on his official twitter handle.

    It was also attended by Chairman of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) Muiz Banire and President Muhammadu Buhari Deputy Chief of Staff, Adeola Rahman Ipaye.

  • Plans to impeach Ambode self-destructive – Action Alliance

    The National Chairman of Action Alliance, Dr Tunde Anifowose-Kelani, has described the recent alleged impeachment move against Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State as self-destructive for the APC.

    The chairman made this assertion in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

    Anifowose-Kelani, who described the impeachment move as unwise, said it could result in APC losing Lagos in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

    He, therefore, advised the party to quickly resolve the crisis between the governor and the state legislature.

    “It is sheer callousness and abject insensitivity with selfishness for anyone to think of impeaching Governor Ambode after he was denied the second term opportunity.

    “Ambode, being a gentlemen, took the slight in good faith and with humility.

    “The fact that he was denied a second-term ticket does not mean that Lagosians are sleeping at all .

    “They are watching the events unfold, and for a group of people to embarrass the governor, it shall meet high resistance with Lagosians’ votes.

    “We, hereby, call on the leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to caution and lecture the political opportunists with immediate effect on the adverse effect of their negative intention on APC in the state.

    “We appeal to those involved to stop the impeachment threat or face mass mobilization of voters against their elections in the state,” he said.

    Anifowose-Kelani also said the Action Alliance had scaled up its efforts to ensure the success of President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Imo, Uche Nwosu, in the upcoming general elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State House of Assembly had on Monday given Ambode a week ultimatum to appear before it.

    The house demanded that the governor defend himself against allegations of misconduct levelled against him or face impeachment process. (NAN)

  • LASG spends N15bn on schools’ infrastructure over 3-yrs – Ambode

    The Lagos State Government said it had invested N15 billion in infrastructure in state-owned schools over the past three and a half years.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode made this known on Thursday during the official opening of the newly-constructed Aderemi Makanjuola Ultra-Modern Lecture Theatre at the Lagos State University (LASU).

    The occasion was also marked with the presentation of a book entitled “Global Aids and Tertiary Education: An Overview”.

    The lecture theatre was donated by Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group to mark his 70th birthday anniversary.

    The governor said infrastructure facilities were provided to ensure that students learn in a conducive environment.

    According to him, the state government under my administration has also employed 3,400 primary and secondary teachers to improve the teacher to student ratio as well as the quality of learning in the schools.

    “As you may be aware, Lagos State is the fifth largest economy in Africa based on the size of our GDP and one of the strengths of our state is our teeming population of which youths constitute a majority.

    “This administration has determined that the continued prosperity of Lagos State is dependent on a well-educated population that is competent to create value and take up opportunities in the global economy.

    “Beyond these statutory activities, we developed innovative solutions to bridge gaps in our education system and to position Lagos State for a technology-driven future, ‘’ the governor said.

    According to him, the strategy of the state government has been all-encompassing, reaching every level of the society to ensure no one is left behind.

    Ambode said in response to concerns from Corporate Nigeria regarding the work-readiness of graduates, the ReadySetWork programme was launched in 2016.

    He said the programme aimed at ensuring that every student who graduated from a tertiary institution in the state had the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to function effectively in the world of work.

    “To date, over 34,000 students have graduated from the programme and are making impact in their respective spheres – some pursuing doctoral degrees, others applying their entrepreneurial skills to solve social problems.

    “While some others transforming organisations across Nigeria as value-adding employees, ‘’ he said.

    The governor said the CodeLagos initiative was launched in 2017 with a handful of coding centres in both government and private schools in the state with a mission to position Lagos as the technology frontier in Africa by teaching one million residents code.

    “As of today, we have set up coding centres in 648 primary and secondary schools across the state and we are offering free coding classes to Lagos residents at over 40 out-of-school centres.

    “Through `Eko Nke Koo’, the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education increased the number of adult literacy centres across the state from 532 centres in 2016 to 782 as at January 2018, ‘’ he said.

    Ambode appreciated the privilege and honour to work alongside collaborators bordering large scale organisations or well-meaning individuals in the society.

    He said these were people who recognised their roles in state and nation building and had worked tirelessly to support the efforts of government.

    Ambode however said the opening of the theatre was symbolic of a citizen-partnership as Makanjuola had sown a seed that would outlive him by bequeathing the ultra-modern lecture theatre to the university.

    “Sir, this is a gesture that will be remembered for generations and for that we are eternally grateful.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, and the entire Lagos State University community, I say a very happy birthday to you, Sir.

    “In another 48 hours, our philanthropist will be 70 years old. Congratulations Sir, as those who are present here today bear witness to your generousity.

    “I thank the LASU management for reciprocating your kind gesture by publishing the book being presented to the public today entitled “Global Aids and Tertiary Education: An Overvie’’, in honour of Mr Remi Makanjuola.

    ‘“I am told the book would make a good reading and also serve as an inspiration to all who read it,” he said.

    The governor congratulated the Chancellor, the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and other members of the university management for repositioning LASU and placing her on the path of growth and progress.

    “I believe strongly that the high level commitment demonstrated by the management of the university has played a major role in attracting support from corporate organisations and individuals, one of whom we are gathered here to celebrate.

    “I urge our lecturers and students to make the best use of this facility; use it to propel yourselves to achieving your dreams. That is when the vision of Mr Remi Makanjuola would have been realised, ‘’ the governor said.

    Ambode also assured the university community of his commitment to ensure the completion of all ongoing developmental projects in the university.

    `This is toward achieving the goal of making the university one of the best centres of knowledge and research in Africa,’’ he said.

    In his address, Makanjuola said he made the donation because education was the bedrock of development in every society and it was also an avenue for him to give back to Lagos State where he enjoyed scholarship.

    Makanjoula said the building was completed within six months while hailing all those who were members of the building team for the efforts at ensuring things were done properly and timely.

    “It is not for me to tell anybody to donate because everybody has what he or she wants to use his or her money for but we all know how important education is,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Ambode supporters protest at APC secretariat

    Some supporters of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday staged a protest at the Lagos secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what they called the party’s plan to manipulate the governorship primary to favour Mr Jide Sanwo-olu.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protesters, numbering about 200, carried leaves and placards, expressing their displeasure with the electoral process.

    Mr Daud Olasheu, who led the protest, alleged that the party leadership had already compromised the process with the adoption of Sanwo-Olu, even before Tuesday’s primary.

    Olasheu, Deputy APC Local Government Chairman in Somolu, said that the party was taking a number of other steps to ensure that Ambode did not win the election.

    He said they were sure that Lagos residents wanted the governor because of his administration’s strides, and that he would win in a free and fair contest.

    “We are here today, first to show solidarity with Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode ahead of the primary and to say we are solidly behind him.

    “We are also here to show our resentment over the partial role the leadership is playing in the process, especially with the endorsement of Mr Sanwo-Olu.

    “We want to say the party leadership have already compromised the process even before the primary.

    “We do not believe in the process and we want the national leadership to do its best to make the primary credible”, he said.

    Olasheu alleged that thousands of Ambode’s supporters were not issued the party’s membership cards to enable them to vote in the election.

    According to him, the failure to issue the cards is a clear ploy pave the way for the emergence of Sanwo-Olu.

    He urged the National Working Committee of the party to take over the conduct of the primary and do its best to make the process credible.

    The politician said Ambode had done well for the people of Lagos and so deserved support for re-election.

    NAN reports none of the state party officials addressed the protesters as they were busy meeting with NWC officials on the primary.

    The protesters stayed into the night while the meeting was on-going, chanting solidarity songs in support of the governor.

  • 2019 elections: Ambode urges religious groups to champion peace

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday appealed to religious bodies to help to ensure that the 2019 general elections were conducted peacefully through constant prayers for the country.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at a Muslim Leaders Interactive Forum.

    The forum was organised by the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) with the theme,  “Make Your Life Count: Unity of Muslim Ummah in Focus”.

    He said that religious organisations by their standing in society had enormous responsibility in ensuring that peace prevailed in their communities.

    According to him, religious bodies could impress upon their members on the need to eschew all forms of electoral violence during the elections.

    “There is the need for religious bodies and leaders to educate the people on the need for political tolerance to promote peace and tranquility before, during and after the elections,” he said.

    Ambode also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by religious bodies in supporting his administration and maintaining peaceful coexistence in the state.

    Also, Prof, Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, MCLS, assured that the Muslim community in the country would play a significant role in the country’s bid to ensure a peace during and after the elections.

    “We are close to an election year. We know the peculiarities of this period — hate and inflammatory speeches as well as consequent killings and other damnable actions in the religious and social spheres.

    “As a religious group, we have a duty to ensure peace and harmony,” he said.

    In his lecture entitled, “Unity Among Muslims”, Shaykh Muslihudeen Kalejaye, said Islam was a religion that tolerated other religions and ordered its followers to respect and protect all humans.

    “Where there is no unity, it will bring about disruption, devastation and disputes,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Ridwan Olagunju of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, urged all religious bodies to continue to pray for the peace of the country.

    Olagunju urged the Muslim faithful to adhere to the tenets of Islam as well as do good to make their life count.

    He also appealed to government at all levels to sought the advice of religious leaders in policy formulation.

  • Ambode sure of fiscal federalism

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has expressed optimism for the realisation of the entrenchment of fiscal federalism as the only way to achieve true nationhood.

    Ambode said on Tuesday at a public lecture with the theme, “Restructuring: An Antidote for Effective and Efficient Polity’’, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election.

    “Our present democratic experience may still be far from ideal but we are absolutely convinced that it is the right way to go for us to realise the optimum potential and prosperity of the federating states and the nation.

    “On this historic day, I am convinced more than ever before that this ideal will be realised sooner than we can imagine,’’ Ambode said.

    The governor said that the theme of the celebration was apt as it dwelt on the real topical issues bedeviling the country.

    “The theme of this historic edition of June 12 celebrations speaks for itself. As a state and people, our stand on a restructuring process that will lead to fiscal federalism, devolution of power is very clear,” he said.

    Ambode described this year’s commemoration as a victory for democracy with the award and conferment of the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on the Late MKO Abiola and his running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

    “By this singular act, including the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on the fearless Human Rights Activist, Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, President Muhammadu Buhari has written his name in Gold in the political history of Nigeria.

    “We salute President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating exceptional courage to stand by justice and the truth,’’ he said.

    Ambode said that June 12 was a day Nigerians demonstrated unity and put aside ethnic and religious biases to speak overwhelmingly with one voice.

    “Sadly, the aspiration of Nigerians expressed through the ballot was truncated by the military.

    “Since then, the struggle for democracy has been relentless, championed by progressive Nigerians, men of character and courage, who challenged the military junta.

    “You can imagine our delight when the President announced the recognition of June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day in Nigeria.

    “This formal recognition is a crown of victory to the struggle that had taken the lives of so many nationalists and patriots,’’ he said.

    The governor saluted all those who stood for the actualisation of June 12 and also paid tributes to the memories of patriots who died in the struggle.

    “Today, we salute leaders of the struggle including Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Amb. Walter Carrington, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya and Chief Frank Kokori.

    “Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Mr Wale Oshun, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and other Nigerians and Civil Society Organisations as well as trade and labour unions.

    “We also pay glowing tribute to patriots such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Michael Enahoro and Chief Alfred Rewane.

    “Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo and several others, including innocent ordinary Nigerians, young and old, who were murdered in cold blood on the streets of Lagos and in other major cities of Nigeria.

    “Today, we declare that their sacrifice has not been in vain,’’ Ambode said.

    As part of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the annulled June 12 Presidential election in Lagos, the state government held the 25th edition of the June 12 Annual Lecture and unveiled a 37-ft statue of the late MKO Abiola at Ketu-Alapere, Lagos.

    Earlier in his lecture, Dr Dele Ashiru of the Political Science Department, University of Lagos, advocated a review of the constitution and a special status for Lagos State.

    According to Ashiru, there have been a number of structural deficiencies since the emergence of the Nigerian state.

    He said that the structural imbalance had led to many problems including corrupt practices, armed robbery and other crimes.

    “How do we restructure? It has to be more fundamental than cosmetic restructuring.

    “It has to be at the level of politics, governance, education and so on,’’ Ashiru said.

    He also called on leaders in all political offices to learn to live and uphold the ideals that Abiola represented while he lived.

    Also speaking, an Activist, Mr Linus Okorojie, commended the state government for its continued support for the June 12 struggle.

    Okorojie also commended President Buhari for the declaration and for according Abiola the highest national honour.

    “The Federal Government must however, go further to conclude the process by asking INEC to announce the result of the I993 Presidential elections and proclaim MKO Abiola winner, posthumously,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Ambode on course with sterling achievements in three years — lawmakers

    Some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly say Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, is on course with sterling achievements recorded in the last three years.

    The lawmakers made the assessment in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The assemblymen, who lauded Ambode’s development strides across the state, said his administration was “above board’’.

    Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, the only PDP member in the House, told NAN that the governor had been able to distinguish himself as one with clear cut direction and agenda.

    “Putting the bias apart, Ambode is good, considering the massive infrastructure development across the state and investment in security.

    “The government of Ambode, which I am part of as a legislator, cannot be rated low in people-oriented policies and programmes,’’ Olorunrinu said.

    Also speaking, Mr Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Ad hoc Committee on Health Service, said “Ambode has become a darling to the people in the state and those outside.

    “This governor has demonstrated that he knows the need of the people in terms of infrastructure, security, emergency, employment, credit facilities, power supply, transport, education, health and he has delivered.”

    Also, Mr Setonji David, representing Badagry Constituency II, said that the governor had been able to manage the resources of the state well.

    David said the government had not only succeeded in improving the state’s economy, but given hope to those living in suburbs of the state.

    “Huge investments have been attracted to the state, we must applaud Ambode, we should also commend him for not concentrating on the metropolis alone in development projects,”  he said.

    Prince Adebisi Yusuff, representing Alimosho Constituency I in the House, described Ambode as `Mr Project’, saying the governor had turned the state into construction site.

    Yusuff said that the governor’s achievements in the last three years were unparalleled.

    Mr Jude Idimogu, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, said the governor’s administration was on course.

    “Everybody admires him including the non-indigenes. The governor has been able to transform all sectors of the economy with great improvement in tourism.

    “He has done very well and should be returned in 2019 for more transformation and giant strides in all facets,’’ Idimogu, the only Igbo lawmaker in Lagos Assembly said.

    The Chairman, House Ad hoc Committee Works and Infrastructure, Mr Abiodun Tobun, said that Ambode had given residents good governance with renewal of infrastructure.

    Mr Tunde Braimoh, the spokesman for the House, noted that the numerous achievements of the governor remained subject of discussions by most residents.

  • I’m grateful to those investing in Nigeria – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed appreciation to foreign and local investors that agreed to commit their investment into Nigeria, aimed at boosting the country’s economy.

    Buhari, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit to the Eko Atlantic City project, expressed his appreciation to investors after being shown round the project by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.

    He said that their investment had helped to provide employment for Nigerians, reducing the rate of unemployment in the country.

    “I am extremely grateful to those that agreed to invest so much in our country.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I am extremely impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and its effect on the economy and what it is capable of bringing,’’ Buhari said.

    The President, while expressing his satisfaction with the ocean reclamation embarked upon by the state government and its partners, said that the investment had impacted on the country’s economy.

    Earlier, Ambode said that the project was an example of what the private sector could do to the nation’s economy.

    Ambode, who said the project was initiated by the Bola Tinubu administration, noted that it had actually saved the whole of Victoria Island from potential danger.

    He said that the project, which would spread over 750 square kilometres, upon completion, would eventually be bigger than Victoria Island.

    In an interview with newsmen, Tinubu, who accompanied the President on the tour, described the Eko Atlantic City project as a solution to a potentially dangerous liability.

    According to Tinubu, the ocean surge at the Ahmadu Bello end could have wiped out the whole of Lagos Island.

    He, however, advised the Federal Government to replicate the project on the nation’s coastline.

    The inspection marked the end of Buhari’s two-day visit to the state.

    Read Also: Buhari, Tinubu say they are on rescue mission

    NAN