The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Lagos to reform tourism with summit, master plan

    In pursuance of its commitment to cause a major shift in marketing  the tourism and creative potential inherent across the state, the Lagos State Government is set to hold a tourism summit to enrich the master plan being prepared for the tourism industry in the state.

    The summit with the theme, “Destination Lagos: Towards A Sustainable Tourism-Driven Economy,” is scheduled to hold on Monday, April 16, 2018 at  Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Briefing the media recently at Alausa Secretariat, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, declared that the forthcoming summit is designed to provide useful content for the tourism roadmap that is poised to transform the vision of the state in becoming one of the foremost tourism destinations in Africa.

    The commissioner disclosed that the summit aligns with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s desire to invest in human capital and infrastructure in order to encourage creativity and promotion of great minds in arts, entertainment, culture and tourism in the state.

    While briefing the media on the relevance of the summit, Ayorinde revealed that the summit is crucial to intimate key players in the tourism industry with the achievements of the past three years and engage them in highlighting the specific steps to take in developing tourism further in the next two decades.

    ”The summit will list out in specific terms the interventions that are needed in producing a master plan that will assist in shaping the tourism sector in Lagos State in the next 15 to 20 years,” the commissioner stated.

    He added that the commitment of the Lagos State government to tourism and cultural promotion had been a deliberate plan derived from a visionary study of the population trend and analysis of what the sector would better absorb the teeming youth population, reduce poverty and crime as well as create jobs with multiplier effects on other sectors.

    Affirming the significance of the summit, the commissioner stated that encouraging existing practitioners and stakeholders with institutional support and sustaining hope of investors in the sector would require a more strategic and proactive approach, hence the need to invite all critical stakeholders under one roof to deliberate on the common goal of raising the bar of tourism promotion in Lagos State.

    ”The idea of this Lagos tourism summit, therefore, is part of our inclusive agenda to allow all stakeholders contribute to the ongoing tourism master plan being put together by Messrs Ernest and Young on behalf of the Lagos State government.”

    He further disclosed that the summit will be enriched by paper presentations by renowned stakeholders in the tourism business; panel discussions and a keynote address to be delivered by His Excellency, Mr. John Mahama, the former President of the Republic of Ghana.

    “The gathering will provide a rare opportunity to engage with stakeholders, professionals, leading academics and scholars, researchers in the tourism, culture, arts and entertainment industry, local and foreign media practitioners to debate, exchange ideas, deliberate and chart a way forward for Lagos tourism”, he added.

    Aside the main theme for discourse at the summit, other topics listed include: Exploring the Lagos Tourism Eco-system for Economic and Social Benefits; Financing Tourism: Path and Possibilities for Lagos State and M.I.C.E, Creative Content as Tourism Industry Panacea.

    Prof. Ibukunoluwa Ayodele of the University of Ibadan will deliver the lead paper. The Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture will speak about tourism as the new oil, while Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is the chief host.

    Also speaking at the briefing, a representative of Ernest Young, Mr. Adewale Adereti, stated that the strategic intention of developing and transforming tourism, culture and entertainment in the state requires input from relevant stakeholders and as such a summit is critical to fully explore the possibilities that the sector offers so that the master plan that will be produced will reflect the need of the industry.

    Adewale said as a visionary and committed leader, Governor Ambode is developing a robust tourism industry that will outlive the current administration and place the city on the map as a preferred destination.

  • Ambode urges civil servants to increase productivity

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode urged civil servants to increase productivity, to justify his administration’s investments in knowledge and skills.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, spoke while declaring open two-day training with the theme: “Adopting the Lean Process Improvement Culture in the Civil Service to Further Reduce Waste and Optimise Productivity”.

    It was organised by the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, in conjunction with Messrs. Vitech Consultants, at Golfview Hotel and Suites, GRA, Ikeja.

    He said: “The importance of eliminating waste cannot be overemphasised. Studies have shown that with good and sound processes relating to management of time and resources, one finds that meagre resources can be extended to produce outstanding results. In other words, organisations and individuals can achieve more with less. It is in pursuit of this objective that the governor has approved this training.”

    Oke said at the end of the programme, civil servants should produce outstanding results with less money, less personnel and in less time.

    He enjoined participants to engage in discussions and contribute to realising the objectives of the training, “because if the civil service perfects the art of lean management and operations, it will eliminate loss, waste, variability and inflexibility.”

    The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, one of the facilitators, told the participants not to allow the environment to drive them, “but they should drive the environment to fit their needs.”

    He said that was why Governor Ambode was training civil servants to make them drive the needs of the state and get maximum result.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde, said the participants were privileged to be at the programme, hoping that at the end of the training, they would be better informed.

     

  • Culture on parade as Lagos Ijebu monarchs okay Ambode for second term

    The main hall of the Jubilee Chalets in Epe was filled. Many who could not get seats stood at the back. In the podium and the floor were mainly Lagos State Ijebu traditional rulers who came to inaugurate their forum. But there were also members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and others who came to witness or add colour to another segment of the event: the endorsement of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for second term.

    It was like culture was on parade as the traditional rulers came in their colourful Yoruba outfits. Many of them were heralded by a group of cultural dancers. One monarch danced his heart out until he was asked to take his seat.

    When it was time for the traditional dance display, the Apepe Dance Group and the Agbo Naforija Masquarade Dance Group did not disappoint the audience as they spiced the event with their rarely-seen-stylistic dance steps and songs. At a point the MC had to beg them to leave to redeem the time for the main event.

    The Alara of Irala Kingdom in Eredo Epe, Oba Hakeem Okunola Adesanya ,was the cynosure of all as the MC informed the audience that the paramount monarch, who mounted the on October 10, 1960, is the longest reigning oba in Yoruba.

    Oba Adesanya urged the state Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum Vice Chairman Oba Kabiru Adewale Sotobi to read his speech, however prayed for the success of the association and that of the second term of Ambode, asking the people to vote massively for their son. ‘’Adura ti gba,’’ he added.

    Oba Adesanya stated why the group was formed and that the Oba of Lagos Oba Riliwanu Aremu Akiolu had given them his nod. It was aimed at fostering unity and friendship among them, he said: adding: ‘’It will act as a catalyst to accelerate development within our respective areas.’’

    On why the group okayed Ambode, Oba Adesanya, who is also the state Council of Obas and Chiefs Vice Chairman, scored the governor high in service delivery. He listed the projects the governor had executed and others that were ongoing and that there was need to allow him continue in office to finish the works he had started.

    Intermittently, a song titled: Ambo was played at the ceremony. Thereafter, everyone was asked to raise his hands to express their support for Ambode,  ‘a son of the soil’. The governor got an ovation. But a drama played out when a man who did not understand the question also raised to signify he was against the governor. Many laughed at him until he switched camp.

    A member of the Ambo Lekansi Grassroots Volunteer in APC, Epe, Taiwo Fatai, said the group endorsed the governor because he had done well.

    ‘’The governor has turned Lagos from a mega city to a super mega city. In Epe, his achievements were immeasurable,” he added.

  • Economics of land use charge

    Certainly, the recent bill on Land Use Charge passed into law by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode last Monday, is bound to change the equation as far as land management is concerned.

    It would be recalled that in 2001, the Lagos State government consolidated all property and land-based rates and charges previously applicable under Land Rates, Tenement Rates and Neighbourhood Improvement Charge into a single rate.  Thus, the Land Use Charge as prescribed by the Land Use Charge Law, No 11 of 2001 applicable to landed properties in Lagos State commenced on June 22, 2001.

    This was done with the dual aim of simplifying the payment of property tax and generating additional revenue for the state through efficient enforcement.

    However, the land use charge of 2001 was not effective in Lagos State as only a few residents were aware of it and even fewer complied with the provisions. A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, was reported to have lamented in December 2017 that only about 300,000 out of an estimated two million eligible properties pay their land use charge.

    It was no surprise, therefore, that the LSHA on January 16, 2018 organised a public hearing to intimate the citizens of Lagos on the rationale and details of a new bill to repeal the land use charge law 2001. It was an interactive session during which the House also received inputs from stakeholders from across commercial businesses, religious organisations, NGOs, real estate professionals, and the media, among others.

    The land use charge is now based on the commercial value of a property and valuation will be assessed by professional estate valuers appointed by the state. Valuation will also now be updated every five years. This will bring more fairness to the annual charge rate as a property owner in Ikorodu, for instance, will pay a markedly lower charge than a property owner in Ikoyi where property values are much higher. It also effectively removes any obsolescence in previous charges that were based on outdated valuations, some dating as far back as 2001. Fairness is also further entrenched in the new law with the establishment of an assessment appeal tribunal where people may appeal the decision that their property is chargeable or any perceived overvaluation of their assets.

    The scope has also been expanded as the elements of property was broadened to include a building; any improvement on land; a parcel of land, whether or not reclaimed, waterlogged or otherwise; a wharf or pier; and leaseholds of up to ten years. Thus, even that which is commonly called “a bare land” will now be charged an annual rate. This is partly designed to encourage the owners to develop such property.

    The bill provides a delineation of properties exempted from payment. Such properties like registered educational institutions and public or private libraries are now only exempted once they are certified by the commissioner to be non-profit making. Property owned and occupied by a religious body will be exempt if used exclusively as a place of worship or religious education. If used otherwise, they become chargeable. Other exemptions include public cemeteries and burial grounds, all palaces of recognised Obas and Chiefs, and any property specifically exempted by the executive governor of Lagos State. Properties occupied by non-profit making organizations may get only partial relief and not complete exemptions

    The law also makes provision for self-billing and electronic payment of the land use charge by owners. This is an indication that the government is employing technology to make compliance much easier.

    To further ease the burden on citizens as well as incentivize prompt payments, reliefs have been included in the bill. Lagos State retirees will get 100% relief (no charge) while factors like the age of a property owner, any physical challenges (or disability), and duration of residency may confer some partial relief. Prompt payments will confer some relief as well.

    In line with its pledge to carry stakeholders along, the government has kicked off an awareness campaign through multiple communication and media channels to enlighten the populace on the imperative of taxation. In the mix include the print media, television and radio; the internet and social media as well as engagement with key influencers in the state.  In this way, citizens will become fully aware of the details of the new land use charge, understand their obligations and act accordingly. The government is also publicizing the process of paying the new land use charge.

    To achieve its ultimate goal, enforcement of the law must be vigorous. The incentives and reliefs embedded in the law clearly shows that government intends to employ moral suasion. A successful enlightenment campaign will undoubtedly make enforcement much seamless. When citizens better understand the necessity of the charge and their roles in the scheme of things, it’s easier to get their buy in. Enforcement should be strict nonetheless and will require courteous displays of discipline, diligence and consistency on the part of the agencies of government that will pursue compliance to the provisions of the law.

    Enforcement of the policy by government also left a lot to be desired. Land owners continued to receive charges such as ground rent and tenement rate which were consolidated in the land use charge. This was coupled with the poor state of information on property ownership resulting in difficulties in administering charges to owners of properties.

    The Lagos State government with its declared aspiration to become a megacity as well as grow the state’s economy to become Africa’s third largest faces a monumental task of creating an environment that can trigger the level of productivity required for this growth and development. However, it is a task the government has set itself to accomplish.

    To its credit, the Lagos State government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has since its inception taken on the Lagos infrastructure burden headlong. Notable improvements and projects on Lagos infrastructure include street lighting and construction of lay bys across the state; the Jubilee Bridge that has decongested traffic around the Ajah axis; the reconstruction of the roundabouts on Lekki-Epe Expressway; the AbuleEgba Bridge; the Pen Cinema Bridge; contracts already concluded for the fourth mainland bridge and light rail construction projects; the expansion/reconstruction of International Airport Road currently underway.

    According to Governor Ambode, Lagos State requires funds in the region of $50 billion to fund its infrastructure gap. The source of revenue remains the monthly allocations from the federation account, capital receipts and Internally Generated Revenue.

    The steady growth in the population of Lagos (currently estimated at some 24m), the decline in the funds allocated from the federation and expanding infrastructure gap constrains the government to fashion creative ways to fund its developmental needs. This translates essentially to finding ways to improve IGR which should not however impose a heavy burden on the citizens. The Land Use Charge law is a welcome step in this direction, a win-win situation for all. Everyone looks forward to a Lagos that works for its entire people.

    • Akanni writes from Lagos
  • Ambode hails Canadian govt for donating $3.2m medical lab to Lagos

    Ambode hails Canadian govt for donating $3.2m medical lab to Lagos

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday hailed the Canadian government for donating a bio-safety laboratory estimated at $3.25 million (about N951.3million) to the state government.

    The governor said the gesture deserved commendation.

    Ambode spoke at Epe when he hosted the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr Christopher Thornley.

    The governor also praised the Canadian government for partnering the state government in capacity building, especially after the historic victory against Ebola outbreak in the state in 2014.

    He said: “On behalf of the people of Lagos State, we like to say a big thank you to the Canadian government for being a very good partner to the cause of the state. People might not know, but we need to say this clearly. Even though we came out of the Ebola crisis, ever since that success story, the Canadian government has partnered Lagos State to donate to us a new laboratory that deals with bio-safety and issues that relate to bio-healthcare.

    “…In another few weeks, the Canadian government will be shipping in some equipment for the laboratory at the cost of over 3.25 million Canadian dollars.

    “That laboratory will be situated at the General Hospital on the Mainland. It is part of the capacity-building that the Canadian government is implementing to partner with us. We are very appreciative of this.”

    Thornley, who was accompanied by the Deputy High Commissioner in charge of Canadian Embassy in Lagos, Mr James Chrisoff, said the visit was to strengthen the relationship between the Canadian government and Lagos State, especially to dialogue on a working relationship in key areas.

    He hailed Ambode for the infrastructure his administration had put in place at Epe and other parts of the state.

     

  • Day Ambode’s score card resonated

    Day Ambode’s score card resonated

    De Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, venue of the first 2018 Town Hall Meeting, the 10th in the series was filled to capacity. As early as 8:30 a.m., stakeholders from different groups had taken their seat, waiting patiently for the arrival of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Coincidentally, this edition of the Town Hall meeting was historic as it also marked the 140th anniversary of Town Hall Meetings practice in the state, first held on January 28, 1877.

    The meeting, in the last two-and-half years, has metamorphosed into a viable platform to listen and interact.

    For Ambode, it presents him with an opportunity to feel the pulse and hear first-hand from the people who elected him to serve them, while for Lagosians, it is yet another medium to rub minds with the Governor, tell him their needs and in most cases, get instant response and approvals.

    The latest edition certainly lived up to expectation. Ambode’s entrance into the venue by 9:58 a.m. was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd who were excited to interact with the man behind the many infrastructural projects and people-oriented programmes that are fast changing the landscape of the state.

    Ambode, in line with the tradition of the meeting, took time to reel off some of his administration’s strides in the last quarter of last year as well as projections for the first quarter of the New Year as well as other plans to sustain the tempo of infrastructural development that has become synonymous with his government.

    Giving a report of activities of his administration in the last quarter, Governor Ambode said between the period under review, the government inaugurated the first state-owned DNA Forensic Centre in Nigeria and West Africa, and in the coming weeks would sign a contract to upgrade the facility to offer toxicology services, which will make it the first in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The governor said N635.5 million has been disbursed as bursary to 8,419 students in tertiary institutions across the state in fulfilment of its promise to support their educational pursuit while in the health sector, equipment worth over N2.5 billion were acquired.

    According to him, the health equipment was part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of the state’s health facilities to render improved health services and also facilitate smooth take-off of the Lagos State Health Scheme designed to enable residents enjoy unfettered access to quality  health care.

    “Since the last Town Hall meeting, we have continued the renovation and upgrade of our Primary Health care Centres (PHCs) and our people at the grassroots have started to witness a revitalised health care delivery. In order to meet the needs of the youth in the area of technical and vocational development, we have approved the establishment of three other technical colleges; bringing the number of technical colleges to eight,” he said.

    To kick-start our bus transport reform, Governor Ambode recalled that the LAMATA Place, the Ojota BRT Depot, the Intelligent Transport System Centre and E-ticketing Payment System was inaugurated, while work on the Onikan Stadium to transform it to a modern sports arena has begun as well as upgrade of the Agege Stadium to prepare it to host CAF Champions League matches for MFM Football Club.

    The inauguration of the JJT (Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu) Park in Alausa was also one of the highlights of December, last year. The park provided a perfect spot for young and old to relish the festive period as hundreds of Lagosians thronged the park daily, a situation the governor said confirmed the State Government’s belief that Lagos needs more of such parks.

    The governor listed some of the key projects delivered last year to include the new Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal, new Ojota Pedestrian Bridge, Aboru –Abesan Link Bridge and adjoining inner roads, Ojodu Berger Slip Road and Pedestrian Bridge, Jubilee Bridges in Ajah and Abule Egba, Freedom and Admiralty Road in Lekki, new Lands Registry and newly upgraded Jubilee Chalet in Epe, among others.

    In addition, Ambode said as at December, last year, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) had disbursed a total of N4.5 billion to 5,500 beneficiaries who also received training on financial literacy and business management, while keys were presented to beneficiaries of the first set of allottees of Lagos State Rent-To-Own Housing Scheme, as well as creation of Neighbourhood Safety Corps and beautification of the state with the erection of monuments, parks and gardens.

    The coming on board of these projects, the governor said, contributed immensely in creating jobs for the teeming youths and ultimately stimulating and reflating the economy, just as he revealed that despite the harsh economic climate in the country,   the state generated a total of N503.7 billion revenue last year while the overall budget performance stood at 82 per cent.

    He said the figures posted last year was a positive indication entering into the New Year. For him, though last year was a good one for the state, there are great prospects in stock for this year.

    He said: “As we celebrate the New Year, we thank you all for your support and co-operation last year. It was your backing that enabled us to achieve the modest successes we recorded last year and commence the transformation of the landscape of our state. Last year, we delivered on our promises to Lagosians despite the harsh economic climate.

    “Despite the harsh economy, our state’s budget performed at 82 per cent. Total revenue generated was N503.7 billion, representing a performance of 78 per cent; total recurrent expenditure was N281.33 billion, representing a performance of 92 per cent, while total capital expenditure was N387.60 billion or 76 per cent performance,” he said.

    Still in December, the governor presented a record high budget proposal of N1.046 trillion to the Lagos State House of Assembly, pledging that it would be judiciously utilised to complete all ongoing projects and consolidate on infrastructural development in areas of education, transportation and traffic management.

    While reeling off the outlook for the year, Ambode assured that he would sustain the momentum of development and vigorously pursue all ongoing projects, with special focus on health and education.

    Already, in the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N1.046 trillion currently awaiting approval of the House of Assembly, the State Government has earmarked N92.676 billion for the health sector, representing 8.86 per cent and N126.302 billion for education representing 12.07 per cent of the budget.

    But the highlight of the event came during the question-and-answer session. One by one, residents filled out to speak. While some utilised the opportunity to present their personal problems to the Governor, others spoke on behalf of their colleagues and the challenges facing their immediate communities.

    However, with the electioneering activities ahead of the 2019 general elections only a few months away, they were all united in their submissions that Lagos was heading the right direction and that Governor Ambode thoroughly deserved another term.

    Treasurer, Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Stephen Adegbite said in the past two-and-half years, Ambode has not only delivered majority of his promises, his strides have engendered religious harmony.

    “He promised religious harmony and today in Lagos State there is religious harmony. Religious leaders from CAN and other Christian organisations meet at several strategic meetings and in all the states, the state that is leading in religious harmony is Lagos State because we have now NIREC at local government (LGs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) and the light-up Lagos project has been integrated.

    In his words: “The governor does not need any campaign for 2019, his work has spoken for him and he is coming back without any sentiment. We will continue to pray for him. Ambode is fantastic. Keep it up and God bless you.”

    A resident, Tunde Odunsi, reminded the governor of a one-on-one discussion he had with him  in 2015 that was yet to be acted upon. Responding, the governor assured Odunsi that the matter would be immediately addressed.

    Ojikutu Ahmed, a representative of the Ikeja Computer Village Community, commended Ambode for steps taken to install free Wi-fi in the new parks and gardens across the state, saying it has put the state on the global map as an ICT-compliant state.

    Ahmed, however, asked the governor to intervene through the State’s Public Works Corporation to fix the roads in and around Computer Village, a request governor also assured would be immediately looked into.

    Answering other questions relating to road rehabilitation, the governor also ordered the Public Works Corporation to immediately move in to fix bad roads in Abesan Estate, Oriade and Abule Egba, among others.

    Surajudeen Abejamu brought the situation at the Primary Health care Centre situated at the resettlement area in Ajah-Ilaje area in Eti-Osa Local Government Area to the Governor’s attention, prompting the governor to direct the office of the Special Adviser on Primary Health care to immediately ensure that the centre becomes functional in two weeks.

    The concern of Mrs. Risikat Philips was on market development. While welcoming re-development of the Ikorodu Market, she suggested a possibility of finding an alternative location for market men and women before any demolition.

    Buying into her idea, Ambode assured that the government would look into cushioning the effects of displacing traders in the course of developing their markets, revealing that a Market Development Board would be inaugurated very soon and when functional, would address issues of market relocation for developmental projects.

    Chairperson, Lagos Women in Sports, Tayo Popoola, said the governor’s efforts in the sports sector have not gone unnoticed and would be one major yardstick for his re-election.

    She, however, implored the governor to encourage more women in sports administration, saying that the exploits of Ikorodu-born Asisat Oshoala, the reigning African Women Footballer of the Year, who was also present at the event, was a testament to the fact that several women with an eye for nurturing female talents in sports abound.

    Ambode said sports remains one tool his administration has employed to keep youths engaged and out of social vices.

    Mr. Temitope Ibikunle sought to know the efforts being made to forestall any invasion by herdsmen. Ambode allayed fears, saying that the government had taken precautionary measures to ensure safety of lives and property.

    Dignitaries at the event were Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye; former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lagos APC Vice-Chairman Cardinal James Odunbaku and Chief Lanre Rasak, among others.

     

  • Lagos: Projects, projects everywhere…and more to come

    Lagos: Projects, projects everywhere…and more to come

    Last week, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode inaugurated various projects across the state. They ranged from roads, hospitals, law court and more. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports that the projects were designed to make life comfortable for residents and enhance the ease of doing business.

    Lagos, the fifth largest economy in Africa, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and the economic capital of West Africa, experienced giant leap in provision of critical infrastructure in strategic sectors in two days when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on November 8 and 9, unveiled some newly completed projects and policies which were designed to make life comfortable for residents and enhance the ease of doing business.

    The two-days, which were a mixture of inspection of ongoing and unveiling of completed projects, also featured the inauguration of a 45-member Community Relations Committee in Badagry that will work to forestall any incidence of environmental degradation, communal disputes and civil disturbances often associated with oil-producing areas.

    On Wednesday, Governor Ambode inaugurated a new access  road at he premises of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja that will get rid of difficulties associated with accessing medical care faster during emergencies. The road connects the premises of LASUTH from Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Medical Road in Ikeja.

    Governor Ambode also inspected the progress of work on the LASUTH Maternity Hospital popularly known as Ayinke House which began in January last year.

    The 400-metres long road  boasts street light, drainage, median and beautification features.

    Speaking while inaugurating the road, Governor Ambode expressed delight at the completion of the project, saying it was designed to facilitate faster access to medical care, thereby saving lives. He said it was a thing of joy that after about three to four decades, another access road had been created to LASUTH.

    He said: “We are very delighted to be here. We believe strongly that the cornerstone for the growth of the economy of Lagos actually lies in the hands of all because if we don’t have a healthy state, we cannot have a productive economy. That was why we decided to pay greater attention to the health sector.

    “We realised that just one entrance into this whole complex is too dangerous.  We are happy to inaugurate this project.

    “We are also happy that in another five to six months, we will be back here to make the Ayinke House functional. We have received assurances that before May 2018, those ones will be completed also,” he said.

    Governor Ambode then moved to Igando where he inspected the ongoing expansion and upgrade of Alimosho General Hospital. There, the Governor ordered additional projects such as lounge for families of patients and canteen, as well as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department to be included in the project.

    The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of theatre art as well as the general hospital in Badagry  town.

    While inaugurating members of the oil exploration community relations committee the following day, Governor Ambode said as much as oil is a major source of revenue in the country, its exploration has created serious environmental challenges affecting health, social and economic activities, sustainable development and ecological balance due to land degradation, air pollution, water pollution, deforestation and ecosystem degradation in the oil-producing communities.

    “These activities, among others, have led to agitations from communities and youth groups leading to disruption of exploration activities, pipeline vandalisation and, in extreme cases, kidnapping and violence,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also said Lagos, being the home of Nigeria’s most critical commercial activities and now an oil-producing state with the discovery of oil in the Badagry area; in the Aje Oil Field, OML 113 being operated by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company, cannot afford to have any community unrests or disruption of peace, hence the need for the committee.

    “It is imperative that our oil companies and their host communities enjoy a very warm and mutually beneficial relationship.

    “Sequel to the aforesaid and the need to create an exploration environment conducive to the oil companies as well as having host communities devoid of rancour to prevent the re-occurrence of the Niger Delta issues in Lagos State, we have constituted a Committee for the Lagos State Oil-Producing Areas Relations, cutting across the oil-producing communities in Badagry,” he  said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said the committee would also be expected to ensure peace and harmony between host communities and oil companies in Badagry.

    “Our government is committed to creating an environment conducive to all to thrive, especially in our budding oil industry. We will always work to protect our people and ensure their welfare is improved while at the same time providing an investor-friendly environment,” he said.

    While thanking members of the committee for accepting to serve and contribute to the development of Lagos State, the Governor urged them to deploy their wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure co-operation and collaboration between the communities and the oil companies operating in Badagry.

    “This is a tough assignment because it is not easy to mediate and arbitrate. I look forward to receiving the reports of your activities and the progress being made by our communities and oil companies,” he said.

    Speaking while inaugurating Olusola Thomas Court House in Badagry, a new six-room court complex named after a former Chief Judge of the State, Governor Ambode said the development was another strong representation of his commitment to the rule of law and social justice, as well as a testimony of the determination to ensure that distance or geographical location is not a barrier to citizens’ access to justice.

    “The ongoing transformation of Badagry through infrastructural renewal and development are meant to open up this part for investors who will take advantage of the multi-million oil exploration activity and Deep Sea Port Project, among others,” he said.

    Giving details on the features of the new complex, the Governor said: “The court has been equipped with modern facilities for the comfort of not only judges and magistrates but also everyone, including lawyers and members of the public.

    “The court has been designed to ensure the welfare and security of personnel and members of the public who have course to be in the chambers of justice with the installation of close circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras and monitors within the various courtrooms and the entire vicinity of this complex.

    “There is a well-equipped library, exhibit and conference room facilities for the continued training and retraining of justice personnel assigned to this complex.”

    Continuing, he said: “We have already concluded the contract that takes the road from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko which is ongoing. So, we are just looking to close the next transaction that takes that 10-lane road from Okokomaiko to Seme Border.”

    To another equally set of projects, Governor Ambode proceeded to Ketu where he inaugurated multiple Layby and Slip Road in Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area as part of measures to find a lasting solution to the perennial traffic gridlock along Ikorodu Road.

    The Governor also launched the Intelligence Transport System (ITS), the e-ticketing for commuters using the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the Ojota BRT Depot and the new complex for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority known as LAMATA Place.

    Speaking while inaugurating the slip road and multiple lay-by in Ketu, Governor Ambode said the project was a significant milestone that will drastically reduce the traffic along the corridor, adding that its completion would, no doubt, impact directly on travel time as the targeted reduction of traffic along the length of the Third Mainland Bridge to the entire stretch of the axis, moving towards Old Toll Gate and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be accomplished.

    “This project is one of the major interventions in recent time by this administration. There is the multiple lay-by at Oworonshoki, the car wash Layby, slip road at Olopomeji, the several see through fence and the recently launched lay-by at Alapere bus stop.

    “Without doubt, this administration has dedicated considerable resources to the fulfilment of its initiatives of providing basic elements of roads and transport infrastructure. This, obviously, is in tandem with the fact that the importance of transportation to our economy cannot be over- emphasised,” he said.

    The Governor said as part of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), additional new 800 buses would be provided in the next two months, while a total of 5,000 would be provided within 24 months.

    He, however, urged residents to co-operate with government, especially by not plying commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada in restricted routes, saying such was why the government was providing enough buses.

    Speaking at Ojota while launching the e-ticketing, ITS, BRT Depot and LAMATA Place, Governor Ambode said the move was another initiative geared to allow proper transport planning, saying that the technology had been designed to indicate where each bus is; how the driver is behaving; the arrival time of a bus and space inside, among others.

    Giving details, the Governor said: “This is a four-in-one package. When you look at the city generally, I get so unhappy when I see people standing at the bus stops not knowing when the next bus will arrive. The ITS is designed to solve such problem and our people can become more productive and then more comfortable in the way they commute across the city.

    “There are more Lagosians using buses; there are more Lagosians walking on the road than those of us that have cars. So, we need to take proper care of them and that is the step we are taking here and the reforms we are doing in the transport sector ultimately to create an integrated transport management system in the city combining water, road, rail, air and those walking.”

    However, the projects did not go down without commendation from critical stakeholders who viewed them as demonstrable evidence of determination to make life easier and comfortable to the people by the Ambode administration.

    Responding on behalf of the community, Oba of Ketu, HRM Isiaka Balogun commended Governor Ambode for the massive infrastructural projects carried out in the axis so far, saying they were unprecedented.

    Also, in her remarks at the launch of new courtrooms in Badagry, Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to deliver prompt and efficient justice system.

    While lauding the new court house, the CJ said it was also gratifying that the governor was in the process of building official quarters for judges and magistrates in Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry judicial divisions, as well as plans to establish commercial court house.

    The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adewale Oke, at inauguration of the new access, commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to the health sector, saying several projects had been executed in the institution.

    “This is a dream come true. For many years, we have had problem with movement of patients into the hospital. Sometimes, they are in the ambulance for 15 or 20 minutes before they can get in but this road has solved that problem.

    “It is going to save our patients; it’s going to make access to the hospital very easy even for the workers,” Oke said.

    Also speaking, Prof. Babatunde Sholagbero, Provost of Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), said the completion of the road was evidence of promise made and promise kept.

    He thanked Governor Ambode for facilitating the accreditation of Dentistry for the institution, thereby making Lagos State University (LASU) the only state university in Nigeria that offer Bachelor of Dentistry degree.

    “By the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, the accepted dentist to patient population in United States is 1 to 2,000, but for Africa it is 1 to 150,000. So, for every dentist we produce, we will now have 150,000 Lagosians being catered for,” Solagbero said.

    On his part, President of Lagos State University Medical Students’ Association, Bada Akintayo Akinbobola commended Governor Ambode for his determination to scale up the health sector, saying LASUCOM is now regarded as the Harvard of Africa judging by the massive investment in the institution by the state government.

    But the projects inaugurated by Governor Ambode were just a few out of the lot. Several others ranging from Primary Health care Centres (PHCs), blocks of classrooms and schools infrastructure as well as fibre boats to aid water transportation sector were also unveiled by representatives of the Governor across the state.

     

  • Lagos indigenes storm governor’s office, demand end to demolitions 

    Lagos indigenes storm governor’s office, demand end to demolitions 

    Scores of Lagosians on Tuesday stormed the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa which houses the Governor’s Office and the Lagos State House of Assembly demanding an immediate end to all demolitions in the state.
    The protesters who came under the aegis of the Federation of Informal Workers Association of Nigeria (FIWON), frowned at what they called illegal and deliberate demolition of buildings and markets occupied by struggling people in the informal sector of the economy.
    According to them, any government that fails to recognise the roles played by people in the informal sector in governance, and chooses to embark on the demolition of their houses and businesses, is sowing the seed of failure both in the short and long run.
    The group which comprises mechanics, market traders, and farmers, among others, was led by the General Secretary of  FIWON, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, who accused the Lagos State government of using the state’s megacity dream as an avenue to rob hapless residents of their lands, markets and businesses.
    “The Lagos State government has been trespassing on the rights of the informal sector. They use officers of the state’s task force to intimidate law-abiding residents who are going about their normal businesses,” he said.
    “They harass and lock them up in prisons. Now, we understand that due to lack of space at Kirikiri, those arrested are now taken to Badagry. Sadly, when they come back from these prisons, most of our people do so in vegetative states, and some have even died,” he added.
    Speaking further, Komolafe challenged the state government to build a megacity that would conform with the all-inclusive vision of the United Nations, rather than its current moves of “creating a city for a few.”
    However, in his reaction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Mr Olanrewaju Elegushi, promised to convey the message of the protesters to the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.
    He stated that the Ambode-led government was a government with a human face, and as such would not do anything against the law, and neither would it do anything that would undermine the well-being of residents of the state.
    “Everything you have said has been taken note of, and it would be channelled to the appropriate quarters. I can assure that your complaints and plights will be critically looked into, and very soon, you will hear from the government,” he said.
  • Community appeals to Ambode over land grabbing

    Community appeals to Ambode over land grabbing

    A community leader, Chief Mufutau Ogunniyi, has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State to stop the activities of greedy people dispossessing families and individuals of their lands in the state.

    Chief Ogunniyi of Sala Village, Epe, made the appeal, while narrating his bitter experience on the grabbing of lands belonging to his people in the village.

    He alleged that about five hectares of land were grabbed in the village by some men claiming to be  government officials.

    Chief Ogunniyi, who is the Chairman of the Sala Village Community Development Association, lamented the destruction of farm crops worth millions of naira by the said officials while moving tractors to the farm lands.

    He stated that the villagers demanded documents brought from the Governor’s Office to take over the lands which they could not provide.

    Chief Ogunniyi said most of the indigenes of Sala Village were farmers, using the lands inherited from their fathers for farming.

    He stated that they had been using the lands for more than 40 years without anybody questioning them.

    Chief Ogunniyi said the villagers had resolved to resist further grabbing of their lands.

    The community leader said the villagers had written a petition to the state Task Force on Land Grabbing, but were yet to get any response from them.

    He advised that Governor  Ambode should set up a committee to investigate the matter to determine their claims and they are ready to mention the names of people connected with the land grabbing during the investigation.

  • 17 Southern governors: Confronting identical challenges

    17 Southern governors: Confronting identical challenges

    Seventeen governors from Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth will gather in Lagos today to deliberate on key issues that affect the three geo-political zones, writes Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor.

    Political difference is not a factor now. As they meet today in Lagos, the welfare of the people takes the central stage. The meeting of the 17 Southern governors is strategic. United by geography, their states have identical problems, ranging from dwindling revenue, poor infrastructure, soaring unemployment, insecurity and perceived marginalisation by the distant Federal Government.

    The governors being hosted by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will realise that they have inherited an unfinished struggle.

    On the agenda of the ‘Forum 17’ is the contentious national question. Its elements revolve around true federalism, fiscal federalism and devolution of powers. These were the ideas espoused by Tinubu, right from his first term in office. The former governor of Lagos has not changed his gear. The fundamental question he raised brought him into collision with the federal might. Then, the hand of the Federal Government was heavy on the Centre of Excellence, leading to the seizure of its allocation for 14 months. Tinubu’s colleagues who were vociferous in the crusade for the enthronement of a true federal principle included Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State and Obong Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, who could be described as the hero of modern resource control struggle. Their ideas, positions and dispositions will reverberate at the brainstorming session.

    Tinubu has sustained the debate, although he left office 10 years ago. His message is clear: unity in diversity is possible when there is a sense of belonging. Indisputably, the spirit behind the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its ability to sustain public affection during the 2015 electioneering, had their root in the robust articulation and convincing argument that the restoration of true federalism will foster equity, fairness and justice in the plural society. Tinubu’s recent exposition on the value of federalism has a wider appeal beyond the ‘Forum 17.’ It is a blue print that has set the tone for debate on the repositioning of the heterogeneous society through a sort of re-designing, reconfiguration, revatalisation, review and re-invention of its federal essence.

    Although the Southern governors may also engage in a peer review by trying to compare notes and tapping from the experience of their colleagues, in terms of revenue generation, investment drive,  blue-print for industrialisation, prudent spending, prioritisation, transparency, good governance, conflict management, security and succession, these items cannot displace the core item, which is the debate on the basis for mutual co-existence in a highly fragmented national community compounded by ethnic and religious sentiments.

    Early in the life of this dispensation, the late eminent politician, Chief Bola Ige, urged Southern leaders to cooperate and survive or sink together. He said the cracks in the South may have strengthened the North to lord it over the South. Ige, former governor of Oyo State, did not advocate for war or division, but Southern unity.

    Like their northern counterpart, Southern governors are operating under the yoke of the unitary system that has not faded, despite the restoration of civil rule, 18 year ago. Had Nigeria been run as a true nation-state, the prospects of survival would have been hinged on their diverse natural endowment. There is no state that is not blessed by nature. But, the culture of over-centralisation and the emotional attachment to oil, which became the mainstream of the economy, created a culture of laziness, which prevented the Federal Government and states from exploring alternative sources of income. Lack of diversification has become a national albatross, following the crash of oil prices.

    If Nigeria is restructured, will the states suffer? The 17 Southern states, just like the remaining 19 northern states, are offshoots of the regions that controlled their resources and remitted taxes to the Federal Government in the days of regional prosperity and healthy competition. The question is: why should the Federal Government insist on the sole proprietorship of the natural resources domiciled in the states through a curious Exclusive List? Can the states own, exploit, and generate revenue from their respective resources, including crude oil, solid minerals and Value Added Tax (VAT), and pay taxes to the Federal Government? Currently, Item 39 of the Exclusive Legislative List gives the Federal Government the sole and exclusive power to legislate on mines, minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, and natural gas. Why can’t the Federal Government devolve to the states some of these powers?

    In the First Republic, 30 percent of federal earnings from resources went into the distributable pool (for all the regions, including the producing region), 20 per cent went to the Federal Government; 30 percent of import duties went to the distributable pool; and import duty on petrol and diesel consigned to any region was refundable to that region. Under the 1963 Constitution, 85 per cent of mining royalties and rents went to the regions while the Federal Government took 15 per cent. Today, the Federal Government takes 100 per cent. What should be the new sharing formula among federal, state and local government that will reflect their share of constitutional responsibilities?

    A key element of federalism is the devolution of powers. That is why many stakeholders want the Federal Government to shed weight by transferring some items in the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List to enable states have direct responsibility on state police, community police and prisons. The compelling argument for state police is local peculiarity and diversity. Also, what is the role of the Federal Government in agriculture? Who owns the land? The Federal Government or states? What is the justification for the federal control of primary schools and local government through financial allocation?

    According to experts, a united central police organisation makes serious and effective policing difficult and almost impossible. The chain of control in the police is too long and remote from the centre of operation, thereby weakening discipline and resulting in inefficiency. But, the governors should reflect on the view of those objecting to state police. If there is state police, will the governors abuse it? Will they use it to intimidate and harass political opponents and perpetuate electoral fraud during general and local government elections?

    The Southern governor may also examine the current system of government and initiate reforms at the home front. Already, in Osun State, parliamentary system has been adopted at the local government level. Presidential system is expensive. Will the governors copy the Osun style? The presidential system is expensive and it permits wastage of public resources. In the view of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, it may lead to doom. Under the system, electioneering is also expensive, unlike in a parliamentary system, where costs of administration are comparatively lower. Under the cabinet system, party supremacy and party discipline are guaranteed. But, the ceremonial head and head of government may be at loggerheads. The personality clashes may constitute a strain on the system.

    Predictably, the governors are opposed to local government autonomy. They do recognise the council as a third tier of government. This is not without justification. Local governments are administrative units created by the Houses of Assembly for ease of administration as the grassroots.  But, there are questions begging for answers: are the governors giving the local governments a fair treatment? How is the State/Local Government Joint Accounts been administered? Why are councils starved of funds due to them? Why are their workers not paid regularly? How have governors curbed the menace of corruption in the councils?

    How are the Southern governors making use of the bailouts and Paris Club fund? Are they prudent? Can their northern counterparts learn useful lessons from them in this regard?

    The governors visiting Lagos are related to Lagos. Many of them lived in Lagos before returning home to serve their states. Many of them have property and businesses in the metropolis. In fact, there is no state or family in Nigeria that is not represented in Lagos. Lagos is the former federal capital. It played the role between 1914 and 1990. It is still the commercial capital, and headquarter of many multi-national companies. There is a daily influx of people from across the federation, thereby making congestion a major challenge. There is a monumental pressure on the social infrastructure. Lagos is host to the major ports. The highest VAT is generated from Lagos. Therefore, Lagos deserves a special status within the federation. Do the Southern governors still retain their emotional attachment to the city? Do they support the Lagos’ quest for a special status?