The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

  • ‘Reconsider hawking ban’

    ‘Reconsider hawking ban’

    World Christian Council Association has appealed to the Lagos State government to reconsider its decision to enforce its ban on street hawking.

    Chairman of the association, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, said on Thursday that hawking was a consequence of unemployment and had kept many young people away from crime. But some have now “found themselves behind bars.”

    Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis. It came under strict enforcement in Lagos from July 1.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave the order following the destruction of over 49 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses by hoodlums last month, causing over N139 million worth of damage.

    The violence was sparked by the death of a hawker, who was knocked down by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

    But Omonigbehin argued that since the enforcement began, “Some people, who kept themselves from crime through the little they earned from petty trading, suddenly found themselves behind bars.”

    The law, he added, could “ruin the poor and make their children criminals.”

    Omonigbehin, who commended Governor Ambode’s Smart City project in partnership with Dubai City, United Arab Emirates (UAE), said focusing on young people’s creativity could make Lagos “one of the truly developed modern cities in the world.”

    He urged the government to help “put our youths on the ladder of progress and greatness.”

     

  • Kidnapping: Lagos places security agencies on red alert

    Kidnapping: Lagos places security agencies on red alert

    …Partners FG, Ogun State on border patrol

    The Lagos State Government on Monday assured residents of the State that it was working hard in conjunction with security agencies to address the recent cases of kidnapping and armed robberies in some parts of the State, just as it disclosed that security intelligence has revealed useful leads towards identifying notorious syndicates behind the heinous crimes and their accomplices.

    In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the State Government said it is alive to its core responsibilities of protecting the citizens as the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will not shirk from its function of protecting the lives and property of its citizens in every part of the state.

    The government, while reassuring citizens of their safety in the State, said it was collaborating with security agencies to put in place upgraded security measures that will guarantee safety of lives and property.

    “We would like to inform Lagosians that we are saddened by the recent cases of kidnappings that appear not to be unrelenting. But we wish to assure that the government will not fold its arms and allow a few evil doers to prosper at the expense of innocent citizens.

    “We are working together with both Federal Government and Ogun State Government in particular in the volatile areas that have been identified. We will spare no effort in bringing every criminal gang to book,” the SSG said.

    According to Bello, the response of the State Government “will be swift, total and reassuring to the public in sending a clear signal to all and sundry that Lagos State will not tolerate any form of criminality.”

    While sympathizing with the families of victims in Iba and Ikorodu, the Secretary to the State Government urged residents of the state to go about their normal businesses without any fear or panic as government has placed security personnel on red alert throughout the State in a bid to checkmate this menace.

    He advised Lagosians to be very vigilant and security conscious as intelligence reports have shown that most of these heinous crimes are perpetrated through recalcitrant elements who have infiltrated the state and are carrying out this act in conjunction with friends, family members or close associates of the victims.

    Bello reiterated the commitment and capacity of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration to go after and suppress any act of crime and criminality in any part of the State, urging residents to take advantage of the state’s toll free lines: 112 and 767 to report any case of crime or unusual/suspicious movement or strange faces in their neighbourhood to security agencies.

    While also noting the recent massive security equipment and vehicles donated by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to security agencies to beef up security in the state which has considerably curbed armed robbery cases, Bello said the State Government in consonance with the Police and other security agencies in the State will continue to do all within its means to halt the trend of kidnapping in the State and bring perpetrators to justice.

  • Lagos Assembly calls for more security in coastal areas

    Lagos Assembly calls for more security in coastal areas

    As suspected hoodlums continue to invade coastal areas of Lagos State, the state House of Assembly has called for more protection of the coastal areas in the state by the police.
    This became a resolution of the House after it was raised under matter of urgent public importance at plenary yesterday by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Publicity, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to sign the Neighbourhood Protection Safety Bill recently passed by the House into law.

    The lawmaker also used the opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to increase the number of security men in the coastal areas in the state to forestall the upsurge of hoodlums in the areas.

    Braimoh recalled an incident in Igbo Olomu area of Ikorodu where alleged illegal bunkers reportedly invaded the community, killing, kidnapping and raping the residents.

    “The Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Oluranti Adegbule was driven out of the place by hoodlums when she went there for inspection, while one of her security aides was wounded. Crime has now become a recurring decimal in the place.

    “The people of the area are apprehensive as the mobile policemen deployed to the place cannot match the number of criminals in the area. We need to do something quickly to avert further damage,” he said.

    The incident was confirmed by the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, who said that though peace has since returned to the area, the residents are still apprehensive.

    Agunbiade, who is the Majority Leader called for a reinforcement of the policemen in the area as well as constant surveillance and monitoring of coastal lines in the state as he said that they have become porous in the area of security.

    In his contribution, Hon. Abiodun Tobun from Epe Constituency 1, observed that the attack on people living in coastal areas in the state is becoming rampant, adding that it has extended to Epe area of the state.

    Tobun revealed that a daughter of a monarch in Epe area, Alara of Ilara was recently kidnapped, and was only released after ransom was paid.

    He added that an expatriate was also kidnapped at a project site in Epe, and called on President Buhari to fortify coastal areas in the state to drive away the invading Niger Deltans.

    Another lawmaker, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu said that the success of Lagos has become an attraction to criminals, while Hon. Jude Idimogu also supported the protection of the coastal areas in the state.

    In his own view, Hon. Victor Akande, who commended the efforts of the state government on security and called on the Federal Government to consider the issue of state police.

    Akande stressed that if there is state police, the security situation of the state would improve due to its large population.

    The Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, stated that the state government is doing much to protect lives and properties of the residents of the state.

    According to him, security is an important matter, which he said was why the issue of state police and restructuring was important.

    “We need to assure investors that Lagos State is safe for investment and investors. We will continue to support the Federal Police, but we want the Governor to sign the Neighbouhood Protection Safety Bill recently passed by the House into law,” he said.

  • Photos: Newly repaired Oshodi-Apapa highway

    Photos: Newly repaired Oshodi-Apapa highway

    The Apapa highway before rehabilitation works began
    The Apapa highway before rehabilitation works began

    Apapa Expressway before

     

    Apapa Road before repairs

     

    Newly rehabilitated Berlett Bus Stop on Apapa- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos by the Lagos State Government on Wednesday

    Newly rehabilitated Berlett Bus Stop on Apapa- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos by the Lagos State Government on Wednesday
    Newly rehabilitated Berlett Bus Stop on Apapa- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos by the Lagos State Government on Wednesday
  • Adegboruwa writes Ambode over officials’ ‘invasion’ of jetties

    Adegboruwa writes Ambode over officials’ ‘invasion’ of jetties

    Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has petitioned Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over an alleged invasion and forceful takeover of Tarzan Jetties by state officials.

    The lawyer said his client, Gani Tarzan Marine Enterprises Nigeria Limited, owned by Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, has been operating water transport in  Lagos for decades.

    He said the company had negotiated with and secured permits, approvals and licences from both the state and Federal Government to use certain locations in Lekki, Badore, Ikoyi, Ijede, Oworonshoki, Ebute-Iga, Elegbata and Victoria Island as jetties for water transport and boat yard.

    Adegboruwa said his client paid the necessary fees to the Lagos State Ferry Services Corporation as well as N5million for licence as ferry operator, which was issued by the Lagos State Waterways Authority.

    The lawyer said officials of the Lagos State Waterfront Ministry and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, with armed policemen, swooped upon Tarzan’s Ikoyi jetty on June 17 without prior notice.

    “All efforts made by our client to verify the cause of the sudden invasion were rebuffed, as the invaders claimed that they were acting on the orders of His Excellency, the Governor. They took photographs, made video recordings and left.

    “Not long thereafter, they came back to the Ikoyi jetty around 4pm to post a sticker, which demanded that structures and boats on the land be removed within 24 hours!

    “Our client had earlier on June 10, 2016, filed Suit No./FHC/L/CS/788, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, against Lagos State to restrain the government and its agencies from forceful eviction.

    “Around 8am on June 18, 2016, Lagos State government officials stormed our client’s jetty at Ikoyi, with armed policemen, with bulldozers, with cranes, low bed carriers, trucks, lifters, etc, and commenced demolition of vital structures in the jetty. They lifted about 15 boats parked within the premises, some of which were wilfully damaged,” Adegboruwa said.

    He said his client has also filed a fresh suit against forceful eviction, adding that the appropriate thing to do is to await the determination of the appeal and fresh suit, and not for state officials to take the laws into their own hands by embarking upon illegal demolition of structures in Tarzan’s jetty.

    “The attempts to arm twist our client into surrendering its jetty to LASG, without following the due process and while a case filed in court is still pending, should not be encouraged by Your Excellency, who has so far been associated with a firm commitment to the rule of law.

    “It was this rule of law that Your Excellency leveraged upon to consolidate the governorship position, when the Supreme Court upheld your election. We urge Your Excellency to resist the temptation to turn against the Courts and give room for lawlessness through self-help.”

    Adegboruwa said the issue of control and management of inland waterways should be harmonised between Federal Government and Lagos.

    “It is, thus, unfair for the Lagos State Government to deny our client the use and occupation of his jetties only because he chose to pay the requisite fees to the Federal Government as it had also paid to the Lagos State. Citizens should not be hemmed in between administrative feuds of government agencies.

    “It is not the making of our client that there seem to be some contention between Lagos State and the Federal Government on the management and control of inland waterways. Until that is resolved, our client should be protected and accorded its rights and privileges, based on the existing agreement between the parties,” the lawyer wrote.

  • Ikeja Sole Administrator advocates for Peace among business owners

    Ikeja Sole Administrator advocates for Peace among business owners

    The Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, Engr. Taiwo Abiodun has charged business owners and stakeholders of computer village to embrace peace among themselves.

    The Sole Administrator made this plea in his office during a meeting held with business owners association of computer village assuring them of his supports and commitment in ensuring that traders in computer village have a vibrant association that will represent the interest of every stakeholders in the market.

    According to him, the peace and orderliness of every area and zone in Lagos as a whole and computer village is very important to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and he will never tolerant any form of truancy by anyone in the state.

    In his words, “there must not be any breach of peace in computer village  ‎and everyone, especially the leadership of the market must ensure justice, fairness and equity among every stakeholders.

    “The Governor of Lagos State, has a keen interest in computer village and he will never condone any act of thuggery from anyone especially as the traders and business owners are preparing to elect their leaders into different offices, he said.

    For over 12 years, the traders and business owners in computer village have not had any meaning association or election to vote their representatives into different offices and thorough the intervention of the newly appointed Sole Administrator, every effort is being channelled to ensure that the traders have a structural administration.

    Engr. Abiodun has pledged his supports and commitment towards the election scheduled to hold later in the month.

    He reiterated further to the traders that non of the revenue collectors in Ikeja Local Government has been authorised to collect money from the traders in the market until after a successful election has been conducted and pointed out that the leadership of computer village must off set their debts two weeks after being elected into various offices.

    Computer village is known for trading of different kind of phones and computer systems without any organized association for over a decade.

     

     

     

  • Ambode enjoins Muslims to promote culture of tolerance, peaceful co-existence

    Ambode enjoins Muslims to promote culture of tolerance, peaceful co-existence

    As Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to commence the annual Ramadan, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode sent his heartfelt greetings to all Muslim faithfuls in the State just as he called on them to see the period as a time to promote culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

    In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said the commencement of Ramadan as a Holy month should be seen as an opportunity to learn self restraint, sacrifice, piety and love.

    He said this was in line with the admonition of the Holy Quran, Chapter 2 Verse 183, which says, “Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you can learn self restraint (Piety)”.

    The Governor therefore urged Muslims in the State to take the opportunity of this Holy month to promote a culture of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people of diverse ethnicity.

    “At this critical period of rebuilding our nation and ensuring that the Change we promised is delivered, the lessons of the Holy month of Ramadan must permeate all of our actions and deeds in such a way that each person must act as his brother’s keeper at all times”, the Governor said.

    He also wished all adherents of the Islamic faith a most spiritually rewarding Ramadan.

  • Why Lagos is making progress – Oba Akiolu

    Why Lagos is making progress – Oba Akiolu

    Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, on Saturday said the rapid transformation and development of Lagos State is largely due to the visionary, selfless and committed leaders which the State is blessed with, just as he said that the sterling achievements of the State has made it to remain a pride to all.

    Oba Akiolu, who spoke at the Inaugural Lecture to herald the Lagos at 50 Celebration held at the Glover Hall, Lagos, said the achievements of the State in all spheres of life did not just occur, but that same happened through the enduring legacies put together by leaders of the State since creation.

    Oba Akiolu, while highlighting the history of Lagos, said right from the time of first civilian governor of the State, Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande down to the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the State had been blessed with great leaders who genuinely have the interest of the State at heart and are totally committed to the development and progress of the State.

    The monarch also recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo denied the State of its federal allocation, and how former Governor Bola Tinubu and his team responded to the challenge by creating unique solution to the financial crisis, which is still working till date.

    Also speaking at the lecture, Governor Ambode assured that the one year long activities lined up to celebrate the golden jubilee of the State would be geared towards creating jobs and attracting more investors to the State.

    He said the celebration was designed to showcase the culture, arts, language, heritage and legacies of the State.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said Lagos has always been one enviable State where both domestic and international investors want to invest, but that his government would build on such to attract more investors into the State.

    He said: “This event is a way to showcase Lagos to the world and attract more investors into our dear State. With more investors in the State, more job opportunities would be provided for our people and aside that, the celebration itself would ensure creation of jobs for our teeming youths, artisans and so on.”

    While soliciting for the support and corporation of residents, Governor Ambode said government alone cannot achieve everything which is why the people must work with government by paying their taxes and carrying out their civic responsibilities.

  • 600km roads, 366 locations lit up across Lagos – Commissioner

    600km roads, 366 locations lit up across Lagos – Commissioner

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said that so far, about 600km network of roads and streets in 366 locations across the State has been lit up under the ‘Light Up Lagos’ project initiated by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration in the last one year.

    The State’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo, who disclosed this at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the project has seen the lighting up of major areas of the State including the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikeja and environs, Berger to Iyana Oworo axis, Muritala Muhammed Airport Road, Oshodi axis amongst others.

    Oluwo said that in a bid to ensure the sustainability of the project, the State Government has fine-tuned plans to engage 54 private firms, who would be saddled with the responsibility of managing the streetlights going forward.

    He explained that most of the street lights are connected to the five Independent Power Plants (IPP) in Lagos State namely; Akute Power Limited, Alausa Power Limited, Mainland Power Limited, Island Power Limited and Lekki Peninsular Power Limited, which, he said, saves the State Government significant cost that would have been incurred on operating and maintaining generating sets.

    “The saved resources are now being channeled to lighting up more locations within the State under the operation “Light up Lagos” initiative of the present administration,” he said.

    During the period under review, the Commissioner also said that the State Electricity Board rehabilitated Public Street Lighting in the 366 locations including the rehabilitation and connection of part of the Third- Mainland Bridge to the Island Power Plant all measuring close to 600km of Roads and Streets across the State.

    He said that Governor Ambode has also given approval for the electrification of the 37 rural communities around Seme Border, adding that some streetlights hitherto managed by the federal agencies and local governments had been taken over by the State Government.

    Oluwo however used the occasion to warn against destruction of streetlights pole and cables by the residents, saying whoever damages any street lights would bear the cost of re-fixing them.

    Following the discovery of crude oil in the state by the Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company, the Commissioner said that the State has established Ibile Oil and Gas to manage oil related issues, assuring that Lagos will be a bigger business hub with the development as more employment would be created.

    Oluwo said: “What this means is that we have own company that will not run like NNPC. Our own Ibile Oil and Gas will operate in upstream, midstream and downstream sector. It will not only be involved in exploration but is also going to probably build its own petrol station.

    “We must be able to give Lagos Energy security such that if anything happens outside or NNPC shuts down operation, we must be able to power Lagos on energy basis. That is what Ibile Oil and Gas Company of Lagos is all about. We are interested in the future such that we can put Lagos in the position of having its own bloc. That is for the federal government to determine.”

    Harping on the achievements in the power sector, the commissioner said that apart from aggressive installation of streetlights in all the nook and crannies of the state, the ministry has embarked on rural electrification and installation of solar power systems for Schools and Public Health Centers (PHCs) which have, in turn, improved the night economy, security, and tourism development.

    On procurement of electricity transformers, Oluwo said that the ministry installed 49 transformers at various communities in Lagos, adding that a total of 19 500KVA, 11KV/33KV transformers were procured and installed in Palmgroove, Gbagada and Alimosho Estates.

    “The second phase of our community electrification intervention plan is the reconnection of 32 communities in the Apa, Owode, Seme Border area of Badagry which had been cut off from the national grid for the past 16 years,” Oluwo said.

  • Lagos now an oil producing state – Ambode

    Lagos now an oil producing state – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday declared that Lagos has officially joined the League of Oil Producing States in Nigeria following the discovery of crude oil by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited in Badagry, Lagos.

    Governor Ambode who made the declaration when the management of the company led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Yinka Folawiyo paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, commended the firm for their doggedness to achieve the feat after 25 years of hard work, saying that by the provision of Section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos has become an oil producing State.

    He declared: “I want to thank you very much for this and I say it with all conviction because I know that based on section 162 Sub-Section 2 of the Nigeria Constitution, Lagos becomes an oil producing state and by virtue of this, the 13 percent derivation that is due to oil producing states, Lagos will start to partake from it by your very good gesture. So we  officially declare Lagos State as an oil producing state, we also notify the Federal Government by this action that we would be sharing out of the 13 percent derivation. So all we need do is to apply and then we join.”

    Governor Ambode also said that the feat has not only placed Lagos in the history books as the first state outside the Niger Delta to become an oil producing State, but has also opened up a new page for revenue generation in the State.

    “It also means that by the additional revenue that is coming from this action, we would have more resources to provide infrastructure for Lagosians and this is what we want other investors and businessmen to emulate, so that beyond the issue of profit, you are actually creating an impact on people without them necessarily knowing that it is actually coming from a venture like this that you have embarked on,” he said.

    He said the resilience of the Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company; an indigenous firm has shown the possibilities and opportunities for investors and businessmen willing to commit their resources to boost local production.

    “I want to commend what you have done; it’s a sign that you believe so much in Lagos State. I want to congratulate you; I want to showcase you as a very good example of a dogged entrepreneur, as someone who believes in Nigeria because that’s what you epitomize here.

    “The Federal Government has always said that we all need to look back inwards and start to do things for ourselves. Spending 25 years to be able to get to this stage and get something productive shows a lot about your belief, tenacity and doggedness and I want to recommend you to every other Nigerian investor that there is still greater hope for Nigeria and with the likes of you, I don’t see any reason why any Nigerian needs to be afraid because you have just shown by this indigenous discovery that anything is possible in Nigeria.

    “This discovery is by a 100 per cent indigenous firm and at times like this when we are experiencing dwindling revenue from different areas of our economy; at times like this when foreign exchange is highly turbulent, it gives one great hope that the future prosperity of Nigeria is assured and is secured by transactions like this,” Governor Ambode said.

    Governor Ambode said that what the historic discovery means for Lagos is that the three Senatorial Districts, Lagos West, Lagos East and Lagos Central have all combined to open up the economic and investment potentials of the State.

    “I will like to let you know that we have three senatorial zones in Lagos; from the Lagos West axis, we have crude oil coming out of it, from the Lagos East axis, we have the petrochemical refinery factory coming from the Lagos Free Trade Zone by the Dangote Group which will come on board by 2018 and from the Lagos Central axis, it’s the financial district of Nigeria. For Lagos, it’s designed for prosperity and to complement every achievement that is being recorded.

    “We are likely to have three Sea Ports in Lagos in another two years; we have the Badagry Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Port and also the Apapa port. So, somehow, in some manner, some things are being put up that seems like a puzzle, but the future prosperity of Lagos is more than well assured and we are happy that we are part of that and this government is heavily committed to complement the efforts of businesmen like you.

    “In supporting endeavours like this, we would do everything to support whatever it is you want us to do to make sure that the arrow head of this particular sector that you have championed will not just go in vain. I can assure you of that,” the Governor said.

    Earlier, Mr. Folawiyo said that the discovery of crude oil in Lagos, which has taken over 25 years to achieve, has gone a long way to show the possibilities achievable if Government continues to lend support to indigenous investors and companies.

    “At so many points along the way, we could have given up because it was a very rough road, but the point is that only a Nigerian company would have continued to do what we did. The man crux is that we need government and government needs us and where government supports assiduously, it can only be success,” he said.

    Asked how much has gone into the investment, Folawiyo said the company has committed about $400million dollars to achieve the feat.

    He said the current status of the oil well has the capacity to produce at least 12,000 barrels per day, with a possibility to increase to 25,000 to 50,000 barrels per day in the nearest future.

    Folawiyo also presented Governor Ambode with a sample of the crude oil discovered by his company in the State, a confirmation of Lagos becoming the first basin out of the Niger Delta to become an oil producing state, which according to him, is by no means a small feat.