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Tag: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Domestic violence traceable to dysfunctional family background – Ambode

    Domestic violence traceable to dysfunctional family background – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday identified dysfunctional family background as one of the major reasons for rising cases of domestic violence, just as he advocated the need for parents to imbibe in their wards the virtues of honesty, respect, morality, good neighborliness, peace and love.

    Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House at the family day celebration hosted by the State Government in commemoration of the International Family Day, also said a lot of acts of terror and violence that have ruptured global peace and security could be traced to the absence of strong family ties, and as such parents must spend time with their children no matter how difficult it may be.

    The Governor described the family as the smallest but most important unit of the society, saying things can only go right in the country if first addressed in the family.

    He said: “Most of the recorded incidence of domestic violence are as a result of dysfunctional family backgrounds. Our traditional family cohesion and bond has been weakened due to daily life challenges of trying to make ends meet.

    “We must, as a matter of urgency, in spite of the demanding pace of life pause and find time to reconnect with our families. Our families need us; our children need us.

    The family always provides emotional support in times of need. We have family members in need of emotional, physical and moral support. The support and encouragement given to a family member today can prevent a violent act of terror or suicide tomorrow.”

    Speaking on the essence of the international celebration which was designated by the United Nations, Governor Ambode said everyone was born into a family and that the most important moments of people’s lives have taken place in the family, saying it was for that reason that the international body places a lot of emphasis on the family as a key factor in human relations thereby setting aside May 15 every year to celebrate the value of the family bond across ethnic, religious, social and economic divide.

    On the part of the Lagos State Government, Governor Ambode assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary infrastructural and institutional support for the family, adding that government would soon embark on building of world class Leisure Parks.

    He added: “One of the crucial infrastructure that the government has put in place to encourage family bonding is the establishment of Parks and Gardens in various strategic locations across the state. I am happy to note that these facilities have become the convergence point for families to relax not only during festive occasions but also on weekdays and weekends. In addition, this administration has started the process of building new world class leisure parks.

    “As we celebrate the international day of the family today, I urge you all to spend more time with your family, especially with our children. A hug or a smilie goes a long way in boosting the morale of family members. If we want to get the society right, we must get the family right. We must start at the family to reintroduce the norms and the values which we grew up with. Our families must must reintroduce and imbibe the virtues of honesty, respect, morality, good neighborliness, peace and love. We must work towards living in harmony with family members and ensuring safety of lives through healthy practices.”

    Earlier, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode said without communication, social interaction, love and mutual respect for one another, a family can hardly be united or peaceful.

    She said women and children deserved to be respected and pampered, adding that such was needed to avoid domestic violence.

    The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Families, Healthy Lives And Sustainable Future.’

    Some of the dignitaries that graced the event include members of the State Executive council led by Governor Ambode; Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Idiat Oluranti-Adebule; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, among others.

  • 1,536 criminal cases prosecuted in one year – Lagos

    1,536 criminal cases prosecuted in one year – Lagos

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said that it prosecuted a total of 1, 536 criminal cases in all courts in the last one year through the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem who disclosed this during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to herald the one year anniversary of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration, said that out of the total number of cases being prosecuted, judgments were delivered in 15 of the matters being handled by the Directorate.

    He said out of the 1,536 cases, 1,375 cases are currently being prosecuted at the Federal and State High Courts as well as 122 and 38 respectively at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

    Kazeem said that in addition to the 1,536 active criminal prosecution files, the DPP’s office was also handling 137 applications for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

    “With regards to criminal prosecutions, our Directorate of Public Prosecutions is committed to ensuring that all offenders are brought to book, thereby discouraging impunity in our society.
    The Directorate is also committed to speedy trails, especially so that suspects are not detained for too long awaiting trial.

    “The truism ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is one of our guiding principles, especially in criminal justice administration. Both the victims of a crime and the alleged offender deserve to have their case resolved at the earliest possible time,” he said.

    He said the Legal Advisory Unit which focuses exclusively on the review of criminal case files, containing reports of investigation submitted by the Police and issuance of legal advice has been able to hasten considerably the speed of criminal prosecutions by reducing the time spent on issuing legal advice.

    “In the period under review, out of 1,209 police investigation files sent to the DPP’s office for legal advice, the Unit has already completed work on 940 while the rest are still being processed, many requiring additional information or further investigation by the Police or other relevant agency,” the Commissioner said.

    Kazeem said the government has always taken the lead in legislation and law reform initiatives just as he assured of the present administration’s commitment to continue ensuring that every citizens of Lagos State has access to justice.

    He said the State Government in order to ensure that its laws are kept updated and readily accessible to the general public has completed a new compilation of the Lagos Laws, which includes all amendment and additions.

    He said, “In line with the direction of His Excellency,  the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the 2015  Revised Laws of Lagos State are now accessible online to the general  public, which provides access to all the Laws that have operated in the state since inception in 1967”.

    “The landmark achievement within the past one year are indicative of the people-oriented theme of the governor’s agenda, which includes establishment of mobile courts, access to justice, fight against domestic and sexual violence as enactment of laws that provided the springboard for improving  and promoting socio-economic activities,” Kazeem said.

     

  • Jermaine Jackson for Lagos Jazz Concert

    Jermaine Jackson for Lagos Jazz Concert

    • Plans Music Academy in Lagos

    Jermaine Jackson, co-lead singer of global music brand, Jackson 5 and elder brother of the late king of pop, Michael Jackson, on Friday confirmed readiness to participate in the star-studded Jazz concert being put together by the Lagos State Government in commemoration of the 2016 International Jazz Day.
    The concert, which is to be hosted by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, will hold at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja on Saturday, April 30 by 5pm.
    Jermaine, who confirmed his readiness to participate in the festival during a press conference held at the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, said he would be at the festival to support the government and an array of international and local artists who would be performing.
    Jermaine, who is in Nigeria as part of activities marking the Jackson Golden Africa Tour, also disclosed plans by the Jackson 5 to establish a music academy in Nigeria to nurture and prepare the talents in Africa for the global market.
    He said: “It’s been 50 years for the Jacksons and we are bringing a team together of people who can produce a concert. I like coming here because I have a lot of questions. I was just in China and I learnt that the first dynasty that started in China came from Africa here and I had a professor in China to tell me this.
    “That made me very proud and the world needs to know this because in our history books in America, they don’t put this there; they don’t want us to know this, but when you travel and you have the opportunity to see things for yourself, you will realize that the history books were written by someone else and it is their version and their interpretation of what happened which is usually not the truth.
    “We are going to give you a nice compilation of songs that you know and I am just very honoured to be here because we have been kept away from you because of the politics and we are not interested in such politics because we are people who care about people. We need to have a closer relationship with African-American and the rest of Africa because we have been separated for long and we can reach out to do other things.
    “There are lots of great talents here and we want to use our 50 years experience of being in the business to teach the arts. We have in our plans to establish the Jackson Academy Performing Art School and the school will have a curriculum and also will teach music, directing, film, lightening, producing, dancing and so on. We want to get the talents here ready for the global market and I do believe that the drums and the beat started from here,” Jermaine said.
    Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who received Jermaine and his entourage alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Oversees Affairs and Investment, Professor Ademola Abass and other senior officials of the Ministry, expressed delight to receive the visitors to the state.
    Ayorinde added that the visit of the Jacksons to Nigeria in commemoration of the 50 years anniversary coincided with preparations by the Lagos State Government to mark the 50 years anniversary of the state in 2017, and welcomed collaboration with the Jacksons in that regard.

  • Ambode names Dolphine Park after late Braithwaite

    Ambode names Dolphine Park after late Braithwaite

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday named Dolphin Park after the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite, in recognition of his contributions to the political development of Nigeria.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made this known at a special service of songs organised by the Braithwaite family in Lagos.

    He said that Braithwaite’s struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians and his daily agitation for improved living condition for the masses was commendable.

    “The late Dr Braithwaite gave all his life to the betterment of the lives of the masses; on several occasions he had stood for and defended the rights of the common man.

    “He used the instrumentality of the law to free Nigerians from oppressive rule and abuse of power.

    “As a legal luminary, his imprint on the legal profession are not only impressive but will continue to receive accolades, even from generations yet unborn,” he said.

    Ambode said that Braithwaite’s legal engagements in the defence of human rights, democratic norms and practice, would never be forgotten.

    “His cerebral work entitled: ”The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles’, among other intellectual pursuits, will remain relevant in addressing the various challenges in our democratic experience.

    Ambode promised that his administration would continue to keep hope alive on the ideals of good governance, through the implementation of people-oriented programmes.

    He said that his government would, from time to time, immortalise heroes of democracy and all those that have contributed to the growth of good governance in the state.

    “His bust will soon be commissioned at the Dolphine Estate Park, so that the memory of his great contributions to politics and the struggle for a better Nigeria will linger for ever in our memory, “Ambode said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Tunji Braithwaite died on March 28 in Lagos at the age of 82, during a brief illness.

     

  • Lagos Assembly to Ambode: stop hawking by underage children

    Lagos Assembly to Ambode: stop hawking by underage children

    Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the concerned  agencies to stop uncontrolled and unchecked street hawking by under-aged children on the streets.

     

    The motion, which became the resolution of the House was moved by Hon. Sola Giwa (Lagos Mainland 2) during plenary yesterday.

     

    Giwa stated that illegal hawking not only brings physical and body harm to these children, but that it leads to psychological trauma and that it paints Lagos in a bad picture to the outside world.

     

    The lawmaker also spoke about the total failure of proper parenting by certain custodians of these children, and failure of the state to do the needful by applying punitive measures to the defaulting parents in protection of the right of children as contained and provided for in section 15 of the child right law (2007) of Lagos State.

     

    He pointed out that the law states that “Every child, who is in need of special protection measures has the right to measure what is appropriate to his physical, social, economic, emotional and mental needs and under conditions, which ensure his dignity promote his self-reliance and active participation in the affairs of the community”.

     

    The House then resolved to call on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Lagos State task force and other relevant agencies to as a matter of urgency begin to remove these children from the street as well as assist parents of the erring children.

  • Push to make Lagos investment destination intensifies

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has moved a notch higher in his quest to make the state an investment destination of choice. The governor, last week, launched the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global, a one-stop shop designed to enhance ease of doing business in Lagos State. The strategic move may have opened the floodgate for local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into the state. Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA reports.

     

    The investment landscape in Lagos State is set for a phenomenal change. Indication to this emerged last week when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode dangled the proverbial carrot to would-be investors, unveiling the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global. Lagos Global, which is directly under the governor’s office, is a one-stop shop designed to enhance ease of doing business in Lagos State.

    Essentially, the initiative, which is in line with the commitment of Ambode’s administration to make Lagos an investment destination of choice, would create a favourable environment for local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to thrive. The move, seen as a new dawn for existing and prospective local and foreign investors in Lagos State, would also help actualise the state’s vision of becoming Africa’s model megacity and global economic and financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and productive.

    With Lagos boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $136 billion, contributing 30 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP; estimated 21 million population and accounting for 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign trade flow, among other intimidating credentials, it is easy to see why the state is strategically positioning itself to become an investment destination of choice.

    Ambode admitted this much when he said: “As the world continues to acknowledge Lagos as a regional financial hub, we as government have demonstrated the commitment to strengthen this position through deliberate policies aimed at improving the business climate in our state. In this regard, we have successfully placed Lagos on investors’ radar by putting in place effective legal and regulatory frameworks.”

    The governor, who spoke in Lagos at the official presentation of Lagos Global on Thursday, March 31, listed some of the frameworks put in place to make life and business easy for investors to include the Land Reform Act, Double Taxation treaties, Limited Liability Reviews and the development of Free Trade Zones. He also said the on-going judicial reform is aimed at strengthening the state’s laws for the protection of enterprise.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, also said his administration’s conscious efforts at public infrastructure development and maintenance as indicated by an efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), transporting over 200, 000 passengers daily, functional Integrated Power Projects, enhanced security and access roads to sea and airports, among others, underscored its determination to make Lagos a functional megacity.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass, gave more insight into the State Government’s decision to float Lagos Global. He said the current administration created Lagos Global with the mandate of promoting foreign investment into the state and managing export out of the state.

    Prof Abass also said the office has the mandate of managing foreign investment transactions and ensuring that would-be investors enjoy seamless and hurdle-free experience by providing first class service delivery to them right from the point of initial enquiry down to the setting up and running of businesses in the state. According to him, this would eliminate difficulties and bureaucracies often associated with multi-agencies handling of investments.

    For instance, renowned economist and Founder, Centre for Value and Leadership, Prof. Pat Utomi, said the creation of Lagos Global is a major step towards transforming the state to a modern city-state just like the advanced ones in the world. “Lagos can play the kind of stimulating role Singapore played in South east Asia,” he said.

  • Lagos goes tough on processing, distribution of unwholesome food

    Lagos goes tough on processing, distribution of unwholesome food

    The Lagos state government has read the riot act over processing and distribution of unwholesome foods and all forms of food poisoning in the state.

    Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Food Security, Mr. Ganiyu Sanni, who spoke at special Lecture/Induction and Awards Presentation organised by Institute of Security at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium, reiterated that the government remain committed towards ensuring food security in the state.

    He said it is necessary to monitor the whole process of food handling and distribution until it gets to the final consumers, while adding that a proposal is already in place to set up Food Marshals Corp that will be positioned in various markets across the state for proper monitoring.

    Okanlawon said the Food Marshal Corps will be trained on food hygiene and handling, and they will work together with the market executives in various markets to inspect food that are brought into the state.

    He disclosed that over the years, government through the Ministry of Agriculture has built a vibrant relationship with the farmers, which made it easy for government to respond fast to any reported issues of agro crises.

    Citing examples of government response to the outbreak of Bird Flu in the state when thousands of birds were depopulated as control measures in some poultries at Ajah, Okanlawon said various reports has reached the office of food security on some processors that engage in the use of unhygienic chemically contained materials to process their products before taking them to the markets without considering the effect of their acts on the consumers of such products.

    He disclosed that some people use carbide to ripen plantains, banana and some other fruits while some processors use formalin to preserve chicken, turkey and beef before getting it to the markets.

    The Special Adviser stated that government is very much aware of all the unhygienic and unwholesome practices stressing that government is not relenting in its efforts to curb food poisoning in the state.

    Soliciting for the support of the residents in the drive at ensuring that they are fed with safe food from farm to the table, Okanlawon implored Lagosians to expose and make formal report of any known food processor and handlers that are suspected of insanitary and unwholesome practices.

    Also speaking at the event, a renowned security expert and chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ona Ekhomu advised the Lagos State government to be more pro-active in the struggle against agro terrorism, he however commended the state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for establishing the office of Food Security at the most appropriate time.

    The high point of the event was the conferring of the Institute of Security Fellowship Award to the Special Adviser on Food Security, Mr Sanni Okanlawon and 18 Professors and 29 prominent Nigerians.

  • Lagos set to transform TBS bus terminal into tourist attraction

    Lagos set to transform TBS bus terminal into tourist attraction

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said that arrangements had been concluded to transform the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS’s) Bus Terminal to attract more tourists to the edifice.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this at a stateholders’ meeting organised by his Ministry in Lagos on Friday.

    Mobereola said that redevelopment was part of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s efforts to further enhance the state’s mega-city project.

    He said: “The reason for this redevelopment is to actualise the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in his strive to make the state a real mega-city.

    “To affirm this, there are some infrastructure that are to be in place.

    “TBS stands for Lagos State. It is a rallying point for us, so we want to beautify it more and make it a tourist centre.

    “It is very important and imperative to make the terminal a world-class edifice, so that when anyone comes to this place, they will bow and respect the state,’’ Mobereola said.

    The commissioner said that the purpose of the meeting was to seek the opinion of stakeholders and to carry them along.

    “We need your contributions to make it better. We are just going to make the place an ultra-modern terminal for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, taxi operators and passengers.

    “What we want to do is to protect all during the rainy and hot seasons. Everyone will have its own section: Danfo drivers, BRT and taxi operators, so that passengers are not confused where to go.

    “What we are doing is for the benefits of all. When it is completed, it will be enforced,’’ he said.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Anofiu Elegushi, added that the purpose of the project was not to displace the operators.

    “We are ready to receive your inputs, comments and advice. Our intention is to re-arrange. It is not an intention to take over your operations, but we need your support to move the state forward,’’ he said.

    In his presentation on the project design, Mr Bolaji Bada, the Director Transportation Engineering in the ministry, said that the project would have a hightech fibre to provide shade.

    Bada said, “The weight of the material is approximately one per cent of glass, which make it light enough to withstand any weather condition. It is dust and repellant-free and can serve for 40 years.

    “This technology has the ability to transmit light when illuminated from above at night, so it will be spectacular, of high architecture and colourful, with a lot of land spacing for a standard terminus.’’

    In his reaction, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who lauded the project, urged that the government should be cautious of disrupting people’s sources of income.

    “I want to appeal that you do not displace the operators and traders when the project is eventually completed because they are of immense benefit to both passengers and their families,’’ Agbede said.

    Mr Hammed Okunuga, the Chairman, Road Transport Employers’ Association (RTEAN) in Lagos Island, said “we appreciate this as we have been looking forward to it, but let it not be that you want to take over what we feed our families with.’’

    A private Park-and-Ride operator at TBS, identified as Alfa Abolore, urged the government not to displace entreprenuers who have been making a living in the area.

    In his response, Mobereola, said, “no stakeholder should be fearful. We will not take your source of income. We must do it together.

    “We may have to relocate people that might be affected because by the time we are done with TBS, you will tell us to go and repair Obalende. Obalende is not up to standard.

    “We need your support because of the inconvenience it will bring during execution.”

    He added that the facility would include enhanced security and maintenance features such as Closed Circuit Television and a world-class toilet facility.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stateholders at the meeting included members and executives of the NURTW and the RTEAN, traders, politicians and residents, among others.

     

  • Ambode re-opens Mile 12 market

    Ambode re-opens Mile 12 market

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday ordered the re-opening of the Mile 12 Market following the satisfactory meeting and agreement reached with all the stakeholders involved in the operation of the market.

    This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mile 12 Market was shut by Ambode on March 3 after a clash erupted in the area.

    NAN reports that the leaders of the communities affected in the crisis agreed with the Lagos State Government on Wednesday on the need to relocate the market.

    Some of the major agreements reached by consensus among the various stakeholders include relocation of the market to another suitable location and ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the area.

    They also agreed on peaceful co-existence among all the ethnic groups in the market and environs, removal of all shanties and illegal attachments within the market area, among others.

    Ayorinde said that the stakeholders agreed that it was only in an atmosphere of peace that their various businesses and trades could thrive.

    He assured that Lagos was home for all, and that the State Government would continue to provide the enabling environment for every investor to thrive.

  • Photo: Lagos light up project in progress

    Photo: Lagos light up project in progress

    Illuminated College road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated College road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.

     

    Illuminated College road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated College road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.

     

    Illuminated WEMPCO road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated WEMPCO road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated WEMPCO road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated WEMPCO road, Ogba with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.

     

    Illuminated Agidingbi road, Ikeja with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated Agidingbi road, Ikeja with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.

     

    Illuminated Agidingbi road, Ikeja with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.
    Illuminated Agidingbi road, Ikeja with Street Lights courtesy of the Light Up Lagos Project, an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Administration, on January 16, 2016.