The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor of Lagos State

  • Residents laud Ambode over repair of Abule Egba roads

    Residents laud Ambode over repair of Abule Egba roads

    Some residents of Abule Egba on Sunday commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for fulfilling his pledge to carry out comprehensive repair of all the inner roads damaged as a result of the construction of Abule Egba Bridge.

    The construction of the bridge, which was completed within thirteen months, led to many of the adjoining roads in the area to be in deplorable state due to congestion occasioned by traffic diversion.

    Many of the residents had urged the Governor to come to their aid by fixing the roads to complement the good work that had been done with the construction of the bridge.

    At the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bridge on May 17, 2017, Governor Ambode assured residents of the area that all the adjoining and alternative roads disrupted in the course of the construction of the Bridge would be fixed, as all had been awarded for rehabilitation.

    True to his word, less than two weeks after the commissioning, contractors have moved to site to begin the rehabilitation of the inner roads in Abule Egba including Charity Road.

    The rehabilitation of the roads is expected to further enhance traffic flow in the area, which since the opening of the flyover has greatly improved movement in and around the axis.

    Speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, a resident of Ile-Ogbo in Abule Egba, Mrs Temitope Oyekunle commended the Governor for keeping his words, saying that the development had brought relief to people of the area.

    “On the day of the commissioning of the Abule Egba Bridge when Governor Ambode made the pronouncement that our roads would be fixed, personally I expressed doubt judging by the number of projects that have been carried out in our axis by his administration but true to the Governor’s words, contractors moved to site as announced and they are working at a fast pace.

    “I just want to commend the Governor for this and urge him to keep up the good works,” Oyekunle said.

    Another resident, Mr Olakunle Joseph said the quality of work being done on the inner roads was commendable, and it shows the seriousness of the government of the day to truly transform all parts of the State.

    Joseph, who resides at Beckley Estate in the area, said the Governor and his team deserved to be given a pat on the back for their tireless efforts to move the State forward.

    Also speaking, Mrs Tolani Festus who is a shop owner in the area, said the transformation being witnessed in Abule Egba and its environs was unprecedented in the history of the State.

  • Ambode’s making life worth living for Lagosians – Obasanjo

    Ambode’s making life worth living for Lagosians – Obasanjo

    Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday evening showered encomium on the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his administration’s programmes and policies at improving the lives of the people of the State.

    Speaking at the 2017 Annual Dinner and Awards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos, the former president said he had taken notice of the developmental strides of Governor Ambode, which according to him, are geared towards making life more comfortable for the people.

    “I can see the little things you are doing here and there to make life worth living for the people of Lagos. Keep it up,” Obasanjo said to the Governor.

    While urging the Governor to sustain the good work he was doing, he stressed the need for the country to do more on ensuring an enabling environment that would boost investors’ confidence to do business in Nigeria.

    According to the former president who was also an award recipient, “There are great opportunities out there, as government we need to create ways for investments and conducive conditions for investments to thrive”.

    On his part, State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who also received an award described it as a crowning moment for his career, adding that reaching the pinnacle of his career 30 years after becoming a chartered accountant- a feat he noted as a dream come true.

    Governor Ambode, who took time to recall his early days and his quest to become an Accountant, said he was determined to work hard to become one.

    “If there is any award that has meaning to me, today’s award is a crowning moment for me, my story and my career.

    “When I was about 12 years old, I had an encounter with one of my Dad’s friends who was an Accountant. He asked me what I wanted to become. I told him I wanted to be an Accountant and he said “You? You can’t be an Accountant.” He must have said this because I used to be very playful.

    “That night, as I went to bed, I told myself that I will be the best of all Accountants. I determined to work hard to achieve this. At the age of 21, I graduated with a B.sc in Accounting from UNILAG.

    “Exactly, 30 years ago, at the age of 24, I became a Chartered Accountant and completed my Masters Programme in Accounting. I have practiced Accounting as a Chartered Accountant for 30 years. 30 years after my qualification, this great Institute has recognised me with the highest merit award, the highest achievement of my career,” Ambode said.

    While alluding to the fact that his career success was as a result of his resilience to become an Accountant and achieve his life goal, the Governor said he had made up his mind to give back to humanity for the rest of his life.

    “I want to use this platform to encourage others to be resilient. Never give up on your ambition. Stay on your conviction. You will never go wrong. We can all learn from the motto of the Institute – Accuracy and Integrity,” Ambode said.

     

  • Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    Ambode preaches love, sacrifice at Easter

    …Says Peaceful Co-Existence Pivotal For National Development

    As Christians in the country join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Easter, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Nigerians to collectively imbibe the spirit of love, sacrifice and peaceful co-existence, saying that it is only when such virtues exist that the nation can make meaningful progress.

    Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said such fundamental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to all of the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resurrection.

    Noting that this season calls to mind the selflessness, love and tolerance which were the hallmark of Jesus Christ during His earthly life, Governor Ambode said, “It is a season when we should pause and reflect on our individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in our society”.

    “Therefore, we must see this period as a time that affords us to think about how we can each help to steer our nation back on the road to prosperity, by working in the spirit of togetherness.”

    He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew resentment along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where there is unity of purpose.

    “No doubt, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country that we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to.

    Ambode commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration and promotion of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, attributing the successes recorded in the State’s 50 years existence to unity of purpose among residents.

    “Today, we can tell the world the enthralling story of how our beloved City-State has become a shining example of what peaceful co-existence can help to achieve. Lagos is home for all, Lagos is a land of opportunities, Lagos gives life to dreams and Lagos does not discriminate. Every Nigerian has a root in Lagos and in another 50 years we hope we would have left a legacy for our children to build upon.

    While wishing all Lagosians a happy Easter celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined them to continue to work with his administration “by obeying the law, fulfilling your obligations as citizens and stakeholders, and remaining vigilant, to ensure that our State remains a model of peaceful and harmonious co-existence in our dear country, Nigeria”.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, Mimiko, others attend RCCG Holy Ghost Congress

    Osinbajo, Ambode, Mimiko, others attend RCCG Holy Ghost Congress

    The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo and his wife, Oludolapo; Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle; Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife Olukemi; Speaker, Ekiti state house of assembly, Kola Oluwawole and Chief judge of South Africa, Mogoeng Mogoeng were on Friday present at the Redemption Camp on km46, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, for this year’s Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with the theme; ‘Complete restoration’.

    The one week long congress which began on Monday, December 5, ended will end Saturday, December 10.

    It was a gathering of millions of worshippers from all over the world.

    In his sermon on Friday night, The General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, spoke on the topic, ‘Complete restoration’.

    The Cleric explained that complete restoration is a process.  He said every Christian is entitled to miracles,  noting that those who are not born again cannot get miracle, because miracles comes from God and God is holy.

    Reading from Ezekiel chapter 3, verse 7 to 10, Adeboye said; “Whenever God wants to begin the process of restoration, He remembers the forgotten and miracles are bound to follow. God also he visits the person and something miraculous happens

    “Anytime God want to do something there must be a noise; When God arrives, there must be a shaking; nakedness is covered; shame is ended; the  wind blows, and whenever the wind blows there will be miracles,” he said.

    The Cleric assured that the blessings of God makes rich and adds no sorrow. “When a miracle comes from God it is clean, with no string are attached and there will be divine protection. “When you are child of God your future is secured. Whatever is available to Jesus is available to you,” he said.

  • Lagos health insurance scheme commences in 2017 – Ambode

    Lagos health insurance scheme commences in 2017 – Ambode

    • Welcomes Partnership With Insurance Firms To Grow State’s GDP

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said the much awaited Health Insurance Scheme of the State would commence in early 2017, expressing readiness to partner with key players in the sector to use insurance to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the new WAPIC Insurance Corporate Head Office, located on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, the Governor said there was no question about the strategic importance of insurance to any economy, saying that his administration was open to policies and initiatives that would make the sector to thrive in the State.

    “The insurance business is here to stay and I want to also say that I give our government’s commitment to allow this sector to grow. I will like to partner and also learn how we can grow the GDP of Lagos through your industry. On our part, we know very clearly that early next year, we are going to start our Health Insurance Scheme and I just think that the drivers are the majority of the people who are seated here and it is important that we partner together and also learn together,” Governor Ambode said.

    While challenging the key drivers of the insurance sector to come up with draft bill that would accelerate insurance business in Lagos, Governor Ambode said he was open to initiatives that would make the sector grow and contribute positively to the growth of the State.

    He said there was great need for insurance for individuals and the legal regulatory framework to be explored and expanded with the view to ensure the growth of the sector, adding that it was important for government not to be left alone to handle all issues affecting or that should affect the sector.

    He pledged the commitment of the State Government to continually identify and support organizations such as WAPIC Insurance to accelerate the efforts at creating the new Lagos of positive dreams, assuring that as a government, his administration would explore ways to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    According to the Governor, “We are committed to introducing new incentives for businesses in Lagos to enable them grow and also support our society and take more of our youths off the street. The ease of doing business is of concern to us and as a result, we are working to improve the indices of doing business in Lagos, while we continue in our commitment to carry out judicial and security sector reforms.”

    Besides, Governor Ambode congratulated the board and management of WAPIC Insurance for adding a beautiful edifice to the State, which he said had brought total change to the landscape of the entire Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

    He said the company had distinguished itself as one of the insurance companies that have pro-actively partnered with the State Government with insightful recommendation on key issues of governance and welfare of the people particularly in the areas of safety, security of lives and property through insurance such as relating to building collapse, fire accident, amongst others.

    Earlier in his welcome speech, Chairman of WAPIC Insurance, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said from his trips across Africa, there has never been any public functionary like Governor Ambode who understands the importance of the insurance sector, saying that the knowledge came out of the deep understanding of economics and the fact that insurance is the most important economic sector of the world according to modern day reality.

    He said insurance makes the world livable and cheaper, adding that the commissioning of the new building not only signpost the transformation of WAPIC Insurance, but also the transformation of insurance sector in Nigeria to take its rightful place.

    Governor Ambode also received a donation of N20million on behalf of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) from WAPIC Insurance.
  • Recession: ‘Leaders must rise above personal interests, differences’

    Recession: ‘Leaders must rise above personal interests, differences’

    • Says fairness, equity, obedience to rule of law key to good governance
    • Urges South west governors to scale up Odu’a Investment Initiative

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that Nigeria’s present economic situation urgently requires its elected leaders to rise above their personal differences and interests with a common unity of purpose and deliver good governance to the people who they represent.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Executive/Legislative Retreat held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, said the recession taking its toll on Nigerians is a wakeup call for Nigeria leaders to come together for the purpose of rescuing the nation.

    Harping on the central theme of the retreat, “Good Governance in a Recession,” Governor Ambode said the economic downturn was no respecter of tribe or religion, neither does it discriminate along political party lines, hence, every Nigerian was feeling the impact.

    He said the retreat, which had brought together members of the Executive and the Legislature from the State and Federal level from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), was a statement of fact that the people come first in Lagos.

    The Governor said, “Our people demand, and request from us, good governance, leadership and hope at a critical time like this in our nation. We must therefore rise above our personal differences and interests, with a common unity of purpose; staying focused on our promises and manifesto at all times.

    “If our economy must grow, it must also have the mindset and culture to want to grow. It is therefore left for all of us to learn to emphasize the people and de-emphasize the power to get good results. Getting good results requires that we abide by the principles of good governance; whether we are in or out of any economic recession. It is very clear, and I also make bold to say that our concern is, and should be, about our people, Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

    “One common feature of most of us gathered here today is the social contract we have with our people; having elected us to serve them. The Executive-Legislative collaboration is strongly required and desirous in order for us to deliver and create dividends of democracy.”

    Governor Ambode who also dwelt on the need to entrench good governance, listed fairness, equity and obedience to Rule of Law and inclusion as key ingredients, adding that the last 16 months of his administration has focused on these principles.

    “Allowing everyone to participate to reach consensus is good governance. There must be direction as to where our government is going. Strategic vision, performance, responsiveness in getting the needed results in the most cost-reduced efforts possible is good governance,” he said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode also stressed that there was no better for the six States in the South West region under the Odu’a Investments Group to activate the partnership for economic growth.

    “As you may recall, Lagos joined the Odu’a Investments Group last year to become the Sixth State in the South West with Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo State as founders. This historic move is not only Strategic, but deeply falls in line with our vision of reawakening the political economy and socio-economic hegemony of member States.

    “As we proceed to extract the greater opportunities of inclusion, it is, of necessity to call on other State Governments, irrespective of our political leanings that the Odu’a Investment initiative is a veritable economic vehicle for us to take our people out of recession,” the Governor said.

    In his goodwill message, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa commended Governor Ambode for the retreat and his purposeful leadership, saying that it was a good thing that the State is championing a platform for elected and appointed officials to deliberate on matters of paramount interest to the people.

    He said for good governance to be feasible in an economic recession, sound anti-corruption policies devoid of mere speeches and lip service must be put in place, as well as cordial relationship between executive, legislature and judiciary.

    According to the Speaker, all arms of government must be up and doing on their duties, focusing more on governance that is accountable, transparent, responsive, equitable and all inclusive.

    On his part, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Mr. Gbenga Ashafa, commended the Governor for how he has been handling affairs of the State, especially the issue of kidnapping, saying that Lagos remains the only State that usually respond swiftly to such issues with the Governor leading the security operatives from the front.

    Ashafa also commended the Governor for the retreat, saying that such platform should be organised periodically to foster cohesion and unity of purpose among elected and appointed representatives of the people.

    In the same vein, Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate, Hon. Adeola Olamilekan Solomon, said the retreat was a confirmation of unity among people’s representatives, which according to him, was important for development.

    The retreat also had in attendance members of the State Executive Council, party chieftains including Chairman of the APC in Lagos, Otunba Henry Ajomale, his Vice, Cardinal James Odunbaku, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former Deputy Governor of Lagos, prince Abiodun Ogunleye, among others.

  • Ambode’s wife charges women on regular cancer screening

    Ambode’s wife charges women on regular cancer screening

    Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode has advised women to go for regular cancer screening to know their latest status.
    She gave the advice at the maiden scientific conference of the Lagos State branch of the Association of Female Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, at Alausa, Ikeja on Friday with the theme: ‘Cancer in the Life of a Woman not a Death Sentence (the Medical Laboratory Perspective)’.
    She observed that cancer screening was necessary for early detection in case of affliction, stressing that when detected early, it could be treated and cured like any other health condition.
    “Truly, cancer in the life of anyone today is certainly not a death sentence. Through relentless advocacy, public education and mass enlightenment, we have come to know that early diagnoses mean easier management of the condition and increased chances of survival.
    “The message we are trying to pass therefore is that, people with the challenge should not be heartbroken or see it as the end of life. Normal, happy life is possible with a cancer condition,” she said.
    Mrs. Ambode who appealed that persons living with cancer should not be stigmatized, showered encomiums on female laboratory scientists.
    She said, “The role of lab scientists is such that one wonders what would happen in the health care delivery chain, if you are not there to confirm the blood groups, do the wide array of tests and general laboratory investigation that could make or mar the patient treatment process”.
    Earlier, Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Mrs. Audu Habibat, noted that the conference was aimed at building bridges of understanding and cooperation between the laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals, towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.
    She said that the maiden edition was dedicated to public enlightenment on cancer as a health condition that could be managed like any other if diagnosed early.
    Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs) Lola Akande, said the ministry also organized cancer screening for women recently to ensure their wellness.

  • Domestic violence: Lagos will be uncomfortable for perpetrators – Ambode

    Domestic violence: Lagos will be uncomfortable for perpetrators – Ambode

  • Couple remanded for impersonating Tinubu

    Couple remanded for impersonating Tinubu

    An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded a couple in prison custody for allegedly impersonating former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to commit fraud.

    Abioye Junaid, 41, and his wife, Fausat Junaid, 39 were also accused of impersonating the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and defrauding two persons of N85 million.

    They were arraigned before Mrs A. O. Sholadoye on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, stealing and impersonation.

    Fausat Junaid

    Prosecuting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Charles Odii told the court that the couple and others who are still at large conspired to commit the alleged offences sometime between October 2014 and December 2015.

    He said the incident took place at the couple’s residence, No. 7 Ayeola Street, Oke Balogun in Epe, Lagos State.

    Odii said Junaid was a security agent with Eco Electricity Company at Sangotedo Epe, while his wife was a civil servant with the Epe Local Government.

    “The defendant falsely presented themselves as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria,’’ Odii said.

    He alleged that they obtained the sum of N15 million from one Ambali Abiodun, under pretext of making him a commissioner in the Lagos State Government.

    The duo, he added, also obtained the sum of N70 million from one Otuniyi Adeniyi, under pretext of making him the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a representation they knew was false.

    He said they stole the money from their victims.

    According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Sections 285 (5), 312 (2), 378 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The defendants denied the charge and their counsel, Mr Emmanuel Bayen, urged the court to admit them to bail on liberal terms.

    Magistrate Sholadoye granted them N2 million bail each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    One of the sureties must be a level 16 officer or above in the Lagos State Civil Service, while the other must be a landed property owner whose Certificate of Ownership must be verified at the Lagos State Land Registry.

    The court remanded the defendants in prison untill they meet the bail conditions and adjourned till August 26 for mention.