Tag: Hamzat
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‘Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat’ll consolidate past successes’
An advocacy group, Ajumose Eko, has described the election of Mr Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and Dr Obafemi Hamzat as governor-elect and deputy governor-elect as a blessing to Lagos State.
The group felicitated with all Lagosians on the outcome of the election.
According to Ajumose Eko’s President Ladi Vera-Cruz, the outcome of the election “is an attestation to the fact that our message of continuity and manifesto of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), did indeed resound with the masses at the grassroots in the state.
“Ajumose Eko strongly believes that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat , have been tried and tested in all ramifications, and can truly be trusted to continue and consolidate on past successes towards a greater Lagos for all.”
The combination of strong achievers, the group said, would ensure Lagosians continue to enjoy and experience the dividends of good governance.
Vera-Cruz said Sanwo-Olu’s administration will drive development programmes through Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology.
This, he said, would make Lagos a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism.
Ajumose Eko hailed APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as first among equals whom Nigerians are indeed blessed to have with.
“Asiwaju Tinubu has written his name in the sands of time and carved out a lasting legacy of trailblazer currently driving progress and prosperity in the state,” he said.
The group congratulated APC Leaders in the state, the three Senators-elect – Oluremi Tinubu, Bayo Osinowo and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and all candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections.
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Adebule congratulates Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, others
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule has congratulated the candidates of All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in last Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections.
She described Sanwo Olu’s victory as the expression of the people’s wish and appreciation of good governance in the state.
The deputy governor noted that governance of Lagos state would require requisite experience, intelligence and technical know-how, all of which she said Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Kadri Hamzat are blessed with.
She assured Lagosians assuring that governance would be taken to the next level under the new administration.
Read also: 18 die, 41 injured in Lagos Island building collapse
She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to improve on their operations in future elections to earn more public confidence.
Mrs Adebule thanked Lagosians for their confidence in the ruling APC and all their candidates.
She solicited their support for the incoming administration.
Mrs Adebule assured the governor-elect and his deputy that she would always be at the background to offer useful and professional advice that could help their administration to attain greater heights.
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I’ll lift Lagos workers higher, Sanwo-Olu promises
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday promised to make workers welfare his priority if elected.
He spoke at a consultative meeting with civil servants at Alausa, the seat of power in Lagos.
A tumultuous crowd of workers from all local government areas of the state converged on Adeyemi Bero Hall in Alausa to listen to the promises and programmes of the APC candidate.
Workers’ welfare, Sanwo-Olu pledged, will be a priority of his administration if elected, promising that he would run a listening government to which every worker will have access.
The governorship candidate, who was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the meeting as “a homecoming,” saying they were moved to tears, seeing the crowd of civil servants who welcomed them.
Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat served as Commissioners in the state.
He said: “We have developed our programmes to address the current challenges facing Lagos and also to set the template for the realisation of a Greater Lagos that will be the pride of the black race.
“This is the message we have been telling 25 million Lagosians on the campaign trail.
“To achieve these goals, we believe there is need for a knowledgeable public service that will drive these policies and programmes.
“Our programmes will not be effectively implemented and our objectives achieved without the readiness of the public servants to work with us as the drivers of these policies and promises made to Lagosians.
Read Also: Lagos artistes declare support for Buhari, Sanwo Olu
“Most of our programmes will be technology-driven and we feel there is need to meet with you and prepare you ahead.”
All the government offices, Sanwo-Olu assured, will be equipped with free Wi-Fi to promote seamless communications among government workers.
He promised that his government would bring back international capacity building and training opportunities for workers but said the condition for selecting beneficiaries would be strictly be based on merit.
Speaking on his plans to reposition the state economy, the APC candidate said his government would be investing in power to create a 24-hour economy, pledging improved security across the state to drive investment.
For his government, Sanwo-Olu said implementation of the recently introduced minimum wage is non-negotiable, promising the workers’ salaries would not be delayed beyond 27th day of every month.
He said: “I am using this opportunity to assure our hardworking civil servants that my government will fully implement the minimum wage.
“You can trust me on this because I introduced the current minimum wage in the state when I was the commissioner.
“I will run a listening government and every worker will have access to us.”
The governorship candidate also promised not to abandon the projects started by the outgoing government, reassuring workers that his administration would improve on the achievements recorded by the current government.
The Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who led the workers to the event, described Sanwo-Olu’s programmes as “brilliant ideas”, pleading workers’ cooperation to achieve the goals.
Also at the event included the Chairman of the party in Lagos, Hon. Tunde Balogun, and the Director-General of the Sanwo-Olu campaign group, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, among others.
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I have confidence in INEC – Hamzat
The Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, deputy governorship candidate Dr Obafemi Hamzat, yesterday expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Fielding questions moments after casting his ballot at his Ward A4, Unit 2 polling unit, Hamzat said despite the initial hitches, INEC has promised to deliver a free, fair and transparent election.
At several polling units in Epe, election materials were not delivered until 9am.
At the Ajaganabe unit, angry voters, most of who had arrived as early as 7.30 am, expressed bitterness at INEC’s shoddy arrangement despite the shift.
But Hamzat, in suing for people’s understanding, said, being machines, there could be some hitches.
“What is important is that anyone who came here before 2pm will vote. That is why we are on ground to resolve any challenge that our people may be having concerning this election. We appeal to all people to be patient as they will all be able to exercise their right,” Hamzat said.
He described the first stage, which is accreditation and voting, as very peaceful, adding that he looked forward to the remaining two stages, which are collating and counting of the votes to be peaceful and orderly.
On the chances of his party, Hamzat said the APC’s chance at the presidential and other election is very bright.
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Tinubu to market women: Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat are your sons
Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday met with hundreds of market women in Lagos.
He urged them to rally support for the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ahead of the general election.
Asiwaju Tinubu openly presented Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to the market women, telling the traders to take them as their sons.
He described the candidates as “excellent administrators and good listeners”.
The APC national leader addressed the market women at the residence of Iyaloja-General, Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, in Ikeja.
APC’s victory at the polls, he said, would extend the APC-led Federal Government’s mandate to sustain welfarist programmes initiated to assist market women and the poor across the country.
Tinubu said: “As market women, you are not only our mothers, you are also playing important roles in political process and economic development. You have been pillars of support for our party and you have never disappointed us whenever we reach out to you for support. Today, we are presenting Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat to you. These are two young, energetic and brilliant administrators, who listen carefully to advice.
“We want you to take them as sons and give them all the support they need to continue the good work we started. They are good listeners; they are not stubborn. If they make mistake, be patient with them. I know the two of them will not make decisions that will hurt your interest.”
He urged the market women to keep faith in APC, assuring them that the party would not take their support for granted.
Tinubu said APC initiated TraderMoni particularly for traders to assist them to promote their businesses.
He promised that there would be more incentives for market women and the poor if President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected.
Asiwaju Tinubu described women as “passionate voters”, saying the Buhari-led Federal Government deserved their votes because of the various welfare programmes the government initiated to support women.
He advised the traders to work together and ensure the success of APC’s candidates across boards.
Describing Sanwo-Olu as “a loyal party man”, Tinubu said the APC governorship candidate would work to reduce poverty.
At the event were the Lagos State APC Chairman, Tunde Balogun, the lawmaker representing Lagos West, Senator Solomon Adeola, former Senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon, and Director-General of Sanwo-Olu’s campaign, Tayo Ayinde, among others.
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Hamzat unveils infrastructural plans for Lagos
• Says round-about may not suit Lagos again
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has said the state may do away with roundabouts in the metropolis for a more efficient road management. He, however, added that the situation will be subjected to further studies before eventually settling for the best model to adopt.
Hamzat, who was a former Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure in the state, made this known in a chat with The Nation, while speaking on his plans for the state. According to him, research studies have shown that there are about 61 gridlock points in Lagos, with the biggest of them experienced at toll points along the Lekki/Ajah Estate.
Furthermore, he revealed that studies showed that about 21 per cent of vehicles on Nigerian roads are domiciled in Lagos, leading to an upsurge in vehicle renewals in recent times. This, he said, lends credence to the need for intermodal transportation system in the state. Indeed, the need for this model of transportation has been on the rise, given the hectic traffic situation being experienced. Perhaps this accounts for the rise in water transportation in the state. For instance, from 14, 000 daily passenger movement by ferry in 2005, a record 144, 000 passengers now commute daily by this means.
Hamzat, therefore, assured that if voted into office, his administration will improve on the model by engaging bigger ferries to ply the waterways, or by subsiding the cost of water transportation to make it more affordable for the populace.
On the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Hamzat said: “We will provide large volume of buses and work on providing more dedicated routes for them. We will coordinate their activities. Our business is to ensure that movement of people and goods flow freely. We will work on our inner roads by lifting the Public Works Department. When we go full swing into construction of our roads, we can employ 118,00 people annually and that will stimulate the economy of the state because construction is a huge job creator,” he explained.
Hamzat, while responding to a question on housing, said low cost housing does not exist anywhere as there are no low cost iron rods or cement. Rather, he explained, government will work on a sustainable housing system that will benefit the populace, especially first time home owners, young graduates and couples.
On the perennial flooding in the state, the APC deputy governorship candidate explained that since the state lies two metres below sea level, the cases of flash flood being experienced is nothing to worry about because once there is a channel for water to flow such floods will disappear in no time.
Hamzat explained that government will always work on desilting and opening up of the drainage which they usually do two months before the onset of rains.
Speaking on the challenge of refuse disposal, he said the greatest mistake made was to subjugate the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). He maintained that LAWMA will continue to be the regulatory agency as far as refuse management is concerned while PSP operators will function in areas they have capacities.
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Hamzat unveils infrastructural plans for Lagos
The Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has said the state may do away with roundabouts in the metropolis for a more efficient road management. He, however, added that the situation will be subjected to further studies before eventually settling for the best model to adopt.
Hamzat, who was a former Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure in the state, made this known in a chat with The Nation, while speaking on his plans for the state. According to him, research studies have shown that there are about 61 gridlock points in Lagos, with the biggest of them experienced at toll points along the Lekki/Ajah Estate.
Furthermore, he revealed that studies showed that about 21 per cent of vehicles on Nigerian roads are domiciled in Lagos, leading to an upsurge in vehicle renewals in recent times. This, he said, lends credence to the need for intermodal transportation system in the state. Indeed, the need for this model of transportation has been on the rise, given the hectic traffic situation being experienced. Perhaps this accounts for the rise in water transportation in the state. For instance, from 14, 000 daily passenger movement by ferry in 2005, a record 144, 000 passengers now commute daily by this means.
Hamzat, therefore, assured that if voted into office, his administration will improve on the model by engaging bigger ferries to ply the waterways, or by subsiding the cost of water transportation to make it more affordable for the populace.
On the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Hamzat said: “We will provide large volume of buses and work on providing more dedicated routes for them. We will coordinate their activities. Our business is to ensure that movement of people and goods flow freely. We will work on our inner roads by lifting the Public Works Department. When we go full swing into construction of our roads, we can employ 118,00 people annually and that will stimulate the economy of the state because construction is a huge job creator,” he explained.
Hamzat, while responding to a question on housing, said low cost housing does not exist anywhere as there are no low cost iron rods or cement. Rather, he explained, government will work on a sustainable housing system that will benefit the populace, especially first time home owners, young graduates and couples.
On the perennial flooding in the state, the APC deputy governorship candidate explained that since the state lies two metres below sea level, the cases of flash flood being experienced is nothing to worry about because once there is a channel for water to flow such floods will disappear in no time.
Hamzat explained that government will always work on desilting and opening up of the drainage which they usually do two months before the onset of rains.
Speaking on the challenge of refuse disposal, he said the greatest mistake made was to subjugate the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). He maintained that LAWMA will continue to be the regulatory agency as far as refuse management is concerned while PSP operators will function in areas they have capacities.
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We ‘ll complete Lagos-Badagry expressway, says Hamzat
Concerned with the seeming slowpace at which some critical road projects in Lagos is moving, coupled with the attendant consequences in movement of people and goods, Lagos State goverorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to improve on the quality of living standards in the state if elected in this year’s general elections.
Echoing the commitment of his principal and his passion to ensure the completion of ongoing critical road projects that included the Lagos Badagry Expressway, Sanwo-Olu’s Running mate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while fielding questions from respondents on Radio programme last week, assured Lagosians of their commitment to early completion of the expressway.
According to Hamzat, both Badagry and Lekki-Epe expressways are so critical to the economy of Lagos, that no effort must be spared to ensure their early completion. To this end, issue of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge may be delayed.
“Specifically, the ongoing 60-kilometre Lagos-Badagry Expressway project being executed by the state government must be completed as early as possible. The project has two major intermodal transport schemes namely; the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and the Light Rail Mass Transit with their accompanying infrastructure- 10 lanes superhighway taking off from Eric Moore interchange and traverses westward through Orile Iganmu, Alaba Oro, Mile 2, Festac, Agboju, Iyana Iba, Okokomaiko, Iyana Era, Ijanikin, Agbara, Ibereko and terminated at Badagry.
“The goal is to connect Lagos with the ECOWAS countries. The initiative would no doubt, enhance the commercial and other business activities between the affected neighbouring countries”. Hamzat said.
Besides, he acknowledged the importance of Lekki-Epe Expressway, which he said would be expanded and reconstructed, especially, from where it stopped now to the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in Akodo.
“Just like the Badagry Expressway, Lekki-Epe axis is also critical, in view of the ongoing enormous development taking place in the axis, there is need to review the issue of Fourth Mainland Bridge. For now, the project must be put in abeyance, because technical reports from experts revealed that the volume of traffic along the axis cannot cope with additional ones that the 4th Mainland bridge will engender.
“What we intend to do, if we form government, is to begin the construction of Coastal Roads from Ajah axis to Ibeju-Lekki, and possibly compete the abandoned portion of the Expressway from Ibeju to Epe; linking it to Ijebu-Ode, where trucks and other articulated vehicles coming to LFTZ would avoid Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin road”, said the APC Deputy Governor candidate, who assured that their government would massively invest to boost the already existing facilities as well as initiating new ones across the state.
Hamzat, a former Lagos Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as Works and Infrastructure, said his principal, Sanwo-Olu and himself were not novice to government, having being in the system for quite a while.
On the challenges of the ever-growing population of Lagos, which its agreed that is currently over 20 million, with a projected figure of close to 30 million in the next decade, Hamzat emphasised the need to be proactive before the time comes.
Read also: On Jonathan’s alleged offer of $5m bribe to Hamzat
“Lagos population is humongous, despite her being the smallest State in Nigeria with a land area of 3, 577 square kilometres. This translates that it occupies a paltry 0.4 per cent of total land area of Nigeria, which is 923,768 square kilometres”, he said, adding that Lagos has more than two million vehicles on her roads, out of about 12 million vehicles on the Nigerian roads as a whole.
Drawing from statistical figures obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Hamzat disclosed that about 260, 000 people come into the state daily, while only about 20-25 percent of this figure return to their original places of migration. This huge migration influx to the city, he noted, is overstretching the existing infrastructure and facilities, thereby making for an urgent need to be innovative in providing infrastructure in the state.
He assured that their plan will be to expand and improve on existing infrastructure project. ‘Government is a continuum and we will continue with existing projects to the benefit of Lagos. Our focus remains ‘Towards a Greater Lagos: A Collective Effort’, he added.
To this end, Lagos APC deputy governorship candidate said their government would work with an acronym: ‘THEME.’ “Our Promise to Lagosians is ‘THEME Lagos.” The pillar includes traffic management and transportation; health and environment; education and technology; making Lagos a 21st Century economy; entertainment and tourism.
He stated that efforts will also be geared up towards fixing various inner roads across the state. To achieve this, Hamzat revealed that the three Asphalt plants in the state will be turned around and made ready to put people to work in order to make the roads motorable throughout the year.
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On Jonathan’s alleged offer of $5m bribe to Hamzat
The moment I read the news that the APC deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr Quadri Obafemi Hamzat, alleged that he spurned a five million dollar bribe offer by former Nigeria’s President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his desperation to win the 2015 presidential election in 2015, I knew the reaction, published in last Monday’s edition of The Punch, would not be long in coming.
I expected Dr Jonathan’s rebuttal for two reasons. One, I felt the allegation was wild, that it laid itself open to quick denial. Second, this is another electioneering campaign period, and given PDP’s desperation to return to power at the centre, it would spare no effort in turpentining any tar brush of corruption on the PDP and its leadership.
But in this particular instance of Hamzat’s word against Jonathan’s, it is more likely that Hamzat will be believed while Jonathan’s rebuttal will be taken with a pinch of salt. The reason is that, as revealed by subsequent events after Jonathan lost to Buhari in 2015, no squander mania could beat PDP’s in Nigeria’s election history.
The cargo of dollars said to have been brought to Lagos by the PDP crew, led by Jonathan, to buy peoples’ conscience and regain the presidency, was unheard of in our recent history. And, it is simply being clever by half, if not being downright mischievous, to dismiss Femi Hamzat as being inconsequential in the 2015 period.
For the record, Dr Hamzat came a close second to the more favoured Mr Akin Ambode, who went on to become the governor of Lagos State. If politicians, and of much less political consequence than Hamzat reaped PDP’s Jonathan’s dollar bumper harvest in Lagos in 2015, dismissing Hamzat as inconsequential and a wannabe is inappropriate and does violence to Jonathan’s sense of evaluation and sound judgment.
What I’m saying here is that Jonathan was so desperate in 2015 to corner Lagos votes that he needed the likes of Hamzat then to realise his ambition than the electoral paperweights who harvested dollars from what eventually turned out to be Jonathan’s misadventure.