The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Idiat Adebule

  • Ambode urges Nigerians to avoid sowing seed of disunity

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday urged Nigerians to rise above all divisive tendencies for the survival and sustainable development of Nigeria.

    Ambode made the call at the 19th Annual Lecture to mark the 73rd birthday of Dr Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), in Lagos with the theme – “Nigeria’s Unity,  Matters Arising”.

    According to him, the coming to being of Nigeria in 1914 is not a mistake, but a divine event for a purpose which Nigerians must work together to actualise.

    The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor,  Dr. Idiat Adebule, said that the importance of unity in the development of a nation could not be overemphasised.

    “We can achieve little as individuals or groups but we stand to achieve much more together as a nation and as a people united by a common vision.

    “At a time in the world when the nations are seeking to break barriers and expand their geographical space to create stronger and more resilient economies, we cannot be moving in the wrong direction by creating barriers of sowing the seed of disunity.

    “’It is of essence that we see ourselves first and solely as Nigerians before any other consideration.

    “’We need to desist from focusing on our ethnic, religious, political and tribal differences and embrace the Nigerian spirit of being our brother’s keeper, ” he said.

    Ambode urged government at all levels to make social justice a relentless pursuit as a way to promote a sense of belonging needed in a multi-ethnic, cultural and religious entity like Nigeria.

    Read Also: Lagos pilgrims pray for Ambode

    In his lecture,  Mr Femi Falana (SAN), said that restructuring was key to sustaining and protecting the unity of the country.

    Falana also said that equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth to take care of Nigerians was another way to promote unity in the country.

    “’What is of urgency now is to restructure this country because if everybody can be allowed to mind their own business, then our country will be better for it.

    “’If we want a new country,  we need restructuring by litigation. The struggle must continue otherwise our challenges as nation will remain. We must also democratise power by giving power to the people.

    “’Women should also be given political positions because no country can be free without the liberation of women. It is working for Ruwanda with two-third of  women in political position, it can be achieved in Nigeria too, ” he said

    The Chairman of the event,  Mr John Nwodo, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, described Okonkwo’s life as examplary and trail blazer.

    “God has endowed you with gifts and you have used these gifts to touch lives of many Nigerians positively by establishing over 200 branches of TREM in less than three decades.

    “You have been promoting civic education, youth empowerment and organising seminars to touch the lives of many. You deserve to be celebrated.

    “Your rejection of materialism by rejecting and opposing `Tithes’  is humbling and examplary, ” he said

    Nwodo said there was the need for intelligence gathering and adequate policing to prevent crimes, killings and protect property, lives and unity of the nation.

    He also called for adequate mentoring of children to instill values of discipline and prepare them for leadership positions in the future.

    The Convener, Dr Mike Okonkwo, urged political and religious leaders to break down the barriers that divide the country along ethnic and religious lines.

    Okonkwo also urged governments to prioritise youth empowerment, saying that a well informed person would inform a better and progressive society,  thereby building a virile and world class nation.

    The  Mike Okonkwo annual lecture was established  in 2000 to discuss topical national issues to provide solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

    NAN

  • Ambode approves recruitment of 2200 teachers

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday approved the recruitment of additional 1200 teachers for the Junior and Senior Secondary schools in the State.

    The Governor, at the last quarterly Town Hall meeting at Ibeju Lekki, had promised that his administration would employ more teachers into public schools to meet up with the manpower required to cover all public schools in the State.

    Confirming the development, Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Idiat Adebule said the 1200 teachers was an addition to the 1000 teachers which the Governor had approved for recruitment into Primary Schools in the State.

    Read Also: Ambode asks Corps members to report security risks

    Adebule, who superintends over the Ministry of Education, said guidelines for application would be released soon in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

    The development, she added, would further aid teaching and learning in the public schools which according to her, has been attracting more enrollment in the last three years as a result of the improved infrastructure and welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff.

    She said the improved facilities and staff motivation was evident in the high performance rate of the students of the State in local and international competitions.

  • 2019 elections: Ambode urges religious groups to champion peace

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday appealed to religious bodies to help to ensure that the 2019 general elections were conducted peacefully through constant prayers for the country.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at a Muslim Leaders Interactive Forum.

    The forum was organised by the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) with the theme,  “Make Your Life Count: Unity of Muslim Ummah in Focus”.

    He said that religious organisations by their standing in society had enormous responsibility in ensuring that peace prevailed in their communities.

    According to him, religious bodies could impress upon their members on the need to eschew all forms of electoral violence during the elections.

    “There is the need for religious bodies and leaders to educate the people on the need for political tolerance to promote peace and tranquility before, during and after the elections,” he said.

    Ambode also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by religious bodies in supporting his administration and maintaining peaceful coexistence in the state.

    Also, Prof, Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, MCLS, assured that the Muslim community in the country would play a significant role in the country’s bid to ensure a peace during and after the elections.

    “We are close to an election year. We know the peculiarities of this period — hate and inflammatory speeches as well as consequent killings and other damnable actions in the religious and social spheres.

    “As a religious group, we have a duty to ensure peace and harmony,” he said.

    In his lecture entitled, “Unity Among Muslims”, Shaykh Muslihudeen Kalejaye, said Islam was a religion that tolerated other religions and ordered its followers to respect and protect all humans.

    “Where there is no unity, it will bring about disruption, devastation and disputes,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Ridwan Olagunju of the Department of Islamic Law, University of Ilorin, urged all religious bodies to continue to pray for the peace of the country.

    Olagunju urged the Muslim faithful to adhere to the tenets of Islam as well as do good to make their life count.

    He also appealed to government at all levels to sought the advice of religious leaders in policy formulation.

  • Lagos deputy governor urges women to support new APC exco

    Okoya-Thomas urges them to collect their PVCs, sensitive others

    As women leader organizes thanksgiving service for APC

     

    Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Idiat Adebule has appealed to all women in the state to give all their support to the new party excos, both at state and national, who recently took over the running of the affairs of the party.

    She spoke at the inaugural meeting and thanksgiving service tagged, APC: A new dawn” organised by the Lagos Women Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. (Mrs) Jumoke Okoya-Thomas at the Secretariat of the APC on Thursday.

    Adebule thanked the women for their continuous support for the government saying “without your support we cannot do anything and we can’t achieve as much as we have achieved, your support has been tremendous”.

    Charging them to pledge their support for APC and the entire leadership, the deputy governor reminded them that elections has come and that work has started but that while doing party work they should as well take care of their homes and children as well.

    In her welcome address earlier the organiser of the event, Lagos APC Women Leader, Okoya-Thomas said the inaugural meeting and thanksgiving service was  for the successes of APC congresses and the last convention of the party where officers to run the affairs of the party were selected.

    Okoya-Thomas called on all APC women in the state to join in the sensitization and enlightenment of over two million women in Lagos ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also: Ambode to new permanent secretaries: work for modern Lagos

    She particularly implored them to embark on house to house campaign and encourage women to go and collect their Permanent Voters Card, PVC before the August expiration date.

    She urged them all to work together to ensure peace and progress for APC in the forthcoming general elections.

    While assuring the women of continuous victory for the the party, Lagos State chairman of APC told the women that they have a lot to do, “go to all the market places and local governments one by one and urge your fellow women to register and also collect their PVCs because without it they can not vote.

    He also advised those who want to register as members of the party to do so at the Ward level as party officials are standby in all the wards for that purpose.

    Among dignitaries at the event were, former deputy governors of Lagos, Adeleye Ogunleye and Mrs. Sarah Rowan, commissioner for poverty alleviation, Hon. (Dr.) Lola Amanda, former Lagos SSH, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe as well as Secretary, Mr. Wake Ahmed.

  • Adebule : Lagos out to address problems facing widows

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said it was committed to implementing programmes to alleviate the deprivation, denial of rights, social and economic neglect experienced by vulnerable widows and their children in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule said this at an Empowerment Seminar for Widows to mark International Widows’ Day, organised by the state ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ( WAPA ), in Lagos.

    The News men reports that International Widows’ Day was declared by the United Nations in 2011 and is commemorated every June 23 in an effort to empower widows and help them regain their rights, which have long been ignored and violated.

    Adebule who was represented by Mrs Yetunde Odejayi, a Permanent Secretary, expressed concern over the plight of widows in the present times, saying they are less than dignifying and with dire economic implications.

    “Death, it is often said, is a reality but how humans contend with the fallouts of the unfortunate natural phenomenon is another thing entirely.

    “Bereavement is always a period of grief, sorrow, psychological trauma and sometimes despair. How relatives and the society in general react to it, especially in relation to widows and orphans, calls for concerns from all.

    “The Lagos state government is committed to continue to explore ways to minimise the hardships of widows and orphans in the state.

    “We will continue to protect you and put in place policies and programmes that will benefit you,” she said.

    Adebule urged Nigerians to do away with all cultural practices that were detrimental to the welfare of widows and orphans in the country.

    Read Also: 2019: Senator seeks Igbo support for Lagos APC

    She reminded the people that no one knew when he or she would die, hence the need to show sympathy and provide succour to vulnerable widows, instead of adding to their sorrows.

    Also, Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on the Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions, urged widows to utilise free legal services provided by the state government to protect their rights and get justice.

    “In Lagos state we have the office of the public defender, we also have the citizens mediation gate to help the less privileged such as widows and orphans in our society get speedy legal mediation,” she said.

    Tejuosho also called on husbands to write and update their Will periodically since no one knew when he would die.

    “The society should welcome and embrace widows, while the government should start educating men to write their wills for their families.

    “This is imperative to forestall avoidable hardships for the family left behind in the event of death,” she said.

    Dr Omolola Salako, a Consultant, Radiation Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) educated widows on the need to embrace healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases such as cancers.

    In her remarks, Dr Lola Akande, Commissioner, WAPA, encouraged the widows to avail themselves of the various opportunities and empowerment programmes provided by the government.

    “There are 17 vocational training centers in the state, where you can learn how to start up small businesses such as poultry, fish farming, making of earrings and necklaces, baking, hairdressing and tailoring and many others.

    “The training is free of charge. Avail you the opportunities to be self-dependent and self-reliant,” Akande said.

  • Ambode urges graduates to adjust to ‘ever-changing world’

    Ambode urges graduates to adjust to ‘ever-changing world’

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday called on graduates of tertiary institutions to adjust to ever-changing world by generating wealth and employment opportunities.

    Ambode gave the advice at the 26th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said that they should create employment opportunities where none existed.

    The governor pledged that he would continue to invest substantial amount of resources in the education sector to enrich the pool of human resources from the state institutions.

    According to him, no society can ever develop without good investment in the education of its citizens, or provide enabling environment for ideas to thrive.

    “You should take advantage of the training and skills acquired to become employers of labour.

    ”The economic climate of the nation requires young vibrant entrepreneurs who are determined to create wealth and employment opportunities.

    ”You are to create employment opportunities where none exists and to constantly adjust to the dynamics of the market to drive investment and economic empowerment for many others.

    ”You should make the best use of your time to improve yourself constantly in this ever-changing world, ” Ambode said.

    He pledged to move education from mere certificate to the level of technology and skills acquisition, mentorship for entrepreneurial and economic empowerment.

    In his remarks, Mr Samuel Sogunro, the Polytechnic Rector, appreciated the governor for his attention to the needs of the institution.

    Sogunro urged the graduates to utilise the theoretical, practical and entrepreneurial skills acquired from the polytechnic to be job creators, and not to be white-collar job seekers.

    ”By becoming job creators, you would be playing your part in stemming down the level of hopelessness which is prevalent among young graduates who seek the non-readily available white-collar jobs, ” he said.

    Read Also: PSP operators to Ambode: bring waste managers together

    Sogunro announced Omotoyosi Fatogun as the overall best graduating student with Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate ( CGPA ) of 3.81 in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Science Laboratory Technology.

    Also, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, the Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic, commended Ambode for dedicating 12.7 per cent of the 2018 state budget to education.

    Gbadamosi pledged to partner with the government in addressing many of the challenges that affected the development of the state and the country at large.

    Commenting, Fatogun said that her success was not by accident, but by dint of hard work, divine grace and ultimate blessings of the Almighty.

    On behalf of the graduates, she promised that they would be good ambassadors of the polytechnic and the state.

    Our reporter,  reports that 6, 355 students graduated from the polytechnic, out of which 211 earned distinctions, while 1,368 made Upper Credit, 3,505 students made lower credit and 1,271 obtained Pass.

    NAN

  • Ambode urges sustained support for fallen heroes ’ families

    Ambode urges sustained support for fallen heroes ’ families

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday urged Nigerians to sustain support for families of fallen heroes and those living with disabilities.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call after laying a wreath in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    The event took place at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    The governor urged Nigerians to embrace peace, shun violence and use dialogue to resolve conflicts.

    He said the celebration was a reminder of the sacrifices of fallen heroes.

    Read also: Buhari, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for heroes

    “Today marks the high point of the remembrance programme which commenced on Dec. 20, 2017, with the launch of the Emblem Fund.

    “The wreath that we have laid symbolises our appreciation of the supreme price paid by gallant members of the Armed Forces in the defence of the sovereignty of our fatherland and in the struggle to preserve our national unity.

    “I am appealing to Nigerians to sustain the support and care for the families of fallen heroes and those living with disabilities.

    “One of the ways we can give the support is to engage the services of these ex-servicemen and women, some of whom have suffered physical disabilities while defending the territorial integrity and unity of our nation,’’ he said.

    The governor prayed that the sacrifices of the heroes should not be in vain but should keep Nigeria united and strong.

    The deputy governor earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by detachments of the army, navy, air force, police and the Nigerian Legion.

    After the wreath-laying, the armed forces made gun salute, after which the deputy governor led some dignitaries to the pigeon case, where she released birds to signify peace.

    Other notable personalities, who laid wreaths, include Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of Lagos State House of Assembly, the state Chief Judge Opeymi Oke and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos.

    Commanders of military and para-military formations and a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes also laid wreaths.

    Participants at the ceremony were offered free sugar level, hypertension and malaria screening.

    The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated every January 15 to honour fallen heroes and surviving ones including those who suffered various deprivations as a result of wars.

    NAN

  • Lagos trade fair will enhance economic growth – Ambode

    Lagos trade fair will enhance economic growth – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair ( LITF ) will be an avenue for collaboration toward enhancing economic growth.

    Ambode, represented by Dr Idiat Adebule, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, made the remark on Friday, at the opening of the fair with the theme: “Promoting Industrialisation for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth.”

    The fair is an annual event organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( LCCI ).

    Ambode noted that the previous edition of the event was held amid economic recession, but now, the economy had not only exited recession, but had received positive global rating.

    According to him, the rating has shown an improvement in the country’s Ease of Doing Business ranking of the World Bank.

    “This positive development is the cumulative effect of policies and reforms being implemented diligently to ensure a conducive environment for business growth and development,” he said.

    The governor said the large turnout of participants, networking events and volume of transactions recorded yearly are testaments of the trade fair’s relevance in boosting national economic growth and recovery plans.

    In her comments, Mrs Nike Akande, President of LCCI, said that the theme of the fair was to underscore the critical importance of industrialisation in the nation’s economic recovery and diversification process.

    She said that it would also draw attention to the imperative of creating an enabling environment to attract new investments, grow existing ones and the necessity to build a sustainable economy.

    “There is perhaps no better time to do this than now. This is the time to focus more on the non-oil sector for diversification.

    “The non-oil economy is more inclusive and integrated. It is also more growth-oriented, characterised by high economic linkages, stable, and above all, more sustainable,” she said.

    According to her, appreciating the dynamics of the economy will enable government to construct policies that will ensure sustainable economic development.

    Akande said that government’s priority should be to fix impediments to productivity and competitiveness in the economy.

    She said that tackling the constraints would encourage domestic investment, attract foreign capital and facilitate the realisation of the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government.

    Chief Alaba Lawson, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), urged the government to implement infrastructural development measures, toward improving all sectors of the economy.

    She said that doing this would make the country take its rightful position as not only one of the largest economies in Africa, but also the most industrialised one.

    The 31st edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair ends on Nov. 12.

    NAN

  • Lagos to deliver 20,000 housing units by 2018

    Lagos to deliver 20,000 housing units by 2018

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday said that his administration planned to deliver 20, 000 housing units by 2018 to bridge existing housing deficit in the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the disclosure at an event to mark the 2017 World Habitat Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations in 1985, designated the first Monday of October every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and basic right of all to adequate shelter.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’.

    He said the plan was part of government’s objective to make the state liveable.

    “Shelter is one of man’s basic needs. The ongoing effort in the area of urban renewal and slum upgrading is to show our commitment to run an all-inclusive government and address the challenges facing the housing sector,” he said.

    The governor said that the state would continue to explore innovative ways through a public-private partnership to provide decent and affordable housing for all.

    ”As we strive to provide the enabling environment for investment in the housing sector, we are open to new ideas, technology and methods.

    ”The private sector remains our key partner in ensuring the delivery of decent, functional and affordable housing in the quality that will match the increasing demand across the state, ” he said.

    In his lecture, Mr Fola Arthur-Worrey, a former Commissioner for Lands in the state, identified policy inconsistency as a major problem affecting efforts to provide affordable houses in the country.

    Arthur-Worrey urged governments to consider trends and disparities in income and wealth in policy formulation to address the challenges of affordable housing.

    ”Governments should put in place rent control legislation to curb landlords’ excesses and protect the rights of tenants.

    ”Governments should also improve economic output and income for people to be able to cater for their housing challenges,” he said.

    Mr Rowland Kayalga, Director, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, commended the state government for its efforts in ensuring an inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable, affordable and accessible housing for residents.

    ”Of all the states in Nigeria, only Lagos state commemorates World Habitat Day and I’m calling on other states to emulate it so as to bring the housing challenges in the nation to the front burner

    ”Your greener and cleaner Lagos initiative, improved urban planning and slum upgrade are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is commendable, ” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Abiola Anifowoshe, state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development said that making housing available and within the reach of the common man was a major priority of the government.

  • Man impersonates Lagos Deputy Gov.

    Man impersonates Lagos Deputy Gov.

    About two years after the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, suspended her social media accounts, a 45year-old man, Adamu Aminu, who allegedly impersonated her on the facebook, was on Friday hauled up before an Ebute  Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    He is facing a four-count charge of impersonation, conspiracy, false pretence and fraud.

    Aminu allegedly created a facebook account using the details of the deputy governor to defraud people.

    The Prosecutor, Mr Rafiu Aroyewun, Assistant Director, Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), State Ministry of Justice, told the court that the accused committed the offences in Agege area of Lagos sometime in August.

    Aroyewun said the accused used the account to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public before he was tracked down online by the Police.

    “The accused fraudulently obtained the sum of N1 million from one Mr Bright Obed on the pretext of soliciting funds for an orphanage in Agege set up by the Deputy Governor.

    “He also impersonated the Deputy Governor by calling and sending SMS on a mobile number 09064583091 to the public.

    “Investigation is ongoing and we are on the trail of others who are still at large, ” he told the court.

    The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravened Sections 314 (1), (a), 380 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

    Aminu pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Counsel to the accused, Ms Uzoamaka Nwafor, urged the magistrate to grant him  bail on liberal terms.

    In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Oluyemisi Adelaja admitted the accused to a bail of N300, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    She said the sureties must produce evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case until Oct. 16 for hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Aug. 5, 2015, the Deputy Governor had disowned a facebook account created in her name by an impostor trying to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    Adebule, in a statement, alerted the general public that some unscrupulous elements had been using her name, most notably on facebook, to dupe innocent people.