The Nation Newspaper

Tag: impact

  • Impact of legislative/executive feud

    What could have sparked a protracted rift between the legislature and the executive in the same ruling party?

    This is a big poser that agitates the minds of concerned parties in Lagos State where the House of Assembly has shelved the confirmation of 17 of the governor’s 39 commissioner-nominees.

    The legislative/executive face-off, which leaders of the ruling party are now sorting out, is confounding to many people because the occupants of the two organs of government belong to the same All Progressives Congress (APC) family.

    Some observers might not find anything puzzling about this kind of misunderstanding. To such persons, it is not new. They liken it to the inevitable – however occasional – disagreement that usually occurs within a family. As elder statesman Oluyole Olusi put it: “It is the side effect of the operation of democracy.”

    But the pattern of legislative/executive bickering that has dogged the practice of the presidential system in Nigeria is worrisome.

    The question is: could the slippery pathway of a crisis be avoided rather than resort to damage control after the collision? Could the row have been prevented instead of making appeals for dialogue after the disagreement has degenerated into a crisis?

    It bears repeating that the greatest challenge confronting big progressive parties, either at national, regional or state level, is lack of speedy crisis resolution mechanism. The sluggish approach to peaceful settlement can be costly.

    Read Also: Mutfwang: A new development plan for Plateau

    While it is now generally accepted that inter-organ crises are normal – though better prevented or managed internally before they become subjects of public gossips – some circumstances may make it impossible. When it is eventually resolved, the collateral damage tends to stare participants in the politics of strife in the face. Egos are bruised.

     It is worse when the governor and lawmakers are from antagonistic parties. The most embarrassing scenario of utter discord happened in Kaduna State in the Second Republic. The list of commissioner-nominees sent by former Governor Balarabe Musa of the defunct Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to the House of Assembly dominated by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was rejected. For over one year before he was impeached by the hostile House, the governor ran the state without commissioners. Kaduna was bruised by the  acrimony in the corridor of power.

    Indisputably, unresolved discord and mistrust between the two critical organs have the tendency to create strains for the party on whose platform the governor and the lawmakers were elected. The impression often created is that the party is has lost cohesion, unity and harmony. That was the trend of acrimonious relationship associated with the Executive and Legislature, also in Second Republic, when the then Ondo State Governor Adekunle Ajasin and Speaker Richard Jolowo never saw eye to eye.

    Majority of members of the State Executive Council backed Ajasin while majority of lawmakers backed the estranged deputy governor, Chief Akin Omoboriowo.

    The reconciliation brokered by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) Leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, collapsed. The great politician was helpless. The two sides could not be pacified. The Ondo chapter was so polarised by the executive/legislative crisis that it nearly rendered the state government comatose. The governor’s proposals to the House, including the nomination of Chief Nathaniel Aina for the vacant position of deputy governor after Omoboriowo resigned, were rejected.

    Recent experience has also shown that differential styles, not necessarily related with ideology, can create a gulf between the head of the legislature and the head of the executive. Between 2015 and 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari had it rough with the Senate, led by Dr. Bukola Saraki, despite being chieftains of the same party. The suspicion, if not hate, was so deep.

    The fallout was that some presidential nominees were not confirmed. When the president came to the Upper Chamber to table his administration’s budget, there was uproar and the session was almost disrupted. The founding fathers of APC were in a sober mood.

    The constitution prescribes roles for the Legislature and Executive in presidential de mocracy. The Legislature is the first and the most important organ of government because of its attribute of “representativeness”. The Executive is to be envied for always stealing the show, not only as chief executor of big projects but as the exclusive custodian and controller of huge financial resources.

    While constituencies send representatives to the law-making organ, they also crave representation in the Executive, the real heart of government, where things happen. The slots of commissioners and special advisers, no matter the seeming duplication, expansion or enlargement, are still relatively fewer. The scramble for the slots is always intense.

    In contemporary times, societies have accommodated the criteria being evolved by political players to reshape the scramble. These include experience, competence, expertise, gender, population, religion, ethnicity, autochthony (indigeneship), preference of governor, godfatherism, quota system, slots for youth, and consideration for the physically challenge. To maintain a balance is difficult or problematic.

    While relations between Executive and Judiciary, and relations between Legislature and Judiciary are smooth, there is usually tension between the legislature and the executive for obvious reasons. The principles of constitutional separation of powers and the accompanying checks and balances are guaranteed under the presidential model. In exercising its legislative, oversight and ratification powers, legislators see an opportunity to restrain or tame the executive. The implication is that the ruling executive should always moderate its activities in utter sensitivity to the presence of a legislature that is always alert.

    Yet, the exercise of the role of “approval” and “questioning” should be done with wisdom. It should not be allowed to slide into a deep gulf or lack of cooperation between the two branches. There should be mutual respect, flexibility, understanding and collective dedication to the cause of good governance.

    When a conflict between the governor and the legislature festers or escalates, the two arms are distracted, governance is slowed down, energy is dissipated on crisis resolution and service delivery is hampered. Therefore, legislators and members of the executive elected on the same ruling platform should have a moral voice they can defer to, and this is the Party Caucus.

    Herein lies the solution to the legislative/executive imbroglio. If the party caucus is strengthened, it can affirm its supremacy, whip its party members in the executive and legislative organs into line and enforce discipline.

    This is very important because the perception that a crisis has engulfed the legislature and executive means that the party ultimately is enveloped in a crisis. It thus implies that the platform is devoid of cohesion, unity and peace. It is not tidy that the executive and legislature should watch the dirty linen of the party in the public. Party followers would be confused and the opposition would be motivated to make a mockery of the feuding arms of government.

    The goal of the legislature and the executive should be collaboration for good governance without jeopardising the principle of separation of powers. The achievement of the objective depends on a harmonious working relationship between both arms of government. Experienced politicians should be appointed as Laison Officer or Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Matters as the “go between” to stem or moderate the compelling tension between the two arms.

    In a moment of crisis, dialogue, which may be difficult to initiate by the two organs in dispute, should be brokered by the party, which is the parent of quarrelsome siblings in the two feuding arms of government.

  • Winners emerge for Google Impact Challenge Africa

    Winners have emerged for the first Google Impact Challenge in Nigeria with twelve non-profits and social enterprises each awarded a share of $2m in grant funding.

    Four winners Vetsark, The Cece Yara Foundation,  HelpMum,  Project Enable Africa will receive $250 000 each, while the eight runners up will each get $125 000.

    1. Vetsark – Plans to launch Alpha Prime Disease Surveillance Technology to predict, prevent, and control pests and disease outbreaks in Nigeria to protect crops and livestock.
    2. The Cece Yara Foundation – Established the first toll-free child helpline and child advocacy centre in Nigeria and aims to connect victims with professional services through the web, SMS, and mobile apps.
    3. HelpMum – Using mobile technology, HelpMum provides clean birth kits to ensure that pregnant women are given the best possible care during delivery, irrespective of where they live.
    4. Project Enable Africa – The digital inclusion project promotes the access of people with disabilities and their caregivers to ICT skills and opportunities.

     

    The winners were chosen by judges and members of the public at the grand event held in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

    According to a statement by the organisers, funding will be allocated in tranches and assigned to each enterprise as they reach a set of predefined milestones specific to each venture, while winners and runners up will also receive support from Google to reach their goals and meet those milestones.

    Google Impact Challenge Africa, a competition to find the most innovative African non-profits and social enterprises using technology to solve societal problems, opened in May and more than 5,000 (Five thousand)  entries were received in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

    In her address at the ceremony, Google Country Director in Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, noted that many African innovators are doing great work with real impact and Google is keen to shine a light on their work, and also give a financial boost to their projects and ideas.

    “We believe technology can help local and national organisations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and Google is eager to provide support to individuals and organisations using technology in new ways to make a positive difference,” she stated.

    Judges on the night included Chairman CEO Channels media group, John Momoh, Chairman/CEO;
    Mrs. Parminder Vir, Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation; Rapper, CEO of Chocolate City Music Group, MI Abaga; Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of
    NGOs Oluseyi Oyebisi; Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners Eghosa Omoigui and Google Nigeria’s Country Director Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor.

  • Nigerians yet to feel impact of 2017 budget, says NLC

    Nigerians yet to feel impact of 2017 budget, says NLC

    Nigerians are yet to feel impact of the 2017 budget less than 60 days to the end of the year, The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) lamented yesterday.

    “We have not seen the impact at a very large scale of those interventions in the 2017 budget.

    “I am not sure there are critical infrastructures that have been addressed in the 2017 budget,” its president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, told our correspondent yesterday.

    He informed the economic team put in place by the congress is studying the 2018 budget estimates presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari with a view to engaging the lawmakers and make positive contributions to the process.

    “The difference we want to see with the 2018 budget is the issue of those critical infrastructures that can drive the process of development because development cannot thrive if you don’t have power.

    ”Most companies cannot meet their operational expenses because of the high amount of money they need to put into power.

    “Power and roads are very critical infrastructures as well as rail and steel development. We import most of the steel we use in the country now.

    “We will save a lot of foreign exchange if we are able to develop steel needed to drive critical infrastructures in this country.

    “Most countries in the world try and fix their steel because we need them to build roads, houses and other critical infrastructures.

    “This should be the picture of what the budget should be able to address if we want an impact that people can feel and understand as well as get out of this depressed economy,” Wabba stated.

    Speaking on recovered loots, the NLC President said: “They should be used to finance critical infrastructures. Some of these loots are coming from a budgetary process that was supposed to address and fix our critical infrastructures.

    “Our position is that it should be budgeted for and channeled to very key but critical infrastructures that will require such an intervention that can make the necessary impact.

    “That I think is what should be done and it should be managed in a very transparent way.”

  • Impact of recession will soon be over, cleric assures

    Nigerians will soon stop feeling the impact of recession, Senior Pastor of Praise Arena, Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, has stated.

    He asked them to be optimistic and sustain prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the recent data by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics on the nation’s exit from recession is an indication of answered prayer.

    Speaking with our correspondent in his office, Adetoyese-Olagunju noted recent developments have clearly shown God was bent on fixing the recession fever.

    According to him: “OPEC took considerations of our peculiar situation. Nigeria and Libya were given unrestricted production, which is indeed an uncommon favour.

    “That implies that our dollar will become stronger, the economic that was just thriving to survive will now have a better leverage.”

    The cleric, a energy expert, said if the nation succeeds in attracting new investors to the oil sector, things would take a turn for the best.

    He pointed out the agriculture, tourism, mining, transportation, manufacturing and arts sector offer the nation’s best opportunities to increase Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

    He supported calls for diversification of the economic while pleading oil-producing communities should be included in development plans.

  • ‘Women are born to make impact’

    Women workers at the Federal College of Education (FCE) in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State have held an end-of-semester get-together.

    The women gathered under the aegis of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE).

    Its Chairperson, Mrs. Celine Etesike, said the event was part of the recreation initiated by the body to give members opportunities to celebrate and foster unity.

    She noted that WICE had been making impact outside the institution, saying it was time members of the college felt its impact.

    She said: “The maiden WICE’s week of activities is special to us, because we believe charity begins at home. We decided to use this occasion to care for ourselves, love and appreciate and honour ourselves. More so, we are out to celebrate every member of the college community.”

    Mrs. Etesike, who pointed out that WICE should not be seen as a pressure group, said the body had been a partner in progress for the college to actualise its vision and mission.

    She said: “WICE is an association with objectives to provide opportunities for professional development for members, as well as enhance the educational development of our immediate communities and the nation.”

    She disclosed that the body planned to extend its impact and community relationship to members of the college’s host communities by organising seminars in secondary schools and skill acquisition for women in rural areas.

    Chairman on the occasion Sir Pascal Onah described the event as timely, stressing that women remained a force to be reckoned with in the college as they worked to improve on their professional worth.

    He observed that women were created to make impact in education, politics, banking, industries and other economic activities.

    Onah extolled the group for initiating the event and urged members to include medical outreach in their next event. This, he said, was necessary to prevent women from contracting terminal diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

    WICE honoured some members of the college as fellows, grand patron and patroness. Students were also given the opportunity to join the group’s activities.

    The highpoint was the unveiling of the body’s journal Journal of Women in Teacher Education (JOWITE).

    Those honoured included the Provost, Prof Benjamin Mbah, as grand patron, while the Registrar, Mrs. Celine Nnebedum, is grand patroness.

    Mbah praised members of the body for the honour, pledging college’s support for its subsequent activities. The provost advised the women to live above board in the discharge of their duty and avoid anything that might jeopardise the vision of the college.

  • ‘Restructuring ‘ll impact on governance’

    ‘Restructuring ‘ll impact on governance’

    Dr. Olusanya Awosan was Special Assistant on Public Relations to former President Goodluck Jonathan. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks on the restructuring debate, good governance and other national issues. 

    The on-going restructuring debate has divided the country, what is the way out?

    It is a thing the government should look into critically, in the interest of everybody, but the federal government seems not to be helping the situation. The structure on ground is not also helping the federal government to achieve its objectives. From my own experience under President  Goodluck Jonathan, I think his government tried, but because the nation is so large, people thought Jonathan did not make impact. That is what is happening right now. The federal government should devolve power to states and local governments. That will enable the federal government to concentrate on the powers it retained.  But, this is not the case. It is in the interest of the federal government to devolve power to states and local government. Nigeria is supposed to be a federal government, but this is just in paper. Federal government should not have business in tarring roads and attending to education. The country ought to have outgrown this and the ethnic nationality agitation. And when you look at it critically, does the structure favours the Federal Government? I can say that the present structure has not enabled the federal government to attain much. I believe that if power is devolved, in the areas of security, the federal government will be much efficient. The efficiency of government at every level will increase. Again, we are one country with different nationalities, it also in our own interest to create system that safeguards the unity that the country longs for. Some people said that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable, but that cannot be true because we must negotiate. Even in a family, there must be negotiation. When a father wants to go into business, he has to meet other members of the family, to explain the terms to them. They would have to agree and there must be memorandum of understanding (MoU). The terms must be cleared and just, that is what people are saying. I believe that those who are opposing it are those benefitting from the present injustice the system has thrust on the country. At the end of the day, when you look at it, it has not paid those against restructuring. Most of the people agitating against it are from the northern part of the country. Look at the massive deceit and ignorance in that part of the nation; it does pay anybody neither the oppressors nor the oppressed. I think it is sensible for us to look at the structure and tinker with it in a way that it will create a just society. Agreed that we all cannot be equal, but let there be equal opportunities at all levels. For you to talk of unity, justice is the first concern of humanity. You cannot talk of unity in a system that is unjust. And for people to look at it and draw a conclusion that the restructuring issue is a Yoruba agenda cannot be true. Recently, someone said restructuring cannot put food on the table, I agreed with them, but it can create a situation where it can put food on the table.

    The federal allocation does not want to lose anything in revenue, for this reason restructuring will not see the light of the day…

    Nigerians politicians don’t talk about service, they talk about power. They are more interested in power. The aim of any good governance is the welfare of the people under its jurisdiction. Any structure that is not serving the welfare of the people is not a good structure. We are talking of the federal government having the largest chunk of revenue, is it for the individual or for the collective purpose? If they are interested in service, the money must be put at the areas where it would be beneficial to the people. The money must have direct impact on the lives of the people; money is not just there for people to see and steal, but to be utilized for the benefit of the people. That is why some individuals could have access to funds that should have been used for the development of the country. That is why former Minister of Petroleum, Deziane Allison-Madueke could steal the amount of money she stole. With the kind of money at her disposal, she can be richer than some of the African countries. There is no infrastructural development and lot issues are begging for appropriate answers in the country, yet the federal government want to hold on to funds that would give service to the people. This is certainly not the ways forward.

    Having served in past administration, where do you think the government needs adjustment to make things better?

    I have come to the conclusion what with this type of structure in place; there is no federal government that can render service effectively. For instance, during the Jonathan administration, a number of roads were tarred and lots of things were done, but he did not create the magnitude of impact expected of him. What he did was not enough for the people to appreciate not because the government did not do anything, but because the structure did not allow the impact. You are sitting in Abuja and you are talking of Idanre in Ondo, Esa Oke in Osun, Sagari village in Sokoto, so no matter the effort the federal government puts in at the end of the day the magnitude will not be much and it will not receive appropriate appreciation.

    Government said the recession is over, what is your assessment?

    The Yoruba people say the monkey sweats, but because it is hairy, one could hardly notice it. That is the case with the federal government. All these things will still come back to the same argument, if the federal government devolves power to the state and local governments, its impact would have been felt. The pace would be faster and now it has to be slow and gradual. And before you to know it, two years is already gone and by the time you back 2019 is round the corner. You know that the citizens cannot appreciate figure, they can only appreciate the direct impact of policies and programmes of government in their lives. If people and government have confidence in our own facilities, they will not be going abroad for medical attention. Like Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is agitating, they are fighting to make our universities better. Nigeria has the manpower, but what we lack is the infrastructure. We have very articulate and resourceful manpower. I am a product of the university system here, I got all my degrees from Nigerian universities, so I know the crop of people that we have in the system. If you don’t have laboratory, how do you conduct experiment?

    What is your assessment of President Buhari ahead 2019, in view the comment of Minister of Women Affairs?

    Under the law, Alhassan is entitled to her comment. I don’t think it is a bad one as long as she is supporting somebody in the All Progressive Congress (APC). Nigeria is not the property of Mr. President; the loyalty is to be to the nation. What she said is aimed at the future, that by 2019 in her own consideration, the type of Buhari probably would have expired. But, she should be more focused than making such comment, as long as she is still serving now, she must focus on the policy and programme of government.

    It is because there is no strong political system and everywhere in the world where there are no strong structures the methodology of making effective change will be comes under scrutiny. That is why I will not support anybody persecuting her over her comments. How I wish the political system were in order. But, thank God the PDP is gradually bouncing back, to give the APC the fight. So, as the PDP is struggling to put its acts together, the APC is going apart. The party that had not held it NWC meeting for long but because a woman said she was supporting an individual they have decided to meet over the matter. It exposed the level of sycophancy, especially those who are close to the seat of power. So, as long as the system favours their position, they will never say it the way it should be. In the overall interest of the nation because of the huge responsibilities attached to that office. The President needs not only to be sincere, but needs to be vigilant. On the ground of that, I will appeal to the President that he must allow people to aspire. But, if he has the agility and intellectual capacity, he can continue.

    What is your assessment of Governor Ambode so far?

    We must thank God that at least we can point hand to a government that is working. We must appreciate what we are witnessing in Lagos and I have to say that all thanks to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the architect of modern Lagos. He laid the foundation of what we are now benefitting; he has also provided very strong and vigilant leadership. Leadership that is not only performing in government, but midwife a succession plan, that brought about capable hands. There is no doubt today that Asiwaju is the number one political leader in the Southwest. That again takes us to the issue of restructuring, his participation and opinion is very much important. At the end of the day, those who are agitating would add some political dimension and the experience of people like Asiwaju would be very useful. Like I had mentioned before, it is in the interest of all that power should devolve to the federating units. If power is devolved many of our states would do very well. So, what is incapacitating good governance in Nigeria is the structure that we have which needs to be restructured.

  • Adeboye to Christians: make impact

    Adeboye to Christians: make impact

    Christians have been urged to ensure their faith reflects in whatever they do as this will make Nigeria a better place  to live.

    Speaking yesterday at the Power Conference organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 19 (aka First Born Family) at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan , Lagos, the General Overseer Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said Christians should take the lead “so the world will know that they serve a living God”.

    Pastor Adeboye, who spoke on the theme: ”Turning Point” with the text taken from Dan 4:34-37, said there were several types of turning points.

    “There are upward movement or downward movement but as Christians our turning point is expected to be upward and to continually remain at the top.

    “King Nebuchadnezzar experienced a double turning point. Initially, he was king and as a result of pride, he became an animal.

    “But the day he acknowledged God as the Almighty, his throne was restored. He had a second turning point with God and he started climbing again.

    “If you are going down, return to God but if you are up and you want to remain there, you must abide in Christ always,” he said.

    Pastor Adeboye, therefore, pointed out that for Christians to make positive impact in the society, they need to partner God so that he can guide them.

  • Ambode’s impact is real, says Ayorinde

    Ambode’s impact is real, says Ayorinde

    Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde appraises Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s performance and also highlights what to expect in the New Year

    How would you rate the performance of the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the last one and a half years?

    I would rate it the same way Lagosians have rated the administration. And their verdict, without a doubt, is that the administration has scored A+ in the delivery of services, as promised during the campaign to Lagosians, in terms of security of life and property; in terms of improved infrastructural development, of roads, traffic management, sports development, tourism and culture, health care, and of course, in job creation and opportunities for younger ones. There is no other way to show that our self appraisal, in the last 18 months, is in sync with those of Lagosians. Lately, there was an approval rating of 79% for Governor Ambode, the highest for any Governor in the country and indeed the highest ever attained by any Governor in his first two years. So, we really need no further evidence of the acceptance by the majority of our people. The popularity of the governor is not in doubt and this is attributable to his keeping his electoral promises and ensuring that truly there is continuity and improvement in Lagos State. We are satisfied with the rating we are getting, both at home and abroad.

    It looks like the LAKE rice is the icing on the cake for a long list of achievements of the governor in 2016?

    Without a doubt, yes. Our analysis shows that the acceptance that greeted the LAKE rice is perhaps the single biggest news item of the year in this country. And what this shows is that positive news can be very impactful. As we speak thousands of LAKE rice are still being pumped into the market for Lagosians to take advantage of. What this has demonstrated is the capacity to pursue a great vision with courage. Lagos signed an MOU with Kebbi in March and today, many homes are having the best Christmas of their lives because of the commitment and large Heart of a visionary Governor.

     Is this a one-off intervention?

    No it is not. The partnership between Lagos and Kebbi on rice will continue and will even transcend rice production. Lagos is the largest market in the country and it is has the comparative advantage in terms of disposable income, which is why we are entering into partnerships with other states that will impact on our people. But LAKE rice will continue into the new year and will continue to sell at those subsidized prices. But don’t forget that Lagos State is also developing its own capacity for milling through the Imota Rice mill. We expect that in the new year, our capacity to mill will be about 10.5 metric tonnes, since we will achieve 2.5 metric tonnes already at Imota and we are expecting another 8 metric tonnes from Abuja. So 2017 will be a year of rice aplenty for Lagosians.

    Many people acknowledge that it”s been a great year for Governor Ambode and Lagos State. What stood out among his achievements in your opinion?

    They are numerous. But our main achievements rest on a tripod – security of life and property, infrastructure development and job opportunities. In terms of security, it is crystal clear, that Lagos State has demonstrated leadership by the sheer amount of investments it has continued to pump into assisting the Nigerian police and other security agencies. Don’t forget that policing is a federal responsibility, and there is no state police in Nigeria at the moment. Even the Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Dambazzau (retd) and President Mohammadu Buhari, affirmed this fact, during the launch of security equipment, first, in November in 2015 and then, in May this year. They agreed with a majority of Nigerians that Lagos has shown more commitment than any other state, in terms of the support given to the Police. As we speak in Lagos, there is no police station that has not benefited from the support that Lagos state is giving, and there are 117 of them. At least, each police station, courtesy of the Lagos State Government, is enjoying a brand new patrol vehicle, that is being fuelled, maintained and repaired by the Security Trust Fund of Lagos State. There is no police station in the state that does not have a minimum of two patrol bikes, courtesy of Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

    The command and control centre in Lagos, without a doubt, is the most equipped in the country. It runs at par with what you have anywhere in the world, such that, any distress call, using our Emergency numbers – 112 and 767 – can be picked immediately and you will be attended to, regardless of what the distress call is about. You will also see that, in terms of the amount of investment we have put into the Emergency Rescue Operation in Lagos State, it is second to none, as alluded to, by the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who represented the President, when we unveiled the Emergency Rescue Operation Unit at Cappa, in Oshodi. Everybody has seen what our rescue operation wonder machines – ‘Charlie and Goliath’, the huge cranes, have been able to do at critical moments, even assisting neighbouring states like Ogun whenever they are in emergency situations. Again, there is clear evidence that, yes, we may not be able to eradicate crime completely in a mega city like ours, because there is no society that can totally eradicate crime, but what the state has demonstrated, convincingly, is that we have the capacity to go after every criminal and every kidnapper.

    How well has the administration fared in the area of social infrastructure and worker’ welfare?

    In the area of infrastructure development, we believe that we have done remarkably well. The first thing to note is that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been very prudent, very resourceful and very creative in managing the resources of the state. Not a dime has been borrowed from any commercial bank since he became governor. Not a dime has been taken from the federal government for bailout. No single person is being owed salary or emolument in Lagos State. As a matter of fact, pensions have been and are still being paid. And as we speak, more than N11 billion has been paid on pension. So, for the Ambode administration, it is not just about being responsive to the huge work force, and we have almost 130,000 work force in state, and whose salaries are being paid on the 22nd or 23rd, like banks. Their leave bonuses and allowances are also not being toyed with, same with taxes and pensions. Also, those who have left the service are also being taken care of. Before the Governor took over, the pension arrears had piled up for up to five years. What Governor Ambode did was to clear off the arrears, and he now started paying on a regular basis. Workers in the state were paid their December salary well ahead of Christmas with a 20% bonus. This is also about the only state, as far as I know, that has been employing in different sectors – teachers, LASTMA officers, nurses and fire brigade officers. As you know, it is not the job of government just to be employing people, but to also create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive. One of the key things that ensure that there are opportunities is when the workforce of the state itself is happy. You can imagine the rippling effect of the economy of the 28 states that are struggling to meet their obligations to civil servants. The large chunk of the government workers means a lot – the civil servants, the teachers, the nurses, the local government workers and many others. They are an integral part of the society. If they are being owed two or three months’ salaries, the effect on the society itself will be telling. But if they are getting their salaries, it means they can patronise those who are in the agricultural sector, those who are in the transport services and practically every aspect of the society. So, these things have a way of working together. Why businesses, in spite of the times that we are, are still booming in Lagos, is because the work base of the civil service and the public service is very solid.

    It is gratifying to know that Lagos has become an oil producing state. How do you think this will impact on the people of the state?

    It will have a very positive impact. Although we are trying to diversify from oil, oil and gas will still have its roles to play in creating wealth. The oil that was discovered in Badagry, Lagos, is a private sector venture. But, one, it has made Lagos a bona fide member of the league of oil producing states, now entitled to derivation funds from the federal government, taxes will be paid to the government in the state and massive jobs will be created. It means that oil that is discovered in Lagos may feed directly into the refinery that Dangote is building around Lekki Free Zone axis. It is projected to be the biggest refinery, if not in Africa, but certainly in West Africa. A petro-chemical company component of that, which is also coming, will transform Lagos into a more self-sufficient enclave, in terms of energy needs. Therefore, adding oil to it simply means that there is an undebiable blessing that had long been hidden but is now oozing out for the benefit of Lagosians. So, we welcome this additional source of income but we are not distracted by it.

    The outrage sparked by the ban on street hawking seems to have abated. Do you think it is a battle that has been won?

    It was never a battle. It was and will continue to be a dialogue with Lagosians. It is a dialogue that is well-meaning, because the law has always been there since 2003. There was a need for that law at that time. The need for that law is still very germane now. One, it is unfair to continue to expose our people, no matter their economic class, to the sort of hardship that they go through on the road, trying to sell a few oranges, sausages or bottled water. The chairman of the National Corporation Commission, in commending the Lagos State Government, said that if only we knew the amount of assaults and attacks – particularly sexual assaults – that these people are exposed to, that we would know that they ought not to be on the streets at all. In any case, what we are saying is that illegal trading, illegal market, street trading and street hawking are not allowed on our highways. Just like okadas are restricted from such highways. This is the necessary thing to do because we are trying to build a decent, tidy megalopolis that we all will be proud of. Why do our people go elsewhere and respect the laws of the land there, and think that Lagos should be a dumping ground, where anything goes? Lagos reserves the right to insist on the level of beauty and decency that it wants as a metropolis. Lagos has the right to say that it will no longer allow people, in the name of hawking and street trading, to destroy public assets, by digging potholes on major roads and highways, in order just to sell a few pieces of orange and banana. It is a crime against the state. And it is your tax and mine that people are destroying just to sell their wares. We say that it is not fair that those who have shops will now flood  the major highways, just to take advantage of the rush hours. We say that those who want to buy, because they are also criminalising it, are found guilty. They should buy their bread, gala and water, before they hit the highways, if they cannot wait for dinner because they reckon they will spend some hours in the traffic. There is nowhere in the world, there is no city in the world, that has population that is more than five million, that you will not encounter traffic. In any case, Lagos is not even among the ten cities with the worst traffic in the world. Go to India, China, Thailand or Indonesia, and you will see what traffic means and what road rage is. We are saying that we do not want those who will transform, by 6:30pm, when gun has already been planted inside the bread, harassing, sometimes killing people in traffic. Even those who are dashing off and around the major highways, just to get something to sell or buy, often get knocked down by vehicles on a daily basis. People don’t see that, and some people still argue that we should allow them to continue to die. When the unfortunate happens, it is the local government people that will now go and look after the body, take them to the morgue, identify and notify the families. We don’t have to allow that to continue to happen. And in any case, we insist that that, which will not be allowed in the states where some people are coming from, should not be forced on our throats. According to the police, 80% of those who engage in this street hawking, come from a single particular state in Nigeria. If they must come to Lagos, why can they not respect the laws of the land? If they cannot do it where they are coming from, is it fair to force it on Lagos State, and now blame Lagos for enforcing its own laws, in its own state?

    There has been some muffled grumblings among some Lagos politicians that the governor has become inaccessible. What do you have to say to this?

    I do not understand what being inaccessible means in this regard. When people say someone is inaccessible, what I think of this is that people are always quick to say that they can’t reach anyone who is saddled with the responsibility of public service. There are two things to note here: the first is what they want to reach you for. The second is, how many people, really, can you accommodate, in terms of personal relationship, once you have been given this type of job? I believe that if you carry the sort of weight that you claim you have, gaining access to the governor shouldn’t be much of a problem. I concede that a governor is not somebody that you pick up the phone and you just call, and you expect him to be there. A governor is voted into office to be busy; to serve the generality of the people. But then again, it is a question of the genuineness of the motive of the people trying to have access.

    What should we expect from Lagos State government in 2017?

    A lot, in continuation of the noiseless but strategic achievements that the Ambode administration is now known and celebrated for. 2017 will be an important year for Lagos. The state will be 50 and it will be an opportunity to celebrate.

  • ‘Badagry’s feeling the impact of Gov Ambode’

    ‘Badagry’s feeling the impact of Gov Ambode’

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has been applauded for spreading development to Badagry and to all the nooks and cranies of the state.  This commendation was made by the former lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oladele Kosoko and Elder Enoch Akinola, a notable community leader in Badagry.

    They applauded the governor for making good his promise to advance development in the Badagry zone. Kosoko praised Ambode on his unique choice in holding the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in the ancient city so as to give the constituency a great sense of belonging. He said Ambode is on the right track in his development agenda, urging him to keep the fire burning.

    Kosoko made the observation in a chat with the media at the weekend, when he said, ‘’I was touched by that singular consideration by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to hold the State Executive Council meeting in our ancient city of Badagry. The governor said he would spare nothing to make Badagry a flashpoint for developmental projects in the state and he has already started with some of the road projects. He inspected the road under construction from Badagry Expressway to Whispering Palms Resort, where he promised that the contract for completion would be awarded and that has been done as I speak.

    ‘’What he did is giving my people a good sense of belonging and we appreciate it.  The governor has vowed that his administration would open up Badagry forever and we know he is one that keeps to his promise. He can be rest assured we will give him all the support he needs from us.” Akinola said “Ambode practices all-inclusive government and one with a listening ear,” just as he commended him for holding the EXCO meeting in Badagry as well as ensuring that the area is properly integrated in his development agenda for the state.

    ‘’Governor Ambode is a leader and he has shown glaringly that he is focussed with the blue-print to transform the state to the next level of development. I am happy with his commitment towards the development of Badagry. I am not alone in the excitement; my people too are also happy and together we are grateful to him,’’ he said.

    Kosoko and Akinola, who said they spoke on behalf of Badagry people also want Ambode to give approval for the construction of the road from Aradagun to Imeke Bridge.

    We gathered that the bridge at Imeke has been renovated by the Ambode government and that the governor has instructed work to commence from Imeke bridge road to the Whistling Palm but both Kosoko and Akinola said their people want Ambode to give approval for the construction of the road from Aradagun to the Imeke bridge so as to have a perfect job done in the area.

    It would be recalled that Ambode promised during his tour of Badagry in July that his administration has fine-tuned plans to make Badagry a hub of tourism and resort enterprise in Africa within the next 18 to 24 months.

    “Our eyes are set on Badagry, we are going to do something there for the future. We are going to open up Badagry forever and make the city a hub of tourism and resort enterprise in Africa’’ Ambode had said.

    Some Badagry residents who commented on the development expressed desire that the road from Aradagun to Imeke Bridge be done so as to have free access to the Whispering Palm.

    In what was described as the first time the state Executive Council meeting would hold outside Ikeja, the state’s seat of power, Ambode, had, in the same July, relocated the state executive council meeting to the state’s most cherished tourist centre, Badagry. After holding series of meeting with different groups including religious leaders, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and persons living with disabilities, Ambode said his administration had perfected development strategy to make Badagry Africa’s hub of tourism.

    At a town hall meeting he held with religious and traditional, the governor disclosed the strategic plan of his administration, which he said, plunged the state’s dependence on federal allocation to zero percent when Badagry’s tourism potentials and service sector were fully developed. He explained that the state government under his leadership “will reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocation to 10 per cent, even zero level in three years. The future of Lagos is about service and tourism. We have a greater plan for Badagry. Our plan is to make Badagry Africa’s hub of tourism.”

  • Coaches tasked to impact life skill into young ones

    Coaches tasked to impact life skill into young ones

    COACHES have once again been charged to step in their role of impacting football skills and life skills into young ones and youths.
    Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day Pepsi Football Academy Coaches Retreat, held at Airport Hotel, Lagos, the Head Marketing 7Up Bottling Company, Norden Thursten said PFA Coaches must take up the responsibility of engaging future generations positively.
    According to Thursten, though times are hard but the Company will sill continue to sponsor Pepsi Football Academy because it is inspiring her coaches to perform creditably well as well as empowering young ones and the youth to make a difference in their generation.
    Thursten therefore enjoined Coaches to play their role in moulding the future leaders to take up laudable initiatives.
    The Academy according to the Director, Pepsi Football Academy, Chief Kasimawo Laloko hardly sees challenges in coaches and young ones but rather, it sees opportunities hence the need to impact life saving tools into PFA Coaches.