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Tag: lagos

  • Lagos spends N1.04b on Lake Rice subsidy

    The Lagos State government yesterday said it has spent N1.049billion to  subsidise Lake Rice from December 2016 till date. This was part of efforts to sustain food sufficiency and food security in the state.

    Speaking at the Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s administration, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau said the subsidy included cost of transportation, bagging and difference in cost of production, which had helped to checkmate the ever increasing cost of rice.

    The commissioner said the state spent a total of N4.5 billion on the purchase of Lake Rice.

    “In the last one year, the affordability of Lake Rice has no doubt been good timing to Lagosians. The product is sold at a highly subsidised rate of N12,000 per 50kg bag.

    “The state spent a total ofN4, 623,116,000 on the purchase of Lake Rice and has subsidised the product to the tune of N1,040,395.00 from December till date.

    “The subsidy include cost of transportation, bagging and difference in cost of production of rice which has helped to reduce the price skyrocketing of the commodity,’’ he said.

    Suarau said currently, over 150 marketers and other ancillary service providers have been empowered through the sale of the product.

    The commissioner also said the state was in the process of completing the process of establishing a 32 tons per hour rice mill at Imota, projected to produce 2.6 milliin 50kg bags of rice.

    He said: “The state just signed an agreement with the Bigger Again, a leading rice mill manufacturer in the world for acquisition of the equipment.

    “It is projected that when completed, the mill will produce an estimated 130 million kilogrammes of processed rice per hour, which is 2.6 million 50kg bags of rice.

    “The mill will require the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of land for paddy supply which will provide a platform for the state to partner with other South-West states in rice cultivation,’’ he said.

     

  • Lagos spends N1.04billion on Lake Rice

    •711,736 families into farming, says commissioner

    About 711,736 families have taken to farming in Lagos State, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau said yesterday.

    The government, he said, had subsidised LAKE Rice with N1.049billion from December 2016 to date, as part of efforts to ensure food security in the state.

    Suarau spoke at the ongoing briefing by ministries in Alausa, Ikeja, to mark Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s third anniversary in office

    The LAKE Rice, he said, was being sold at a highly subsidised rate of N12,000 per 50kg bags, adding that it has brought down the skyrocketing price of rice.

    “The state government has subsidised LAKE Rice under this review period with N1,049,140,395. This is targeted towards ensuring food sustainability and food security in the state and as an end result, making Lake Rice a national brand,” he said.

    The government, he said, would establish a 32 tonnes per hour rice mill with AG (“Bühler”), a leading rice-mill producer in the world.

    “It is estimated that the partnership would facilitate the creation of  274,000 jobs across the agriculture value chain, and will also bring about the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of farm land to produce rice paddy, equating to an estimated 130million Kg of processed rice per year which is an equivalent of 2.6milion 50kg bags of rice,” he said.

    The commissioner said the establishment of the state-of-the-art rice mill would serve as a platform for Lagos to partner with other Southwest states aside its existing collaboration with Kebbi.

    According to him, “The state carried out Village Listing Survey in the three Agricultural Zones, namely West (Badagry); East (Ikorodu) and far East (Epe). The survey revealed that the estimated number of families taking farming as primary occupation is 558,420 while those taking it as secondary occupation are 153,316 in the state.”

  • Lagos to tackle unemployment with ICT

    Lagos State Government has promised to reduce the problem of youth mass unemployment with Information Communication Technology (ICT).

    The state said it will provide additional Wi-Fi access in schools, bus terminals and several parks/gardens in addition to such facility already existing at the Ndubuisi Kanu; Johnson, Jakande & Tinubu as well as Muri Okunola Parks in Lagos.

    Commissioner for Science and Technology Mr Hakeem Popoola Fahm said this at ongoing briefing by ministries to mark Governor Akinwunmi Ambode third anniversary.

    Fahm noted that the state government has concluded plans to transform the Sabo Industrial Estate in Yaba into a Technology Hub and another Silicon Valley where a new set of entrepreneurs will be raised to address the challenges confronting the nation in the ICT sector.

    He explained that government saw the need to embrace software development and key into its vast available employment opportunities to drastically reduce unemployment in the state.

    According to him, the government has set up a Committee on the ICT Hub and all hands are on deck to ensure a successful implementation.

    He reiterated the state’s desire to install additional 10,000 High Definition (HD) Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the state as part of the comprehensive Smart City Programme,  saying that the smart city initiative, which is on course, was intended to allow the people and companies operate in a safe and secure environment.

    “In the second phase of the project, we will be deploying 10,000 HD cameras, world class e-Government solution and data centre solution, one key alarm, metro fibre network to serve as backbone for communication and unified communications with smart phones for first respondent agencies such as police, fire service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), among others,” Fahm said.

    He said the initiative would address security, transportation and infrastructure in a sustainable manner.

    “The security component will deploy thousands of surveillance CCTV cameras through the length and breadth of the State. The transportation component focuses on Intelligent Transport Service (ITS) and the connectivity component with provision of a metro fibre network through a major Internet Service Provider (IPS) that will eventually lead connectivity to various homes, offices and institutions in the State,” Fahm said.

  • Lagos donates 20 patrol vehicles to Operation AWATSE

    The Lagos State Government yesterday inaugurated the 20 patrol vehicles it donated to Operation AWATSE, a joint military task force against pipeline vandalism and related criminal activities in the state.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode presented the Toyota Hilux vehicles to the task force during a ceremony at Western Naval Command in Apapa, Lagos.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Seye Oladejo, Ambode said the vehicles would enhance OP AWATSE’s effectiveness in ridding the state of criminals.

    “The 20 units of patrol vehicles being inaugurated today (yesterday) can only serve to increase the effectiveness of logistics management in the deployment of service personnel in fulfilment of the mandate of Operation AWATSE.

    “It is also to ensure internal security on our inland waterways, for the lives and properties of our people and investors, especially as we explore the vast opportunities for investment in the maritime sector,” he said.

    He hailed the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah, and his men for their synergy with government and other security agencies.

    “This is to ensure adequate provision of security across the state including the hinterland and riverside communities.

    “Our administration will continue to support all security agencies operating in Lagos State to ensure that we continue to provide adequate security for lives and properties of all residents and investors in the state,” he said.

    Abbah called for more patrol boats and drones for the Navy and Air Force to enhance operation AWATSE.

    “Operation AWATSE has come to stay and I believe that what we are enjoying in Lagos today is as a result of the collaboration among security agencies

    “In the history of Lagos State, we have been experiencing peaceful coexistence and the criminals know they cannot operate in this formidable environment,” he said.

    Abbah urged his men to keep up the spirit, saying: “The civilians are your brothers and your job is to protect them. To the media and the public, if you suspect anyone not looking like a military personnel, please report to the nearest military formation around so that we can arrest the situation. The vehicles are kitted with communication gadgets, so be rest assured that you can sleep with your eyes closed and we are ever willing to serve you 24 hours.”

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Gabriel Olonisakin, in his welcome address, said the government‘s gesture was to ensure the safety of the nation’s territorial integrity and land resources.

    Represented by Air Marshal Olusoji Awomoju, the CDS said the incessant siphoning of petrol from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines, especially in Ikorodu, by vandals, gave rise to OP AWATSE.

    “The operation was taken over by the Defence Headquarters and the initial mandate was the protection of NNPC pipelines and infrastructure along the 72-kilometre stretch of pipelines from Atlas Cove to Mosimi Depot.

    “This was expanded to include security of Epe and Ogun Waterside in Lagos and Ogun states as well as anti-kidnapping, anti-robbery and related criminal activities,” he said.

    The CDS also said OP AWATSE had brought sanity to its area of responsibility, especially Majidun, which was transit route for criminals to other riverine communities in the Southwest.

  • Int’l Matches: Lagos to Regrass Teslim Balogun, Campus Mini Stadium

    …To set up three viewing centres for FIFA world cup tourney

     

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said that plans are underway to replace the artificial turf at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island with natural grass in preparation for the facilities to meet the required standard to host the Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches.

    Speaking at the ongoing annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh said the development was in line with the commitment of the present administration towards providing world class sporting facilities.

    He said that Governor Ambode had already given approval for the comprehensive renovation of Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos Island, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere; Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba; Isheri Football Field/Swimming Pool, and Ijede Mini Stadium, Ikorodu.

    He said the State Government has also begun the process to complete the upgrade of the Agege Stadium with the covering of the remaining seats at the facility.

    He said within the period under review, the State Government awarded contracts for transformation of Onikan Stadium to an all-covered ultra-modern international stadium with FIFA certified artificial turf and multipurpose arena for entertainment concerts with capacity to accommodate 10,000 people, while preliminary works had already commenced on the construction of Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle.

    On the request by the State Government to the Federal Government to release the National Stadium, Surulere, Tandoh said the process for retrofitting and upgrading of the facility to host international sporting tournaments was ongoing.

    Giving details, Tandoh said: “You would recall that the Lagos State Government signified interest in taking over completely the National Stadium and the Governor did not just say it, he actually met with the Minister of Sports and a tour of the facility was carried out.

    “One thing later developed and there were signs and signals that the Governor received that they were not actually ready to hand over the Stadium to us rather it seems as if they just wanted a concession agreement where the State Government would spend the money, get it fixed while the Federal Government would still be in place but that is not what Lagos State Government wants.

    “So, during the visit of the President to Lagos State few weeks ago, the Governor at the State Dinner was able to grouch the intention again and he mentioned it in his speech to the President and the President verbally gave approval that that was going to be in place. Just yesterday, the Governor directed that I proceed to Abuja next week to deliver some communications that are necessary to put in place a formal handover of the National Stadium to Lagos State Government. We are grateful that this time they will give it to us on the terms that the Lagos State Government has requested for.”

    He said it was also significant to report that the State Government has concluded plans to establish three viewing centres across the State for fans to watch world cup matches free of charge.

    “Just yesterday, Governor Ambode approved that we should establish three viewing centres in Mushin, Alimosho and Ajegunle. The centres will be in place for the duration of world cup and will serve as venues where people in those areas can watch world cup matches free of charge,” Tandoh said.

    He said approval had also been given for the employment of full time coaches as well as contract coaches, while training grants were also paid for a total of 300 state athletes in individual sports, combat sports, team sports, racket sports, traditional sports, para sports and deaf sports.

    He added that as a result of the deliberate policies put in place, many of the athletes produced at sport tournaments organised in the State eventually ended up representing the country at international tournaments, just as he assured that government would continue to put efforts in place to promote sports at the grassroots.

    On the street soccer championship, Tandoh said the sponsor of the tournament initially pulled out of the sponsorship due to financial constraint, but that talks have been activated to reintroduce the competition, among other local soccer championships.

    Besides, he said as part of efforts to reposition the Commission, a four-year strategic sports development plan had already been approved for development within 16 weeks in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited, adding that the plan would engender development of a strategy plan, staff capability assessment and performance management framework development.

     

     

     

  • Lagos forges ahead with smart city project

    The world is going digital and innovation is becoming the buzz word in the information communication technology (ICT) industry. Technology giants, such as Huawei and Ericsson, have predicted how connectivity will redefine how metropolitan life is lived. Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and others are redefining security and service delivery. LUCAS AJANAKU reports that Lagos State is taking the bull by the horns through its smart city initiative.

    The vision of the Lagos State government is to make the state one of the world’s knowledge hubs through the application of science and technology.

    This vision is being driven largely by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), according to its Commissioner Mr Hakeem Popoola Fahm.

    Speaking in Lagos during the ministerial press briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwumi Ambode at the weekend, he said  to achieve this, the government has initiated, formulated, executed and monitored various information communication technology (ICT) policies aimed at transforming Lagos into a smart city.  He said ICT is more of a tool than a need itself, stressing that the growth of ICT in the state has affected every aspect of human lives. ICT is a major instrument being used by government to enhance service delivery strategy and bring about new innovations for the development of the economy.

    He said the state Smartt City Initiative is an ambitious and all-encompassing project that will address all sectors of the economy.

    What is a smart city?

    Put in proper perspective, a smart city is one in which most of the facilities and infrastructure are ICT driven. It is a municipality that uses ICT to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both quality of government service s and citizens’ welfare.

    Fahm said it is a comprehensive programme that seeks to provide a 24-hour driven economy, which would allow companies to operate in a safe and secure environment, thereby creating more jobs and increasing the state’s gross domestic product.

    Smart Cities, according to Loxology, an online resource platform, elicit images of skyscrapers, satellite dishes and high tech gadgetry coupled with large scale broadband infrastructure, wireless networks and mobile devices. But a Smart City is much more than just technological networks; it is how a city uses new technologies for the benefit of its citizens and becomes more efficient in the process.

    It said Asia has its fair share of cities considered to be Smart Cities with Singapore ranking highly. Others include Barcelona, Oslo, San Francisco, Amsterdam and London. Cities become Smart Cities by incorporating smart technologies into transport infrastructure, water systems, power supplies and government services. One thing is clear: the interplay between data and how a city becomes ‘Smart’ is key, Loxology added.

    Barcelona is often held out as an example of a Smart City that innovates progressively, using new technologies to bridge the gap between the city and its citizens. The city has integrated each innovation seamlessly, with the focus on improving the mobility of its citizens, encouraging communication and improving quality of life, the environment and the economy

    Objectives

    Fahm said the main objective of the Lagos State Smart City Initiative is to connect human capital, social capital and ICT infrastructure in order to address public issues, achieve a sustainable development and increase the quality of life of citizens within the shortest possible time.

    According to him, the need for a smart city arises from global advancements in technology and its application to impact speedily in almost all challenges facing a mega city like Lagos, having the following components: e-government, safe city, mobility/WiFi/digital citizens, open data, smart farming/agriculture, smart buildings, smart grid/energy/utilities etc. The mission of smart city, he said, is to engage smart people who actively participate in governance and reforms, adding that citizens’ involvement should be much more than a ceremonial participation in governance.

    Focus

    He explained that security and surveillance, implementation of metro fibre network and e-governance would be the cornerstones of the project.

    The project would be delivered in two phases with the first phase seeking to address security, transportation, and infrastructure.

    The second phase will also continue to address security, transportation and connectivity in a sustainable manner.

    The security component will deploy thousands of surveillance CCTV cameras through the length and breadth of the state.

    The transportation component focuses on intelligent transport service (ITS) and the connectivity component with provision for a metro fiber network through a major internet service provider (ISP) that will eventually lead connectivity to various homes, offices and institutions in the state.

    ICT sector analysts say the government is forward thinking. According to Huawei’s Global Industry Vision (GIV), by 2025, all things will be able to sense and all things will be connected, leading to a world where everything is intelligent.

    The report covers three dimensions (all things connected, all things sensing, and all things intelligent) and 37 metrics, including the amount of data generated, the percentage of enterprises that adopt artificial intelligence (AI), and the number of personal smart devices.

    Huawei said the number of personal smart devices will reach 40 billion and the total number of connections around the world will reach 100 billion, creating a digital economy worth $23 trillion.

    All things sensing, more and better connections, bringing everything to the intelligent world, it added.

    According to GIV 2025, the intelligent world will truly have arrived once all things can sense and all things are connected. By 2025, there will be 40 billion personal smart devices and 100 billion connections around the world. The Industrial Internet will be the major source of these 100 billion connections.

    The massive amounts of data generated by the ability for all things to sense will be extensively integrated in all industries, forming new industries like the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and Connected Vehicles.

    And with the assistance of guide robots, the world’s 39 million blind people and 246 million people with impaired vision will live normal lives.

    According to GIV 2025, with high-speed connections, IoT, and AI-based cloud, +Intelligence platforms will help industries achieve leapfrog development through intelligent analysis, decision-making, and assistance.

    By 2025, intelligent technology will be applied extensively in the transportation industry, with more than 60 million vehicles connected to 5G networks and 100 per cent of new vehicles connected to the Internet.

    When intelligence is incorporated into manufacturing, ICT will converge with operational technology (OT) at an accelerated pace. This will generate positive returns for innovation, the industry, the value chain, and the ecosystem as a whole.

    By adopting intelligence in cities, urban planners will be able to create new paths for sustainable development in security management, transportation planning, and other domains, enabling city residents to enjoy the safety, convenience, and high living standards made possible by a digital life.

    Data protection law

    With the smart city initiative, other electronic portals such as driver’s licence processing and verification portal, educational portal, private school registration portal, online recruitment ad testing portal, land use charge, citizens gate and others,  would come as big data.

    To ensure that unauthosried persons do not have access to the data, Lagos said a data protection law that would recognise the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • Lagos begins fresh free health mission

    The Lagos State government has said another round of its free medical expedition, tagged: The Eko Health Mission, will begin soon.

    The programme offers free health services to residents for common ailments and screening for hypertension, diabetes, eye care, provision of eye glasses, dental care, family planning services, HIV counselling and testing, among others.

    In a statement at the weekend, Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris said the Eko Health Mission will hold between May 15 and August 31.

    The commissioner said it would visit selected local government and local council development areas (LCDAs) for three days each, starting with Ajeromi Local Government secretariat from tomorrow till May 17; Iba LCDA secretariat from May 22 till May 24, and Apapa-Ignamu Local Government secretariat from May 30 till June 1, at 9 am daily.

    Idris said: “Other local government areas and LCDAs to be visited during the free medical expedition programme are: Oriade, Lagos Mainland, Lekki, Ejigbo, Ikoyi Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Ikosi-Ejirin and Agbado-Oke Odo.”

    On the rationale, the commissioner said free health missions were alternative sources to increasing access to health care delivery, especially at the grassroots.

    He said: “The state government is continuously finding ways to improve the health status of its population and the plan for achieving this is based on the health policy thrust, which is guided by the noble goal that every Lagosian enjoys unfettered access to qualitative health care without any barrier whatsoever.”

     

  • Lagos tells Nollywood’s story at Cannes Film Festival

    •Sells state as film, tourism destination

    Save for a midday sower that sets Cannes and neighboring town freezing on Sunday, film enthusiasts and tourists at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival, South of France, have enjoyed the feel of summer. A delegation from Lagos State, consisting celebrities, tourism officials and Journalists are among them.

    Of the plethora of activities at the international event, Nigeria is not lost in the crowd, as Lagos State hoists the nation’s flag at Pavilion 210, at the Pantiero-Side of the International Film Village.

    In the midst of the usual networking among filmmakers around the world, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture launched its first major activity on Friday, with the official unveiling of the second edition of the ‘Cinema in Lagos’ journal, a publication that provides deep insights into the tourism character of Lagos State with cinema business as a peg.

    The attraction to pavilion 210 was exceptional, going by the star power celebrity politician, Hon. Desmond Elliot and rave filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan who are among the Lagos State delegation at the festival.

    The unveiling ceremony of the 80-page magazine was helmed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, who conveyed the warm wishes of the State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode. Boasting of Lagos as Nigeria’s captivating city, Adeyemi laid emphasis on the natural beaches and sceneries in the state as some of the locations suitable for world class productions.

    Corroborating Adeyemi, Elliot spoke of a government that is not only a lover of the arts but of top hospitality and tourism verve.

    “If you have not been to Lagos, you have not tasted Africa,” he said.

    This was just as Afolayan reiterated the commitment of the state government to the growth of motion picture industry, urging filmmakers across the world to come to Lagos for creative businesses.

  •  Smart City: Lagos to deploy 10,000 CCTV Cameras

    The Lagos State Government on Friday, said arrangement is in top gear to deploy additional 10,000 High Definition (HD) CCTV cameras across the state as part of the comprehensive Smart City Programme designed to provide a 24-hour driven economy.

    Speaking at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, Commissioner of Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, said the smart city initiative, was intended to allow the citizenry and companies operate in a safe and secure environment, thereby creating more jobs and increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State.

    The commissioner said the focus of the smart city programme includes provision of security and surveillance, implementation of a metro fibre network and e-governance, He added that apart from HD cameras deployed in the first phase, other scope of the project involves integration of the deployed cameras with Centralized Emergency Command and Control Centre (CCC), provision of road signature structure and street lights across the state.

    “In the second phase of the project, we will be deploying 10,000 HD cameras, world class e-government solution and data centre solution, one key alarm, metro fibre network to serve as backbone for communication and unified communications with smart phones for first respondent agencies such as police, fire service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), among others,” Fahm said.

    He said the initiative would address security, transportation and infrastructure in a sustainable manner, adding that thousands of surveillance CCTV cameras would eventually be deployed across the length and breadth of the State.

    “The security component will deploy thousands of surveillance CCTV cameras through the length and breadth of the State. The transportation component focuses on Intelligent Transport Service (ITS) and the connectivity component with provision of a metro fibre network through a major Internet Service Provider (IPS) that will eventually lead connectivity to various homes, offices and institutions in the State,” Fahm said.

    On activities of the Ministry in the last one year, the Commissioner said it was gratifying to report major portals being developed such as Driver’s Licence Processing and Verification Portals to ease the process of driver’s licence issuance and verification of vehicle registration, Education portals to enhance learning and registration of private schools, while Land Use Charge portal and Citizens Gate app, a platform where residents can engage with government online, were successfully implemented.

  • Saleswoman faces N5.2m frozen chicken theft charge

    A 30-year-old saleswoman, Blessing Abel, on Friday appeared in a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 4,000 cartons of frozen chicken valued at N5.2 million, property of her employer.

    Abel is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft and forgery. She, however, pleaded innocence of the offences.

    But the Police Prosecutor, Insp. Ben Ekundayo insisted that the accused committed the offences on March 13 at Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lekki, Lagos.

    He alleged that the accused stole 4,000 cartons of frozen chicken valued at N5.2 million belonging to her employer, Mrs Benita Egbuchua.

    In addition, the accused also forged the invoice and receipt of Silver Stone Farm Ltd, where she is working, and issued the fake receipts to customers.

    Read Also: Bail for man caught with pot of soup

    “She also diverted the company’s money to her own account and when she was asked to account for proceeds from the sales, she claimed the customers had not paid.”

    The offences contravened Section 287 (7), 365 and 411 of the Criminal Law 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 (7) stipulates seven years imprisonment while Section 411 provides two years for offenders.

    Magistrate Olumide Fusika granted the accused N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until May 25.