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Tag: Lagos State government

  • Lagos refutes report on health of teachers

    Lagos refutes report on health of teachers

    The Lagos State Government has refuted the claim being circulated in some print and online media that 10 teachers in the Post Primary Teaching Service Commission die monthly.

    A statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that that trend of death was noticed in the records of past administration which compelled the current administration in the State to introduce a quarterly sensitization seminar for teachers in the State employ.

    The Commissioner further clarified that the Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has not, and did not record deaths of teachers in drone as being reported in some newspapers and online platform.

    He said the Lagos State government has put in place comprehensive health programmes to ensure that its entire workforce remain healthy always.

    “As part of the State Government general wellness programme, Public Servants also enjoy comprehensive free health programme and also four of their dependants under 18 years,’’ he further said, adding that government also operates a well-equipped staff clinic, with modern facility and well-stuffed pharmacy.

    Similarly, Ayorinde said the government organizes regular wellness and screening programmes quarterly as part of efforts to ensure good health of its workforce.

    He said in order to correct the situation of the past, the Akinwunmi Ambode now organizes sensitization seminars on the importance of healthy living as well as provide support for those with health challenge.

    The statement said that the government would continue to provide a conducive working environment to its staff as well as ensure that they remain healthy to enable them render efficient service to the people of the state.

    The Commissioner enjoined all public servants in the state to take advantage of the various health programmes of the government to take care of their health needs.

  • Lagos, Niger mull partnership on agriculture

    Lagos, Niger mull partnership on agriculture

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday kick-started discussions on partnership for the development of agricultural commodity value chain with Niger State aimed at ensuring food security and job creation for the two States and the country at large.

    The partnership, which is the second of its kind that the Lagos State Government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is entering, was said to be directed at considerably boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of not just the two States, but the the country.

    Addressing journalists after paying a courtesy visit on Governor Ambode at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, said the discussion basically centered on how to explore the comparative advantage of the two States to the benefit of Lagos and Nigeria.

    He said: “It was a private discussion. It was just to say hello to him (Governor Ambode) and we did not discuss much. Part of our conversation, we discussed agriculture and we specifically discussed how we can partner with Lagos State to support agriculture to the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.”

    It was gathered that discussion on the partnership is still at the preliminary stage, while more would be revealed on modalities as to how things will pan out as regard the partnership going forward.

    Governor Ambode had earlier entered into partnership with Kebbi State also on development of agricultural commodity value chain. The agreement, aside being aimed at the production of 70 per cent of Nigeria’s rice requirements annually, also principally centres on boosting the production of wheat, ground nut, maize, millet, sorghum, sugar cane, cows among others.

    He said: “This relationship is visionary and it is also a pointer to the fact that the two states have decided to openly support the vision of Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “The change mantra which President Buhari has been preaching is what this whole relationship is all about that we must look inward. We must start to reintegrate our economy in such a manner that we must not continue to import what we can produce and we must create a value chain where we have comparative advantage to do so,” Ambode had said.

  • Traffic laws: Lagos clears air on enforcement

    …Says Number-Plate removal preferred to towing

    The Lagos State Government on Monday has defended the enforcement method of its Special Offences Task Force which favours the removal of number plates of erring vehicles over clamping down and towing of vehicles.

    The government also denied allegations of highhandedness against officials of the Task Force and those of the Special Offences Tribunal (Mobile Court), describing the coterie of complainants on social media as hypocritical and manipulative.

    In a statement jointly issued by the State’s Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the State government said it was within the purview of the traffic law enforcement officers to identify violators of traffic laws and have them booked and tried according to the peculiarities of their offences without having to clamp their tires or tow the vehicles.

    The new method being adopted by the Task Force, particularly for illegal parking of vehicles or obstruction of traffic, according to the statement, simply involves capturing the offence on video, removing the number-plate of the erring vehicles and putting a branded sticker on the windshield of the car to inform the owner/driver of such cars about their offence and invitation for trial at the Special Offences Mobile Court which may sitting at any proximate local Government office or at the Special Task office at Alausa in Ikeja.

    It added that the Task Force is authorized under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law of 2012 as well as the Special Offences Court established by the Special Offences Court Law Cap S8 Laws of Lagos State 2015.

    “The technique that has been adopted by the Task Force is in line with International Best Practices which prefers issuance of tickets to erring offenders over clamp downs or towing of vehicles that do not only cost both the government and erring drivers money but also clogs public spaces where such vehicles would have been kept,” the statement said.

    It added that once the offender honours the invitation for trial, where a magistrate presides over the proceedings, the offender is usually presented with a video evidence of the offence before he or she is charged. A fine or a community service is then imposed if the offender pleads guilty. But if the offender chooses to put up a defence and is without a defence counsel, he or she will be entitled to the services of a lawyer from the Office of the Public Defender at no cost.

    The statement stresses that the essence of this exercise is not to engage in unwholesome revenue drive as being erroneously peddled in certain quarters but to deter violations of the traffic laws “which is why community service is often preferred for the offenders so that they can become advocates of the laws which seek to bring sanity to Lagos State roads and instill a sense of responsibility in drivers and car owners, particularly the elites who think they are above the law.”

    The statement said while the State government would not relent in its vaunted method of adequately sensitizing the public before embarking on enforcements, it added that ignorance is not an excuse in law and perceived inadequacies in car park provisions by frequently used establishments like banks, malls and eateries does not give car owners an excuse to park on the kerb or main roads thereby obstructing traffic.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the statement said parking on the kerb or walkways or outside the premises where the driver has come to transact business in a manner that either obstructs traffic or constitutes illegal use of public space is a violation of the law and could attract a fine of Twenty thousand Naira (N20, 000) or a community service after a documentary evidence has been presented to the offender.

    According to the statement, “Section One of the Special Offences Court Law Cap S8 Laws of Lagos State 2015 stipulates that the Court could sit at any convenient place close to the scene of the commission of any offence triable by the court. Section Two of the same law allows the Court to sit on Mondays to Saturday, whilst Section 3(1) same law states that the Court has jurisdiction over offences listed in Schedule 1 to this Law.

    “A cursory look at the offences listed in the said Schedule 1, reveals that Road Traffic Offences as contained in the Lagos State Road Traffic Law Cap R5, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and Environmental Offences as provided for in the Schedule to the Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency Law, Cap E5, Laws of Lagos State 2015 are under the jurisdiction of the Mobile Courts.”

    The state government explained that “it should be noted that most banks make provision for parking within their premises or designated car parks outside their premises where customers are expected to make use of same and not to cause obstruction to human or vehicular movement.

    “There is no way a responsible and responsive government would sit idly by and watch citizens groan under the hardship of road congestion caused by infractions of a few recalcitrant drivers or those who simply think that they can blackmail the government into submission while being economical with the truth whenever government wields the big stick against such infractions.
    “Parking on the road while using the ATM is a clear traffic transgression that is similar to parking on the yellow lines abroad. We wish to implore our law-abiding citizens to desist from such conducts that run foul of the law and which invariably attracts consequences and discomfort once the law is enforced.”

    The Statement added that the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration appreciates the exponential growth that the state is currently facing, particularly in the area of traffic which is why the government has been introducing several pro-people measures like the massive injection of the Bus Rapid Transport in order to manage the situation better.

    It added that while it may take a while to get used to the number-plate removal technique of the Task Force, just like it did when compulsory use of seat belts was introduced or when commercial motorcycles and street hawking were banned on the highways, it says the government is happy that a large section of the public is applauding the method that retains the liberty of traffic offenders even when they have transgressed. It assured that the Lagos State government would continue to show compassion and drive enforcement through technology while ensuring that the interest of the larger society is protected at all times.

     

  • ‘Reconsider hawking ban’

    ‘Reconsider hawking ban’

    World Christian Council Association has appealed to the Lagos State government to reconsider its decision to enforce its ban on street hawking.

    Chairman of the association, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, said on Thursday that hawking was a consequence of unemployment and had kept many young people away from crime. But some have now “found themselves behind bars.”

    Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis. It came under strict enforcement in Lagos from July 1.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave the order following the destruction of over 49 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses by hoodlums last month, causing over N139 million worth of damage.

    The violence was sparked by the death of a hawker, who was knocked down by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

    But Omonigbehin argued that since the enforcement began, “Some people, who kept themselves from crime through the little they earned from petty trading, suddenly found themselves behind bars.”

    The law, he added, could “ruin the poor and make their children criminals.”

    Omonigbehin, who commended Governor Ambode’s Smart City project in partnership with Dubai City, United Arab Emirates (UAE), said focusing on young people’s creativity could make Lagos “one of the truly developed modern cities in the world.”

    He urged the government to help “put our youths on the ladder of progress and greatness.”

     

  • Kidnapping: Lagos places security agencies on red alert

    Kidnapping: Lagos places security agencies on red alert

    …Partners FG, Ogun State on border patrol

    The Lagos State Government on Monday assured residents of the State that it was working hard in conjunction with security agencies to address the recent cases of kidnapping and armed robberies in some parts of the State, just as it disclosed that security intelligence has revealed useful leads towards identifying notorious syndicates behind the heinous crimes and their accomplices.

    In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the State Government said it is alive to its core responsibilities of protecting the citizens as the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode will not shirk from its function of protecting the lives and property of its citizens in every part of the state.

    The government, while reassuring citizens of their safety in the State, said it was collaborating with security agencies to put in place upgraded security measures that will guarantee safety of lives and property.

    “We would like to inform Lagosians that we are saddened by the recent cases of kidnappings that appear not to be unrelenting. But we wish to assure that the government will not fold its arms and allow a few evil doers to prosper at the expense of innocent citizens.

    “We are working together with both Federal Government and Ogun State Government in particular in the volatile areas that have been identified. We will spare no effort in bringing every criminal gang to book,” the SSG said.

    According to Bello, the response of the State Government “will be swift, total and reassuring to the public in sending a clear signal to all and sundry that Lagos State will not tolerate any form of criminality.”

    While sympathizing with the families of victims in Iba and Ikorodu, the Secretary to the State Government urged residents of the state to go about their normal businesses without any fear or panic as government has placed security personnel on red alert throughout the State in a bid to checkmate this menace.

    He advised Lagosians to be very vigilant and security conscious as intelligence reports have shown that most of these heinous crimes are perpetrated through recalcitrant elements who have infiltrated the state and are carrying out this act in conjunction with friends, family members or close associates of the victims.

    Bello reiterated the commitment and capacity of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration to go after and suppress any act of crime and criminality in any part of the State, urging residents to take advantage of the state’s toll free lines: 112 and 767 to report any case of crime or unusual/suspicious movement or strange faces in their neighbourhood to security agencies.

    While also noting the recent massive security equipment and vehicles donated by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to security agencies to beef up security in the state which has considerably curbed armed robbery cases, Bello said the State Government in consonance with the Police and other security agencies in the State will continue to do all within its means to halt the trend of kidnapping in the State and bring perpetrators to justice.

  • Lagos plans upgrade of 21 secondary schools libraries

    …As State Digital Library Takes Off

    The Lagos State Government on Sunday said that it has concluded plans to upgrade 21 secondary school libraries across all the six educational districts in the State, just as it announced the commencement of the State Digital Library project.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh who disclosed this in a statement, said that the libraries would be upgraded this year.

    According to him, the State Government’s Private-Public-Partnership initiative tagged Adopt-A-Library was geared towards transforming the State public libraries into modern, ICT-enhanced knowledge centres.

    He said the Ipaja Public Library has been upgraded while the Ilupeju Public Library was recently upgraded by Custodian & Allied as well as the Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba, currently under renovation by Guaranty Trust Bank.

    Bank-Olemoh further said that the libraries and ICT centres at Ireti and Falomo Secondary Schools were recently upgraded by ARM Pensions while Citibank also upgraded the library facility at Government Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island.

    He also said that PricewaterhouseCoopers and Leadway Assurance have committed to adopting school libraries in Victoria Island and Surulere, respectively.

    Speaking on the Digital Library, Bank-Olemoh who said the project was in line with the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, was aimed at providing unlimited access to knowledge for all through the collection and curation of digital content through an online portal.

    The portal, according to him, would be accessible via an internet connection on a range of devices including desktop computers to feature phones.

    He said the content would include, among others; E-books on numerous topics, 1,600 videos covering English, Mathematics & Sciences for all classes, 2,000 Study Aids in Key Subject areas for Secondary School subjects, quality research papers from Lagos State Tertiary institutions covering a wide variety of topics to be digitised for the platform, vocational training videos, Creatively presented history lessons as well as online course on coding.

    He said the first phase of the digital library would be launched in January 2017, adding that on completion of this phase, the digital library will feature Study Aids, Tutorials, Instructional Videos and selected e-books for Primary to SS3 approved texts, Brief History of Lagos State and an Online Forum.

    The Special Adviser said that the digital library is principally designated to benefit all Lagosians, just as he said that the platform would be accessible from around the country and around the world.

    He added, “It would also be designed to ensure optimal user experience for the designated community, which includes producers of content, publishers of approved school text books
    Lagos State Library Board content providers, external content providers, external providers could include individuals who want to self-publish, providers of study materials who provide their resources for a fee and other third parties.

    “One of the key mandates of His Excellency is that we solve problems and create value. In creating the digital library, we are committed to ensuring that we are not just setting up “another online portal” but providing a solution. We will approach the project iteratively and continuously seek feedback from end users and other stakeholders to ensure the content and features provided are value-adding, timely, and innovative.

    Bank-Olemoh listed some of the objectives of the digital library to include preserving historic and culture, enhance collaboration, provide tutorials for children, promote local talent and content, create jobs as well as strengthen physical Libraries.

    He said that efforts are ongoing to enhance the functionality and patronage of the State public libraries and school libraries.

  • Lagos goes tough on street trading, hawking

    Lagos goes tough on street trading, hawking

    …Says buyers, sellers liable to N90, 000 fine, six months Jail term or both

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said that from July 1, 2016, it would commence a total enforcement against street trading and street hawkers, saying that the law banning their activities across the metropolis would take its full course.

    Speaking at a live interview session on Television Continental, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis.

    The Governor, while sympathizing with the family of a street hawker who was knocked down by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) along Maryland Bus stop on Wednesday, regretted that the situation led to the destruction of public assets.

    “It is not in our DNA to allow someone to just die by road accident or the way it happened in respect of the incident. But beyond the fact that we lost one person while crossing the road as a result of evading arrest by KAI officials, I need to tell Lagosians that over 49 buses were actually destroyed and it is costing us like almost N139 million to put those buses back on the road,” he said.

    Consequently, Governor Ambode said the State Executive Council has resolved to enforce the Law, which according to him makes both the hawker and the buyer liable of the offence.

    “The issue is we need to enforce our laws because we already have a law in respect of that and then there is a clause in it which says the buyer and the seller are both liable and that we are going to fine them either N90, 000 or a six month jail term.

    “What we are doing on traffic is that we are introducing new strategies to eliminate traffic but Lagos being a cosmopolitan city, you cannot totally eliminate it but now this is the case, in the next few days, you will see on the street of Lagos signs that will be warning you that buyers and hawkers should be aware that there are consequences,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said his administration has also concluded plans to roll out a massive campaign which would warn both motorists and hawkers of the restrictions and the penalty for defaulters.

    “We will be watching out for buyers and sellers and all we need is just scapegoat. Don’t buy plantain chips or any other items in traffic from July 1, buyers beware,” Governor Ambode warned.

    He said aside the environmental hazards associated with the activities of street traders and hawkers alike, they also pose great security and health risks.

    “A whole lot of people who are hawkers, when you check them, I understand from intelligence that there is a cartel. Some people buy fake products and then bring the products in and then give these boys to sell on the street and come back to make returns in the night. So, what I want to advise Lagosians is that most times when you think you are buying something of quality on the road, be rest assured that those things are fake product,” Governor Ambode said.

    He however said that much as the State Government intends to be civil in enforcing the law, some recalcitrant persons try to subvert the process, hence the need to ensure total compliance with the law.

    Asked what plans the Government has unemployed graduates who have taken to street hawking, Governor Ambode said that his administration has launched a N25billion Employment Trust Fund, urging them to access the fund.

    Governor Ambode while answering questions on future plans of his administration assured that greater attention would be given to the health and education sectors, while empowerment for the youth and elderly would also get the needed attention.

    “In the last eight years, while the immediate past Governor actually did a lot to improve on health, you will also see that what he provided is not even enough to cater for all the people coming into Lagos.

    “Now, this second year, I can tell you freely that we are facing majorly the health sector, education sector, the issue of elderly people and then the youths. We believe that in the next twelve months which we are starting from now, you will see a major escalation of the quality of the facilities we are going to provide in our hospitals,” the Governor said.

  • Lagos trains Magistrates on implementation of criminal justice law

    Lagos trains Magistrates on implementation of criminal justice law

    In a bid to ensure effective administration of the Criminal Justice Law 2011 especially as it relates to sexual offences, the Lagos State Government has begun a workshop to ensure uniformity amongst Magistrates in the implementation of the provisions of the Law.

    Speaking at the commencement of the workshop organised by the State Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary in partnership with the Legal Defence Assistance Project (LEDAP), Chief Judge of Lagos State Hon. Justice Olufumilayo Atilade said that the law was an innovation geared towards enhancing the administration of Criminal Justice in the State.

    Atilade, who was represented by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Mr Emmanuel Ogundare, called for better synergy among stakeholders in the Justice Sector Agencies, while deliberating on issues bordering on the interpretation of the Law, with particular reference to sexual offence cases.

    According to her, sexual offences have become rampant in the society, adding that the method and procedure for handling the prosecution of these offences must be appraised critically. She urged all participants to look critically at those sections of the Law in order to ensure uniformity in its implementation.

    She expressed optimism that the workshop would go a long way to ensure uniformity amongst Magistrates in the implementation of the provisions of the Law.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the training will provide the participants with on-going discourse and serve as a forum for consensus among the Magistrates on the relevant sections of the Law.

    He said, “The Magistracy, being an integral part of our judicial system must assist in the pursuit of justice for victims of crimes, defendants and of course the larger society through the full implementation of the procedural law.”

    Kazeem emphasised that with the continuous partnership with the judiciary and other relevant stakeholders, the delivery of justice in the state will be seen to have complied substantially with international best practices.

    The Attorney General, who was represented by State’s Solicitor General, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami, gave an assurance of continuous collaboration and support from this administration as emphasized by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode to make Lagos a peaceful and secure place to live and do business, by having an effective Criminal Justice Administration.

  • Lagos warns beach operators against flouting safety regulations

    Lagos warns beach operators against flouting safety regulations

    The Lagos State Government has warned beach operators in the State to adhere strictly to the safety regulations guiding their operations, warning that defaulters would be appropriately sanctioned.

    Speaking on the backdrop of the unfortunate incident at the Elegushi Beach which claimed the lives of Adeshola Ogunefun and Olufunmilayo Odusina, both Postgraduate students of the University of Lagos, Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development in the State, Engr. Ade Akinsanya in a statement on Wednesday, said that operators of beaches and other public spaces earmarked for leisure must give priority attention to safety measures that will prevent avoidable mishaps.

    He said the Government has the responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of all Lagosians and thus was greatly concerned about avoidable and needless deaths.

    “There is no doubt that the operators of the beach in question failed to adhere to the standard safety practice. The Lagos State Government through its safety commission sets safety standards for all sectors involved in socio-economic activities in the state,” Akinsanya said.

    While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the Commissioner said that beach operators must henceforth ensure that Lifeguards, First Aid medical facilities with qualified hands, as well as wave-warning signally equipments are provided at their various locations.

    “Henceforth, Lagos State Government shall not hesitate to take appropriate action against operators of beaches and other public places who fail to comply with the state’s safety regulations.

    “Once again, on behalf of His Excellency the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, we express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

  • Lagos moves to revamp primary healthcare centres

    Lagos moves to revamp primary healthcare centres

    The Lagos State Government on Monday stepped up its monitoring of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state just as it read the riot act to staff who show nonchalant attitude to duty.

    The monitoring is part of government’s move to reposition the PHCs, make them functional and accessible to grassroots people in order to decongest the secondary healthcare facilities.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Femi Onanuga paid unscheduled visit to PHCs in Epe to understudy their workings, shortcomings and find ways to salvage situations in them.

    PHCs visited include Epe, Mojoda, Afuye, Eredo, Odomola, among others.

    Onanuga, who frowned at some unwholesome activities in some of the PHCs, such as staff not reporting for work on time, bushy environment, among others, said government embarked on paying unscheduled visits to PHCs across the state since January, 2016 and that over 90 PHCs of the 276 PHCs and health posts had been visited.

    He said government expressed satisfaction with the level of progress at the PHCs but assured that the gaps identified would be fixed.

    Onanuga stated that the essence of the monitoring “is to see what we have on ground, the governor has passion for health of the people. We want to monitor the PHCs and see what we have on ground and ensure that the staff is working.

    “We don’t want to see a situation where we say we have six staff in a particular PHC, only two are coming to work, this is not acceptable.”

    The special adviser said after the PHCs had been monitored, government would carry out an evaluation and then fix the shortcomings identified in them.

    According to him, the essence “is that if we have the PHCs working properly, the pressure on the secondary health facilities would be reduced.”

    He warned that government would not hesitate to sanction health workers who showed nonchalant attitude to duty through late coming and absenteeism from work.

    Onanuga urged the staff to report to work at all time and be punctual, warning that government would not hesitate to sanction recalcitrant workers bent on tarnishing the image of the state government.

    “They should realize that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is one of the few governors in the country paying salaries as at when due. They should come to work and do their work because there are no jobs outside there, they must therefore cooperate with and support the governor. Anyone who does not come to work will be sanctioned,” he warned.

    On his part, the Executive Secretary, Epe Local Government, Ahmed Seriki said the council was doing much to support the State Government in repositioning the PHCs in the area.

    He said two PHCs were currently running 24-hour service and that the council was about upgrading the Afuye PHC to provide 24-hour service.