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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Lagos needs $30bn to execute capital projects in five years – Ambode

    Lagos needs $30bn to execute capital projects in five years – Ambode

    …Inaugurates 12-Member Economic Advisory Committee

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said that the State would require at least $30billion dollars to adequately deliver 30 most impactful infrastructural projects over the next five years.

    The Governor, who spoke shortly before inaugurating a 12-member Economic Advisory Committee at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the projected figure represents about $6billion per annum,  whereas the provision for capital projects in the 2017 budget is pegged at N500billion (about $1.6billion).

    Alluding to the fact that the projection clearly shows that government alone cannot address the infrastructure deficit, he said the inauguration of the Economic Advisory Committee was therefore a step in the right direction.

    “If Lagos was a country and we are the fifth largest economy in Africa, then we have to start thinking about the number five. In that regard, you must not think taxes of Lagos state citizens or IGR, you must create some kind of platform that would allow some other people who are outside to tell us how to run a country in a State.

    “Let me crave your indulgence to present a picture of what we are confronted with. Our 2017 budget has earmarked about N500 billion (about US$1.6 billion) as capital spend. Whereas our recent Infrastructure needs analysis shows that over $30 billion would be required to achieve the 30 most impactful projects for the State over the next five years (an average of US$6 billion per annum).

    “It is evident that Government cannot address this from current resources. A key task of this Committee is therefore to provide specific advice on the overall finance strategy to bridge the massive infrastructure gap. I am therefore glad and privileged that nine competent and well respected Lagosians have accepted our request to serve in the Committee,” he said.

    Highlighting some of the key functions expected of the Economic Advisory Team, Governor Ambode said they would be expected to bring an independent perspective on economic and business issues with a primary role of offering advice to his administration under the four strategic 2012-2025 Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) pillars of Economic Development; Infrastructural Development; Social Development and Security as well as Sustainable Development.

    Governor Ambode said that whilst the Committee is independent and largely constituted by members from the private sector, the need for integration and collaboration to ensure that the views are taken on board necessitated in having three members of the State Executive Council, led by the Commissioner for Finance in the team.

    He expressed optimism that the Economic team would further expand his administration’s all inclusive governance mantra and achieve the key objective of getting independent views on economic and business issues in delivering the mandate to the people.

    Governor Ambode later inaugurated renowned economist and Founder of Agusto & Co, Mr. Olabode Agusto as the Chairman, while Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Energy And Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo and Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye are members of the Committee.

    Other members include former Managing Director, Skye Bank, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Former Country Senior Partner, PwC, Mr. Kenneth Igbokwe; Founder/CEO Bestman Games Ltd, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe; Managing Partner, Dalmeida, Ogunlana & Co, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlana; Managing Director, Vetiva Capital, Dr. Laolu Mudashiru; former Minister of Science & Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Moruf Oseni and Mrs Yetunde Akinloye who doubles as Secretary of the Committee.

    Responding on behalf of other members of the Committee, Agusto assured that they would work diligently and focus on the priorities of the State Government aimed at making life more comfortable for Lagosians.

    He noted that one of the major reasons why Lagos is making steady progress was the fact that businesses are thriving, adding that the Committee would take into cognizance the important role the private sector plays in that regard.

     

  • Ambode urges students to shun negative values, vices

    Ambode urges students to shun negative values, vices

    …Lays Foundation of two additional Model Colleges

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday advised students in the State to fully embrace the opportunities being provided by his administration in the education sector and shun all negative values and vices that could hinder them from realising their dreams

    The Governor said his vision remained the building of great future full of opportunities, possibilities and prosperity for the youths through the provision of qualitative education that is consistent with the demands of the 21st century, and as such it was important for students to reciprocate by showing commitment to excellence.

    The Governor, who spoke at the foundation laying ceremony of two additional Model Colleges in Yaba and Shomolu, recalled that since his assumption of office on May 29, 2015, conscious efforts have been made through policies and programmes that placed high premium on education as a vehicle for continued and future prosperity of the State.

    Governor Ambode, who had earlier on Thursday performed the foundation laying ceremony of the New Model School in Awori College, Ojo, said he remained committed to the reformation and strengthening of public schools in the State with the view to ensure that they are given the best in terms of quality teaching and learning environment.

    Speaking at Angus Memorial High School in Shomolu where he was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the Governor said the sustained efforts on education was already yielding results as the performance of students in the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducted examination was most assuring and an indication that the State was moving in the right direction.

    Already, the Governor said contracts have been awarded for the construction of eight new blocks of classrooms as well as the renovation of 174 existing blocks of classrooms and the construction of perimeter fence in various schools to enhance security, while government has also commenced the supply of over 40,000 students’ furnitures on a quarterly basis to clear the identified shortfall of 160,000.

    The Governor, who also performed the foundation laying ceremony of New Model School Building at Lagos City College, Sabo, Yaba where he was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said the new edifice being added to secondary schools, apart from aiding teaching and learning, would compare favourably with high school structures in leading countries of the world.

    “Apart from the aesthetics value, the new structure is capable of enhancing security of students, staff and schools materials in the face of the recent security breaches in our schools. It would comprise 36 classrooms, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, laboratories, Principal/Vice Principal’s offices and modern toilet facilities for both junior and senior schools.”

    “Let me assure all parents that we will continue to do our very best to ensure that our schools are safe from intruders. We have put in place measures to secure our pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff. Our standards are high and we will continue to make them better,” the Governor said.

    In her welcome address, Deputy Governor and the State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule thanked the Governor for his passion for education, just as she assured that the Ministry would take ownership of the project and use it judiciously.

    The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Adeshina Odeyemi, also said that government would not rest on its oars, but rather redouble efforts to ensure continuous improvement in the sector.

    In his remarks, Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Rotimi Olowo commended the Governor over provision of world class infrastructures in public schools, saying that the Governor has now become the reference point of good governance not just in Nigeria, but in Africa.

    On their parts, Sole Administrators of Yaba and Bariga Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Bayo Adefuye and Sanya Osijo respectively, said it was evident that Governor Ambode has shown relentless determination toward ensuring that qualitative education gets to the grassroots.

    “We are indeed grateful that our Governor is living up to expectation by taking education as of utmost importance and we like to urge residents to take good care of this edifice that is being bequeathed to us by government,” Adefuye said.

    Also, Lagos State Chairman of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Moses Adewale, hailed the Governor over the massive infrastructure development in the State.

    Adewale, who spoke on behalf of students in the State, said it was gratifying to note that Lagos under Governor Ambode has been recruiting and paying staff as at when due when other States were retrenching and even unable to pay staff, saying that the development exemplified the Governor’s managerial acumen and commitment to welfare of Lagosians.

  • Ambode okays death penalty for kidnappers

    Ambode okays death penalty for kidnappers

    …Signs Anti-Kidnapping, Sporting Bills into law

    …Gov’s assent direct response to kidnapping, says Speaker

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly, with a pledge to ensure its full implementation to eradicate kidnapping once and for all in the State.

    The Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping Law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom. The law also stipulates that where a victim dies in the course of kidnap, the suspect is liable on conviction to death.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Ambode said the spate of kidnapping in the State had gotten to a level that required decisive action from government, hence the need for the enactment of the law to send serious message to perpetrators of such heinous crime.

    He said aside the enactment of the law; the State Government was also putting in place appropriate measures particularly in the schools and other vulnerable targets to prevent kidnapping and other security breaches.

    The Governor said: “Security is of utmost importance to our administration and we are confident that this law will serve as a deterrent to anybody who may desire to engage in this wicked act within the boundaries of Lagos.

    “Why we use this law to address the challenge and punish the criminals, we are also putting in place appropriate measures particularly in our schools and other vulnerable targets to prevent security breaches and it is important that we ensure that everything we do in respect of this anti-kidnapping law is in good faith and good spirit to eradicate the issue of kidnapping once and for all in the State.”

    Ambode assured that the justice system would be activated to execute the anti-kidnapping law to the letter to ensure that any criminal caught is subjected to the full wrath of the law.

    The Governor, at the ceremony, also signed the Sports Trust Fund Bill and the Sports Commission bill into law, explaining that the laws were enacted to address key issues bordering on security and effectively harnessing the potentials in the sports sector.

    Giving insight on the laws, Governor Ambode said: “The Sport Commission Law will give legal backing to the formulation and implementation of sport policies in the State while the Sport Trust Fund will enable government to raise money for the development of sporting facilities and activities.

    “This fund will provide a platform where the State Government can enter into partnership with the private sector to finance sports infrastructure, tournaments and programmes which will in turn create employment and generate revenue for the State.”

    He added that as provided for in the law, a Board of Trustees comprising all stakeholders in the sports community would soon be inaugurated for the Trust Fund, saying that with the law, government was restating its commitment to scale up sports development and make the State the hub of sports in Nigeria.

    He also appreciated members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their efforts in the enactment of the laws.

    In his remarks, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the signing of the bills into law by the Governor was a clear testimony of the commitment of the State Government to the security of citizens and sports development.

    Obasa, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Sanai Agunbiade, said it was particularly gratifying to note that the anti-kidnapping law was an all-encompassing one which prescribes punishment for the actual actors, those that collaborate, aid and abet and those who see the act of kidnapping being perpetrated and do nothing about it, as well as confiscation of properties attached to the heinous crime of kidnapping.

    He said the passage and signing of the law was a direct response and responsiveness of the government to the spate of kidnapping in the State, adding that the expansive provisions in the law would, in no long distant future, ensure the eradication of the menace in the State.

    On the bills on sports, the Speaker said: “We are happy that Lagos State is taking a very bold step at ensuring that sporting activities get a boost from the government and this is a clear demonstration to the people of Lagos State and Nigeria that the State Government is paying adequate attention to sporting activities.”

     

     

  • Ambode disburses N1bn to 705 beneficiaries of ETF

    Ambode disburses N1bn to 705 beneficiaries of ETF

    …Urges Judicious use of Funds to grow economy

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday presented cheques worth over N1billion to 705 beneficiaries of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) pilot scheme, charging them to utilise the funds responsibly to grow their businesses, create jobs for the unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos economy.

    Governor Ambode, who made the presentation at the LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja, Lagos, said his administration identified unemployment as a major socio-economic challenge facing Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole in the course of the electoral campaign, and thus prioritised job creation.

    He said the setting up of the ETF was a direct response to address the challenge of unemployment as well as provide support to the youths, entrepreneurs, artisans and other unemployed residents of the State.

    “We have kept our word. We created a dedicated Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, whose mission is to promote and sustain entrepreneurship and employment,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode, while commending the Board and Management of the Fund for embarking on a comprehensive review of the business environment and developing a strategic framework and operating guidelines to ensure the sustainable and successful management of these funds, said the successful disbursement was a product of the painstaking effort.

    He said the funds are targeted at small and medium scale businesses and individuals including carpenters, hairdressers, electricians, automobile parts repairers, block makers, bakers, fashion designers, cake makers, food sellers, kerosene retailers, mobile money agents, painters, plumbers, photographers and light manufacturers of liquid soaps and water among others.

    “These beneficiaries are making history as the first set of beneficiaries of this Employment Trust Fund, and my charge to you is simple: You must use these funds responsibly, grow your businesses, create jobs for our unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos State GDP. The idea is that for every N1million we disburse, we should create a minimum of five jobs around that business value chain.

    “These loans have been provided at a very affordable rate of 5% per annum, far cheaper than the prevailing bank interest of 25% per annum. This is our modest way of reflating the Lagos economy, creating jobs and getting our youths gainfully occupied. Those of you here today, the first beneficiaries of this initiative, will be the agents through which our country can overcome its current economic challenges,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor also enjoined market women and female artisans to take advantage of the opportunity as his administration was particularly interested in supporting women in business.

    “I also implore the Employment Trust Fund to pay special attention to the Entertainment Industry and the Tech Hubs in Sabo, Yaba area. These are new areas with huge potential for growth and job creation,” he said.

    Ambode also expressed optimism that the target by the Board to empower at least 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in due course was achievable and that the multiplier effect would be the creation of over 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs by 2019.

    In her opening remarks, Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries was in fulfillment of the promise made by Governor Ambode during the electioneering and a confirmation of many to come.

    She recalled that while canvassing for votes, the need to provide jobs was clearly on the mind of the Governor, and according to her, he wasted no time in setting up the ETF Board made up of people with proven track record, as well as transferring N6.25billion for the initiative to kick off, while the Board ensured that the process was fair and transparent with no favour as to party, religion, tribe or faith, and covered all the 57 Councils in the State.

    “While we were trying to come up with the necessary procedures, Governor Ambode kept telling us to hurry up to start disbursing the loans to residents which signified his good intention and he has also given us the mandate to make the disbursement a monthly affair to make the fund get to as many residents as possible,” Omoigui-Okauru said.

    Responding on behalf of others, one of the beneficiaries, Ahmed Ojikutu thanked Governor Ambode for the initiative, saying that it was gratifying to note that the process was very transparent.

    He said: “This is indeed a promise kept by the Governor. When next the Governor tells us anything, we will believe him and I want to sincerely thank him on behalf of all the beneficiaries.”

  • Budget: We’ll consolidate on modest achievement – Ambode

    Budget: We’ll consolidate on modest achievement – Ambode

    …Gov Delivering On His Promises, Says Speaker

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday signed the N812.998bn Y2017 Appropriation Bill to Law, with a promise that it would be judiciously implemented to consolidate on the modest milestones recorded in the last 18 months and propel the State to a path of prosperity.

    The Governor, who spoke at a brief but impressive ceremony, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the 2017 budget, christened, “Golden Jubilee Budget” was his administration’s contract with Lagosians to continue to build an all-inclusive economy throughout the year.

    The Governor thanked the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their forthrightness and speedy consideration and approval of the Appropriation Bill, which he presented to the House on November 29, 2016, and was passed to Law on January 3, 2017.

    He said the N812.998bn Y2017 budget was in line with the State Development Plan 2012-2025, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2017-2019, based on the State’s Four Pillars of Development Plan which include: Infrastructure Development, Economic Development, Social Development and Security as well as Sustainable Environment.

    Governor Ambode, while assuring that his administration would immediately hit the ground running to implement the budget, expressed optimism that the national economy would begin a path of recovery this year.

    “We are encouraged by the budget performance of last year (2016) which stood at 78 percent. Our total Capital Expenditure in 2017 will be N507.816bn while Recurrent Expenditure is estimated at N305.182bn.

    “Our government is committed to prudent financial management and equitable allocation of resources for the general good and will ensure proper fiscal discipline in the implementation of this Appropriation Law,” Governor Ambode said.

    While alluding to the fact that obligations and duties of citizens like tax payments have become noticeably better, self-induced and encouraging, Governor Ambode sought the cooperation and understanding of all taxpayers to successfully implement the budget, saying that government would continue to strive harder to improve service delivery in all sectors.

    “We encourage all taxpayers to continue in this spirit and also take advantage of available multi-pay channels in fulfilling their civic obligations. Do not pay to touts or illegal channels. Make sure your tax payments count. We are doing everything to eliminate poor services to you,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the judicious implementation of the 2016 Budget by Governor Ambode, against all odds, has gone a long way to confirm his financial expertise.

     The Speaker, who was represented at the event by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, said many laudable projects including the construction of 114 Roads across all the local governments in the state within a year was a first in the history of Nigeria.

    “That means by 2023, just in eight years, he would have done over 1,000 roads in addition to what the Ministry of Works and Public Works Corporation is doing.

    “Another area that is unbeatable is the ‘Light up Lagos’, which no doubt increases the economy of our mothers and fathers. That is in tandem with Article of Faith as entrenched in the 1999 Constitution, which summarily explains that the Governor is determined and committed,” the Speaker said.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade who gave a breakdown of the budget, said a total of N507.816billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while N305.182billion is for recurrent expenditure making up a total expenditure of N812.998billion and an aggregate capital to a recurrent ratio of 62:38.

    Ashade, who is also the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Finance, said Year 2017 budget which would largely be driven by Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) made up of taxes, rates, levies and others, would be focused on continuous promotion of massive investments in security, infrastructure, transport/traffic management, physical and social infrastructural development, environment, health, housing, tourism, power, e-governance, education, agriculture and skill acquisition.

    While explaining the sectoral breakdown of the budget, Ashade said a total of N141.692billion was earmarked for roads and other infrastructure, while Agriculture and Food Security got N4.795billion with Tourism and Environment getting N20.247billion and N24.031billion respectively.

    A further breakdown of the budget showed that Water got N20.082billion; Housing, N50.344billion; Health, N51.447billion; Sports Development, N9.457billion; Education, N92.445billion; Commerce and Industry, N1.500billion, Wealth and Employment Creation, N6.250billion; Women Affairs, N2.193billion; Youth and Social Development, N2.698billion; Governance, N11.193billion; Science and Technology, N11.000billion; Security, Law and Order, N39.722billion, while N3.800billion was set aside for the 7.5 percent Government Share to Pension Contribution and N7.150billion for Pension Redemption Bond Fund-Shortfall.

    On Transportation, Ashade said N49.077billion was earmarked for the Blue Rail Line, advancement of the 10-Lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway, construction of jetties and terminals especially for the Epe and Marina Shoreline Protection and procurement of ferries to improve on water transportation and encourage tourism, while also disclosing that attention would be paid to the expansion of BRT corridors in Oshodi-Abule-Egba, and other corridors.

  • Eid-el-maulud: Ambode urges Muslims to pray for peace of Nigeria

    Eid-el-maulud: Ambode urges Muslims to pray for peace of Nigeria

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday called on Muslims to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria, as they join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Eid El Maulud, which is the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

    The Governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful existence.

    While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Governor Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity.

    “On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversity,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also urged Muslim to internalize the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness which Mohammed (PBOH) preached, saying such will go a long way to engender national development.

    “I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit themselves to making a greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth”.

    “I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria and Lagos in particular a happy Eid-el-Maulud”, he said.

  • Ambode links economic growth to strong democratic institutions

    Ambode links economic growth to strong democratic institutions

    …Receives new American ambassador to Nigeria

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday advocated the need for strong democratic institutions in Nigeria, saying that such was critical to economic growth and overall development.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, said the transformation of the country depends largely on strong institutions rather than individuals, and as such, all hands must be on deck towards achieving such.

    While congratulating the American people on the success of their general elections held in the country last month, Governor Ambode said Nigeria has a lot to learn from the United States, especially in the area of strong democratic institutions.

    The Governor said: “We know that we have common grounds in terms of democratic experiences. We are very glad that the American election that took place last month was very successful and we believe strongly that in this partnership, moving forward, we believe so much has to be learnt in terms of democratic institutions that have actually succeeded in bringing out the kind of election results that we got.

    “We think that more of our own democratic institutions here in Nigeria should also become stronger so that we think more about institutions rather than persons and those are the things that actually make the economy to grow and the society to thrive.”

    The Governor, who also congratulated the envoy on his new posting to Nigeria, pledged the commitment of the State Government to continually protect the business interests of Americans and others in the State.

    He particularly expressed readiness to partner with American firms in scaling up the transport system and the health sector in the State, among other areas.

    He added that in the last 18 months, the State Government has committed huge resources and efforts to security of the people, assuring that the government would continually give greater attention to the safety and welfare of residents, including American investors.

    He said: “Lagos is a beautiful home to American Embassy. We known that a lot of Americans reside in Lagos and we have tried as much as possible to create an enabling environment for investors in the State and also protect all citizens and residents.

    “We are very strong on judicial and security sector reforms and we have maintained in the last 18 months, a peaceful environment in Lagos and we have continued to ensure also that Lagos is safe.”

    Earlier, the Ambassador said his visit to Governor Ambode was to listen and learn with the aim of planning ways to work with the State Government and the people of Nigeria so that in the future, the children of Nigeria and the children of United States have to gather for a better world forged by the partnership.

     

  • Education vital tool to combat poverty – Ambode

    Education vital tool to combat poverty – Ambode

    …Tasks public service on innovative ideas

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday justified the massive investment of his administration on improvement of educational infrastructure and upgrade of curriculum to meet current realities, saying that education remains one of the critical tools to combat poverty and secure a better future for the State.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja after swearing-in a new Permanent Secretary and Tutor General for Education District Six, Mrs. Olabisi Olufunmilayo Onadipe, said the massive investment on education architecture and continues empowering and equipping of teachers were all in a bid to raise the next generation of Lagosians who will be ready to take on the challenges of the future.

    While alluding to the fact that the State Government placed high emphasis on education, Governor Ambode charged the new appointee to see her appointment as very critical to the future progress of the State, and as such, she must add value not only to the present administration and the public service, but the State.

    The Governor said the public service, as a vital institution primarily responsible for policy implementation, has been given a pride of place, and recalled that since inception of the present administration, a lot of attention had been given to appointment of only officers with credible record of performance into leadership positions.

    He said no matter how good a policy is, its effectiveness in terms of achieving the desired impact would only be determined by the competence and commitment of those charged with the responsibility of implementation, a development the Governor said called for the need for greater sense of dedication.

    According to Governor Ambode, “A lot of attention is given to ensuring that only officers with credible record of performance are appointed into leadership position in the public service. The global rating of Lagos State requires that only the best hands must be engaged to drive the key sectors of the State economy. This is the only way we can guaranty effective and efficient service delivery and synergy between the public and the private sector.

    “I therefore use this opportunity to demand greater sense of commitment and responsibility from the leadership and the entire workforce in the State public service. You must be open minded and ready to embrace new and innovative ideas that are consistent with global practices.”

    Responding, the new Permanent Secretary thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in her, and expressed her readiness to discharge her duties effectively and efficiently.

  • Ambode raises Police death insurance benefit to N10m

    Ambode raises Police death insurance benefit to N10m

    …Presents additional patrol vehicles, power bikes to RRS

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday announced an increment to the death insurance benefit for police officers who die in active service to the State to N10 million, saying that his administration would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of all citizens in the State.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja, after he was presented with two awards recently won in South Africa by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command, said security and safety of the people remains one of the focal objectives of his administration, and that Government would continually embrace measures to motivate and encourage officers of the Command to perform their duties diligently.

    The RRS, at the awards presented by Security Watch Africa (SWA), had emerged as the best anti-crime police squad in West Africa, while the RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, won the award of most outstanding police operational officer in Africa.

    The State Government also bagged award as the best security and most safety conscious state in Africa.

    Speaking after receiving the awards, Governor Ambode congratulated the Commander and men of the RRS for the feat, saying that the people of the State were appreciative of the gallant efforts of the unit at bringing down crime rate in the State, especially in the last one year.

    The Governor also commended the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni for his purposeful leadership of the Command, saying that it was evident that the Police in Lagos was performing creditably well.

    While alluding to the need for increment in the death insurance benefit of officers, Governor Ambode recalled the recent loss of some officers in active service, adding that while government was not praying for the re-occurrence of such, it was appropriate to reasonably reward the family of any officer in the event of eventual death.

    The Governor therefore said his administration was raising the stake of death insurance policy from N1million to rank and file and N2million to senior officers to N10 million.

    He said: “Recently, we lost some police officer due to no fault of theirs and then some form of accidental incidences across the State.

    “I have directed the State’s Pension Office and the Office of the Chief of Staff that we are going to increase the payment that we make to officers that die in active service and then we are increasing that irrespective of whether you are a junior or senior office, if you die in active service, the payment that will be made by the State Government is being increased to N10million from this moment onward,” he said.

    As one of the ways of appreciating and motivating the Command, Governor Ambode also presented additional three patrol vehicles and 45 power bikes to the RRS.

    The Governor, while reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the security and wellbeing of residents, also directed the police to ensure hitch-free yuletide celebration across the State.

    He said the government, by the donation, was also sending a strong signal to those who are always willing to disturb the peace that there is no room for them in the State.

    Responding to the gesture, the RRS Commander, Mr. Olatunji Disu said the equipment given to them by the State Government would further spur them to give their best towards protecting the lives and property of residents.

  • We’ll commence disbursement of N25bn ETF in December – Ambode

    We’ll commence disbursement of N25bn ETF in December – Ambode

    …Artisans, traders, others to get access to fund

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the State Government will commence the disbursement of the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) initiative of his administration by December, 2016.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke in Lagos at the graduation ceremony for 500 artisans trained by the State Government on modular employability programme in nineteen different trades, said the informal sector remains a critical vehicle for economic recovery, adding that Government was passionately committed to repositioning the sector for economic gains.

    He said the N25billion ETF, which would be disbursed for the next four years on N6.25billion annual basis, was one of the initiatives designed to empower the informal sector, adding that government was open to ideas and strategies that would aid sustainable growth of the sector.

    “Let me tell you clearly that the N25bn ETF is for artisans and entrepreneurs in Lagos State. We will commence disbursement from the month of December, 2016 and let me assure you that a larger percentage will go to our carpenters, our tailors, our hairdressers, our vulcanizers, and so on. Everybody that is a tradesman and is an artisan in Lagos will have automatic access to the Employment Trust Fund (ETF),” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking at the event which also coincided with the 7th Tradesmen and Artisans’ Week, the Governor said the ETF was an initiative with the cardinal mandate to support the establishment and growth of small businesses to create job opportunities for the people, adding that soft loans would be provided to genuine and credible artisans and traders in the State.

    Besides, the Governor said it was now time for conscious and concerted efforts to re-engineer the mindsets of young ones and advance entrepreneurs with the view to repositioning them to face modern challenges, saying that except focus is shifted to equip and rebuild the informal sector, members would not be vibrant enough for the prevailing realities of the moment.

    He assured that his administration would not sit and wait for oil prices to rebound in the international market before arriving at a solution to the challenges confronting the state, hence the need for the ETF and other initiatives.

    On the training for artisans, Governor Ambode said such was one of the platforms for recognizing and projecting the significant contributions of the informal sector as a vehicle for economic development, adding that government was equally mindful of the fact that artisans were the major players and the conveyor belt for industrial enterprise in the country.

    While urging the newly trained artisans to leverage on the strategic position of Lagos as the contributor of 25 percent of the total GDP of Nigeria and 5th largest economy in Africa, Governor Ambode said the training which they passed through was designed to address this skills mismatch and provide the right mix of skills needed to service the industrial needs of the State.

    Responding to requests by artisans through their representatives, Governor Ambode approved that the beneficiaries of the training should be increased to 1,500 artisans next year and a yearly subvention of N12million and brand new operation bus for the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), among others.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti said the 500 artisans were re-trained and up-skilled on eight weeks intensive programme solely sponsored by the State Government for better service delivery.

    On his part, LASCOTA Chairman, Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari thanked Governor Ambode for the various efforts aimed at improving the productivity of artisans in the State, especially the Tradesmen and Artisans’ Empowerment Programme (LASTEAP), saying that the continuous training had impacted positively on their productivity and enhanced them economically.