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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Ambode presents budget of N812.998b for 2017

    Ambode presents budget of N812.998b for 2017

    Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Tuesday presented a total budget estimate of N812.998 billion for 2017 to the state Assembly for consideration and approval.

    The Capital expenditure stands at N512.99billion while recurrent expenditure is N300billion, a ratio of 63-37 per cent.

    Ambode said the 2017 budget will continue the massive renewal of infrastructure and the enhancement of Lagos as one of the foremost tourism and investment destination in Africa.

    “While we focus on physical infrastructure, we shall continue to pay due attention to social infrastructure especially health, education, youth and social development in 2017”, the governor said.

    He disclosed that the State expects an increase in Federal allocation through 13% derivation from Oil & Gas in 2017 which will further boost the revenue profile of the state.

    “In view of our financing gap, we shall continue to sustain deficit financing in the short-to-medium term; enhance revenue growth throughout the year on several initiatives including automation and efficient revenue administration.

    “We would explore more collaboration with local and international investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) especially in the areas of Road network expansion, Transport; Housing, and the Environment”, he said.

    The governor promised that in 2017 his administration will “remain steadfast in our responsibility to make the State safe and secure for all our citizens. We will continue to invest in Security. The Neighbourhood Safety Agency will become fully operational by 2017 with presence in all our Local Governments and LCDAs.

    Adding that “the key focus of the budget for the 2017 is road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance. Our government will focus on roads that will open up the hinterlands, improve connectivity in the State and reduce travel time.”

    He also promised that the administration will commence the Phase II of the 114 Local Government Roads project and the Fourth Mainland Bridge in 2017 and carry out fundamental reforms on all modes of transportation – Roads, Water and the Walkways. In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year, Ambode said.

    “The State government will embark on the Urbanisation of the Marina axis, Waterways Channelization, establishment of more Parks and Gardens as well as the Community Sports Centres and Stadiums in different locations across the State.

    “We will fully implement the Medical Health Insurance Scheme and deploy e-Health/ e-insurance Health Service solutions; and complete the on-going upgrading and extension work in the State General Hospitals and Ayinke House in Ikeja. Work will commence on our Medical Park in the 2017 fiscal year.

    “With the aim of making Lagos State the next technology frontier in Africa, we will invest in Digital Libraries (e-Libraries) as well as Code Lagos projects to prepare our younger ones to meet the new workforce demands, harness the benefits of technology and communicate in the language of the future.

    “Our administration is committed to various projects in the area of Tourism. Our vision is to create a Tourism Hub around the Onikan-Lagos Marina Axis. We will also develop the Epe and Badagry marinas to harness the tourism potentials of these areas. We will establish Museum for Art and Culture in Ikeja, construct 5 Arts/Culture theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikeja with a 400-seater hall in each of them.

    We will accelerate the food expansion programme with a special focus on rice production, animal husbandry and root crops. We will intensify our collaboration with other States in the development of a commodity Value Chain specifically for food commodities. We will invest more to boost fish production in the State, by improving the production capacity of Ayobo Fish Farm Estate in Alimosho area in addition to providing employment opportunities for the youths.

    “The Employment Trust Fund has commenced financial support to our youths and entrepreneurs and this will be intensified throughout next year.

    “In the area of environment, we will improve water supply through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and increase the capacity utilization of water treatment plants, ensure efficient waste management system by increasing the number of Transfer Loading Stations from three (3) to fifteen (15), mitigate the effect of climate change through the conservation of the natural environment and promotion of biodiversity, as well as minimising flood through effective erosion control”.

    The governor sought the cooperation and understanding of all Lagosians in prompt payment of taxes informing that the State Government has embarked on extensive revenue collection reforms. “We will soon introduce more effective multi-pay channels to improve the administration and collection of Revenue. Our Central Billing System and efforts to fully automate revenue collection for ease of payment have reached an advanced stage”, he said.

    He called for support of all Lagosians in the successful implementation of the budget. Saying “we all have a huge responsibility to ensure that it succeeds as we cannot just afford to fail even at this critical period of economic recession”, Ambode said.

    In his remarks, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa commended the governor for the successful implementation of the 2016 budget stressing the supportive role played by the Assembly in the admirable performance of the governor in the outgoing year.

    He pointed out that it is crystal clear that the 2017 budget is aimed at massive investments in various areas of the state to consolidate and improve on 2016 budget to ensure that the dividends of democracy gets across to the people in this period of recession.

    Obasa disclosed that the outcome of the Assembly’s constituency stakeholders meeting has been factored into the 2017 budget, promising that the Assembly would look at the nitty-gritty of the budget estimates to ensure that the budget delivers its desired good through oversight functions.

    The speaker charged all ministries, departments and agencies to furnish the House with all necessary documents to aid the quick passage of the budget.

    He also called on the National Assembly to reconsider the call for special status for Lagos, assuring that Lagos can bring about the economic revival of the nation from the present economic recession.

    The budget presentation was witnessed by prominent Lagosians and party leaders including traditional and religious leaders as well as party leaders, politicians and former members of the state Assembly.

  • Gbadamosi, one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos – Ambode

    Gbadamosi, one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday described the late literary icon and foremost industrialist, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi as one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos who offered selfless service to the service of the State and the nation.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja during a reception organized by the State Government in honour of Gbadamosi, said the late economist and industrialist was a true Lagosian who contributed immensely to the development of the State, adding that the government and good people of Lagos would forever cherish his contribution to the growth of the State.

    Speaking at the event which was well attended by captains of industry, politicians, and stakeholders in the arts industry, among others, Governor Ambode said Gbadamosi served the State at a young age as Commissioner for Economic Planning and ended his service to the State at his old age as Co-Chairman of the Lagos at 50 Celebration Committee.

    He said: “I stand here on behalf of all Lagosians to celebrate selflessness. Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi was an illustrious son of Ikorodu; a true son of Lagos; a patriotic Nigerian; an elder statesman; a thoroughbred economist; a lover of arts per excellence; a consummate businessman; and above all a selfless Nigerian.

    “He was not just a father but one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos. We, in Lagos State, will forever cherish his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State. He was a fine gentle man; a father; an uncle; and a very lively person. We, in the State Government, will miss him so much.”

    Besides, the Governor described Gbadamosi’s death as a personal loss to him, saying that the late industrialist was a brother, counselor and big uncle to him, and that he (Gbadamosi) has surely earned a place of exemplary leadership in the government of the State.

    He recalled Gbadamosi’s days as the Commissioner for Economic Planning in the State whereby he contributed to laying a solid foundation for the development of the State, saying that his appointment as Co-Chairman of Lagos at 50 Committee was reached after a careful study of those who have served the State selflessly.

    While also recalling the backlash that trailed Gbadamosi’s appointment into the Committee on health grounds, the Governor said he (Gbadamosi) stood his ground and never allowed it to deter him from selflessly serving the State, and urged other members of the Committee to make the events to celebrate the State bigger and more successful in his memory.

    Besides, Governor Ambode urged Gbadamosi’s family to be strong and take solace in his dreams and vision of a modern Lagos as well as his legacies.

    The Governor, however, assured that because of Gbadamosi’s love for arts, the State Government would intensify initiatives to promote arts more than ever starting with arts exhibition in January, 2017 to bring the old and the young together and create the framework for youth engagement.

    In her tribute, President of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande said the late Gbadamosi personified the value of hard work, adding that he was an amiable and hardworking industrialist who was always bringing deep intellectual insight into national issues.

    Akande also said Gbadamosi had an incredible passion for the progress of Lagos and he was a leading industrialist, lover and supporter of the arts.

    On his part, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs said Gbadamosi was passionately committed to standing with the people and was always particular about the welfare of the arts and artists.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Gbadamosi’s eldest child, Mrs. Morounkunbi Osinoiki thanked the State Government for organizing the tribute in honour of her late father, saying it was well appreciated by the family.

  • Ambode redeploys Ashade as commissioner for finance

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has redeployed the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade to take over as the Commissioner for Finance.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor made the decision shortly after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

    Ashade is expected to resume his new portfolio with immediate effect.

    Governor Ambode, however, said Ashade would still oversee the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget pending when the State Executive Council would be reshuffled.

    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode on Wednesday, October 19, on Wednesday carried out a cabinet reshuffle with the dropping of the Commissioners for Tourism- Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi and Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola.

    Mr. Ashade was until his appointment by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Partner at KPMG Professional Services, one of the big 4 international professional services firm with specialisation in audit, tax and advisory services. With over 16 years of professional experience with KPMG Nigeria and extensive skills in financial services industry, project and quality assurance management and public private partnership, he is surely a round peg in a round hole.

    A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ashade was born in Badagry on 6th October, 1975. He had his primary education at Anglican Primary School, Ilado, Badagry between 1981 and 86 and proceeded to Iworo Ajido High School, Badagry where he passed the West African School Certificate of Education in 1992 before proceeding to University of Lagos where he graduated with B.Sc (second class upper division) in Biology in 1997.

    Ashade joined KPMG (then Arthur Andersen, Nigeria) in March, 1999 and this provided an opportunity for a career change to Accounting. He became chartered in 2004 and was admitted as a partner in KPMG 2013. In 2015, he was appointed a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

     

  • Community policing will help in reducing crime – Ambode

    Community policing will help in reducing crime – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said that the fight against crime and all forms of criminality would be better enhanced if efforts are geared towards embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies.

    Governor Ambode, who stated this at the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairman and members of the Board of the State’s Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency, said community policing was needed to assist law enforcement agencies which, according to him, are already over stretched judging by the enormous task of securing the country.

    Speaking at the ceremony held at Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Ambode said right from the onset, the major thrust of his administration has always been the security of lives and properties of Lagosians, adding that the Neighborhood Agency, which was an initiative aimed at safe guarding the communities through community policing, was another testimony of the commitment of the State Government to the safety of lives and properties and a demonstration of a promise kept to all citizens.

    The Governor recalled the provision of security at the State level with the massive provision of equipment such as patrol vehicles, motor bikes, boats and helicopter on several occasions to police and other security agencies, saying that such had aided law enforcement outfits in the State in effectively discharging their duties.

    “You will agree with me that the Police and indeed all other security forces within the State and even the country at large are quite stretched, and some form of “community” or “local policing” is required to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing.

    “The creation of this Agency marks another step towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties at the grass root level. Corp members recruited by the Agency are meant to interact with the people at the communities. It is expected that with the visible presence of the Corp members within a particular community, the likelihood of crime will be drastically reduced,” the Governor said.

    He added that the Agency, which replaced the Neighbourhood Watch, has the responsibility of assisting the Police, and its mode of operation will essentially be in intelligence gathering, protection of lives and properties, maintaining law and Order amongst others.

    The Governor also said the Agency has been empowered pursuant to its enabling law, to recruit eligible persons as Corp members in all Local Government Areas of the State.

    He, however, emphasized that the Agency was not meant to compete, but to complement the efforts of the Police Force, adding that the State Government, through the Board, would develop clear policies and strategies for the implementation of the law.

    While reiterating the determination of his administration to commit resources to ensure success of the objectives of the Agency, the Governor said its realization would make Lagos a place where residents and all intending foreign and local investors can do business in safety and comfort.

    He also charged members of the newly inaugurated board to consider their appointments as call to duty, adding that the task making Lagos great and taking it to greater heights was that of all.

    Besides, the Governor commended the foresight, efforts and industry of the Speaker and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for initiating the bill that culminated in the enactment of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency Law 2016, saying their intellectualism in sponsoring the bill and the proactiveness in considering the passage of the law was admirable.

    Members of the Board are Mr. Israel Ajao (Chairman), Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, SP Yinka Egbeyemi, Mr. Razaq Balogun, Chief Tunde Aboyade, Mr. Ishola Laguda, Mrs Kofoworola Adegboye, Mr. Dengel Anifowoshe, Mrs. Ronke Ogabi, CSP Suleiman Lewi, Mr. O. Eziana and Mr Adegboyega Bajulaiye who will serve as Executive Secretary.

    Responding, Ajao who was a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Ogun States and DIG in charge of Criminal Investigation, said he had no doubt as to the passion and commitment of Governor Ambode to safety and security, adding that members of the Agency would hit the ground running towards the set objectives.

    He said considering the complexities of Lagos being home to Nigerians and foreigners from all works of life, the Agency would contribute its quota towards realization of the objectives of making Lagos a safe place for residents and investors.

    The event was graced by the State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat OIuranti Adebule; Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun and other principal officers of the House; members of the State Executive Council, party chieftains, among others.

  • Lagos critical to Nigeria’s recovery from recession – Ambode

    Lagos critical to Nigeria’s recovery from recession – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the State has a critical role to play in taking Nigeria out of the current economic doldrums, just as he harped on the need for partnership between government and the private sector to address strategic challenges confronting the nation.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit members of the Governing Council of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), who came to notify the Governor of the hosting right of the 22nd World Conference of Banking Institute to be held in Lagos in April 2017 and other activities of the Institute,  said Lagos, as the economic hub of Nigeria and the West African region, contributes about 70 percent of the financial services in the country, and as such the State was in a good stead to lead the nation out of recession.

    The Governor said the visit by the CIBN Council led by its President, Professor Segun Ajibola was apt as it came at a time that Nigeria was undergoing recession, but the cheering news was that the country was abundantly blessed with a group of people that can actually help the country out of recession, to which many of them are members of the Institute.

    He, therefore, harped on the need for partnership between the government and the private sector, saying: “This is like a clearing call, we need this partnership to  take us out of the doldrums. Irrespective of the fact that Lagos contributes like 70 percent of the financial services in this country and if there is anything that can take us out of recession, it has to start from us and from Lagos.”

    Besides, Governor Ambode said the story of the growth and development of Lagos could not have been completed without the huge contribution of the financial service industry, adding that the sector remained a veritable vehicle that has been able to drive professionals to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State.

    According to the Governor, “The financial service industry stands out in terms of creating employment for our people, and in terms of contributing to the taxes, and as well creating capacity, and as such it will be unfair not to appreciate and commend everything that the CIBN has actually done to the growth and development of Lagos.”

    Speaking on the hosting right of the World Conference, Governor Ambode expressed excitement at the development, and assured that the State Government will partner with CIBN to use the platform to promote investment potentials in the State, as well as celebrate the 50 years anniversary of the creation of Lagos.

    “Lagos is going to be 50 next year and President of the Council has talked so much about the hosting right of the conference. As a government, we are also trying to brand Lagos as a world class city to live in, and so we will partner and support the conference and list it as part of the events to celebrate Lagos at 50 and use it as a platform to promote financial tourism for the State.

    “Lagos is the financial hub of Nigeria and by extension maybe the West African coast, and the good thing is that the infrastructure we have been able to provide are aimed at allowing businesses to thrive. We are trying our best but the fundamentals remained the fact that the city has to be safe so that businesses can thrive.

    The Governor also expressed readiness to partner with CIBN to create a structured capacity building for State officials with the view to getting a stream of hardworking professionals.

    Earlier, Ajibola commended Governor Ambode for the massive infrastructure development ongoing in the State, especially the improvement on security, the Light Up Lagos Project, ingenious traffic management strategy in strategic locations across the State such as the Iyana Oworo Lay-by, Ketu-Alapere Slip Road, multifaceted Berger expansion projects, Ojota Pedestrian Bridge; road rehabilitation, Light Rail Project, among others.

    “As at today, the banking community is more than happy with the State of security in Lagos State. Our banks are now safer; our ATM locations are safer; we see secured human and properties more than ever before within Lagos and its environs,” Ajibola said.

     

  • 50,000 athletes to participate in 2017 Lagos city marathon – Ambode

    50,000 athletes to participate in 2017 Lagos city marathon – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said no fewer than 50,000 athletes from across the world are expected to participate in the second edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed to hold on February 11, 2017. 

    Governor Ambode, who stated this at Lagos House in Ikeja while addressing a world press conference on the marathon, said necessary logistics have been put in place to make the event hugely successful, and as well promote the tourism potentials of the State.

    The Governor said about 33, 753 runners including 65 elite marathoners from different parts of the world and over 100 local elite runners participated in the 2016 edition held on February 6 this year, while the marathon was adjudged as one of the best in the world.

    He said the government was working to ensure that the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon billed to hold on Saturday, February 11, 2017 would see a major improvement compared to the maiden edition.

    Governor Ambode said that as a result of the success of the maiden edition, several individuals and corporate organisations have contacted the organisers of the Marathon to partner towards ensuring a successful tourney, adding that it would go a long way to engage and empower thousands of Lagosians in various sectors.

    The Governor said that the 2017 edition, would also feature the top ten men and women marathoners in the world, who would also be joined by many gold label, silver label and bronze label marathoners from different parts of the world.

    He said the appearance fees for gold label runners is $50,000, silver label $20,000 and bronze label $10,000, adding that invited local and foreign elite runners would be paid 50 per cent of their appearance fee now and balance up when they arrive Lagos for the tourney.

    Winner of the 2017 Lagos City Marathon, according to the Governor would also go home with a cash prize of $50,000, while second and third place winners will smile home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

    “The Lagos City Marathon is presently ranked 68th in the world, but our desire is to make it the top ten in the world and that is what we are working on with the next episode of the event.

    “Unlike the one held on February 6 this year, where we had over 30,000 athletes who participated, we are targeting a minimum of 50,000 runners who will take the city of Lagos by storm and put the city on the world map for coming up with such a huge event.

    “We look forward to something exciting happening in Lagos. We are going to use sports as a vehicle to help develop our youths and when you talk about youth development you have to talk about recreational sports, about how you mentally activate younger ones and we just think that this marathon is one of those vehicles that we should use to galvanise sports in younger ones and even Lagosians at large,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor also expressed optimism that the success of the first edition and efforts to make next year’s edition bigger, the Lagos City Marathon would soon be labeled by the IAAF.

    “We may get the CAA label before February 11, 2017; this will be another feat. We have put the necessary machinery in place to have a more elaborate start and a grand finish for this edition. There will also be entertainment at the finish for runners and spectators,” he said.

    The Governor also added that for the 2017 edition, plans have been put in place to accommodate volunteers who would work hand in hand to make the event a success, adding that every volunteer would get a certificate signed by him and their names will be in Lagos State data base for volunteers.

    He said that the State Government was working with other partners to address the challenges and hiccups recorded in the first edition of the Marathon, assuring that he would personally supervise the logistics required for the event.

    “Route education plan will be released early so that Lagosians can plan their movement on race day. There will also be live transmission for the local and global audience. There will be clearer and bolder kilometer marking along the route. Our target is to also make Lagosians proud of this event and make them look forward to it every year,” the Governor said.

    On his part, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Managing Director of Access Bank, the major partners of the Lagos City Marathon, expressed optimism that the 2017 edition of the race would be bigger and better.

    He said Access Bank was glad to partner with Lagos State, noting that the success of the first edition did not only showcase Lagos to be an avenue for sports development, but also for the growth of tourism and youth development.

  • Photos: Ambode in US, meets Mayor of Boston

    Photos: Ambode in US, meets Mayor of Boston

    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with Faculty Director, Legatum Center & member of UK Prime Minister's Council for Science and Technology, Professor Fiona Murray and Associate Provost for International Activities, Professor Richard Lester during a meeting between the MIT Africa Initiative and Lagos State Government in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with Faculty Director, Legatum Center & member of UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, Professor Fiona Murray and Associate Provost for International Activities, Professor Richard Lester during a meeting between the MIT Africa Initiative and Lagos State Government in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

     

    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th right), with Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, Mr. Abdul Mustapha; Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti; Chief of Economic Development, Office of the Mayor, Mr. John Barros; Mayor of Boston, Mr. Marty Walsh; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas and Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya during a meeting with the Mayor of Boston at the Boston City Hall, Boston Massachusetts
    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th right), with Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment, Mr. Abdul Mustapha; Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti; Chief of Economic Development, Office of the Mayor, Mr. John Barros; Mayor of Boston, Mr. Marty Walsh; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas and Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya during a meeting with the Mayor of Boston at the Boston City Hall, Boston Massachusetts

  • Ambode appoints DIG Ajao as head Neighbourhood Safety Corps

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday constituted the Board of the Neighbourhood Safety Agency, in line with his quest to further strengthen the security of the State and safeguard its local communities.

    Consequently, the Governor approved the appointment of DIG Israel Ajao (Rtd), a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Ogun and DIG Criminal Investigation, as Chairman of the Board.

    In a statement signed by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, the Governor also named Mr. Gboyega Bajulaiye as the Executive Secretary of the Board.

    Other members of the Board include representative Of the State Commissioner Of Police, Suleiman Lewi (CSP); Chairman Lagos Task Force, Yinka Egbeyemi (SP); a representative of the Department of State Security Service (DSS); Executive Security, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Razaq Balogun; Community Representatives of Epe Division, Dengel Anifowoshe; Ikeja Division, Chief Tunde Aboyade; Lagos Division, Mr. Ishola Laguda; Badagry Division, Mrs. Ronke Ogabi; and Ikorodu Division, Mrs Kofoworola Adegboye.

    Kazeem, in the statement, said that law, order and safety of lives and properties has remained a cornerstone of the Governor Ambode-led administration, adding that the constitution of the Board marked another step in the desire of Government to make Lagos safe and secured for its citizens.

    It will be recalled that at the 3rd Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere on October 11, Governor Ambode had announced plans to implement the provision of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law 2016 of Lagos State recently passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The Governor also promised to recruit 5,000 Corps members into the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, adding that they would be present in all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the State, with new recruits expected to earn at least N25, 000 monthly with other allowances.

    According to him, the Neighbourhood Safety Corps was part of efforts of his administration to institutionalise and deepen community policing in the State.

  • Lagosians consume N3bn food daily – Ambode

    Lagosians consume N3bn food daily – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said that investors willing to do business in the agric sector in the State can be rest assured of a ready market and returns on investment as the daily consumption of food items in the State is worth over N3billion daily.

    The Governor, who spoke at the maiden edition of the Lagos Food Security and Exhibition Summit with the theme “Actualizing Sustainable Food Security in Lagos State: A New, Comprehensive Agenda’, said his administration remains committed in its efforts towards maximising its comparative advantage in the sector to achieve food security.

    He said Nigeria had no business resorting to importation to feed its citizens, adding that there was no alternative to achieving food security other than tilling the land and embrace best practices that will improve efficiency in the agricultural value chain.

    The Governor said, “Our core policy thrust towards achieving food security is to maximize the comparative advantage of the State in agriculture and establish partnerships with other States of the Federation with comparative advantage in specific areas.”

    Listing some areas of collaboration already activated, Governor Ambode said his administration has sealed a landmark partnership with Kebbi State Government for the development of agricultural commodities such as rice, wheat, groundnut, onion, maize and beef value chain, expressing optimism that the partnership can result in the supply of 70 per cent of the total national rice consumption.

    “We have also acquired agricultural land in other neighbouring States of Ogun and Oyo as well as Abuja. Specifically, 500 hectares of farm land has been acquired for rice cultivation in Eggua, Ogun State, 84.7 hectares at Okinni in Oshogbo for oil palm processing, among others,” the Governor said.

    He said the Lagos Food Security Summit and Exhibition was organized to bring together stakeholders in the Agricultural sector to proffer solutions to the challenges militating against the achievement of food security, noting that the success recorded in the last “Traffic Summit’ that has eased the traffic situation in the metropolis can be replicated in the area of food security in the state.

    He therefore said that in the wake of the economic challenges facing the country there was no better time for the nation to review its approach and the redirection of its energies to food production.

    “Behind every dark cloud, they say, is a silver lining. One of the challenges the current economic recession has brought to the fore is the urgent need to develop a sustainable programme that will guarantee food security for our people. As a nation, in the past, we spent billions of Foreign Exchange on importation of food and food items many of which can be cultivated in our country.

    “Our country is blessed with very good arable land and a climate that supports food production. We can achieve food security and create employment opportunities for our teeming youth if we put in place the right policies and incentives that will attract significant investment into the Agricultural sector,” he said.

    Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Mr. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon, noted that that the summit was being organized to institutionalize a food security framework that would guarantee sustainable food security for its growing population.

    He said the summit was designed to realign emerging realities with new global trends on food safety, food processing, food storage, food handling, funding of agribusiness and agric insurance”, adding that it will attract major stakeholders from the Agricultural sector and academia, foreign and local investors, media, civil society and policymakers in government.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Summit, Alhaji Sani Dangote, commended the Governor Ambode-led administration for leading being in the forefront in addressing the challenge of food security, saying that the State boasts of a large population with an economy ranked as the fifth largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, a bulging youth population and capital of the nation’s industrial base.

    He said despite the shortage of arable land in the State, the State Government can leverage on its comparative advantages to not only guarantee food security in the State, but also feed the neighbouring South West States.

    He said the State has the capacity to make agriculture a profitable business, which according to him, would encourage youths to take up agriculture as a profession and contribute their quota towards achieving food security.

     

  • We’ll continue to promote excellence with arts, entertainment- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said his administration would continue to utilise the elements of arts, culture, entertainment, tourism and sports to showcase the potentials that abound in the State.

    The Governor, who spoke when he hosted members and nominees of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to a cocktail at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said Lagos was fast emerging as the entertainment capital of Africa, saying that the State was honoured to be hosting the 2016 AFRIMA awards.

    ”As you already know, Lagos is a mega city with a vibrant artistic soul. Our aim as the entertainment capital of Africa is to continue to use arts, culture, entertainment, tourism and sports to promote excellence in our state.

    “This of course is the reason why we are hosting the AFRIMA awards this year and why we are always willing to open our doors to great and credible initiatives that align with our vision to be the foremost hub for tourism and entertainment in Africa,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode said he was impressed with the quality of performances exhibited by the artistes at the AFRIMA music village on Friday night, saying it was a good prelude to the main awards night.

    “I therefore thank the organizers and the AU delegate for this great initiative and for a job well done. More importantly, my hearty congratulations go to all the nominees. In Lagos, you are all winners and we promise to see you again,” he said.

    The event featured performances by several nominees and music stars from across the continent, including Naomi Mark, while fast rising comedian, Kehinde Peter Otolorin popularly known as Kenny Blaq thrilled the audience with rib cracking jokes.