The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Nation building: Ambode, Ajimobi, Aregbesola harp on Role of family

    Nation building: Ambode, Ajimobi, Aregbesola harp on Role of family

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, his counterparts in Oyo and Osun States, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Monday said that if the nation must make meaningful progress, the family, which is the mirror by which any society is measured, must be strengthened.
    The trio, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 16th National Women Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), said as much as the family is the reflection of the society, government at all levels must give priorities to issues as it affects the women, who are the bedrock of the family must also be empowered to flourish in her career and the home front.

    In his goodwill message, Governor Ambode said while the importance of the family unit to the overall development of the nation was not in doubt, much emphasis must be placed in the commitment towards strengthening the family unit and building strong moral values.

    “The importance of the family unit to the overall development of any nation is not in doubt. The family is the foundation and smallest unit of any nation. The heart and conscience of a nation is formed, to a large extent, in the family. However, the issue is the amount of commitment we, in our individual capacities and as a nation, have shown towards strengthening the family unit.

    “With Strong Families, we can build a Strong Nation. But Strong Families will only exist in a society where nobody is left behind, where everybody has a voice and a stake. This is one of the toughest challenges facing governments – “to build an all-inclusive society”, the Governor said.

    He said his administration recognizes the critical need for societal inclusion and thus has initiated policies aimed at guaranteeing equal opportunities and participation for all Lagosians.

    He said that his administration remains totally committed to empowering women as well as protecting the girl-child against all forms of negative vices, while creating viable platforms for families to bond and recreate.

    “Women are the glue that hold families together and we believe strongly that an empowered woman, with a sense of self-esteem, will be better positioned to make a success of her career and at the same time be a pillar of strength for the family,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said the decision of his administration to resuscitate the famous Apapa Amusement Park while speeding up work on Ipakodo Park in Ikorodu, Badagry Recreational Park and Ajako/Alimosho Park was beyond boosting the tourism potential of the State, but to serve as meeting points for families to relax and have fun together.

    In his goodwill message, Governor Ajimobi said the family as the building block of the nation must be given top priority, therefore, according to him, women who holds the chord that binds the family together, must be empowered to thrive both in their career and the home front.

    Corroborating him, Governor Aregbesola said that if the family must be strengthened, the women who are saddled with the responsibility of building the home front must be encouraged and celebrated.

    Declaring the conference open, wife of the President, Hajiya Aishat Buhari, said that COWLSO has emerged as of the many things that have put Lagos in the unique class of excellence.

    “What strikes me the most about the committee is that, it is an intellectual and philanthropic association, established to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government to improve the welfare and well-being of the good people of this state,” she said.

    The President’s wife who was represented by the wife of the Governor of Imo State, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, said the importance of strong family values must continue to be emphasized, saying that the absence of it gives rise to the challenges of poverty, crime and declining school performance.

    Earlier in her remarks, Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode said the theme of the Conference, ‘Strong Family, Strong Nation’, was carefully chosen in recognition of the fact that the strength of a nation is linked to the strength of its family units.

    Mrs Ambode, who is also the Chairman of COWLSO, traced most of the social challenges currently confronting the nation, including drug addiction, cultism, teenage pregnancy, kidnapping, child abuse, domestic violence, armed robbery and others have their foundation in dysfunctional family units.

    “When family units are bound together in love and children are raised in the fear of God and high socio-moral values, it begets a good and peaceful society and country, where social vices are reduced to the barest minimum. To build a strong and virile country therefore, we must go back and build strong family units,” Mrs Ambode said.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award to Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye and the investiture of Senator Oluremi Tinubu as the Grand Matron of COWLSO.

  • Lagos shanties of Horror

    Lagos shanties of Horror

    All over the world, shanties in cities is a natural concomitant of urbanisation. In world’s most populous cities such as Bombay, Hong Kong, London and Singapore, the problem of shanties is a recurring decimal which governments in these countries have battled to solve for ages. The cause varies from rural urban migration, illegal immigrants syndrome in capitals like London and Washington DC, to poverty and insufficient and unaffordable accommodation. Coupled with this is the fact that the urban population in the world is rising generally.

    Lagos, a mega city with an estimated population of 22 million inhabitants is not an exception in the menace of shanties and this has been on for ages. The only exception is that Lagos shanties are becoming that of horror where illegal migrants like kidnappers and militants have made their comfort zones, from where they make use of the waterways to ferry their victims to another location.

    Recently, Governor Ambode ordered that all shanties in Ilubirin and along all creeks, waterways and under high tension cables be demolished while the illegal occupants should be evicted. This may sound harsh in the face of the present economic situation, but the fact remains that the action is necessary in order to protect lives and property of about 22 million Lagosians. Building of illegal structures under high tension cables is without doubt, an accident waiting to happen which no responsible government would condone.

    The history of the Ilubinrin shanties especially, reveals that the present illegal occupants moved in and erected illegal structures by cashing in on the time lag created by the redesigning of the Ilubinrin housing project which was started by former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu about ten years ago with the reclamation of the lagoon while the fishermen who were there at that time were resettled at Badore.

    The housing units which was initially expected to accommodate 1,254 housing units started in 2013, while the scheme was reviewed and redesigned by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to accommodate 1,500 families and make the place a live, work and play environment, with the partnership of a private investor. However, the illegal settlers moved into Illubirin waterfront during the process of redesigning the scheme and erected shanties. It is also noteworthy that all quit notices to the illegal occupants have been ignored up till the time that the illegal structures were demolished.

    It is not in doubt that shanties all over the world have always provided a safe haven for all sorts of criminals. In Lagos, shanties, especially those along the coastal areas have become the base of kidnappers as witnessed in Arepo, though in Ogun State, the kidnappers who are suspected militants operated in Lagos and even kidnapped a monarch, Oba Goriola Oseni, the Oniba of Iba. It took the aerial bombardment of the Arepo shanties by the Nigerian Airforce to reduce the once operational base of the kidnappers to rubbles and this has restored relative peace in the area.

    The recent case of kidnap of students and teachers of Lagos Senior and Junior Model College,Igbonla-Epe, on Thursday in their school and who are still in captivity, once again brought to the fore the dangers inherent in allowing these shanties to fester in the state. Before the Epe kidnapping incident, in March 2016, 3 female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu Lagos, were also abducted and were only rescued six days after, through the prompt intervention of the Lagos State Government.

    With the above incidents, the Governor could hardly be faulted for ordering the demolition of all shanties along creeks and waterways. Apart from the security of lives and property of millions of Lagosians which is the primary responsibility of any government, the move would enhance the government’s pursuit of its policy on cleaner environment and restoration of master plans through the removal of all environmental infractions and nuisances across the state. No investor would bring his money to a city where his life, that of his family and property are not safe.

    While the plight of the urban poor most of who migrated to the city to have a better live must be considered as many of us including Governor Ambode are from humble backgrounds, this does not mean that government should fail in its duty to educate the people on the need to refrain from constructing any structure on river banks, because the safety of about 22 million residents of the State cannot be allowed to be jeopardised by few.

    Not a few people will agree with the obvious fact stated by the state government that, “It is quite worrisome that ramshackle structures, sheds, canopies and shanties, especially along shorelines have turned to the abode of miscreants/street urchins, rapists, kidnappers, touts, street traders and hawkers who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens”. Apart from the above, lives of the illegal occupants of these shanties are at risk of flooding and other health hazards like cholera and other communicable diseases as a result of poor hygienic conditions of the shanties.

    Just like any other city in the world, the concentration of economic development in a city like Lagos has largely accounted for population boom in very short periods of time which has severely stretched the coping capacity of city governments. One of the most visible outcomes of rapid urbanisation is therefore Urban Slum Formation. The most pragmatic solution to this is that the Lagos state government taking a cue from other developing nations with city slums, is focussing on the effective link established between planned economic development, uban growth and housing.

    This is why Governor Ambode’ s assurance to Lagosians that a lot of houses would be rolled out in the next few months is a cheering news. It is equally heart warming that the private investor will move into the Ilubinrin housing project site with an investment of a whopping $500m anytime from now.

    Boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao, built over 1,000 houses for poor Philippinos in his home town. The multi-millionaire boxing champion, who is also a congressman, and a born-again Christian said, “As faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms, each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. I’m so happy giving this houses free to my constituents in Sarangani Province from my own pocket more than thousand families are the beneficiaries.”

    I know we may not have another Pacquiao in Nigeria even though we have many religious organisations richer than many state governments, but let such individuals and organisations compliment the effort of government by assisting the poor to have access to decent but affordable accommodation. If they cannot offer the houses free like Pacquaio, they can at least make it so cheap that there will be no need for the urban poor to erect shanties that would later become a safe haven for criminals with the attendant health risks to the inhabitants, especially hapless women and children.

    It is high time the Lagos state government demolish all shanties of horror which has become the abode of kidnappers of our school children while reviewing the law against kidnapping to make it a capital punishment as obtained in other states in Nigeria.

    Akintunde, a development economist, wrote from Lagos.

  • War against terror: Ambode harps on synergy among security agencies

    War against terror: Ambode harps on synergy among security agencies

    …Hails Release of 21 Chibok Girls

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday identified strong synergy and collaboration amongst security agencies as a necessary impetus for the success of the war against terrorism and insecurity.

    The Governor stated this at the opening ceremony of the National sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) held at the National Employers Consultative Assembly (NECA) Auditorium, Alausa.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed that all security apparatuses must be united and determined in the knowledge that government is committed to providing all the support needed to guarantee victory.

    He explained that this is imperative and compelling in order to sustain the current successes that have been achieved in the fight against terrorism.

    The Governor restated his administration’s commitment to continue to extend necessary logistic support to security agencies in the state.

    “We have a vision to make our state secure for business and tourism for the prosperity of our people. We are therefore committed to support all initiatives including this workshop aimed at ensuring a secured and peaceful environment for legitimate enterprises to succeed,” he said.

    While lauding the organizers of the workshop for coming up with the initiative, the Governor described the meeting as a demonstration of the fact that the fight against terrorism must be all inclusive.

    “While the Federal Government is expected to provide leadership, other levels of government and non-governmental and community based organisations must be carried along to play a collaborative role identified areas of responsibility”, he stressed.

    The Governor, who described the successful release of the 21 Chibok girls as a most welcome development, appealed to Nigerians and the International community to continue to support efforts of the Federal Government to bring the incidences of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria and the West African sub region under total control.

    The two-day workshop has in attendance top security officers at all levels including from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Local Government Sole Administrators and members of the civil society groups.

     

     

  • Why I wrote book on Tinubu – Kaduna Corps member

    Why I wrote book on Tinubu – Kaduna Corps member

    A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kaduna, Olayinka Olusuyi has written a book on the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, titled; ‘Our Hero Democrat’.

    The 248 page book chronicled the immense contributions of the former Lagos State Governor to Nigeria’s democracy, especially in face of fierce military dictatorship and opposition to advocacy for democratic rule.

    Presenting the book to newsmen amidst his colleagues, during their Community Development Service (CDS) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, Corps member Olusuyi said, though he is not a politician, as it is against NYSC rules, but he belongs to a NYSC CDS club which creates awareness on politics, economy, socio-cultural and religious issues, hence his resolve to raise awareness on the contributions of Tinubu to Nigeria’s democratic development.

    Olusuyi said, he decided to write on Tinubu for what he described as his sacrificial ideological, nationalistic theoretical, opposition activism, daring and selfless commitment to the struggle, enthronement and nurturing of the nation’s democracy, as well as his present struggle to keep Nigeria democracy in a modern shape.

    According to him, “I tilted my book, ‘Our Hero Democrat’ because Tinubu is our hero of democracy, due to his bloody sacrifice for Nigeria. Categorically, Tinubu is Nigeria’s Democrat by work, battle, sacrifice, struggle and resilient fight. I did not give him these titles, but he earned them on the political battle ground”.

    “I wonder when some people still condemn such a man who has sacrifice for this great nation. A lot of those who attack Tinubu today were nowhere to be found during the real struggle for democracy. It is unfortunate that we live in a country where people’s sacrifice for their nation is easily forgotten or never rewarded and most times victimised.

    “My question is, do Nigerians not remember the annulment of June 12 election and those who led protest that the presume winner be enthroned? Tinubu was a founding member and a kingpin in the struggle to enthrone democracy in Nigeria.

    “The present government have tried to come to power times, but failed during election. Whether we like it or not, the truth can never be hidden. Asiwaju branded President Muhammadu Buhari. Asiwaju was almost crushed to death when he became a target during the Abacha led military government”, he said.

    Reacting to question on whether the book was politically motivated, the Corps member said, he has never met Tinubu or any of his close associates, not to talk of being contracted to write the book.

    He explained that, “Tinubu is a Nigerian who has contributed to Nigeria’s democracy Immensely. And I believe in whoever believes in Nigeria. He did not start promoting democracy when it was easy, he did it when others were scared of being arrested during military oppression.

  • Ambode drops three commissioners

    Ambode drops three commissioners

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday effected a reshuffle of his cabinet, with the dropping of the Commissioners for Tourism- Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi and Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola.

    This development comes exactly one year after the Governor constituted his Executive Council, precisely on October 19, 2015.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Governor also directed the Special Adviser, Arts and Culture to take over as the Acting Commissioner for Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Special Adviser on Transportation will take over as Acting Commissioner for Transportation while the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance takes over as the Acting Commissioner for Finance pending the appointment of new Commissioners in the respective ministries.

    The Statement adds that the Governor expresses his appreciation to the former Commissioners for their service to the State and wished them well in their future endeavours.

  • Ambode approves N380m for bursary, scholarship payments

    Ambode approves N380m for bursary, scholarship payments

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the payment of bursary and local scholarship to Lagos State indigenes in tertiary institutions across the country.

     

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, who made the announcement to journalists on Monday, said the bursary would be for fresh beneficiaries and others receiving subsequent payment.

     

    He listed the beneficiaries to include 2015/2016 set and other sets receiving second and third payments for the years 2013/2014 and 2014/2015.

     

    While stressing the commitment of the State Government to sustain the scholarship and bursary scheme in spite of the economic situation of the country, Bank-Olemoh said the Governor is committed to ensuring Lagosians are empowered through education to contribute productively to the local and global economies.

     

    He further said that “the timely release of the awards demonstrates the priority the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode accords to educating its citizens”.

     

    Giving a breakdown of the payment, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mr. Steven Oshinowo, explained that the State Government would disburse Two Hundred and Fifty Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira and Ninety-Nine kobo (N250, 523, 287.99) to Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty (6,368) beneficiaries as Bursary Award.

     

    He also disclosed that One Hundred and Thirty Million, One Hundred and Sixty-six Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty-six Naira Fifty-six kobo (N130, 166, 386.56) in Local Scholarships will be disbursed to Five Hundred and Seventy-three (573) successful candidates who took part in the 2015/2016 Local Scholarship Computer Based Screening test.

     

    These sums, according to him, would accommodate the backlog of outstanding bursary and scholarship payments, as well as current awards for fresh and subsequent beneficiaries.

     

    The Executive Secretary urged the beneficiaries to exercise patience as disbursement of the funds will commence in three weeks, at which time beneficiaries would be invited to present relevant documentation to receive their bursary or scholarship awards.

     

    It will be recalled that earlier this year, over 689 bursary beneficiaries of 2011/2012 set, were paid along with 60 students from the School of the Blind and 54 others on Sport Scholarship.

     

    In 2015, the State government also paid N660 million to over 8,567 indigent beneficiaries for bursary, local and foreign Scholarships.

  • Ambode begins clean-up of Lagos waterways

    Ambode begins clean-up of Lagos waterways

    …Commissions water hyacinth, debris removal machines

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday begun the process of ridding the State’s waterways of debris and hyacinth, with the view to boost water transportation and positively scale up activities relating to the waterways.

    Speaking at the commissioning of two Water Hyacinth and Debris Removal Machines held at Ebute Ero Jetty, the Governor said for a long time, hyacinth which is otherwise known as aquatic weed, had been a major source of concern with attendant challenges to the waterways sector.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said the machines were purchased by his administration to frontally address the challenges posed by water hyacinth, adding that same was in line with the strategic implementation of Lagos master plan for the waterways.

    He said, “We have bought the machines to take away debris and hyacinth from the Lagoon. The machines will encourage water transportation and this initiative is necessary now that we are working towards clean-up of the waterways.

    “It will also encourage fishery so that the water economy will be improved upon,” the Governor said.

    In her welcome remarks, Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority  (LASWA), Engr. Abisola Kamson, said the commissioning was a dream come true as the machines would go a long way in eradicating the menace of water hyacinth on marine ecosystems of the State particularly the Ikorodu, Ajah, Badagry, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Mile 2 and Epe axis.

    She said aside negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of fishermen and inhabitants of the riverine communities, water hyacinth, which is a seasonal threat, had brought about damages to propulsion system of boats thus affecting water transportation.

    Giving technical insight as to the workings of the machine, Kamson said it acts like an underwater lawn mower and cuts the vegetation, as well as collects and store weeds and debris, while it is fitted with a pick up conveyor at the forward end which can be lowered up to six feet deep into the water for effective cleaning of the waterways.

    She said: “This symbolic gesture by the Lagos State Government is jump-starting the clean-up of our waterways and preparing ground for other revolutionary activities of LASWA’s development plan to transform the Lagos Waterways to world class standards.

    “To us at LASWA and indeed the entire waterways family, we will remain ever grateful to Governor Ambode and the entire State cabinet for arming us with teeth to bite the water hyacinth menace that continuously traumatize our waterways.”

    She also pledged that the machines would not be under-utilized, assuring that they would be deployed immediately for clean-up of the waterways.

    Besides, Kamson said arrangement had been concluded with the Ministry of Environment to increase monitoring activities with the view to ensuring that those who disrespect the waterways through dumping of waste, pollution, defecation and other illegal activities are made to face the full wrath of the law.

    On his part, Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Association of Tourism Boat Water Operators, Chief Wellington Ilori-Akingbulu commended Governor Ambode and his team for the initiative, saying the machines would go a long way to remove the incessant accidents and engine problems caused by water hyacinth and debris.

  • Ambode to new Perm Secs: Uphold tradition of excellence

    Ambode to new Perm Secs: Uphold tradition of excellence

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday swore-in two new Permanent Secretaries into the State Public Service, with a charge on the appointees to add positive values and uphold the tradition of excellence which the State is known for.

    Governor Ambode, who performed the swearing-in ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the successes recorded so far by his administration in the last 16 months could be largely attributed to the vibrant public service in the State, and counseled the appointees to continually adhere strictly to the integrity and productivity that earned them the appointments with the view to achieve enhanced service delivery to the citizens.

    The Governor said: “In the last 16 months, our administration has started a course for positive growth and development in the various areas of human endeavors in Lagos State. Our modest achievements amplify commitment to the progress of Lagos as aptly expressed in the slogan “The progress of Lagos is of paramount interest to us all”.

    “A major pilot in the successes so far achieved is the vibrant state public service. Our public service ranks among the largest and most effective in Nigeria in terms of service delivery. Our public service has continued to maintain this reputation because we have always upheld best practices and given a lot of priority to training and equipping our officers.

    “More importantly, we have ensured that only competent and qualified officers with proven capacity to interpret and implement government policies and programmes are appointed to leadership positions,” he said.

    While congratulating the appointees on their deserved appointments, Governor Ambode said from findings, they were adjudged to be fit and proper persons with integrity and character and satisfied the parameters for appointments as Permanent Secretaries, therefore, they must not betray the confidence reposed in them.

    Governor Ambode, specifically urged them to bring on board added value and relate with other members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries in upholding the tradition of excellence for which the state public service is known for.

    The Governor also warned the appointees to be conscious of their actions and inactions henceforth as according to him, they would be subjected to intense public scrutiny by virtue of their positions.

    “You have been elevated to the highest career positions in the state public service and from now on, all your actions and inactions will come under intense public scrutiny. I urge you not to relent in maintaining integrity and productivity that distinguished you for the appointments,” the Governor said.

    The appointees are Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in charge of Civil Service Commission, and Mrs. Anike Adekanye appointed Permanent Secretary/Tutor General, Education District Five.

     

  • Security: Lagos plans recruitment of 5000 Neighbourhood Watchers

    Security: Lagos plans recruitment of 5000 Neighbourhood Watchers

     Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday disclosed plans to recruit at least 5,000 Neighbourhood Watchers to boost security across the State, with new recruits expected to earn at least N25, 000 monthly with other allowances.

     

    Ambode, who spoke at the 3rd Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, held at the Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, said the neighbourhood Safety Agency Bill which he signed into Law on August 15, 2016, was part of efforts to institutionalise and deepen community policing in the State.

    “There is a law that has just been passed which is the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps Law, 2016 and in line with the resolution taken by the House of Assembly yesterday, we would go all out to make sure that this agency is activated and all our neighborhoods will be covered, and then centralize with the State Government with all the necessary equipment and resources to ensure that we establish what we call community policing and that is the way to go.

    “We will rebrand Neighborhood Watchers and re-equip them to the level that each Neighborhood Watchers in all the Local Governments will have their vehicles and necessary equipment to complement security. We are also working on employing additional 5,000 Neighborhood Watchers in all our Local Governments and they will be paid by us, while the basic salary for the entrance level will be N25, 000 per month,” the Governor said.

    The Governor also disclosed that the State Government would roll out all its empowerment programmes next week.

     

    He said the programmes targeted to assist youths, artisans and the needy become self-reliant have been provided, hence beneficiaries would start getting support from the last quarter of the year.

     

    “We will roll out all our empowerment programmes immediately to assist all our youth, artisans and the needy. The funding for the N500m Lagos State Persons Living with Disability Fund has been provided and beneficiaries will start getting support from this quarter,” Governor Ambode said.

     

    Speaking on the budget performance of the 2016 budget, Governor Ambode disclosed that the State’s budget performance for January to September performed at 69 per cent as against 65 per cent for the same period in 2015.

     

    He said a total of N166.8billion has been spent on capital projects this year, a figure, he said, was more than double the N53.6billion spent for the same period last year.

     

    Governor Ambode said the State generated a total revenue of N97.3billion in the last quarter with an expenditure of expenditure of N110.2billion, noting that the cash reserve of the State has remained positive.

     

    The Governor also disclosed that a total sum of N55billion was expended on capital expenditure in the last quarter.

     

    According to him, the last quarter witnessed a lot of activities from the delivery of massive road infrastructure across the Local Governments in the State as well as the promulgation of the anti-Land Grabbing Law, aimed at making life easier for property owners and a boost in investment activities that will enhance the growth and development potentials in the State.

     

    He expressed optimism that despite the recession, the State’s economy would remain on a strong and sound footing if capital expenditure spending is increased.

     

    “In this quarter, we will concentrate more resources on capital projects. We will put money in the hands of our local contractors and through them stimulate and reflate the economy. Immediate payments will be made to contractors handling health sector and education sector projects within the next two weeks,” Governor Ambode assured.

     

    Speaking on some projects outlined for the next quarter, the Governor said that plans have been concluded to transform the Yaba Bus Park with the provision of modern bus shelters replica of the ones erected at the Tafawa Balewa Square.

     

    Governor Ambode also assured that the road rehabilitation projects ongoing at Adetola Street and Brown Road in Aguda, Surulere as well as Olajuwon and Biney Streets in Yaba would be completed before the end of the present quarter.

     

    He said with the completion and delivery of the first phase of the 114 local government roads last month, the process of bid invitation for the construction of additional 114 roads across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas would commence within the next three weeks.

     

    “We have commenced a multi-faceted development that will change the face of Lagos Island. We have installed new bus shelters at Tafawa Balewa Square and before the end of December, various projects will be commenced within the National Museum axis, Onikan to Tafawa Balewa Square, and from Lagos House Marina and Freedom Park. By the time we complete these projects, Lagos will become a major tourist destination in West Africa,” the Governor said.

     

    Also speaking during the interactive session at the event witnessed by captains of industries, party chieftains and members of the diplomatic corps, Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, lamented the suspension of a bill seeking special status for Lagos by the Senate, but expressed optimism that the bill would still become law in the nearest future.

     

    He said: “The suspension of the bill sponsored by our amiable daughter and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is unfortunate but it is better and advisable to let these people know that this is not a matter of quarrel but a question of time. It will definitely happen.” 

     

    The monarch, who recalled the history of the agitation for special status for Lagos, urged the promoters of the bill to go back to drawing board and do their homework well before representing it for consideration and passage. 

     

    The Governor, who also spoke on the issue, commended Senator Tinubu for her courage to push for the bill, while also lauding the Senate President, Bukola Saraki for his magnanimity in allowing the bill to be presented on the floor of the Senate.

     

    He however expressed optimism that the bill would be reactivated and represented again, saying that the success of the bill was in the overriding interest of Nigerians.

  • Ambode reads riot act to building developers, contractors

    Ambode reads riot act to building developers, contractors

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday read the riot act to developers and contractors alike, saying that the Government would no longer tolerate flouting of building regulations in line with its resolve to restore confidence in the building control and supervision process to ensure a safer Lagos.

    Governor Ambode, who gave the warning at the celebration of 2016 World Habitat Day organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development with the theme, ‘Housing at the Centre’, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, said that an additional 187, 500 new houses in the next five years would go a long way to reduce the housing deficit estimated at 2.5 million in the state.

    He said that much as his administration is addressing the challenge of housing deficit, the issue of safety concerns in the building sector was also top priority.

    “We are repositioning building control in the State with the engagement of qualified professionals in the built environment to inject the much required professionalism and safety.

    “Delivery of decent housing cannot be achieved in a chaotic environment. Hence, we are determined more than ever before to ensure compliance with town planning and building control standards as well as the implementation of our master and model city plans,” Governor Ambode said.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, also restated government’s commitment to simplifying the requirements for access to land and processes for the grant of Certificate of Occupancy and Planning Permits in the state.

    He said that that the demand for shelter and new houses had continued to rise due to population growth, increasing urbanisation and daily influx of people into the state, however assuring that his administration would rise to the challenge to address the situation.

    According to him, “Shelter ranks next to food as a human necessity and one of the social responsibilities of government. Provision of affordable houses remains a major focus of this administration in our quest to make life comfortable for the people.

    “We are determined to achieve this via policy initiatives such as Rent-To-Own scheme, Outright Purchase Home Ownership, Public/Private Partnership and strengthening the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme,” he said.

    Also speaking, human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), commended the state government on the passage of the law on land grabbers, saying it would alleviate the sufferings of land owners.

    He commended Lagos State for being consistent in setting aside a day to celebrate the World Habitat Day, saying that it was a testimony to the fact that the government recognized the right of citizens to housing in accordance with Rule 11 of the International Covenant on Human and Peoples’ Rights which has been ratified by Nigeria and Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    In his welcome address, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Wasiu Anifowose, said that Lagos Metropolitan Area had attained a Mega City status due to its population of over 21 million.

    “This status is not only challenging to housing provision, but exerts pressure on infrastructure in the state.

    “This administration is repositioning strategies of delivering decent and affordable housing units to the citizens of Lagos,” he said.