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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Ambode approves N15.5 million for varsity entrepreneurs

    Ambode approves N15.5 million for varsity entrepreneurs

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the sum of N15.5million as seed funding and grants for final year students enrolled in the Ready.Set.Work (RSW) program.

    Ready.Set.Work is an entrepreneurship and employability training program for final year students of tertiary institutions in Lagos State, aimed at preparing them for economic productivity as value-creating employees or employers of labour.

    Commencing in June 2016, five hundred (500) promising final year students from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), and Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) have been enrolled in a rigorous curriculum either in the employability track or the entrepreneurship track.

    At the end of the program, over 90 top performing students in the employability track will be placed in 6-month internship positions with organizations like PwC, SystemSpecs, FCMB, GTBank, Access Bank, TOTAL, Jobberman, Stutern, among others.

    With Governor Ambode’s recent financial commitment to the Ready.Set.Work program, up to 80 students in the entrepreneurship track will likewise have the opportunity to partake in three to six-month entrepreneur apprenticeships where they can learn the tricks of the trade, understand and develop processes for various business functions, and build a network of vendors, industry peers, and mentors.

    Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said that the focus of the initiative from the onset was to provide students in Lagos State with the tools, knowledge, and know-how to become effective employees or job creators.

    “We already secured 90 internship slots for students in the employability track of the program and we realized that students in the entrepreneurship track could also benefit from experience in a structured, supervised work setting, where they can learn the rudiments of running a business effectively,” he said.

    He said the N15.5m committed by Governor Ambode’s administration would also provide seed funding and working capital for the top three teams to emerge from the RSW Business Pitch Competition, which will hold on September 3rd.

    This announcement comes as the 13-week program enters its penultimate week, while a Graduation Ceremony has been scheduled for September to close out the program and celebrate the achievements of students who successfully complete their courses.

  • Intelligence sharing critical in tackling crimes – Ambode

    Intelligence sharing critical in tackling crimes – Ambode

    …..Reiterates zero tolerance for criminality in lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday harped on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and property.

    Ambode also called for synergy in analysing opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective methods to nip security breaches before they happen.

    Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said there was the need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering mechanisms for effectiveness.

    Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various communities.

    The Governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.

    “It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.

    “As we approach the “ember” months, let us review our security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and serenity across the land. Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges, there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who recalled the massive investment of his administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup cars, powerbikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun boats, helicopters among others, assured of continuous commitment of the State Government to offer required support to security agencies.

    He said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime across our country, ranging from attacks by Marauding herdsmen who have killed many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure which has resulted in huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global recession.”

    He, however, reiterated the zero-tolerance posture of his administration towards crime and all forms of criminal acts in Lagos.

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said the meeting which witnessed the presence of delegates from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, epitomized the primary essence of government as amplified in the constitution, adding that meaningful development can only occur in an environment with effective security.

    In his keynote address, Chairman of the Forum and Permanent Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Aminu Nebagu said the negative consequences of pipeline vandalism in recent time on the economy was of massive proportion, and called on all those involved in the act to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with government to achieve lasting peace.

  • Ambode outlaws land grabbing in Lagos

    Ambode outlaws land grabbing in Lagos

    …Signs Property Protection, Neighbourhood Safety Laws

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday fulfilled his pledge of making the menace of land grabbing in Lagos a thing of the past with the signing of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law.

    Ambode also signed the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law, a move which is majorly aimed at boosting security of lives and property in all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of the State.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony which was attended by the Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade and other top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said the laws were central to his administration’s focus of safeguarding the lives of all residents, as well as attracting, growing investments and improving the ease of doing business in the State.

    “In addition to equipping our security agencies, we have now created a legal framework to put some form of communal protection in place to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who explained that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps would assist the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order across the communities, added that the Neighbourhood Safety Agency, which the new law established, would also be charged with the responsibility of registering all private home security and any other person employed for private home security amongst other things.

    On the Properties Protection Law, Governor Ambode said the need for the law followed the fact that one of the issues that discouraged investors and hindered the ease of doing business in Lagos in the past had always been the menace of land grabbing.

    He recalled that a lot of would-be property owners encountered untold harassment from exploitative land grabbers, adding that the law now marks the end of the road for such land grabbers.

    “The Lagos State Properties Protection Law will give legal backing to the operations of our law enforcement officers. The main objective of this Law is to ensure that our investors, businessmen and the general populace carry on their legitimate land/property transactions without any hinderance or intimidation henceforth.

    “The Properties Law will eliminate the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property, ensure that the Special Task Force on Land-Grabbers work with all Security agencies to ensure enforcement of State Government and Private property rights in the State, and ensure proper coordination of the efforts of the various agencies of Government charged with enforcing the State Government’s rights over land in Lagos,” the Governor said.

    Besides, Ambode said the presence of the heads of the three arms of government – the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, at the signing ceremony was a confirmation of the seriousness and resolve of government of Lagos State to address the issues once and for all.

    While setting the tone for the signing ceremony earlier, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said the laws marked demonstration of promise kept by the present administration, and recalled the donation of security equipment to security agencies on two occasions within six months, which had aided the police and other security agencies in reducing crime.

    He added that the laws would go a long way in further providing the necessary legal, human and material support to security services in the discharge of their duties.

    In his remarks, Speaker Obasa said the signing of the two laws confirmed that Lagos is being governed by a responsible Governor and a responsive government, adding that the move was also a clear and emphatic message to criminals that Lagos is a no go area for their criminal activities.

    Also, Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Dele Oloke commended Governor Ambode for taking the initiative on the laws, saying that the Properties Protection law would go a long way in curbing the illegal activities of land grabbers, otherwise known as Omo-Oniles and their sponsors, whom he said are sometimes respectable persons in the society.

    Highlights of the Properties Protection Law include the reduction to barest minimum the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property acquired through State Government or private transactions.

    On the other hand, highlights of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law include, among others, the establishment of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency for regulation and control of Neighbourhood Safety Corps activities.

  • Ambode commissions first state-owned helipad in LASUTH

    Ambode commissions first state-owned helipad in LASUTH

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned the first state-owned Helipad for medical emergencies in Nigeria at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, adding that the upgrading of the 247-bed and five Theatre Suits for pregnant women, popularly called Ayinke House, would be ready for use by 2017.

    Governor Ambode, who also inspected medical facilities at the LASUTH complex, said as part of efforts to transform the health sector in the State for optimal performance, the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre will soon become operational, while approval had been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and bulk purchase of medical equipment required in 20 Secondary and 21 Primary health facilities across the State.

    “This Helipad being commissioned today is a lifesaving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit and other emergency services being rendered by the State. The Helipad will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities to provide the level of emergency medicine required are not readily available.

    “Over the years, we have witnessed emergency situations which require timely movement of victims to appropriate medical facilities. Keeping in mind that every minute matters in securing the lives of people involved in these incidents, the usual movement by road is not the best option in such situations. Helicopters have therefore become an efficient and reliable option which can only be made possible with the availability of helipads within the hospital environment.

    “Given the status of LASUTH, as the State flagship tertiary health institution, offering referral services for other public and private medical institutions, it was obvious the helipad had to be located here,” the Governor said.

    He recalled that barely a month ago, a 27-bed Critical Care Unit was commissioned in LASUTH to provide life and organ support system for critically ill patients who require intensive monitoring and post-operative treatment, adding that the Helipad would go a long way to facilitate medical evacuation and air ambulance transfer of patients to Trauma Centers.

    According to Governor Ambode, the provision of the facilities were consistent with the commitment of his administration to raise the service delivery capacity of LASUTH and other health facilities in the State to international standards to save lives of the people.

    He said aside the fact that government will intensify efforts to acquire an Air Ambulance to complete the cycle, the Helipad would be operated by specially trained personnel who will give 24-hour service, guarantee expert medical care during emergency transfer and safe landing at all times.

    The Governor also said with the recent execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with selected investors, the State is on the verge of becoming a hub for medical tourism once the Medical Park at the old School of Nursing, Ikoyi comes on stream.

    “With the support of our hardworking and dedicated personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our set objectives in the health sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy State,” the Governor said.

    The Governor, while inspecting the Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Ayinke House at LASUTH, also announced termination of contracts of all abandoned projects at the complex, saying that his administration would not allow such to happen any longer in the State.

    Earlier, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said by the commissioning of the Helipad, LASUTH was now on the verge of being elevated as level one Trauma Centre, adding that the Helipad was the first to be certified in the country for any State Government.

    Also, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Professor Adewale Oke said the Helipad was an eloquent confirmation that Governor Ambode is an achiever and deserved to be commended.

    He also announced that Governor Ambode has directed that motorists should not be charged for parking at LASUTH.

  • Ambode tasks new permanent secretaries to add value to governance

    Ambode tasks new permanent secretaries to add value to governance

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday swore-in five new Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service, charging them to add value to governance with innovative ideas that would deepen the impact of his administration’s policies and programmes on the people.

    Governor Ambode who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Exco Chambers, Lagos House, Ikeja, admonished the new appointees to see their appointment as a call to duty with greater sense of commitment and high premium performance in the service of all Lagosians, irrespective of their status and creed.

    He said, “Given the top management positions which you have occupied in your different MDAs prior to this appointment, I have no doubt that you are sufficiently familiar with the vision and policy direction of this administration. You therefore have a responsibility to add value to governance with innovative ideas that will deepen the impact of government policies and programmes on the people.

    “I urge you not to rest on your oars. You must see this appointment as a challenge and a privilege for you to join the political leadership of your various agencies and other members of the distinguished Body of Permanent Secretaries to deliver to our people a Lagos that provides leadership with commitment to accountability, probity and transparency; geographical expansion where opportunities will be limitless under a secured environment”.

    He said the Permanent Secretaries were chosen based on their long years of veritable, excellent and untainted career records, which according to him, conforms with the essential requirements for the actualization of his administration’s vision and dream.

    “We have left no one in doubt about our strong belief in the capacity of the Public Servants of our State as the engine for the actualization of our vision and dream to transform our State to become Africa’s model megacity and preferred destination for investment and tourism. These appointments like others that we have done since we came into office, were not just meant  to fill vacant positions, but rather a process, well thought out to match vision with human capital.

     “As I rejoice with the new Permanent Secretaries on their appointment, I look forward to feeling the impact your elevation will have on the delivery of quality public service to our people,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, who presented the new appointees to the Governor, thanked him for recognizing exemplary performance and merit as core criteria for elevation into accountable posts in the state public service.

    The five new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs Florence Ebunoluwa Oluwasuji who is now the Permanent Secretary/Tutor General, Education District V; Dr. Shamsideen Olalekan Allison, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB); Engr. Saliu Abidemi Adeyemi who takes over as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment; Mr. Senayon Adeola Hundeyin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Mrs Yetunde Adefolahan Odejayi, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office.

    The ceremony which was attended by members of the State Executive Council, retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors also had family, friends and well wishers of the newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries in attendance.

  • Ambode leads as top performing governor

    Ambode leads as top performing governor

    …Secures 36 Percent of Vote Casts

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode is leading other Governors in the poll organised by the African Leadership Magazine to determine Nigeria’s top performing Governor.

    The poll, tagged ‘Good Governance Polls for Nigeria’s Top Performing Governor’ started two weeks ago with Governor Ambode maintaining the lead with increased 36.1 percent of the total vote casts.

    Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano is closely trailing Governor Ambode with 25 percent.

    The Poll, according to its organisers, was designed by the group as part of its strategic engagement tool to monitor performance and gauge the mood of the electorates in Nigeria in line with its objective of providing credible information and support to leaders in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    An overwhelming 35 percent popularity rating for Governor Ambode, among other governors, clearly shows his popularity as he continues to deliver good governance, promoting infrastructural development and people-centred policies that better the lives of the people of Lagos.

    Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun is in the third place with 8.8 percent, while Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is in the fourth position with 7.9 percent of the total vote casts.

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai sits in the fifth position with 5 percent, while as at press time, voting is still ongoing and is expected to close in the next four days.

  • Collect your PVCs from INEC – Ambode

    Collect your PVCs from INEC – Ambode

    …Urges APC members to remain loyal to party ideals

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday urged residents to approach the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the State for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them participate in future elections.

    Ambode, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat in Lagos during a meeting with Local Government and Ward Chairmen of the party, said it was important for residents of the State who are yet to collect their PVCs to approach the electoral body, as the process of distribution of the cards has begun in earnest.

    The Governor said available information at his disposal was to the effect that a lot of people were not aware of the ongoing exercise by INEC, and as such, people must be made to be aware and take the distribution seriously.

    It would be recalled that the electoral commission, few days ago, began distribution of PVCs in Lagos with a call on registered voters to come with their temporary cards for the collection of the PVCs between 8am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

    The Governor said: “There is an INEC exercise going on now in which they are distributing voters’ card to those who are yet to collect. Many people are not even aware of the development and I like to use this medium to appeal to our party members to go and collect their PVCs.

    “I want to encourage all of us that we should now take the exercise seriously because that is the beginning of the framework of the elections yet to come. This is an appeal both to our members who are here and those who are not here.

    “The APC, as from Monday, will also start massive mobilization and sensitization of the public towards the exercise,” Ambode said.

    The Governor equally thanked members of the party for supporting his administration so far, adding that the support had contributed to the huge successes recorded in the last fourteen months since he assumed office.

    Ambode, who specifically appreciated the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the party leaders for their support, however urged party faithful to remain committed and loyal to the ideals of the party, as well as the leadership of the party.

    “Once again, I want to thank all party leaders and members. I have said it before that we must follow our leaders and I am saying it again. We need to support and abide by whatever directive or direction our National Leader is asking us to go,” the Governor said.

    On his part, Tinubu corroborated the plea of the Governor asking members to collect their PVCs, saying that the people must indeed give the ongoing exercise by INEC the necessary seriousness it deserves.

    Besides, Tinubu commended Governor Ambode for his laudable achievements in office just within fourteen months, adding that the Governor has made him very proud.

    He also commended the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule and the entire team of the State Government for supporting the Governor to achieve so much within a little time.

    He added: “I was with Mr President, President Muhammadu Buhari for about two hours yesterday and Governor Ambode was not there when we were discussing generally about the problem of Nigeria. The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo got up and spoke glowingly of the Governor and my head was swelling. I became even more proud of him.”

    Among those present at the meeting include Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule; Chairman, APC Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Party Chieftain, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Senator representing Lagos East at the Upper Legislative Chamber, Gbenga Ashafa; Southwest APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, among others.

     

  • Ambode flags off Epe-Marina lagoon reclamation project

    Ambode flags off Epe-Marina lagoon reclamation project

    …Says Badagry-Marina Project to be delivered in August

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday embarked on extensive inspection of on-going projects across the State, where he equally flagged off the world class Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project aimed at giving a quantum leap to the tourism potentials of the State.

    Governor Ambode, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by top government functionaries, said the lagoon reclamation projects in Epe and Badagry, upon completion, would look like that of Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    He assured that the Badagry-Marina Lagoon reclamation project would be completed by the end of August, this year.

    The Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project is a complete redevelopment of project site to facilitate development of the area and promote tourism.

    The project comes with sand filling to the lagoon up to about 200 meters and dualization of the network of roads in the axis with functional walkways.

    Speaking on why the Epe-Marina and Badagry-Marina projects were embarked upon simultaneously by the State Government, Governor Ambode said: “We want to actually duplicate what you see in Dubai-Marina. This is a whole stretch of two kilometers of real estate and new tourist centres that we are putting in Epe and Badagry at the same time.

    “We believe strongly that coming out from our retreat that we said we are going to grow the IGR of Lagos State by 2017 to N30billion and 2018 to N50billion, we believe that some of these projects that we are commencing now are just inlets to our dream of growing the IGR.

    “We know that by the time we are expanding tourism potentials of Badagry and Epe at the same time, we will be able to get new investors that will be able to come to our new locations to do other things beyond what you see about recreation, tourism or entertainment and then get a whole lot of investments into Lagos State. This is part of our dreams and dreams do come true.

    “We are looking at the future of tourism from both axis. You cannot put tourism in those places without doing the infrastructure that is required to allow people to come in and that is why we are also doing the road network,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode, who equally inspected the on-going dualization of about 25 network of roads in Epe, said the massive investment of government in the area was part of the grand plan to transform the axis and same was in line with the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) project.

    He expressed satisfaction with the level and pace of work done so far, saying that the quality was of international standard.
    He also expressed optimism that the projects, upon completion, would decongest the heartland of Lagos as people would be encouraged to move to Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis.

    Speaking to journalists at the project sites, Governor Ambode said: “We believe with this expansion, the whole lot of what we are trying to do in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis will be developed.

    “We are inspired to see how we can look at the phase two of this project as quickly as possible. This road dualization is expected to be completed in 16 months but because we are ahead of schedule, we are looking at the first quarter of next year.

    “With this, we have just injected 30 kilometers of standard roads into Epe and the meaning of that is of course changing the economy of Epe Township, real estate will be boomed and we are encouraging commerce and industrialization.

    “This project is the backbone of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Deep Seaport and the proposed Airport. All the State Government is doing is stimulating the economy and that is what is happening here,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also inspected the VIP Chalets in Epe where he disclosed that government will expand the housing scheme in the area and carry out perimeter fencing of the project site.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode and his team inspected the Adeniji Adele transport interchange outward Third Mainland Bridge, where he ordered massive enforcement against illegal dropping and picking of passengers at undesignated bus stops.

    This, the Governor said, would enhance ease of vehicular movement around that axis and drastically reduce traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge inward Obalende and Lagos Island.

    The Governor also inspected the on-going rehabilitation and upgrading of Freedom Road and Admiralty Way in Lekki, as well as the on-going bridge being constructed at Ajah Roundabout.

    He, however, urged the people to continue to pay their taxes so that government would continue to provide the needed infrastructures.

    He said: “I think in the last 14 months, we have been able to show Lagosians that we can actually appropriate the taxes that they paid judiciously and then allocate it to the different sectors that really have meaning and impact to the ordinary Lagosians.

    “The more they see what we are doing, the more inspired tax payers should be to perform their civic obligations and when they pay their taxes, our commitment remains the same, we will use these taxes judiciously and also expand the growth and economy of Lagos so that life becomes safer, cleaner and then more prosperous for all Lagosians,” he said.

  • Creating value for Lagosians remain my top priority – Ambode

    Creating value for Lagosians remain my top priority – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed total commitment to the actualization of the various initiatives put in place by his administration towards making life better, simpler and more prosperous for the people, just as he assured that the State would witness massive transformation in critical sectors in the next six months.

    Speaking in Badagry at the opening session of a two-day retreat organised by the State Government for members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries, Governor Ambode said creating value for the people remained top priority for him, and that government was ready to partner with any individual, corporate organization and indeed the private sector towards achieving the set goals.

    The retreat tagged: “Reflect, Reappraise, Restrategise: Raising the Bar of Governance,” is the second in the series, and was held at the VIP Chalets, Badagry.

    Governor Ambode, in his remarks, said the everyday challenge for him and his team in the last thirteen months was all about adding positive value and taking decisions only in the best interest of the people.

    He said: “This government is about creating value for our people. That is the whole essence of our coming together as a team. It is all about seeing to what extent can we create value for Lagosians.

    “That is our everyday challenge that the people have seen in the last thirteen months. I believe strongly that creating value is the central focus of everyday decision we have taken at the Exco level and even the Body of Permanent Secretaries level.

    “We are all out to give positive value to Lagosians. We don’t want to make life difficult for people and we also want to ensure that in every decision that we make, the overall interest of the larger populace is actually affected positively.

    “In the next six months, a totally different Lagos you will see because the kind of initiatives that we have set up that are actually work in progress now, we will release and unleash them and the people will obviously see that we are very focused on making life easier for them,” the Governor said.

    Going into specifics, Governor Ambode said government would focus on changing for good the transport system in the State and equally partner with the private sector in maintaining a clean environment.

    “We do not think Lagos deserves the kind of transport system that it has now. We also think we need to intervene with the private sector to deal with the issues that relate to environmental sanitation,” he said.

    The Governor, who commended the members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries for partnering with him since assuming office, however urged them to continue to stay focused on the journey to transform the State.

    He said a lot had been done, but that more still needed to be done, and that all hands must be on deck to move the State forward, one of the reasons he said necessitated the retreat to appraise what had been done and chart way forward.

    Speaking on the retreat, the State’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said the main purpose of the retreat was to raise the bar of governance with the view to ensuring that the manifestos of the present administration are fulfilled in a seamless manner and to refine the implementation plan for the next three years.

    He said aside the fact that the holding of the retreat in Badagry goes a long way to show that all the part of the State is secured and that government has remained focused to its commitment of all inclusive governance, the retreat was also about focusing more on critical sectors such as transportation, environment, and job creation, among others.

    On his part, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunso Folarin-Coker said the State Government would soon role out massive programmes on tourism and that Badagry would feature prominently in that regard. He said the Black Heritage Festival in the ancient town, among others would be celebrated.

  • Massive investment in security worthwhile – Ambode

    Massive investment in security worthwhile – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned a newly reconstructed Police Station in Ikosi-Isheri area of the State, just as he said that every the investment made towards the protection of lives and properties of the citizens of the State is worthwhile regardless of the resources spent in achieving such feat.

    Ambode, who said that the construction and delivery of a modern Police Station in Isheri was very central and conspicuously positioned, added that the importance attached to security of lives and properties in the State since he assumed office was informed by the belief that business activities could only thrive in a safe and secured environment.

    “We believe that the continued prosperity of our State can only be achieved under a well-secured and peaceful environment, hence our strong financial investment on security architecture, modern equipment, vehicles and welfare to enhance the fighting capacities of our security agencies,” Ambode said.

    The Governor, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo, also underscored the importance of adequately policing Isheri being a border town to Lagos and the need to redouble efforts by men of the force to make sure that the peace and orderliness presently being enjoyed in the area is not threatened in any form.

    “The government and the people of Lagos State can attest to the resounding successes that officers and men of the security agencies have recorded in the quest and determination to secure our lives,” the Governor said.

    The Governor however sought for increased vigilance from residents of the State while also urging security officers to re-double their efforts in nipping in the bud the antics of kidnappers, abductors, cultists, gangsters and other crimes that are rearing up again in recent times.

    On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area H, Aliyu Garba , promised to ensure that the Police Station is well manned and positioned to provide improved security service delivery and maintain law and order.

    “With this great achievement, I can authoritatively state that Isheri Police Division Headquarters is ready and determined to fight back those that seek to breach the peace within its environs” The Commissioner of Police added.

    Owoseni appreciated the community/state collaboration and contribution of the Community Development Areas, CDAs as well as the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC for initiating the commencement of the construction of the Police Station before the intervention of the State Government.

    Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Sole Administrator of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Aremo Adewale Abdul, appreciated the gesture of the State Government and assured that the Council will do all within its resources to maintain the facility.

    The traditional ruler of Isheri- Ikosi area, Albert Olubankole, lauded the support of the State Government to the community, asserting that his domain had since ceased to be haven for criminals since the police station became operational.

    The monarch warned residents of the area to desist from perpetrating unscrupulous acts that may pitch them against law.