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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Jobs used to wait for us when we graduated –Ikoyi Club chair Babatunde Akinleye

    Jobs used to wait for us when we graduated –Ikoyi Club chair Babatunde Akinleye

    This week, Lagos elite club, Ikoyi Club 1938, under the chairmanship of Babatunde Akinleye, rolled out the red carpet to celebrate its 79th anniversary with style and splendor, notable only to the upper class in the society. From a simple press conference and the official cutting of the tape at the club’s rotunda, Ikoyi Club went on to host different competitive sporting activities, charity visit to Ikoyi Prison, a public lecture delivered by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, with keynote address by Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Of course, the Special Guest of Honour, was the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was quite at home at the club. Babatunde Akinleye, a successful engineer and businessman, takes us into the ideals that set up the club, its culture of stability, and the lifestyle and character that ensures one retaining its membership, even within a family orientation.

    How has your early life influenced the person you are today?

    Early life, I believe to a large extent, determines what one becomes. It shapes you as a person. I come from a university environment background, having grown up in a university campus. My father worked for the University of Ife. I went to primary school in the staff school there in Ife.  My secondary school was Comprehensive School, Aiyetoro. I studied electronics engineering at the University of Ife and went back to do a Master’s degree in science and that was when it became Obafemi Awolowo University. So my values shaped me for being fortunate enough to grow up in an environment at a time when things were totally merit driven.

    For me, everything is on merit. It has nothing to do with who you are or whom you know and that shaped my values and influences that made me Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938.

    Did you have your education in Nigeria?

    Yes, all through. I never studied abroad.

    But you must have grown up as a privileged child, so why didn’t you go abroad, because at a particular time, it seemed many young people were leaving Nigeria to school abroad?

    On the contrary, at the time I went to school, it was the people who were not doing well, who couldn’t get into university in Nigeria on merit; those were the ones that went abroad. If you were brilliant, and doing well, you would go to school in Nigeria! It is when you are not doing well and your parents needed to manage you, that is when you were shipped abroad to go to school. Things have changed. Now the privileged go abroad automatically because the educational system has regressed today. We hoped that we can contribute to improving the educational system in Nigeria. On a personal note, there is a foundation I am involved in, that is championing the cause of improving the quality of education, and making it available to the less privileged. That is one of the ways we can improve Nigeria.

    What is the name of the foundation?

    Bunmi Adedayo foundation

    Who was your role model, your mom or your dad?

    Both of them actually. But in different ways, my father was a very quiet but strong willed person. He encouraged me to think for myself and allowed me to make my decisions. My mother on the other hand was in a sense, very definite about the fact that you must do things properly. You must remember a child of whom you are. I wasn’t from a rich family. My parents were in the middle class.

    How easy was it for you to get employment after school?

    I graduated in1980, so it was easy. We had jobs waiting for us then, with a car loan and a brand new car. That is the challenge now. My generation and the generation after mine were the last generations to have lived in Nigeria where things worked. I know that 15 years ago, in my company, we were looking at buying cars and I heard my engineers who were graduates telling me that we should go and buy Tokunbo cars. They didn’t see why we should spend money on buying new cars for them. I had to explain to them why they deserve to buy a new car, and why they should not limit themselves to a Tokunbo vehicle. That is one thing Nigeria needs to address. People don’t have to underrate themselves and accept that they are not worthy of good things of life. Unfortunately, that is where Nigeria is.

    How easy was it for you to move up in life?

    I chose to work in a news company which was a startup for me. I was fortunate that I had a boss who trusted my competence and I was their first engineer. It also exposed me to learn and I worked there for seven years before I set up my own business. I have been running my own business now for 40 years.

    And what is your business called?

    It is called Logistics Science and Technology limited. We do electronic and information technology

    How did you get to become the Chairman of Ikoyi Club?

    I joined as a member in 1992. I played squash and snookers. About 20years ago, I was invited to serve in the sections committee of the board and basically I got interested in making the club function properly. For me, the defining thing is the fact that this is a place where things work. We are all entitled to the same thing; there is no member that is more important than the other. It is something I have come to believe in and I must pay my dues to make sure it remains so. You can’t want something to work and stay on the outside and expect others to do it.  I became chairman of snookers section in 2005 and after that I served on various sub committees of the club and became vice chairman of the club in 2012 and I became chairman of the cub in 2017.

    Having checked the role of honours, it is all the big names in the country that are there, people say it is an elitist club. Is it true?

    Ikoyi club 1938 has no apology for that. It is an elitist club because we look for people who have contributed significantly to the country. It is not about you being a rich person, it is your character and the kind of person you are that determines whether you are admitted or not. The honours role is a mixture of people who we feel have contributed to the society and we made them honorary members. Every single one of them has played a significant role in the history of Nigeria because that is the condition.

    Before you become a honourary member, the committee must consider you fit and they propose you to the AGM. The club as a whole will either vote that you become one or you don’t become. As a whole, it is the members that determine who becomes honourary members.

    What is your membership strength?

    We have about 7,000 members from different parts of the country.

    It is a family club and the members are elitist, so does that mean that their children are also elitist?

    The definition of elitist is people who do things in a manner that speaks to quality. We do things properly and we are well behaved.

    It means you are grooming special families here?

    We groom people with character and values here. The day you no longer have those characters and values, you are no longer a member of the club. You will be forced to change and behave properly. The club is not for every Tom, Dick and Harry to join. You must demonstrate good character and ability to add to the society.

    As chairman of the club, what roles do you play?

    The general committee is responsible for policies or monitoring of what the management is doing. As chairman, I chair that committee. My role is to make sure things are done properly in a manner according to the rules of the club.

    You said earlier that Ikoyi club is a microcosm of Nigeria, which means that people from other parts of the country are affected by what happens here?

    What I meant is that, all parts of Nigeria are well represented here. We have people from Sokoto, Enugu, Calabar, we have membership from all over the country. There are no characteristics or any part of Nigeria that is not represented here. And whatever any of our members does outside of the club, can affect his membership here. That knowledge makes each member to behave well.

    How does Ikoyi club impact on the society?

    When you are a member, if you misbehave outside it rubs off on the club. What happens is that when members know that they can be suspended or expelled, it cautions their behaviour.

    You lived in the university community, did that influence the choice of the woman you finally met and married?

    Not at all: After I graduated, I moved to Lagos. It was here in Lagos that I met her.

    Was it love at first sight?

    (Laughs) Yes, I believe it was love at first sight.

    What is your tenure as chairman of Ikoyi Club?

    It’s a year tenure and maximum of two tenures of one year each. I started in February this year and my first tenure will end in February next year. If I run again and I am elected, I will be able to do another year till February 2019.

    Is there anything you are presently doing differently?

    The only thing we promised is that we will run the club according to the rules and we are strictly enforcing the rules. What I expect to do for the club is to take the club back to its glorious days when people looked up to the club. We feel we have moved slightly away from it and we want to take it back there.

    How about chieftaincy titles, have you taken any, if not, why not?

    I haven’t and that’s simply because, I am not interested in it.

    Briefly, how would you describe yourself?

    I’m an engineer who believes in things being done properly and according to the rules.

    When you decided to be the chairman of Ikoyi Club, you must have nurtured some dreams to implement at the club. Have you achieved those dreams?

    Not yet. We are working to bring Ikoyi Club back to being a 5-Star Establishment held in high esteem by society as a whole.

    You are aging gracefully with lanky shoulders, and youthful look. What is your health secret?

    I try to do all things in moderation.

    There is also the philanthropic side of you, what motivates you to give?

    God has been good to me and he enjoins us to love everybody and treat them as we would treat him.

    Do you agree that you are a stylish person?

    I leave that to others to judge.

    Have you ever wanted to be someone else, or be in a different profession?

    No.

    If you are not what you are today, what else would you have loved to be?

    Nothing else I can think of.

    Any regrets so far?

    None.

    Do you feel fulfilled?

    I am still a long way to achieve that state.

    Any new hobby you have developed in recent times?

    I am a retired cricketer. No new hobbies. I read, travel, enjoy good music and I play snooker.

    At this time of your life, what would you say you value most?

    I value the love of my family and friends.

    What inspires you?

    Making others happy inspires me.

    Please tell us about your most memorable holiday?

    That was my wife’s 50th birthday celebrations. We went on a 10-day cruise to the East Mediterranean with family and friends numbering 45.

    What does success mean to you?

    Success to me is being fulfilled and having happy people around me.

  • Lagos will get its first female governor soon – Ambode

    Lagos will get its first female governor soon – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday expressed optimism that in no distant time, Lagos would produce its first elected female Governor of the State.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke when he received the One-Day Governor of the State, Miss Zuffon Bukola and members of her cabinet at the Exco Chambers, Lagos House in Ikeja, said that the emergence of Miss Zuffon and the One-Day Deputy Governor, Miss Rosemary Ogidan was a signpost to what the future portends for the State.

    Zuffon, a 16 year-old SS 2 student of Awodiora Senior Secondary School, Ajegunle emerged the One-Day Governor of the State after she won a keenly contested Spelling Bee Competition in June 2017, while Ogidan, also an SS 2 student of Methodist Senior High School, Badagry finished as runner up.

    According to the Governor, the emergence of two females as One-Day Governor and Deputy Governor of the State clearly indicates that a female can likewise be elected as the Governor of the State.

    He said: “This is a significant day for Lagos State and it also signals what the future actually holds for Lagos State in which we have seated here, two female strong members of the new State Executive Council and we have a female Governor and a female Deputy Governor.

    “It is also telling us a story about what the future of Lagos is all about that one day we would find seated here, not just a day governor, but for a period or tenure of four years, there would be a female Governor in this State.

    “We’ve had female Deputy Governors in this State; it also says something that these younger ones are telling our women in Lagos to rise up and actually take their position.”

    Governor Ambode also commended Zuffon and her cabinet members, noting that their feat was an indication that the funds expended by the State Government to improve the educational sector was not in vain, adding that efforts would be intensified to further develop the sector.

    “I want to congratulate her and her cabinet members for also showing to us that the future of education in Lagos is strong. We believe that the resources we are spending in the educational sector are not going to be a waste and they have also shown that they are ready to succeed us as long as we encourage them.

    “So we’ll do everything just like what we have been doing in the last two years to continue to pay greater attention to education and also make sure that we do so much in youth development to allow them to be mentally capable of succeeding us even as we move away from all the things we have done in the public service,” the Governor said.

    He said the State Government was encouraged by the exploits of past One Day Governors and their cabinet members who are excelling in their various endeavours, just as he commended parents of the students as well as the school management for all the efforts put into bringing out the best in them.

    To encourage their efforts, Ambode awarded full scholarship to the One Day Governor, Miss Zuffon and her Deputy, Miss Ogidan while also announcing a cash donation of N1million each to them.

    The governor also awarded a cash donation of N500,000 each to members of the One Day Governor’s cabinet consisting of Master Tovishede Ayobami (Secretary to the State Government); Master Philip Daniel (Speaker of the House of Assembly); Master Durojaiye Oluwasegun (Commissioner for Education); Master Atabo Ufedojo (Commissioner for Science and Technology).

    Earlier, Miss Zuffon while addressing the governor and members of the State Executive Council commended the Governor for his visionary leadership and numerous achievements especially in the educational sector, saying that despite the economic challenges, teachers’ salaries and entitlements were being paid as at when due.

    Zuffon, who is aspiring to become a lawyer, also seized the occasion to request for a School Bus, renovation of the school’s multipurpose hall as well as construction of drainage channels in her school, which Governor Ambode immediately granted.

  • Ambode to new Lagos CP: Task ahead is enormous

    Ambode to new Lagos CP: Task ahead is enormous

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed confidence in the ability of the new Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Imohimi Edgal to deliver on the enormous task before him in effectively and efficiently policing the State, saying that the security of lives and property in the State remain paramount.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja when he received the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Fatai Owoseni and the new CP alongside top officers of the Command, said there was no doubt about the enormous responsibility before the new police boss, but that it was gratifying that he (Edgal) was very much familiar with the security architecture of the State.

    The Governor recalled how security was made one of the focal objectives of his administration since inception, saying that the development was designed as part of efforts to build a solid foundation for the growth of Lagos economy and welfare of the people.

    He specifically thanked Owoseni for contributing immensely to the security of the State during his tenure as the CP, and wished him success in his future endeavours.

    While officially welcoming the new CP to the State, Governor Ambode acknowledged the fact that Edgal had been very familiar with the terrain having been in the State for long, and assured him of the support of the State Government to ensure his success in office.

    He said: “We are comfortable that he (Edgal) does not have to start trying to learn the ropes because he is very familiar with the security architecture of the State and the enormity of the assignment that has been given to him. On our part, we will ensure that we support him as well as men and officers of the State Command.

     “What is most important to us is that we must keep the city safe. Lagos must be safer, Lagos must be cleaner and it is based on that we can invite investors to come in. That is when we can project our 24/7 economy and so we cannot afford not to have a vibrant police force. More importantly is the fact that we in government have decided that without a safe city, we cannot have a prosperous State and the prosperity and the peace that Lagos is enjoying now is actually founded on that fabric of the safety of lives and property,” he said.

    The Governor also assured that his administration will support the present effort of the Nigeria Police to scale up community policing.

    “We will give the new CP all the support and I want to also say that we will support community policing. You must have seen that in our action which was why we established the Neighborhood Safety Corps and we want to thank the Nigerian Police for supporting that.

    “The establishment of the Corps is part of the fabric of the community policing that the Nigerian Police Force is now projecting and we will support it with materials, resources and also ensure that every community is properly policed and in that, we will have the peace that everybody need to go about their activities without let or hindrance.

    “We are very emphatic on law and order and we will ensure that our judicial system works in convergence with the Nigerian Police so that we can keep the city safe and more prosperous,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Ambode commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris for the positive trend and improvement in security that the country had witnessed in recent time.

    Earlier, Owoseni thanked Governor Ambode for the support the Police Command enjoyed during his tenure, especially the massive procurement of equipment and logistics for officers, saying that the gesture contributed largely to the achievements recorded in the last two years.

    On his part, Edgal assured that he would hit the ground running and employ various means including community policing to ensure that Lagos emerges as the safest city to live and do business in Africa.

    He said Lagos, being a cosmopolitan city, must be policed based on dynamics required, and that he would bring his passion to bear to ensure that residents of the State can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    He specially appreciated Governor Ambode for the support the police had enjoyed in recent times and pleaded for the continuation of the kind gesture, just as he assured that security of lives and property of Lagosians would now be a top priority.

    “I want to assure Governor Ambode that under my watch, you will have no cause for complaints or concerns. We will serve the people of Lagos with all our hearts and might. Let me use this opportunity also to warn criminals and hoodlums that it will not be business as usual.

    “I also want to warn officers and men of the command that issues of human rights abuses, corruption, indiscipline generally will no longer be a slap on the wrists. The full weight of police regulations and the law will be meted out to anybody found wanting under my watch,” Edgal said.

  • Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    …Says Weak Institutions Impeding Ease Of Doing Business

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday called on lawyers in the country to raise their voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    By the current revenue allocation formula, the Federal Government takes as much as 52.68% of centrally-collected revenues in the federation account, while States and Local Governments share 26.72% and 20.60% respectively.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 57th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held in Lagos, Governor Ambode tasked lawyers to utilize the golden opportunity of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to lend their voices to the call for redress of all the aberrations that had stunted growth and inhibited capacity of States to harness their potentials.

    He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call on the Nigerian Bar Association as a body and members to raise your voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    “These, in my view, are fundamental and critical to creating an enabling environment that will accelerate development in all parts of the country. The ongoing process for the review of the 1999 Constitution presents a golden opportunity for us to redress all the aberrations created by the interjection of the military that have stunted growth and inhibited the capacity of States to harness the huge potentials of our nation.”

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, “African Business: Penetrating Through Institution Building,” Governor Ambode identified weak institutions as a major factor inhibiting growth in Nigeria and Africa, saying that the development had constituted a major disincentive for investment in the continent, which in turn, was hampering efficient and effective harnessing of the huge resources in the continent.

    He said in most cases, institutions are weak because their establishment is influenced by personal and short-term considerations, while in some other cases, institutions are deliberately weakened in order to make them subject to the whims and caprices of the leadership.

    As a way out, Governor Ambode said: “Building and sustaining strong institution requires our collective commitment to the rule of law.  It entails building the capacity of such institutions to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively and transparently while also being accountable to the people. It must create an atmosphere of confidence, mutual understanding and protection against arbitrariness.

    “We must take a cue from developed economies where the integrity of their institutions is not compromised for whatever reason. In those climes, it is the institution that puts officials of the State in check and not vice versa as we have experienced and are still experiencing in most parts of the continent.”

    The Governor said such ideal situation and global best practice was what Lagos State had been striving very strongly to attain in order to build an economy that is globally competitive.

    “This has been one of our key commitments in the past two years as exemplified by the fa- reaching reforms we are implementing by way of security and judicial sector reforms. Happily, these efforts are yielding the expected outcomes,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode expressed excitement at the recovery and return of President Muhammadu Buhari back to the country after long medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    “Let me firstly on behalf of all the people of Lagos State and all Nigerians thank God for the safe return of Mr President, General Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, we wish you well always,” Governor Ambode said.

    In his opening remarks, NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos State Government at building strong institutions, saying that the State had made greatest institutional transformation in recent times.

    He said the decision to host the conference in Lagos again was not just because of the facilities and infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey which the State had witnessed.

    “Our last conference in Lagos was in 2009. We are delighted to be here once again, especially to join the State to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We have come back here not just because of the conference facilities and other infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey that this State has witnessed in the last several years.

    “If we are talking of institutions, there is no better place to do that than in Lagos. Lagos is a State that has perhaps made the greatest institutional transformation in recent times. Many of us remember Lagos in the 80s and 90s with the state of the frustrating traffic, the very frustrating pollution, the hold-up, the smoky roads and army of unemployed youths rooming the street to what you now see as a much more modern city, a true centre of excellence. I therefore wish to thank His Excellency, Governor Ambode for the tremendous work he is doing in Lagos and also for being a strong partner to the Bar Association,” Mahmoud said.

    The conference, which is still ongoing, was attended by 11,935 delegates and 142 speakers from 15 countries.

  • Ambode mourns death of LASIEC Commissioner, Lateef Raji

    Ambode mourns death of LASIEC Commissioner, Lateef Raji

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Monday expressed shock over the death of a Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mr. Abdullateef Raji.

    Raji, who was a former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, died at about 4am on Monday at the age of 54 after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.

    The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, described the late Raji as a seasoned media strategist who was always committed to serve in any capacity he found himself.

    “Raji in no small way contributed to the success of the last local government elections in Lagos where he served as one of the LASIEC Commissioners. He was ever committed to contribute his quota in any office he was appointed to serve.

    “His demise has come as a rude shock to us as he died in the line of duty. He was a brilliant scholar and an astute writer of repute, who used his pen to enhance the narrative of rule of law and democracy in Nigeria,” Ambode said.

    While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the Governor urged his family to draw strength from the fact that he made meaningful impact during his lifetime.

    “On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Lateef Raji on this great and irreparable loss. He will be sorely missed”, he said.

    Raji was born on October 12, 1962. He attended Ireakari Grammar School, Idoani, between 1974 and 1978. He also attended New Church High School, Owo, Ondo State in 1978 and obtained his Ordinary Level School Certificate in 1980.

    He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Lagos in 1997 and also a Master’s degree in the same course from the same University in 2000. Between 1996 and 2000, he worked as an Editor with Ahrada West African Publishing Ltd. and was later elevated to the post of the Editor- in – Chief of the company in which capacity he worked between 2000 and 2003.

    He also served as Nigeria’s representative at the World Education Resources Centre, United Kingdom between 2003 and 2007. Between 2007 and 2011, Raji was the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Thrazel Nigerian Ltd.

    A member of many societies and associations, Raji had written and published many articles on a variety of subjects.

    Until his demise, he was a doctoral student at the University of Lagos, Yaba, Lagos.

     

  • Ambode employs 250 persons with disabilities into civil service

    Ambode employs 250 persons with disabilities into civil service

    …Empowers 2,000 others, organizations with grants, assistive technologies, mobility aids

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr, Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday announced that in line with the promise he made at a recent Town Hall Meeting held in Ojo, the State Government would soon distribute letters of employment to 250 persons living with disabilities who would be deployed to the State Civil Service as well as the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    The Governor also in furtherance of his promise to run an all-inclusive government, distributed various assistive technologies, mobility aids and financial grants to 2,000 persons living with disabilities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in taking care of such categories of people.

    Items distributed included brand new 30-seater Hyundai and 12-seater Hyundai Buses, 500 White Canes, 1 Index Express Embosser with Duxbury Braille Translation Software, 10 Accessible Desktop Computers With Jaws Screen Reader, 20 Tactile Metric Sets, 100 Taylor Frame, 60 Magic White Boards, 6 Magnetic Boards, 300 Wheel Chairs, 50 Special Wheel Chairs (Rough Riders for people with Spinal Cord Injury), and 25 Computer sets for people living with hearing impairment.

    In addition, 10 NGOs dealing with issues of disability in the State were given N500, 000 each as grants, while 500 people with disabilities received N100, 000 each as financial empowerment.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at De Blue Roof, LTV8 in Ikeja, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the State’s Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the development was a major testament to the commitment of his administration to demonstrate in practical terms the commitment to ensure an all-inclusive government and to empower persons living with disabilities to become wealth creators and employers of labour.

    He said: “To reinforce our determination to support persons living with disabilities to realise their dream, a N500million Trust Fund was established last year on the first anniversary of this government for the welfare of persons with disabilities in Lagos State. This was followed with the inauguration of a board to ensure judicious management of the Fund.

    “Today, we are witnessing the presentation of this Fund to the first set of beneficiaries. Our focus is to move away from the previous charitable orientation of empowerment towards a more socially and economically oriented approach of enablement that will make people living with disabilities to become wealth creators and employers of labour.

    “For the first phase of the programme, we are presenting vehicles, equipment, funds to enable individuals, homes and NGOs take charge of their future, start businesses and create wealth for themselves,” Governor Ambode said.

    While congratulating the beneficiaries, the Governor urged them to remain strong, steadfast, committed to their enterprise and make judicious use of the items and funds given to them, saying that their success would go a long way in changing the perception of those who are skeptical about their abilities.

    The Governor also assured those yet to benefit from the Fund that the scheme would soon get to them, just as he charged members and governing board of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) to work harder to ensure that greater number of people supported under the programme before the end of the year.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said: “Let us use this opportunity to assure all that in fulfillment of the promise made during the Town Hall Meeting at Ojo, 250 people with disabilities will soon receive letters of employment into the State Civil Service as well as Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the State.

    “We are already leading the way and it is my expectation that individuals, private and corporate entities will partner with the State Government by contributing generously to the Trust Fund.”

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Principal of Pacelli School for the Visually Impaired/Blind located in Surulere, Sister Jane Onyeneri said the gesture by Governor Ambode was highly commendable coming at a time the country was grappling with economic challenges.

    She said by the development, Governor Ambode had demonstrated that “he is a man of his words and ready to fulfill whatever promise made to the people.”

    Also, Chairperson of Joint National Association Of Persons Living With Disability, Lagos State Chapter, Deaconess Beyioku Alasa and Mainland Coordinator of People Living With Disabilities, Mr Kehinde Oshilaja, commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to the welfare of people with disabilities, saying that the development had indeed proved that the Governor is a man of integrity who is always ready to fulfill whatever promises made.

     

  • Lagos requests for two additional Area Commands in Ikorodu, Badagry

    Lagos requests for two additional Area Commands in Ikorodu, Badagry

    …IGP visits Gov, says Lagos has set pace in security matters

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday requested for two additional Police Area Commands, saying that it would go a long way in tackling the nefarious activities of criminally minded persons once and for all.

    Ambode, who made the request when the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said the additional Area Commands, if granted, would be set up in Ikorodu and Badagry, assuring that the State Government was ready to provide the funds to set up the Commands.

    “Funding is key to security, but security also is fundamental to the growth of Lagos and the prosperity of Lagos, so we are ready and we are committed to support all our security agencies, the Navy, the Police to make sure that we have a safe city where we can be investor friendly and also grow the economy of Nigeria.

    “I am ready to fund additional area commands in Lagos, so I am requesting that we should do two additional commands in Lagos, one in Ikorodu and another one in Badagry. There is a need for us to pay more attention to the Ikorodu axis because of the kind of reports that we are getting from there,” the Governor said.

    Alluding to the multi-billion dollar investments coming up in the Lekki corridor and the need to secure the area, the Governor also requested that the Mobile Police Command in Ibeju Lekki be relocated to Epe.

    “We already have some kind of Command in Ibeju Lekki which is the Mobile Police, but I also request that because of the kind of economic activities that is coming up in the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the road expansion that we are doing in the Epe axis, we would like to request that the Mobile Command should be relocated to Epe itself,” he said.

    Ambode, while thanking the IGP and the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for their interventions in securing the release of the six kidnapped Igbonla Model College students, said the incident clearly showed the need to beef up security in the riverine borders between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States.

    He said the South West Governor’s Forum in a recent meeting had resolved to set up a Joint Task Force on security to stop criminals using the waterways as an escape route, just as he sought the support of the IGP towards ensuring the success of the initiative.

    While pledging the commitment of the State Government to provide additional gun boats and equipment to safeguard the waterways, Governor Ambode also revealed that his administration has already concluded plans to procure a surveillance aircraft with the capacity to deal with all forms of crimes on the waterways, assuring that the Government would spare nothing to ensure that the State remains safe and secured for residents and investors.

    “In addition to that, we commit ourselves also to provide additional Hilux vehicles and personnel also so that with the joint task force, we can actually clean up our waterways. I’ll like to also let you know that we are also in the process of procuring a surveillance aircraft that can actually deal with issues that relate to our waterways.

    “I am in total agreement with the IGP that there is a need for us to create a marine post along our waterways which you are already looking at, we must create some kind of outpost between Ondo, Ogun and Lagos so that these criminals cannot come into Lagos. The peace of Lagosians is of paramount to us so that we can checkmate them before they enter into Lagos we are also ready to fund that and then make sure that we train all our personnel and then seek the support of the Navy.

    “All these that I have requested, I know that it comes with additional personnel and it comes with additional financing, but I give my commitment; the safety of citizens of Lagos is paramount to me and I am ready to fund it,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor also commended the IGP for his efforts in improving security across the country, especially in Lagos, noting that since he came on board, security in the State has greatly improved.

    Earlier, IGP Idris Ibrahim commended the Governor for his tremendous support to the Police Command in the State especially in providing equipment and welfare for officers, saying that Lagos was leading the way in matters pertaining to security, especially through its innovative Security Trust Fund which had become a national model.

    “Lagos has been a pacesetter in various areas. You have been very dynamic. First you are the first government to introduce the Security Trust Fund and this is a concept we are trying to introduce nationally. We have the Police Trust Fund bill before the National Assembly, a public hearing has been heard on this bill and we believe it will be one of those instruments to change the face of policing in Nigeria,” Ibrahim said.

    He said the Police was working out modalities to enhance their activities in the State especially in the coastal areas, saying that about 10 additional gun boats would be procured, while the Nigeria Police Marine would be enhanced to man the boats along the waterways.

    “I believe with these enhancements and with the capacity to provide these gun boats, the Nigeria Police Force will effectively check these criminal activities and ensure security in Lagos and other areas,” the IGP said.

    On the request of the Governor to set up two additional Police Area Commands, the IGP said the plan was already ongoing to increase Area Commands across the country to improve security surveillance and adequately address crime.

  • Reconstruction of Oshodi/Int’l Airport road begins September- Ambode

    Reconstruction of Oshodi/Int’l Airport road begins September- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said that work on the proposed expansion and reconstruction of the Oshodi-International Airport Road would commence next month.

    The Governor, who spoke at the Third Quarter Town Hall Meeting, the 8th in the series, held at the Badore Ferry Terminal, Lagos also disclosed that plans are already underway to commence the construction of 181 local government roads next month.

    On the Oshodi-International Airport Road, Governor Ambode said the construction, which has already been awarded, would see the transformation of the road from four lanes to 10 lanes from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop commuters to the Local Airport.

    It would be recalled that in May 2017, Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo approved that the road be handed over to the Lagos State Government for total reconstruction.

    Ambode, who had described the current state of the road as a national disgrace, said that work would begin in earnest come September.

    On the delay in the commencement of rehabilitation of 181 inner roads, Governor Ambode said the development was due to the fluctuation in dollar rate at the time the bid was last opened, but that a new bid would be opened in the next two weeks, while work would commence in September.

    “By the next two to three weeks, I will reopen the advert to get a new cost and all things been equal the job would start on the roads by end of September,” he said.

    Ambode also assured residents that the State Public Works would seize the period of the break of the rainy season to fix all potholes across the State in order to improve drive time for motorists.

    Speaking on the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) billed to commence next month, Governor Ambode urged the people to be patient with his administration as the plan which is a holistic and comprehensive waste management policy was currently in its gestation period.

    He said once fully operational, waste would be collected in line with international best practices, while all parts of the State would be kept clean always.

    The Governor however urged residents to adopt new attitude to disposing waste and desist from dumping in drainages and canals, assuring that the Government would provide adequate bins to discourage indiscriminate dumping.

    “The question to ask is why are people putting their waste in the drains and canals hoping that somehow the water will flush it away? The answer comes back to government because we have not been able to provide the people with enough bins or places where they can put the dirt.

    “They cannot leave the dirt in the house so they must have a channel to get it out. As government been able to provide enough locations, bins, bags and so on where they can put that refuse and then we can collect it and when we collect it efficiently, as part of their attitude, they will not go back to the canals and the drains. They will only go back to where we have provided for them.

    “Now, so we have enough equipment to clean Lagos? Are we having enough dino bins, plastic bags, compactors that can go round the population of 22million people? The answer before now is no. We are the largest waste producer in the world more than New York. New York produces 10,000 tonnes of waste every day, the waste accounted for in Lagos is 13,000 tonnes per day not to talk of areas that are not documented”.

    “Do we have enough equipment and compactors? We don’t have, but how do we have it? We have not increased the taxes you are paying. The population is increasing and by that fact the waste is increasing and we have not increased revenue. But we need new equipment. Some people were doing it for us before but we all saw the equipment they have been using to clean up the State and the truth is it can never do it right.

    “If we say we want to be a smart city and globally competitive, we must use the approach that allows you to collect waste in a globally competitive way and that is what we have done with the CLI without me punishing tax payers. We have a partnership that provides 500 brand new compactors without me paying one naira yet and with the partnership, we will provide 27,500 sanitation workers in all our wards across the State who will be uniformed and clean Ikorodu, Ayobo the same way they clean Victoria Island and then they will provide bins where our people can now have the culture and attitude to put their dirt in the bins instead of putting it in the canals and drains,” Governor Ambode said.

    In the meantime, Governor Ambode said all the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Chairmen have been mandated to ensure 24/7 cleaning of the environment, while officials of the State Government would be moving round to evacuate waste.

    As part of the initiatives to enhance commuting within the State, the Governor said new modern bus terminals would be constructed commencing from this quarter in Marina, Ajah, Ojota, Agege, Iju Ishaga and Iyana Ipaja, while as part of the integrated transport system, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) would be constructed to connect Badore Jetty to Ajah.

    Governor Ambode also said that his administration has earned the trust of Lagosians in the last 26 months, adding that taxes paid have been judiciously utilised to make life more comfortable for residents in the State.

    He therefore thanked Lagosians for cooperating and helping his administration to translate its visions and plans for the State to reality, noting that without their taxes, it would have been impossible.

    “I urge all other taxable individuals yet to join the tax net to go to the nearest Lagos State Inland Revenue office to register.  Feel free to honour your civic obligations.  We believe we have earned your trust.  Every kobo paid as tax will be judiciously used for the good of Lagosians.

    “Our government feels emboldened by the tremendous support and cooperation you have continued to give us. This was also evident in your action of July 22nd when you voted massively for the All Progressives Congress during the just concluded Local Government elections,” Governor Ambode said.

    He added that the Badore Road would be expanded at its entrance from Ajah Roundabout, while plans are afoot to construct Oke-Ira Nla Road as an alternative to totally eliminate traffic along the axis.

    Responding to complaints by a resident of the axis, Mrs Abiodun Dina on the activities of dredgers who are fond of spoiling the road and parking indiscriminately on the road thereby subjecting people to avoidable traffic snarl, Governor Ambode said in as much as government was not interested in shutting down businesses but he would have to wield the big stick if the dredgers fail to comply with rules of engagement.

    The town hall meeting had in attendance the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I, members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly, top government functionaries, party chieftains, traditional rulers, among others.

  • Cleaner Lagos initiative takes off September – Ambode

    Cleaner Lagos initiative takes off September – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said that the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), which is a major reform of his administration to revolutionize the solid waste management sector in line with international best practices will commence in the first week of September.

    The Governor, who spoke at a media workshop in Lagos to sensitize journalists ahead of the take-off, said the initiative would not only change the solid waste management system in the State, but would also engender a sustainable, cleaner and healthier environment for Lagosians, just as he assured that the people would be better for it.

    Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said all was now set for the eventual take off, with the passage of the Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017, the concession of residential waste collection and procession to a reputable and competent multinational Waste Services Company as well as the transformation of the erstwhile Kick Against Indiscipline Brigade to a more civil Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC).

    The Governor said in the interim, a temporary intervention programme tagged “Operation Deep Clean”, was already on going with a mandate to evacuate solid waste from dark spots and major locations across the State, urging Lagosians to cultivate the habit of bagging their waste properly.

    “We are going to start the CLI by first week in September and by the grace of God Lagosians would see how we intends to clean Lagos and make it a more beautiful and liveable environment for us.

    “In the meantime, we have thrown up and intervention programme that the Ministry of the Environment, LAWMA and Visionscape is doing called ‘Operation Deep Clean’. The three of them have combined together and are doing this intervention programme supported by our PSP team and even we have started using open trucks for them just to make sure that we don’t have refuse so much on our road.

    “I want to tell Lagosians that don’t dump refuse irresponsibly, bag your refuse, put it in front of your house and I assure you, this Government would come and take them. Don’t worry, where there is no pain, there is no gain, this is just a transition that we are in and by the grace of God come first week in September, we would see the new thing and we would all enjoy it and be happy about it,” he said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said that the commitment of his administration to ensure the successful implementation of the CLI was driven by the strategic importance of the environment as a bedrock upon which development and economic prosperity rest.

    He also said that the spirited efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene are founded with the determination to provide a level playing field for all investors and inject international best practices into Solid Waste Management sector in the State.

    “This initiative has offered us the unique opportunity to seek private investment from nationally and internationally renowned players in the waste management sector, infuse more efficiency and enhance the standard of living of our people by attaining a cleaner, safer and more secured environment,” the Governor said.

    The Governor, therefore, said the workshop was necessary to deepen the understanding of members of the media and put the CLI in proper perspective with regards to its modus operandi and the expected benefits to Lagosians.

    “The CLI is a reform of the solid waste management sector of the State and that is why we are here. We know that by educating and exposing the media to all the facts about CLI, you would be able to educate the people because their buy-in is very critical and very important and you know we are responsible for them and to them, so therefore, educating them through you is very important,” he said.

  • Integration: Afenifere lauds Ambode, S’West governors’ forum

    Integration: Afenifere lauds Ambode, S’West governors’ forum

    Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his counterparts in the South West Geopolitical Zone for taking far reaching decisions targeted at promoting commonality for the region.

    In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, the Group commended Governor Ambode, saying that it was during his administration that Lagos State keyed into Oodua Investment to cement the oneness of the Yoruba nation.

    “It is gratifying to note the sense of history of the Governor (Ambode) in remembering the role the Western Regional Government under Awolowo played in the development of the entire West when Cocoa was our mainstay by committing to use the economic strength of Lagos to rob positively on other states in Yorubaland.

    “Ambode has on behalf of Lagos State, pledged to invest billions of naira to acquire vast acres of land in the hinterland states of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun for modern, technologically driven farming. Both raw and processed products from such farms would be brought back to Lagos for effective sales, given its remarkable and huge market potential of the State.

    “This is quite commendable and realizable within effective partnership with his brother governors so our states can benefit from one another by creating jobs and providing food security,” the Group said.

    Alluding to the meeting held by the Governors in Abeokuta recently, the Afenifere threw its weight behind the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting which amongst other things proposed a joint task force to be set up to tackle the incidence of insecurity in the region and also harness the competitive advantage of constituent states for sustainable regional development.

    Afenifere also lauded the move by the Governors to convene a regional agric summit in Ibadan aimed at improving food security of the region and also the establishment of a Western Nigeria Export Development Initiative (WENEDI) to drive the export potentials of the region.

    “It is equally salutary that the Governors agreed that the artificial boundaries of states, religions, political affiliations, among others, would not be a barrier to regional development and urged all the states to be encouraged to significantly improve bilateral and multilateral co-operation to foster regional development.

    “We are happy that they have affirmed commitment to the development of our people to override petty party differences .It is not an accident that the Yoruba call party “Pati”(set aside).We must set aside things that divide as we search for verb for our noun in the syntax of national experience.

    “We urge them to match these words with action in order to ensure that the Yoruba nation is restored to the right path of giant developmental strides which the years of unitary rule have derailed us from. It’s time to resume our march of history,” Afenifere said.

    The Group also urged Yoruba people to key into these strategic goals of the Governors “by breaking all mental and artificial barriers that have hitherto been created among a people United by history, culture and the quest for development.

    “These are the imperatives of our quest for autonomy within Nigeria via restructuring of the country to have a proper federation as obtained in the federal constitution negotiated by our founding fathers at Independence.”