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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Lawmaker charge not to use public office for financial gain

    Lawmaker charge not to use public office for financial gain

    Nigerian Lawmakers have been advised to make laws that will have direct impact on the people rather than use public office for their personal gain.

    The advice was given Monday by Professor Patrick Lumumba, Director, Kenya School of Law, Nairobi, at a special parliamentary session organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly in commemoration of Lagos state at 50.

    Addressing a large gathering audience including, The National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Senators Representing Lagos East and west Constituency, Senator Gbenga  Ashafa and  Solomon Olamilekan, party chieftains, former speakers of the House, captains of industries, members of diplomatic corps among others.

    Speaking on the topic, ’The Importance of the Legislature in Democratic Governance,’ he emphasised that the nation or state could survive a bad executive, bad judiciary, but not a bad legislature.

    “Beyond your important titles, how are you serving Lagos, how have you served Lagos.  What would be said of you, when you are gone or even as you are alive?

    “You are never successful until you go down into the grave with success. Those, who acquire power, must exercise it with humility. Before you drink the gin of political power, you must have a foundation of integrity,” he said.

    He lamented the current happening in Nigeria, saying if Africa has to be great, Nigeria must be great.

    “Nigeria started on a sound footing before the government was crudely disrupted by coup-de-tats and went through a bitter civil war.”

    The scholar said further that it should be noted that Nigeria adopted democracy in 1979, but that the democracy the country is practicing was not home-grown and that it is Euro-centric.

    He said the nation’s democracy could be customized to achieve the aspirations of the country, saying that the relationship among the legislative, executive and the judiciary must be symbiotic.

    The legislature, he stated represents the people and that it is a privilege to honour and represent the people.

    “Those, who steal public funds abuse the power given to them by the people.  The legislature is the heart of the people.  On a mere allegation of corruption, the legislature brought down the government of South Korea and the same thing happened in Brazil.

    “But here in Nigeria and Africa, does the legislature bring thieves down. If Nigeria is to be great, you legislators must make solemn vow that you would make laws that would benefit the people.  Make laws that would serve the people and the country.

    “Nigeria can be great if you make a solemn vow that you would be greater than Dubai and Singapore,” he said.

    Another speaker, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited Mr. Bismarck Rewane,  said lagos continue to play a vital role as the financial headquarters of Nigeria.

    Rewane who spoke on “Economic Development- The Role of The Legislature,” revealed that Lagos State contributes 22% to the economy of Nigeria and the it has a GDP of $131 Billion.

    He stated that if Lagos was taken away from Nigeria the country would fall to the third position in Africa, while Lagos would be number seven in Africa, and that the state is bigger than Kenya,  Togo,  and Cote De Voire economically.

  • Ambode making life stress-free for Lagosians – Mamora

    Ambode making life stress-free for Lagosians – Mamora

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Senator representing Lagos East at the Senate, Olorunnimbe Mamora has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his sterling performance in office within two years, saying that the infrastructures put in place by the Governor have greatly contributed to reduction of stress for the people and increase productivity.

    Speaking on Friday during the commissioning of eight roads newly upgraded in Kosofe Local Government by the State Government, Mamora said the springing up of critical infrastructures in all sectors and sections of the State, apart from its positive implication for trade and commerce, would equally save the people from stress and hypertension, as well as lead to increase in productivity.

    The newly inaugurated roads are Omotayo Banwo, Kola Iyaomolere, Omotayo Close, Adetunji Adegbite Street, Ogun Street, Goodluck Street and Prince Oyewunmi Street.

    Mamora said: “People may not really appreciate what it entails but apart from opening up this area for communication, trade, commerce and so on, it goes beyond that. How about the stress factor that has been reduced because if you are coming from the Express now from Third Mainland Bridge, once you just turn at Ogudu, it leads you straight to Alapere and from there to Ikorodu.

    “Now, when you reduce stress on the people, off course, you also reduce their tendency to develop hypertension. Again, when you reduce what you call man-hour loss, you increase productivity. So, this thing has multiplier effect and the total transformation of this area is commendable.”

    Mamora, who is also a former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, recalled how former Lagos State Governor and now National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu opened up the area in 2002 with the upgrade of Kola Iya Omolere Road, while his successor, Babatunde Fashola build on the developmental template laid by the former by upgrading Agboyi Road.

    “Now, Governor Ambode, who has been described as the God Given Governor (GGG), coming on board, has transformed the entire place in totality.

    “I am saying this with all due sense of humility, modesty and passion at my disposal, two Sundays ago when we were coming from Church as I was driving with my wife, I told her let us just stop by at my hospital because she never came around to see when the roads were under construction, but I was always coming around to monitor the progress of work, we drove up to almost Alapere end and we turned back, when we came back, my wife was asking me where is our hospital. She was asking me because she just could not believe the transformation that had taken place,” Mamora narrated.

    While endorsing the Governor for a second term in office, Mamora said: “By God’s grace and by the grace of the people who the Governor has been serving very well, I pray that Governor Ambode will complete his eight years in office.”

    Also, speaking during the inauguration of network of roads newly completed in Epe by the Ambode administration, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animasahun said he was proud of the achievements of the Governor in office in all sections of the State.

    The monarch, who recalled the flyovers built in Abule Egba and Ajah, as well as the regeneration of Ojodu Berger axis and the bridge/network of roads in Aboru and Abesan communities, said he was particularly happy that the gift from Epe to Lagos State in person of Governor Ambode had not disappointed the people, as there are visible projects in all parts of the State.

    He said in the history of Epe and Lagos State, the achievements of Governor Ambode would never be forgotten, as the trajectory of the State was being changed for good.

  • Adebayo worked for Nigeria’s unity of Yoruba Nation – Ambode

    Adebayo worked for Nigeria’s unity of Yoruba Nation – Ambode

    …Urges Nigerians to unite for Nation’s Development

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday showered encomium on the late former Military Governor of the defunct Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo, describing him as an elder statesman who worked tirelessly for the progress of the Yoruba nation and unity of the country.

    The late Adebayo, who died on March 8, 2017 in Lagos at 89 years, served as Governor of the region between 1966 and 1971. The defunct Western Region today has been broken into six South West States of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.

    Speaking at a Commendation Service in honour of late Adebayo held at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Governor Ambode said the deceased was like a father to him whom he had a lot of respect for owing to the virtues and legacies he left behind during his sojourn on earth.

    “This is more or less like a family dad to me also because I feel that pain also in all the things that we had actually envisioned through Baba which more or less are the kind of baton we in this generation should take.

    “For somebody to have died at the age Baba Adebayo died, there is so much he has taken away which we the younger Governors would not be able to assimilate enough but the major thing is that apart from being a fine gentle man, elderly man and perfect person, the bottom line was that Baba Adebayo had the love of the Yoruba race in his heart,” Governor Ambode said.

    While urging Nigerians to unite to place the country on a sound footing for economic growth and prosperity, the Governor said the late Adebayo, in his lifetime, pursued the good course of unifying the country.

    According to Governor Ambode, “He (late Adebayo) was an elder statesman who was also in love with the unity of Nigeria. He had a mission that is yet to be fulfilled by all of us and I think the time of his death has brought to the fore that main mission that we want to use to unite this country and that is why I believe strongly that wherever we are, wherever we find ourselves, Baba Adebayo has made his own difference, the remaining left for all of us is that whether we are in leadership position or any place we find ourselves, we should carry out that mission that he had always exemplified that we must come up strongly in unity and at the same time make Nigeria a very strong nation.”

    The Governor commiserated with the widow and the entire family of the late Adebayo, saying that it was gratifying to note that Adebayo’s works had resulted in the blessings of God upon the family.

    Earlier in his sermon, Bishop Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji said in the history of Nigeria, the late Adebayo would be remembered for hard work, integrity, family virtues, generosity and selflessness in the discharge of duties, among other virtues.

    Odedeji, who picked his text from the book of I Corinthians 15: 58, admonished Nigerians to engage in fruit bearing lifestyle and eschew selfish disposition to affairs and people.

    “As Christians and Nigerians, we must make a difference in this corrupt and perverse generation by touching lives and leaving good legacy that is everlasting. Politicians especially should live a life to touch others positively,” Odedeji said.

     

  • Ambode commissions Abule Egba, Ajah Flyovers, Lekki Roads

    Ambode commissions Abule Egba, Ajah Flyovers, Lekki Roads

    …To Construct Badore, Regional Roads In Lekki

    …Approves Rehabilitation Of Abule Egba Inner Roads, Building Of Shopping Mall

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday commissioned the Ajah and Abule Egba Flyovers, saying that both bridges were creative solutions by his administration to address the perennial traffic associated with the areas, as well as boost economic activities in both axes.  

    The Governor, who spoke at separate events in Ajah and Abule Egba to official open the Bridges, christened as ‘Jubilee Bridges’ for public use, said that while the driving motive behind Ajah Bridge was to improve connectivity in the axis and facilitate economic growth, the Abule-Egba Bridge was about opening up other areas of the State and improving the lives of residents in the area.

    Speaking at Ajah, the Governor recalled that the area was troubled with terrible traffic gridlock on a daily basis, which according to him was crippling business activities, causing loss of valuable man hours and revenues.

    He said the Bridge would eliminate the traffic jam usually experienced on the road while the Freedom and Admiralty roads, which he also commissioned, would provide an alternative route to the Lekki/Ikoyi Bridge, thereby, easing traffic at Lekki Phase 1.

    “We had to give this project priority because of its strategic importance to the economic growth of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis. This axis will play a key role in the future prosperity of Lagos State as the home to many multi-billion naira private investments in the Lekki Free Trade Zone as well as the upcoming seaport and airport.

    “As a government, we are irrevocably committed to making Lagos State an investment haven and we have made it a duty to put in place top class infrastructure that will facilitate movement of people, goods and materials. We are confident that these initiatives will boost commercial activities in this axis, support economic growth and significantly reduce travel time as well as other costs associated with traffic challenges,” the Governor said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said that beyond the Bridge, his administration was already looking to activate the Badore jetty in line with efforts to commence reforms in the State’s water transportation efforts.

    He said this intervention would see the creation of a bus route from Badore to Langbasa and Ajah axis, rehabilitation of the Badore Road and also create alternative routes through Oke-Ira to the Epe expressway, while the alternative slip road which motorists used while the construction of the Bridge lasted would be closed to accommodate a new Bus Terminal.

    At the commissioning of Freedom Road and Admiralty Way in Lekki, Governor Ambode said in continuation of efforts to open the axis for economic activities, the State Government in partnership with the private sector would commence construction of 8km Regional Road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) from Freedom Road.

    Governor Ambode, who also spoke at the commissioning of Abule Egba Bridge, said the project was a result of the Government’s engagements with the people of the axis and his administration’s strong desire to make life easier and better for the people.

    He said the area was a strategic route for commercial and social activities which was riddled by  heavy traffic gridlock, hence his administration’s decision to redesign the traffic flow chart of the axis to ensure better connectivity between Lagos and Ogun States.

    “Today, we all have cause to rejoice as the Jubilee Bridge, Abule-Egba is delivered. This bridge is one of the interventions we embarked upon to ensure free flow of traffic, stimulate commercial activities and create opportunities for our people.

    “Lagos means business and today, Abule-Egba is open for business. This bridge signposts the beginning of a new era of development that would enhance the standard of living of the people in this axis with the provision of this infrastructure,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor said the construction of the Bridge was the beginning of a process to transform the axis to the new economic hub of the State, assuring that the ongoing Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lane from Oshodi to Abule Egba would be followed by another BRT lane from Abule Egba to Ogun State border.

    Already, the Governor said all the adjoining roads disrupted in the course of the construction of the Bridge have been awarded for rehabilitation, while a shopping mall would also be constructed opposite the Oke-Odo Market to further boost economic activities in the axis.

    Earlier, in his opening remarks at both events, the State’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, said that while the Ajah Bridge is a 160metres long dual carriageway with total length of 620metres, the Abule Egba Bridge is 1.3km with a water fountain. Both bridges were designed with traffic signalization, street lighting, walkways, service ducts, drainage infrastructure, among others. Freedom Road is 2.7km, while Admiralty Way is 2.2km.

     

  • Photos: Ambode commissions Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridge, Lay-Bys, Slip Road

    Photos: Ambode commissions Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridge, Lay-Bys, Slip Road

    Ambode (3rd right); General Manager, CCECC. Engr. Guan Shauai (2nd right); member, House of Representatives, Ikeja Constituency, Hon. James Faleke (right); Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya (3rd left) and others during the commissioning of the newly built Pedestrian Bridge, Lay-Bys and Slip road at Ojodu Berger…

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, descending the newly built Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridge shortly after its commissioning

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), acknowledging cheers from the crowd shortly after commissioning the newly built Pedestrian Bridge, Lay-Bys and Slip road at Ojodu Berger…
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); APC Chieftain, Cardinal James Odunmbaku (right); Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya (left) and member, House of Representatives, Ikeja Constituency, Hon. James Faleke (2nd left) during the commissioning of the newly built Pedestrian Bridge, Lay-Bys and Slip road at Ojodu Berger

     

     

  • VIO ban on Lagos roads is permanent – Ambode

    VIO ban on Lagos roads is permanent – Ambode

    …Urges FRSC to stay on Federal roads

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has said that the ban of vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) from Lagos road is permanent.

    Governor Ambode who disclosed this Tuesday at the commissioning of  Pedestrian bridges, layby and slip roads in Ojodu Berger axis also asked officers of the Federal Road Service Corps, (FRSC) to remain on Federal roads.

    “Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) have been asked to stay off our roads permanently. We also advise the Federal Road Safety Corps to stay on the fringes and highways and not on the main streets of Lagos,” he said.

    Ambode said it has come to the notice of the government that these agencies contribute to the traffic challenges on our roads hence the need to keep them away and enable traffic flow.

    He added that a new technology will be deployed to track and monitor vehicle registration and MOT certifications.

    Related: Ambode to Lagosians: We won’t betray your trust

    Speaking on the commissioned project, the governor explained that the objective was to ensure smooth flow of traffic along the express, safeguard the lives of our people who had to run across the express and project the image of a truly global city to our visitors.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, descending the newly built Ojodu Berger Pedestrian Bridge shortly after its commissioning

    According to him, “at the inception of this administration in May 2015, the traffic situation at the Ojodu Berger axis was one of the challenges we identified as requiring urgent attention. This decision was informed by the strategic importance of this axis being a major gateway into our State.

    Today, we are delighted that we have not only succeeded in transforming the landscape of this axis but with the slip road, laybys and pedestrian bridge, we have given a new and pleasant experience to all entering and exiting our State.

    The governor said a food court will also be established in that axis to serve as relaxation sport for travellers as well as an inter-bus terminal.

    He commended the effort of the team of engineers, architects and town planners who have worked hard to create an innovative solution to tackle the challenges of traffic in the axis.

    “We will not stop with the Ojodu Berger axis. This is an ongoing process and we are working to create solutions to traffic congestion in every part of the State. If your neighbourhood or community is experiencing traffic challenges, be rest assured that we will soon be there,” he added.

    Earlier, State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engineer Adebowale Akinsanya, said the project was conceived as a response to the yearnings of the people of the community for an improved, efficient and gridlock-free road network.

    He said the pedestrian bridge with a total length of 98m run across the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and Ogunnusi road, while the layby is 150m length on both sides of the expressway, the 500meter length of retaining wall with varying height ranging from 3.5 meter to 7 meters.

    He said there are two multibay bus park, bus laybys on Ogunnusi road with public convenience

    He said the project is expected to enhance the socio-economic development of both the state and other neigbouring states as it would reduce travel time, reduce man-hour loss and ensure the safety of lives especially that of pedestrians.

  • Ambode donates N55m to families of slain security officers

    Ambode donates N55m to families of slain security officers

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presented cheques totaling N55 million to the families of security officers who lost their lives in the Ishawo area of Ikorodu after an ambush unleashed on them by militants.

    The families of four police officers that died during the operation got N10 million each, while an officer who sustained injury during the attack and still recuperating in the hospital, Sgt. Alexandra Ugadu got N5million.

    Also, a cheque of N10 million was presented to the family of a military officer, Capt. A Mohammed who lost his life during the attack.

    The gallant officers were killed after successfully rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the riverine area by the militants.

    The police officers’ whose families benefited from the death insurance scheme of the State Government are late Insp. Godwin Iroagbalahi, Insp. Francis Pemi, Sgt. Mamuda Dembo and Sgt. Idor Ekoro.

    Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Governor Ambode said the move was in appreciation of the supreme sacrifices paid by the late officers in the course of ensuring the safety of residents of the State.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said the donation was in line with the pledge to review insurance benefits to security operatives in the State.

    Bello recalled that since coming on board, Governor Ambode immediately reviewed the insurance benefits for security operatives in the State with a pledge to pay N10million to any officer killed during operation, adding that the ceremony was in consonance with the earlier promise.

    “This is to appreciate what the gallant officers have done; they sacrificed their lives in the course of protecting several of us and we have to appreciate them. As a matter of fact, if we don’t do this, who will? The Governor has always said that we must continue to appreciate those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our lives because they died for us.

    “We must continue to appreciate them because if we don’t do this, who will be ready to pay the supreme sacrifice for our safety? The officers are sent out to protect us and when they are going, they are not even sure of coming back and having paid the supreme sacrifice, should we leave them just like that, definitely not and it is in appreciation of what they have done that we are doing this,” he said.

    The Governor, while commiserating with the families of the late officers, assured that the State Government would continue to support security officers and their families in the State.

    Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni commended Governor Ambode and the State Government for the donations, which he described as a morale booster, saying that the gesture would go a long way in motivating officers.

    He said: “On behalf of the Inspector General of Police, I stand to appreciate Lagos State Government for this morale boosting gesture that you have showed to our colleagues who, in the course of discharging their statutory duties to this nation, demonstrated bravery, gallantry and courage but unfortunately lost their lives in an encounter with criminal elements.

    “The IG appreciates this kind gesture and on behalf of the respective families of the officers that lost their lives, in as much as we know that money will not bring their lives back, but you have given us that confidence that in our trial and sadness period, the State is standing solidly behind us. This will spur us to be more committed to the security of the State,” Owoseni said.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode, on behalf of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) presented 20 brand new operational vehicles with modern communication gadgets to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command.

    Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Abdulrazaq Balogun, in his remarks, said the donation of the operational vehicles was in furtherance of the commitment of the State Government to bequeath robust security architecture to residents, just as he assured that the government would soon donate another round of vehicles to other security agencies in the State.

     

  • Politics should be about service- Ambode

    Politics should be about service- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace selfless service to humanity, saying that such remained the essence of existence to positively impact others.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of 33rd Synod of Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with the theme: “Serving”, Governor Ambode also charged political and religious leaders to continually tow the path of service to humanity, just as he said that politics in the real sense of it should only be about selfless service to the people

    Ambode, in his keynote address, described the Synod and the theme as apt and historic having coincided with the celebration of 50 years of existence of the State, which according to him, was all about celebrating those that have served and still serving the State.

    According to him, “Serving be it in government, churches, mosques or wherever, is like a clarion call from God and for me, I believe that there is no way I can just give back to humanity for the greater blessings that God has endowed me than just serving and serving selflessly without any inkling of wanting to get a return back from anybody and that is what has actually propelled us to serve the people.

    “We believe strongly that our calling on earth is to continually serve which is the whole essence of why we have also decided to dedicate ourselves to say that the only way we can give back to God is to serve humanity and that is what we have always been doing.

    “For us that are government officials or politicians, what is it that really makes a difference? The difference is that when you are getting a feedback from people that you have made their lives easier. That is it. People don’t want any other thing from us but to make their lives easier; to make them for instance move from one point to the other easily; allow them to send their children to school and then generally make them comfortable.

    “Those little things are the things that really matter to our people, and that is why we are more committed to say that on a godly template, this is a calling that we need to serve not necessarily whether we are praised or not,” he said.

    While acknowledging the fact that Christians usually like to stay away from politics, the Governor said on the contrary, politics must be viewed from the point of service to the people and service without expecting any reward from people but from God.

    “I want to encourage everybody to stand on that point of selflessness which is the need to do something without actually asking for a reward. If reward comes, it is just part of the package but not the package. We have been blessed, we have been enriched by God and the only thing is that wherever we find ourselves to touch other people positively, we should always want to do it. It should be service before gratification because the real blessing is the blessing of God which is beyond any other thing,” Ambode said.

    In his address, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo commended Governor Ambode for his absolute devotion to duty and passion for the growth of the State, which according to him, had resulted in the massive developmental projects across the State.

    Ademowo, who said the church would pray and support the Governor to win election again for the second term in office, said Governor Ambode as a trail blazer and innovative leader had transformed the State and taken it to an enviable height.

    He said: “We have been watching with keen interest and studying the progressive administration of our Governor. As a trail blazer and innovative leader, he (Ambode) has taken our State to a greater height. Lagos State has become a reference point for other States.

    “We are also proud to be identified with your laudable achievements in making Lagos a great financial hub and a reference point for other states in the country. Let me say equivocally that your predecessors did eight years in office, and I say without any doubt that you will also use eight years.

    “We want to thank you for your absolute devotion to duty and life of practical humility, doggedness and total commitment to the growth and progress of Lagos State, as well as your constant efforts at making Lagos second to none and a reference point for all other States,” Ademowo said.

     

  • Ambode pledges support for first annual diaspora festival

    Ambode pledges support for first annual diaspora festival

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday pledged his administration’s commitment to make the first Annual Diaspora Festival in Badagry a major success, adding that a master plan that would prescribe strategies and programmes to boost the potentials of the ancient town was also underway.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke when he received a delegation of the first Annual Diaspora Festival led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the Government remains committed to partnerships that would explore the tourism potentials of the ancient town and its environs.

    Welcoming the idea of the Diaspora Festival billed to hold in Badagry on August 23, 2017, the Governor pledged his administration’s commitment to expand the scope of the Festival in order to ensure that it becomes a major event in the State’s tourism calendar every year.

    “This is a rebirth for us. I have always been looking forward to see what it is that I can do more to the Badagry axis, so I am excited that this delegation has been put up.

    “I have visited Badagry more than five times, I have slept there, I have tried also to create a master plan of how to recreate the tourism potentials of Badagry and for this Festival to be the first that would be done, we would ensure that it would celebrate what Lagos actually stands for and we would strongly support it, we would partner and make sure that it is very successful, August is a good time and it brings greater things into focus. What I want to encourage you is that the planning should not just be for this year alone, we should have a framework that allows it to be sustained,” he said.

    He said his administration would also leverage on the festival to mark the Golden Jubilee of the State, just as he expressed optimism that it would open the doors for other tourists’ potentials of the Badagry axis.

    “I am also glad that this is happening when we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the State and like I said, the anniversary is not ending on the 27th of May, it’s the whole of 2017, so for this kind of proposal, for us to be able to bring the black race in diaspora and we in Nigeria to come together, I think it’s something that this government is ready to support,” Governor Ambode said.

    While reiterating that fact that Lagos remains the capital of the black race, the Governor stressed the need to create a convergence between commerce, investment, tourism and total well-being of the black race, noting that it would become a major economic opportunity on the long run.

    “From the kind of vision that we stand for, everything that you have requested for is in tandem with our own aspirations and we would support the three items. We would make sure that our key ministries work swiftly with you Ministry of Tourism, Lagos Global to make sure that this becomes our own programme and then we also use it to embellish whatever it is that is your aspiration and also make sure that this convergence allows us to benefit from everything that is actually inculcated in this kind of project that you have embarked upon,” Governor Ambode said.

    He also commended Hon. Dabiri-Erewa for her efforts in protecting the rights and interests of Nigerians in Diaspora, noting specifically the recovery of some Nigerian nationals in neighbouring countries.

    Earlier, Hon Dabiri-Erewa commended Governor Ambode, saying that his achievements in the past two years were not only making Lagosians proud but Nigerians especially those in the diaspora.

    “I am here for three things, first to thank you for making us proud as Lagosians. Everywhere you go in the diaspora, the Governor has made our job easier because of the fantastic work he is doing.  I am sure Your Excellency, knows there are many Lagosians in the diaspora excelling in their various field of endeavour and it is better to tell our own story ourselves that Nigerians are the most vibrant technocrat anywhere in the world, hence the need to celebrate ourselves in our own land,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

    She added that the visit by the delegation was to intimate the Governor on the Diaspora Festival in Badagry and seek ways of collaboration with the State Government to make the festival a success.

     

  • Phasing out Danfo buses will create more jobs – Ambode

    Phasing out Danfo buses will create more jobs – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday allayed fears that plans by his administration to phase out the yellow commercial buses, popularly known as Danfo would lead to massive job losses, saying that it would instead create more jobs in the transportation sector.

    The Governor, who spoke at the May Day Rally held at the Agege Stadium to commemorate the 2017 Workers Day Celebration, said the Bus Reform Initiative, aimed at introducing over 5000 air-conditioned buses to replace the Danfo buses would open new vista of opportunities, while also redefining the means of road transportation in the State.

    Responding to the fears raised by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Council, Comrade Idowu Adelakun and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Francis Ogunremi on the implications of the initiative to drivers, conductors, mechanics and other artisans, Governor Ambode assured that it would benefit all Lagosians on the long run.

    He said: “If Lagos is to be globally competitive, we need to change the outlook of the way the city runs. What is of paramount interest to this government is to make sure that every Lagosian has a comfortable means of moving from one point to the other. But I promise you there will be no job losses.

    “The Governor is not interested in driving all the new buses. It is the same bus drivers, the technicians, the mechanics that will also still be employed and trained to use these new buses. Instead of job losses, we are going to employ more people for the greater number of the buses and it will make the city more beautiful and more comfortable for all our workers.”

    Governor Ambode, who also addressed the request of the labour leaders on workers’ welfare, assured that as the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to increase, his administration would work out modalities to improve the welfare of workers in line with his mantra of all-inclusive governance.

    The Governor said that his administration was ready to look into the plight of pensioners as regards the pace of paying pension, assuring that the process would be fast tracked immediately.

    “Just like we have said, we have provided vehicles for the unions but again it has not gone round and it has also not gone round to the private sector unions, we will complete the whole scheme before the end of the year,” he said.

    The Governor said as part of the celebration of 50 years of the State, his administration would provide a befitting State Secretariat for the NLC, while government would also work on local and international training for labour leaders to make them relevant to the growth of the economy.

    Governor Ambode also assured that the officers of the State Public Service, who according to him, are the real drivers of the development in the State, would continue to be equipped with the necessary competencies and skills in order to deliver effective and efficient service to the people.

    Commending the choice of this year’s May Day celebration themed, “Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal,” the Governor said the leadership of Labour unions had demonstrated a responsible sense of stakeholding in the joint enterprise to improve the society and leave lasting legacies for the generations to come through the creation of sustainable wealth and value.

    Besides, the Governor enjoined the organised labour to continue to show understanding, while rightly insisting on the due and just entitlements of their members, saying that any industrial unrest will compound the challenges of economic recession.

    “I wish to commend the example of Lagos State to the entire nation in respect of industrial harmony. In Lagos State, both the government and organised labour believe that negotiations are more democratic and effective than unilateral impositions by the government or unilateral demands by the workers,” he said.

    While alluding to the fact that his administration would not have been able to fulfill the electoral promises without the support of the “most versatile, resilient and innovative Public Service in the nation”, he noted that the immense contributions of all workers in the private sector was also chiefly responsible for the pride of place that Lagos occupies in our nation, in Africa and in the world at large.

    Earlier, Comrades Adelakun and Ogunremi commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to workers’ welfare and the determination with which he had been transforming the State, describing the Governor as an accomplished accounting professional, creative intellectual, skilled planner and focused implementor.

    The May Day Rally featured March pasts from various Labour Unions, Trade Organisations and its Affiliates who trooped out enmasse despite the heavy downpour and were excited to see the Governor celebrate the day with them.