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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • Ambode urges athletes to prepare well for commonwealth games

    Ambode urges athletes to prepare well for commonwealth games

    …Receives Queen’s baton at Lagos House

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said adequate preparation remained the only panacea for Nigerian athletes to perform exceptionally well at the Commonwealth Games taking place in Australia in 2018, assuring that every effort would be geared towards giving them necessary facilities to prepare.

    Speaking at Lagos House in Ikeja after receiving the Queen’s Baton, the traditional curtain-raiser to the Commonwealth Games, Governor Ambode assured that the State Government would revamp all the sporting facilities in the State and make them available for use by athletes representing Nigeria at the Games.

    The Governor, who was particularly happy to receive the baton at Lagos House, congratulated the people of Australia for being the proud host of the Commonwealth Games, adding that the development was a wake-up call to Nigerians.

    “I like to assure that we will use this particular event to jump-start and reactivate the training of all our athletes that will be going to the Commonwealth Games next year. While I like to charge our athletes, I also like to appeal to the different agencies and authorities that we should ensure that we provide adequate facilities and equipment for all our athletes.

    “Like you are already aware, this Commonwealth Games will be hosted in the beautiful city of Gold Coast, Queens Land in Australia and so we believe strongly that proper preparation is the only way that can get Nigeria to win the gold and that is why our government is seriously committed to uplifting all the sporting facilities in the State so that we can use it as a platform to encourage our athletes and also improve on sports development.

    “In the last few weeks, we have been trying our best to reactivate the sporting facilities we have in Lagos and in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Sports, we believe that those facilities will be available for all our athletes to use them as we prepare for the Commonwealth Games,” Governor Ambode said.

    On his part, Minister for Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who led the delegation to the Lagos House alongside President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel and Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann, among others, thanked the Lagos State Government for the reception and other plans at ensuring the best of preparation towards the coming games next year.

    The Minister specifically promised collaboration of the Federal Government with any State that is ready to assist in facilitating better sporting activities in their States for the benefit of the country.

    “Just as the Governor of Lagos State had indicated, we would continue to collaborate with States that are willing to invest in the transformation of our dilapidated facilities in their States, so that it can be put to use for the benefit of Nigerians.

    “The state at which some of the facilities are benefits nobody but if they are transformed, they would be more useful to Nigerians and the young people,” Dalung said.

     

  • Tinubu lauds Ambode performance in Lagos

    Tinubu lauds Ambode performance in Lagos

    National Leader of All Progressive Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, should be commended for performing well despite the huge debt he inherited upon assumption of office.

    He spoke Wednesday at the commissioning of a bridge linking Aboru and Abesan and five adjoining roads, in the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council of Alimosho Local Government Area, in commemoration of his 65th birthday.

    Tinubu while addressing the large turnout of residents, that witnessed the commissioning, said “I was worried hell when you took over, not about your credibility, character or capacity, but because however wise or smart a man is, if there is no resources to back the ideas, production would be zero, progress would be zero.

    “When you (Ambode) took over, I know you inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high, I was wondering how you will reengineer and face the challenges to make progress.

    “Today I can see your report card, you have scored well, you have shown prudency especially in the use of resources of the State.”

    The National Leader also commended the Governor for re-engineering the financial structure of the state, nothing that the governor did not disappoint the trust repose on him.

    “You didn’t disappoint us. Ambode is silently achieving, religiously executing and brilliantly giving results for Lagos State.

    “All over Lagos, we are seeing the results. At Oshodi, on our way down here, you can see what is happening there, that place is a construction site. It used to be a den of robbers but what is going on there now is developmental activities for the benefit of the entire country.

    Tinubu thanked Ambode for marking his birthday with the commission of a number of projects, describing it as a reflection of a very good governor who is a thinker and a doer.

    “Today, you (Ambode) have given me a good birthday present. This is a great opportunity for me to be very proud again.”

    Governor Ambode in his remark, said the projects commissioned were parts of his administration’s drive of inclusiveness and not leaving anybody or location within the state out of development.

    Ambode said exactly a year ago when he visited the community and saw the terrible state in which the road network was in, he felt touch to do something immediately, which was why he asked the state Public Works and contractors to move to site three weeks after his visit.

    “This project is an indication that our government listens and responds to the needs of our people. We will continue to deliver first class infrastructure to improve the lives of our people, boost the economy and create jobs for our youths. On your part, I urge you to take ownership and protect the infrastructure provided. Use them appropriately so that they can serve you for a long time.

    “Beyond this, we are very grateful to the contractor on this project, Engr. Olalekan Adebiyi, who has deemed it necessary to contribute to the healthcare of this community by donating a Primary Healthcare Centre to the Alimosho people. Thank you very much, Mr. Adebiyi.

    “On our part, we have equipped the Health Centre and provided a brand new ambulance which will be stationed at this centre to respond to any emergency in the community. A certificate will be issued to the donor to enable him offset his tax obligations. We hope this will encourage other well-meaning Lagosians to take up Corporate Social Responsibility activities within their communities.

    “In addition to this, we are celebrating our mentor; a visionary leader, the brain behind the 21st century Lagos, His Excellency, the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu today. We have decided to honour him by commissioning the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun States.

    He listed the roads to include Church Street, Giwa Street, Victor Fagbemi Road, Ogunfayo Road, Ogundare Street, Salami Kazeem, all totalling 5.5km with drainage, walkways and street lights adding that the road network would ease the pressure on the Abeokuta Expressway and links residents with Iyana Ipaja, LASU-Iba Expressway.

    Governor Ambode also flagged off the commissioning the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun States, saying that it was in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the brain behind the 21st century Lagos.

    He also identified several roads for immediate construction and rehabilitation adding that work would commence next week on these roads so as to give a face lift to the area.

    He listed the roads to include Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge – 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road – 1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);
    Oko Filling Road – 1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River); Osenatu Ilo road – 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle road – 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road – 1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge– 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

    “Let me use this opportunity to appeal for the cooperation of residents of these communities with the contractors so that they can deliver these networks of roads not later than the scheduled completion date. The construction may cause a few discomforts but it will only be for a short while and the end result will be for the benefit of all.

    “To our irrepressible, dogged and outstanding leader, I say a big Happy Birthday. It is now my honour and priviledge to call on the “Jagaban” to commission this Bridge and Adjoining Roads for the use of his people in Alimosho.”

    Also, Governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said it was obvious that Governor Ambode started well and is doing well, and solicited the cooperation of the people to engender further dividends of democracy and good governance.

    Aregbesola also appealed to Ambode to continue the development of the Alimosho area, saying that there were many other roads and bridges that required upgrade.

    Other guests at the event were  Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Senator Ganiu Solomon, Hon Bisi Yusuf, Senator Isiaka Adeleke.

  • Tinubu a working made-in-Nigeria product – Ambode

    Tinubu a working made-in-Nigeria product – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a true example of a working made in Nigeria product.
    Governor Ambode who made the remark yesterday at the well-attended Colloquium held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, to commemorate Tinubu’s 65th birthday, said Tinubu political success transcend the length and breadth of the country.
    Addressing the large turnout of dignitaries from all walks of life, including Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, past and serving governors, ministers, members of National and State Assemblies, members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
     Ambode explained that like the Coconut, the APC stalwart has continued to be fruitful, creating more products and by-products from his political dynasty than any other living made-in-Nigeria political product in recent history.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Related Post: Tinubu, a great builder – Obaseki[/quote]
    •Ambode

    He said Tinubu, who was governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2007 contributed immensely to the success story of the State, adding that he was one of Nigeria’s shining examples in the political terrain.
    The governor said: “Like the coconut, some by-products/fruits will get bad along the way or after being sold in the market; in actual fact, the political product may not be the favourite of some other people.
    “The bottom line, however, is simple; If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were a coconut; I dare say, with all simplicity, I would be among the forefront liners that will eat, drink and sleep B.A.T. 24/7.
    “The test of a successful leader is the number of leaders that he has created.  Using this globally accepted parameter, Asiwaju, at 65, is, without a doubt, a winner in this category.
    “There is no doubt the Asiwaju political dynasty is a made in Nigeria product.  The foundation laid and blueprints developed during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State which cuts across all sections of the State’s economy have actually simplified the process of governance till date.
    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddbc89″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]His blueprint has continued to serve as a road map to achieving the Lagos of his and our dreams.  This same political product, without a doubt, traverses the Nigerian landscape and that is evident with the emergence of the APC at the centre in 2015.
    Asiwaju, on behalf of the First Lady, my entire family, all your admirers at home and across the world, we say a big thank you for your large-heartedness, benevolence and visionary leadership that you have unleashed on this nation. You are a Statesman par excellence, my leader, our leader – Ambode[/quote]
    Describing the theme of the Colloquium, ‘Make it in Nigeria – Use What We Make-Make What We Use”, Ambode said he was an unrepentant convert of the ideology, noting that Lagos state has demonstrated it with the successful partnership with Kebbi state on Lake Rice.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Also Read: Tinubu: A dogged fighter for democracy – Dogara[/quote]

    He assured that his administration would continue to improve on the indices of the ease of doing business to ensure that more products are made in Nigeria for the development and growth of our nation.
    President Muhammadu Buhari in his remarks described Tinubu as an outstanding politician, great mobilizer, effective in conceiving and planning governmental policies.
    “Chief Bola Tinubu is an outstanding Yoruba politician of his generation,” he said.
    Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau said that the Federal Government was already putting policies in place to encourage and facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to promote made in Nigeria goods, adding that same was part of his administration’s overall national economic policy.
    In her remarks, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun assured Nigerians that the country would soon be out of the economic recession, revealing that the Federal Government was already copying the Lagos template to revive the economy.
    She said the Federal Government recently released N1trillion for capital expenditure to make the economy productive, adding that measures were being taken to bring about multiple streams of revenue.

    • [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dda34b” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Also Read: Tinubu raised the bar for political leaders Nigeria – Buhari[/quote]

    “The economic template we copied from you (Lagos) is now being implemented for an economic recovery of the country and we are not ashamed to say it. The impact of that template is that many of the states are now copying it especially in the area of IGR,” Adeosun said.
    Also speaking, the celebrant (Tinubu) said it was time for the Federal Government to press forward with its national industrial policy and national infrastructural plan, especially by creating infrastructural funding from financial institutions.
    Tinubu, who commended the present leadership of the country, also advocated the need to embrace other forms of power generation and incentives to bring back some of the manufacturing companies that hitherto left Nigeria due to unfriendly business environment
     Among those who attended the event included; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, South West Governors of Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola, Abiola Ajumobi, Ibikunle Amosu and Rotimi Akeredolu; serving governors, Senators, politicians, entrepreneurs, among others.

  • Tinubu, great Nigeria political icon – Ambode

    Tinubu, great Nigeria political icon – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday described the former Governor of the State and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a great Nigerian political product and a successful leader who not only mentored many leaders in the country but laid the solid foundation for the sustained progress of the State.

    Speaking at 9th Colloquium held at Eko Hotels & Suits in Lagos to mark Tinubu’s 65th birthday, Governor Ambode said the test of any successful leader all over the world was in the number of leaders such leaders created, and that using the said globally accepted parameter, Tinubu without doubt, is a winner.

    Ambode likened Tinubu to a coconut blessed with divine task to be fruitful and useful to humanity, versatile, courageous, which could bear fruit for a long time.

    “Like the coconut, some by-products/fruits will get bad along the way or after being sold in the market; in actual fact, the political product may not be the favourite of some other people.

    “The bottom line, however, is simple.  If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were a coconut; I dare say, with all simplicity, I would be among the forefront liners that will eat, drink and sleep B.A.T. 24/7,” Ambode said.

    While alluding to Tinubu’s contribution to the growth of the State, Governor Ambode said: “There is no doubt the Asiwaju political dynasty is a made in Nigeria product.  The foundation laid and blueprints developed during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State which cuts across all sections of the State’s economy have actually simplified the process of governance till date.

    “His blueprint has continued to serve as a road map to achieving the Lagos of his and our dreams.  This same political product without doubt, traverses the Nigerian landscape and that is evident with the emergence of the APC at the centre in 2015. Asiwaju is a made in Nigeria product. We should make more products out of him,” the Governor said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode described the theme of the Colloquium which is: “Make It In Nigeria: Use What We Make; Make What We Use,” as apt, adding that the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi States which culminated in the production of Lake Rice was an eloquent testimony of the ability of Nigeria to be a producing nation.

    He, however, assured that his administration would continue to improve on indices of the ease of doing business to ensure that more products are made in Nigeria for the development and growth of our nation.

    On his part, President Muhammadu Buhari described Tinubu as an outstanding politician, great mobilizer, effective in conceiving and planning governmental policies.

    “Chief Bola Tinubu is an outstanding Yoruba politician of his generation,” he said.

    Speaking on the economy, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau said that the Federal Government was already putting policies in place to encourage and facilitate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to promote made in Nigeria goods, adding that same was part of his administration’s overall national economic policy.

    In her remarks, Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun assured Nigerians that the country would soon be out of the economic recession, revealing that the Federal Government was already copying the Lagos template to revive the economy.

    She said the Federal Government recently released N1trillion for capital expenditure to make the economy productive, adding that measures were being taken to bring about multiple streams of revenue.

    “The economic template we copied from you (Lagos) is now being implemented for economic recovery of the country and we are not ashamed to say it. The impact of that template is that many of the states are now copying it especially in the area of IGR,” Adeosun said.

    Also speaking, the celebrant (Tinubu) said it was time for the Federal Government to press forward with its national industrial policy and national infrastructural plan, especially by creating infrastructural funding from financial institutions.

    Tinubu, who commended the present leadership of the country, also advocated the need to embrace other forms of power generation and incentives to bring back some of the manufacturing companies that hitherto left Nigeria due to unfriendly business environment.

    Dignitaries at the event included Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, former and serving governors, Senators, politicians, entrepreneurs, among others.

     

     

  • National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017- Ambode

    National Arts Theatre’ll be ready for AMAA 2017- Ambode

    …Says hosting event in Lagos will boost state’s tourism potentials

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration has concluded plans to begin a total revamping of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos by next month in time for the 2017 Africa Movies Academic Awards (AMAA) ceremony holding in the State later in the year.

    Ambode, who spoke when he played host to officials of AMAA led by its President, Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe at the Lagos House, Ikeja, expressed optimism that the plan to upgrade the Theatre to world class standard would serve as a viable venue for the AMAA event when completed.

    “I want to also say that I am very particular about the venue of the AMAA, so we would use everything possible to make sure that the National Arts Theatre is ready. We are in a process and before the month ends, we should have something to start doing within the first week of April to getting the whole place ready,” he said.

    Alluding to the fact that Lagos would turn 50 by May 27, the Governor said that the hosting of the AMAA event in Lagos would add more glamour to the celebration of the State’s Golden Jubilee and showcase its hospitality to the continent and the world at large.

    “This is a very historic moment for us in Lagos. 2017 we are celebrating the existence of Lagos for 50 years. If you look at the calendar, you would wonder in what ways and manner can we celebrate Lagos.

    “Without your sector, there is no Lagos. So, when we say 50 years, we are talking about 50 years of history, so somebody documents it, somebody dramatizes it, and then somebody keeps it, so that those who are yet unborn would see it, so even when we are not there, it would be displayed through your creative talents,” he said.

    Ambode said the recent interventions of his administration in the creative industry was in line with his belief that it represents a new opportunity for economic development and unleashing the potentials of youths, assuring that he remains fully committed to breaking the barriers weighing down the industry from thriving.

    “We are in a synergy process. Government might not have put so much effort in creative arts, but that’s the new vista that we are going to. We have come to the end of white collar jobs, we are into the era of creativity and innovation and then it’s only a good government that has vision that can actually understand that we need to break down the barriers that allow people with talents to actually display where the real God given asset is. Yes, it’s lowly priced here, so we are just in a joint step here to say that for the very first time, we would deliberately attack the impediments that allow people not to thrive in the creative industry.

    While officially accepting the hosting rights for AMAA 2017, Governor Ambode said the State would take advantage of the opportunity to boost its tourism mileage beyond Lagos @ 50.

    “The whole essence is to grow the GDP of Lagos; it would bring people into Lagos, they would stay in our hotels, they would come watch the movies and then they would pay their taxes and eventually it’s a conglomerate of goods and services that would escalate our GDP,” the Governor said.

    Earlier, President of AMAA, Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe commended the Governor for his interest in the creative industry, saying that it has given the sector a major boost in recent time.

    “It’s amazing to have a Governor who is like a family that seems to understand what our needs are. We’ve never had a Governor of Lagos State who has shown so much deep interest in Nollywood,” she said

    She said the 2017 AMAA ceremony, the 13th in the series would feature films from 72 countries with over 23,000 guests from across the African continent vying for various awards.

     

     

  • Ambode urges States to explore comparative advantage for economic growth

    Ambode urges States to explore comparative advantage for economic growth

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday  urged federating States in the country to initiate opportunities that would enable them benefit from each other and explore their various areas of strength and strategic partnership to engender economic development.

    The governor, who spoke when he received members of the National Economic Council (NEC) Implementation Monitoring Committee on Retreat on the Economy led by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Maina on a courtesy visit to his office in Alausa, Ikeja, also urged the Federal Government to create a framework that would allow States to benefit from each other with the view to fostering concentric cycle of growth in the country.

    He commended the Committee for choosing Lagos as the first State to visit, saying that it was a confirmation of the success of the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi State on commodities production.

    Ambode said: “The essence of this is that beyond the things that we say in NEC in terms of project, we should be able to find a common platform and a framework that allows every other State to benefit from the comparative advantage that each State is bringing to the table and the choice of Lagos as the first State to visit by the Committee in terms of the project signified how serious we have been able to carry out most of the things we have been doing and what underscores that is what we have been able to achieve in our little time on the partnership with Kebbi State on commodities production in the country.

    “We believe strongly that the way to go forward is for us to bring out our comparative advantages in our various States and be able to learn from each other. So, I want to commend to this Committee that beyond the fact that you are doing visitation, let it end up to be part of the framework to work around peer-review mechanism amongst States and then for us to take advantage of what we are doing.”

    The governor added that beyond partnership with Kebbi State, his administration has also significantly improved on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos in terms of improving on the productivity of citizens and making life more comfortable for them.

    “We have improved so much on security to create that platform to allow people to do their business more comfortably and in doing that, the end result is that when more people are doing their trade and distributing goods and services, it is likely to touch on our IGR and that means more people will pay taxes which at the end of the day we would use to provide more infrastructures.

    “So, I want to recommend this template to this Committee that you should observe it and document it also and use it to encourage other States to create that concentric cycle of growth and development in the country,” Ambode said.

    Earlier, Miana said her team was at Lagos House as part of the flag-off of the Implementation Monitoring Visit in line with NEC resolution and the retreat which the Vice President had with Governors in 2016.

    She recalled that at the retreat, participants agreed to address 71 key items, noting that Lagos

    State, out of others, had already presented a good plan to the Committee.

    The Minister also commended the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi States, especially the new Rice Milling Plant being developed, saying that the partnership was a sterling example of cooperation to expand growth.

     

  • Lagos needs N60bn to revamp public schools – Ambode

    Lagos needs N60bn to revamp public schools – Ambode

    …Says N10bn already spent on rehabilitation

    …Reveals plan for a-meal-a-day programme

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that his administration would require about N60billion to give public schools in the State a befitting facelift as well as set up new schools especially in the riverine areas.

    The Governor, who said this during an interview with journalists, said though his administration has spent about N10billion in the last 22 months to boost the quality of education in the State, there was still a lot to be done in the sector.

    He said the State Government had carried out a study last year on the interventions needed in public schools and the construction of new ones, assuring that the funds set aside in the 2017 budget for education would be judiciously put to good use.

    “The result showed that we need about N60billion to put our schools together. But we have started the massive rehabilitation of our schools last year and you can go round to confirm. We expended about N10billion trying to put the worst set of schools back in place.

    “This year, a major intervention is also going to take place from our budget to see that at least let the existing schools even compete favourably with the private sector schools. That is the whole idea. I went to a public school and I must give back. Then, some of our riverine areas don’t really have schools. If you go to Ilashe and other places, there are no schools there and you see people taking canoes to go to school. So, that intervention is what we are also doing this year to see that there is continuous capital expenditure in public schools,” Ambode said.

    He said over 2300 qualified teachers have also being employed and posted across the various primary and secondary schools in the State to improve the performance of students, which according to him is already yielding results.

    Explaining the delay in the take off for the A-Meal-A-Day programme, the Governor said his administration was working towards a sustainable plan for the programme to cater for the eventual take off.

    He said that since the programme was a combination of resources from the Federal Government in partnership with State Governments, it was pertinent that the necessary funds to be provided to prevent hiccups after the take off.

    “Yes, it was in our manifesto but again in practical terms, we are still on it. The number of students in Lagos and the budgetary provision also do not really match for us to start. I don’t like a situation whereby we come out for two to three months and then stop.

    “I will like to sustain it when we start and don’t forget also that the project is a combination of resources from the Federal in partnership with State Governments. So, obviously in terms of provisions and resources, we in Lagos think we should have a long drawn sustainable plan and that is why we have not started it. What I can assure the people is that we are working on it,” Governor Ambode said.

     

  • Danfo: We’ll kick-start bus reform initiative with N30bn – Ambode

    Danfo: We’ll kick-start bus reform initiative with N30bn – Ambode

    Lagos Sate Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the weekend said that the proposed Bus Reform Initiative aimed at giving Lagosians an integrated public transportation system would kick start this year with a sinking fund of N30billion.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke to journalists, said his administration had identified the challenges Lagosians go through on a daily basis commuting via public transportation, saying the reform was aimed at providing a viable alternative.

    He said the Bus Reform Initiative is a three-year plan aimed at introducing over 5000 air-conditioned buses to replace the yellow commercial buses, popularly called Danfo, which according to him, was no longer befitting for the State’s mega city status.

    “We decided that the best thing is to allow the yellow buses go and so the Bus Reform Initiative itself is a three-year plan of 2017 to 2019 in which it intends to bring in new buses of 5,000 units in the three-year plan.

    “The bigger size buses will take 70 people and then the medium range buses will take 30 people. We believe that the middle range buses will be supplied up to 70 per cent of the total volume which will amount to about 3,600 units and then the longer range in that direction,” he said.

    Speaking on how the Government intends to fund the initiative, the Governor said that his administration would launch a public transportation infrastructure bond of N100billion that would span between seven to 10 years, revealing that the Government already has a sinking fund which it intends to put into the bond.

    “You are aware that the Federal Government paid the refund of the Paris Club Loan last December and this is a money belonging to the State Governments due to the refund and so Lagos State decided not to touch its share of the Paris Club refund. Right now, we have a sinking fund of N14.5billion that is already put in place to drive this public transportation bond.

    “We refused to touch our money and we believe that the second batch of the refund should be paid next month and eventually that will be N29billion that we will have. I will add another N1billion to it making it N30billion to kick start this initiative.

    “By the time we have N30billion as sinking fund to drive the bus initiative against the bond of N100billion that we want to put into the market, there will be that credibility and credence that the bond will drive itself and that is the whole idea,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said aside the bond, his administration also intends to give out franchise to interested stakeholders in multiple of 50 buses each, 100 buses, 200 buses and above, explaining that what is required is a down payment of 25 per cent of the buses.

    “So, these are bankable projects as we have a sinking fund and so our exposure as a government is just technically 75 per cent. So, from the kind of machinery we want to use to run the buses, there are no cash takings, everything is automated and obviously, who ever has a franchise, whoever drives, they have the recourse to take part of the money while part of the intake also goes to the repayment of the facility and so it is a comprehensive template,” the Governor said.

    He, however, said that the State Government expects the Danfo drivers, who would be absorbed into the new initiative to adapt accordingly, saying that the transport unions would be expected to take ownership to ensure sustainability.

    “This is just a paradigm shift where Danfo drivers move from being addressed as Danfo drivers but as professional drivers. So, we will buy back the Danfos from them and it becomes the seed money to become eventual owners of those buses in the years the facility is spread.

    “It is something we have been working on in the last one year and we don’t come out to say we are going to do anything without working properly on it. It is process and now we are at the advocacy process.

    “We intend to start to go to the bus parks and all that to educate people and the integral part of these buses is what you see us trying to provide bus terminals, Laybys, bus stops. They are coming in pieces but they will become a complete cup of delivering this particularly product when we put them together,” he explained.

  • FG frustrating my plans for Oshodi-Airport Road – Ambode

    FG frustrating my plans for Oshodi-Airport Road – Ambode

    • says state of road a national disgrace

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the Federal Government was presently standing in the way of his administration’s effort to embark on the total reconstruction of the Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road from Oshodi axis.

    The governor, who spoke to journalists at the Lagos House, Ikeja shortly after embarking out an extensive inspection of projects, said the present state of the Airport Road was a national embarrassment.

    He said although his administration has come up with a design for the reconstruction of the road as well as the funds to embark on the project, the Federal Ministry of Works was yet to grant approval.

    According to him, “The road linking Oshodi to the International Airport, you would all agree with me is a national embarrassment. In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired and we took it upon ourselves to appropriate in the 2017 budget that the House of Assembly should approve the total reconstruction of the Airport Road from Oshodi to the International Airport.

    “The State currently has a design of 10 lanes to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The contractor is already set to go and everything, as I said, has been completed and we already have the cash, but alas we are having challenges with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This is a Federal and not a State road. The Federal Ministry of Works believes that they should do the road, but they have not been able to do it all these years past.”

    He lamented that despite the fact that the Federal Government was indebted to the State to the tune of N51billion, which was spent on repairing Federal roads over the years, the State Government’s effort to immediately transform the Airport Road to world class standard was being frustrated.

    Ambode said if given the approval, his administration was ready to hit the ground running and begin construction of the Airport Road within two weeks and finish same within a period of six months.

    Ambode also implored the Federal Government to avail the State of the N2billion appropriated for the Airport Road in the 2017 National Budget to carry out the project.

    “I just want to remind Lagosians that prior to my becoming Governor, the Federal Ministry of Works has been owing Lagos State a total of N51billion as reimbursement for reconstruction that was carried out by the State Government on federal roads in the State.

    “So obviously, what we are asking for is that whatever it is that we are asking for, it can never be up to the N51billion that they are owing us.

    “I just want to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works, to let go or reimburse us with whatever it is that they are owing us and even if they are not willing to pay us now, we have the money to do it. It is a national disgrace and we would not be part of it. We would like to do it as part of the celebration of Lagos at 50,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor also expressed frustration that six months after President Muhammadu Buhari approved the handover of the Presidential Lodge, Marina, the state government was yet to gain access to the premises, saying that it was frustrating the programmes outlined for the Lagos @50 celebrations.

    “As we speak, we are yet to gain entrance into that place, it’s frustrating our programme. So I want to use this medium to appeal and say that the approval of Mr President should be rightly honoured and the agencies concerned, that is the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Security Services should honour that promise by Mr President.

    On the projects inspected, the Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace of work by the contractors, saying that they would be commissioned as part of the State’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

    While noting that his administration has fully paid compensation to owners of properties that had to give way for the Oshodi and Ojodu Berger regeneration projects, stated that the State Government has concluded plans to pay property owners at Abule Egba within the next four weeks.

    Among projects inspected include the Ojodu Berger regeneration project, Abule Egba Flyover Project and also the Aboru Abesan Link Road Project.

  • Ambode plans to transform Onikan, Marina axis to world class tourism hub

    Ambode plans to transform Onikan, Marina axis to world class tourism hub

    …Unveils plans for new state-of-the-art Museum


    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday unveiled plans by his administration to transform some landmark areas in the Marina and Onikan axis of the State into a world class one-stop recreation and tourism centre.

    The Governor, who spoke at the Eko Hotels and Suites at the presentation of Museum Possibilities as well as the unveiling of the design for a new world class Museum, also disclosed that the State Government will soon commence the construction of a brand new contemporary Museum in the State as an integral part of its overall strategy to become self-sufficient and secure the future prosperity of the State.

    He lamented that despite the fact that Nigeria is blessed with very rich culture and heritage, the culture and traditions upon which the social institutions and interactions are built have been neglected, saying youths do not have a strong appreciation of the nation’s history over the years.

    He said his administration decided to lead the process that would deliver a new world class Museum that would showcase the priceless treasures of Nigeria, adding that the project will be funded by the State Government and other well-meaning donors, interested organisations and individuals.

    “Every society must cherish its historical antecedents because they serve as source of inspiration for succeeding generations to discover, appreciate and take pride in their identity. It has become very imperative that we take a step back and revisit our history. It has become important that we renew efforts to preserve and protect our history and historical artefacts.

    “This project will serve generations of Nigerians now and in the future. Our plan is to harness the potentials in our rich cultural heritage to drive tourism in Lagos State,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said aside the plans for the new museum; the State Government had already taken the project to revive the Museum in Onikan, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture especially the Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
    Explaining the plans to transform the Onikan and Marina axis to a world class tourism and entertainment hub, Governor Ambode said that the Presidential Lodge, Marina which was recently handed over to the State by President Muhammadu Buhari, would be redeveloped into the Lagos Heritage Centre for Leadership.
    “In addition, the Lagos House also in Marina will be transformed into the Lagos Historical Centre. The JK Randle Arcade will be remodeled into a world class recreation/tourism centre. The New Museum will complement and be an important part of the structures being planned for this axis. We intend to regenerate this axis and the museum into an iconic structure that will invoke deep sense of pride in all Nigerians.

    “This is the new possibility that is being presented to all stakeholders in the tourism sector and all Nigerians. On our part, our commitment is unshaken and we are eager to make this dream a reality within the shortest possible time. Given the mega city status of our State, we believe this is the right way to go in order to optimally harness the State’s tourism potentials for wealth creation and sustainable growth,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode, while also thanking President Buhari for the fatherly role he has played on behalf of the nation in the partnership, expressed confidence that through the effort, the Government would realise the huge possibilities that flow from the preservation and showcasing the nation’s cultural heritage to the world.

    Also speaking, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed commended the State Government’s effort to create an enabling environment for tourism and the creative industry to thrive especially in the areas of security, light infrastructure and transportation.

    He said the Federal Government has also set up a Presidential Special Committee of E-Business to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria, especially in the area of visa issuance, so as to encourage investors, tourists and visitors coming into the country.

    Among those who graced the occasion include the Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu I, Obi f of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, Mr. Guy Bruce, veteran art aficionado, Mr. Bruce Onobrakpeya, art collector extraordinaire, Omoba Yemisi Shyllon, stakeholders in the creative industry, members of the diplomatic corp among others.