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Tag: Lagos state Governor

  • LASG to introduce coding skills in Ministry of Education

    LASG to introduce coding skills in Ministry of Education

    Femi Bank-Olemoh, Special Adviser on Education to Lagos State Governor said the state government planned to introduce coding skills technology in its Ministry of Education to teach one million people in three years.

    Bank-Olemoh made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of the 5th Edition of the Social Media Week in Lagos on Friday.

    “We have set a target for ourselves that we are going to teach one million people in the next three years the coding skills.

    “We are going to set up Coding Centres in partnership with private sectors and we will use our school system and our tertiary institutions for the centres.

    Social Media Week
    Social Media Week

    According to him, the state government will ensure that it teaches Lagosians coding skills to make them relevant in the 21st Century.

     

    Bank-Olemoh said that with the new initiative of the governor, Lagos State was becoming a  Smart City out of the 100 most relevant cities in the world.

    “People are going to need coding skills technology and that is what we are trying to do in the ministry of education,’’ he said.

    He advised the youths to grab whatever opportunity at their disposal, saying that coding was a skill that would transform lives and improve the thinking abilities of the populace, particularly the youths.

    He said that coding would help people of Lagos to communicate, acquire skills do business and solve problems in the future.

    “Coding is teaching people the language of the future. If you can speak English, you are going to communicate in the future; that is how important coding will be.

    Bank-Olemoh said that the advantage of coding was to acquire skills that would make people have good jobs and be relevant in the scheme of things.

    SMW Lagos 2017, which ended on March 3, brought together IT experts and stakeholders in various fields including education, health and politics to discuss the benefits and implications of social media on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

  • Ambode signs Environmental bill into law

    Ambode signs Environmental bill into law

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday signed the Environmental Management and Protection Bill into law, expressing optimism that it would go a long way to secure the public health safety of residents most especially children.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke shortly after signing the Environmental Management and Protection Bill into law at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said that his administration, on assumption of office, saw the need to address the gap in the sanitation of residents and the State.

    He said it was disconcerting to see that dysentery and other pandemics were on the rise with serious implications for the State’s public health expenditure, adding that the government thought it wise to tackle the root cause of the problem rather than spend excessively on treating preventable hygiene based diseases.

    According to him, the major motivating factor outside of the financial burden was the fact that children were the greatest casualties of the poor management of the environment, hence the need for the initiative.

    Alluding to the fact that majority of the State’s environmental laws were outdated and could no longer apply to the present-day conditions, the Governor said the government immediately swung into action and began efforts to develop a model in which sanitation is paramount.

    “While charting a new direction, it became quickly apparent that government on its own would struggle to bear the cost of the wholesale changes while meeting its other obligations across other equally vital sectors.

    “It was necessary to make investor friendly laws that attract the type of capital we need to further our development agenda and achieve our sustainability goals. We believe it is worth the risk involved in changing the legislative framework if the reward is a healthier and cleaner Lagos for our children – our future,” the Governor said.

    Ambode said that under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, the commercial sector would be serviced by licensed waste management operators while an environmental consortium will provide waste collection, processing and disposal services for residential properties through a long term concession.
    He said over the concession period, the consortium would be deploying a large multi-dimensional fleet of over 20 landfill and transfer loading station management vehicles, 590 new rear-end loader compactors, 140 Operational vehicles and close to 900,000 new bins to all be electronically tracked and monitored by our new unit PUMAU (Public Utilities Monitoring Assurance Unit) under the Ministry of Environment.

    Ambode also added that aside the fact that the initiative would create at least 27,500 jobs, the Community Sanitation Workers (CSW) who would be engaged will receive several incentives  including tax reliefs and healthcare, life, injury and accident insurance benefits all aimed at  tackling the issue of poverty and the chronic unemployment crisis.

    “Everyone from the cart pushers to the existing PSPs and casual workers at the dumpsites have been considered in the plan and will be accommodated within the new environmental regime. In addition, we are extending opportunities to everyone along the value chain by working to create vocational training in the related areas through LASTVEB,” he said.

    Giving details of the law, the Governor said that sanitation will now be a daily affair in the State while the CSWs would be deployed in every ward across the State.

    He also said that an annual Public Utility Levy (PUL) would be introduced to replace all service fees previously paid to the Waste Management authorities, adding that the public was carried along in determining the rates, which according to him is relatively low.

    “The PUL will be a major contribution to the State’s ongoing efforts to address severe challenges that are unique to Lagos because of rising urbanization. The money will be held in the Environmental Trust Fund and managed meticulously by a Board of SEC regulated trustees.

    “The trustees are under strict obligations to the people of Lagos and will be accountable to the people for every naira we spend in line with our overall environmental agenda. Compliance is the key. The burden of the cost of providing these services will remain low if everyone does their part and pays their PUL.

    “With the newly positioned LASECORPS, we will work within the community to enforce the new laws. The State will have a zero-tolerance policy for offenders because simply put, disregarding payment of your PUL or flouting the new regulations ultimately promotes activities that lead to the loss of lives,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on the Environment, Hon Saka Fafunmi, commended the Governor for his passion to evolve the environmental laws in the State, saying that the Law would ensure a cleaner, safer and more prosperous Lagos.

  • Ambode felicitates with Adeboye at 75

    Ambode felicitates with Adeboye at 75

    …Says Cleric is God’s precious gift to Nigeria

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday showered encomium on the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as he clocks 75 on Thursday, March 2, 2017.

    The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described Pastor Adeboye as a minister of God who has over the years exhibited an unrivalled passion to expand the work of God and humanity at large.

    Ambode said that aside the fact that Pastor Adeboye has distinguished himself as one of the most revered clerics in Nigeria’s Christendom, he is a father figure to millions of people across the world due to his virtues of honesty, peace, patience, contentment, humility and diligence.

    “Pastor Adeboye is no doubt a man of many parts.  His simple life of transparency, openness, truth and grace make him one outstanding personality worthy of reference. He is indeed God’s precious gift to the nation. It is indeed the mercies of God that has kept him waxing stronger and aging with grace.

    “For many of us who had the privilege of being taught and nurtured by Pastor Adeboye, we were always motivated by the way he delivered the Word in his unique and eloquent manner. Even at 75, he is still carrying on strong and spreading the gospel of Christ at every given opportunity,” he said.

    Ambode, while wishing him a happy 75th birthday, also prayed that the Almighty God will grant Pastor Adeboye long life and more strength to continue to be a role model to the body of Christ.

  • Ambode constitutes new board of trustees for glover memorial hall

    Ambode constitutes new board of trustees for glover memorial hall

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the constitution of a new Board of Trustees for the Glover Memorial Hall to be chaired by Chief Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih.

     In a Press Statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello on Friday, the other members named in the new Board of Trustees include Mr Jide Aleshinloye-Williams, Mr Michael Dawodu, Mr Shina Elegbede and Arc Taofik Olawunmi Agbade.

     Also approved by the Governor as new Board of Trustees members are a representative of the Government in the person of the Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and the director of the State Council for Arts and Culture.

    The constitution of a new Board of Trustees for Glover Memorial by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode followed the passage of some former Trustees of the Hall and the need to fill the vacancies.

    A date for the inauguration of the new Board of Trustees would be announced later.

     

  • Ambode presents keys to 100 allottees of Rent-To-Own housing scheme

    Ambode presents keys to 100 allottees of Rent-To-Own housing scheme

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, Monday presented keys to the first batch of 100 allottees of the state’s Rent-To-Own Housing Policy.

    State Commissioner for Housing Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who represented the governor at the presentation of keys, held in the conference room of the Staff Clinic yesterday, said the government has taken the bull by the horn through the implementation of the rent to own policy aimed at making housing more readily affordable and accessible to the citizenry.

    According to him, “the need to create a new face of accommodation for Lagosians especially the low and middle income earners has become imperative in view of the ever increasing population of the state.”

    Lawal said under the rent-to-own policy, all prospective home owners’ needs to do is to make five percent commitment fee, take possession and pay up the remaining balance towards the ownership of the property over a period of 10 years.

    He recalled that not too many people believed three months ago when the governor launched the policy in four locations including, Epe, Ikorodu Agbowa and Ojokoro, adding that today even the doubting Thomases have benefited from the gesture.

    He said the allottees will received keys from the various estate which include Micheal Otedola, Odoragunshin , Epe; Oba Adeboruwa, Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Choice City Agbowa, Hon. Olaitan Mustapha and Alhaja Adetoun Mustapha Ojokoro.

    He assured that the allocation of the houses would be taking place on a monthly basis in a fair and just manner, devoid of lobbying or favoritism of any sort.

    Gbolahan further added that about twelve schemes were earmarked for the rent-to-own policy out of which five are presently being allocated.

    He listed the other estate on the scheme to include, Odo-Onosa/Ayandu Housing scheme, Agbowa, Igbogbo 2B Housing Estate, Ikorodu, Igando Gardens-Igando and Egan-Igando, Iponri scheme, Surulere, Sangotedo scheme, Eti-Osa and Ajara Housing scheme Badagry.

    The commissioner informed that the government has also commenced implementation of the rental housing programme as twenty percent of the available housing units in each of the rent-to-own estate have been dedicated to the rental housing programme.

    Lawal added that the rental housing programme is targeted at meeting the needs of the citizens who may not be interested in ownership or may not be able to meet the requirement of 30 percent equity contribution for mortgage or five percent commitment fee for the rent-to-own programme.

    Earlier, General Manager, Lagos State Mortgage Board, Mr. Dehinde Tunwashe, said the selected estates under the scheme are located in serene and beautiful gated communities with facilities such as water treatment plants, adequate parking space, health care centre, estate management office, street lights, recreational area and a police post for security.

    Mr. Bamidele Olayiwola Idowu, who was allotted a two-bedroom at Sir Micheal Otedola Estate, Odoragunshin in Epe, thanked the State Government for the initiative, saying that his earlier presupposition that the scheme was a political gimmick.

    Also speaking Miss Leduwe Kikelomo Olajumoke, a beneficiary of a one bedroom at Oba Adeboruwa Estate, Igbogbo, said she was still in shock that the scheme was a reality.

    “I am still in shock, but very happy. This is real. I just tried by luck, but I was surprised that I was selected. This is big, it is real and transparent and a testimony that it is good to be a tax payer in Lagos”, an excited Olajumoke said.

    Corroborating her, Mr. William Friday Nsebot, a chartered accountant from Akwa Ibom State, who was allotted a three bedroom at Hon. Olaitan Mustapha Estate, Ojokoro, said Governor Ambode had not only kept his promise but has proved that his administration was truly all-inclusive.

    He said that not only was the process for application seamless, the courteousness of the staff of the Lagos State Homs Mortgage Board was laudable.

  • Ambode to Christians: Shun acts that can breed disunity, crisis

    Ambode to Christians: Shun acts that can breed disunity, crisis

    …CAN Says Lagos Progressing Despite Recession

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday enjoined Christians to continue to make conscious efforts to sustain the peaceful atmosphere across the country, urging them to also refrain from acts capable of breeding division and igniting avoidable crisis.

    The Governor, who spoke at the 2017 Inter-Denominational Divine Service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, said he was absolutely convinced that the success stories his administration has recorded so far were made possible by the collective prayers of all Lagosians and more importantly the relatively peaceful atmosphere that has prevailed within the State over time.

    “Every situation whether good or bad requires prayers. For us in Lagos State, we have been truly blessed. Indeed, we have enjoyed His grace which has enabled us as a State, to experience unprecedented breakthroughs inspite of economic recession. For instance, a lot of investments and new businesses have come into our State in the last twenty-one (21) months and there are many more in the process.

    He therefore urged Christians to lead from the front and continue to pray for not just the progress of the State but the nation at large, just as he assured that his government will continue to promote fairness, justice and everything that will make life more comfortable for Lagosians.

    “At this critical period in the history of our nation, the church and indeed everyone who believes in the efficacy of prayer have a responsibility and patriotic duty to pray for the wellbeing and progress of our State and nation. Prayer is the master key and there is no challenge that cannot be surmounted with prayers.

    “We remain committed to the goal of making the Lagos work for all; making all our communities economically viable and liveable as well as creating opportunities for everyone to actualise his/her potentials, without discrimination on the basis of ethnic affiliation, religious beliefs or socio- economic circumstances. By His grace, Lagos State will continue to prosper and our nation will rise again and become a pride to the entire black race and humanity,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who also expressed his delight to be part of the service, commended the Chairman, Executives and entire membership of CAN in Lagos, for sustaining the initiative which has become a yearly event that brings Christians from different denomination to worship and pray together.

    Earlier, Chairman of CAN, Lagos State Branch, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola thanked Governor Ambode for finding time to grace the occasion, noting that it was the first time in the history of the service that a Governor of Lagos State of the Christian faith would be attending the programme personally.

    Bamgbola also lauded the Governor for the several laudable projects he had initiated since he assumed office, saying that Lagosians were greatly feeling the impact across the State.

    “We wish to let you know here today that we are proud of the wonderful and excellent work that the Lord is using you t do in our dear state of Lagos. In less than two years, God has used you to do great work that every well-meaning Lagosian is commending daily. It is self-evident that truly: ‘Itesiwaju Eko lo jewa l’ogun”, the CAN boss said.

    Corroborating him, Rev. Sunday Matilukuro who gave the sermon, said he was particularly amazed on how Governor Ambode was able to surmount the early challenges his administration faced to deliver life changing projects across the State.

    “When I was in my former station, we were reading about the traffic jam all over Lagos and I was wondering what was happening, but when I came on visit to Lagos, I was wondering what the noise was all about because what I was seeing was different. You are gradually transforming Lagos to the megacity that it is,” Matilukuro said.

    Speaking on the theme, ‘Grace in a Recession’, the cleric urged Christians to seek the face of God and shun sin if they must rise above recession to succeed.

  • Ambode targets 3000mw 24-hr power generation for Lagos

    Ambode targets 3000mw 24-hr power generation for Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the quest by the country to achieve energy security can no longer be left for the Federal Government to address alone, just as he revealed plans by the State to attain 24-hour power supply through generation of 3000megawatts of electricity by 2022.

    Speaking at Lagos House in Ikeja after receiving the report of the Embedded Power Technical Committee constituted by the State Government with representatives from the public and private sector, Governor Ambode said while the Federal Government continues in its efforts to resolve the power crisis, the sustainable solution going forward would be the pulling together of commitment and resources of all stakeholders in the power value chain.

    While explaining the rationale behind the embedded power initiative of the State Government, Governor Ambode said the major bane of the power situation in the country has always been with transmission, adding that the initiative was designed to permanently resolve power crisis in the State and by extension in the country.

    He said: “The reason why we embarked on this initiative is that we believe strongly that if the power problem is solved in Lagos, it is technically solved in the whole of the country and so because Lagos has more or less tested a solution that works, we can scale this up and also address it on a national scale.

    “The problem of power in Nigeria is the problem of transmission and that is the truth. Yes, we have generating companies and we have distributing companies and they say power is in the hands of the private sector but we know technically that that is not totally true.

    “We also know that transmission is hundred per cent owned by government but we have tested here in Lagos and we have been able to provide 48 kilowatts of power without transmitting it which means that we generate and then distribute.

    “So, if that works for 48 kilowatts, can we put Lagos into clusters and actually use embedded power initiative to drive the business of Lagos? That is what this initiative is all about and I want to thank all the stakeholders for submitting their business template into what government sees as the right step to take so that we can join hands together to say in the next two to five years, we can actually power Lagos and then grow our GDP.”

    Governor Ambode said the target of the State Government is to generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various embedded power plants in strategic locations in the State within three to five years.

    Out of the 3000MW, the Governor said 350MW would be delivered by Q1 2018, additional 850MW by Q4 2018, and the balance of 1,800MW not later Q3 2022, while the State Government will support the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to be signed between the Distribution Companies and the embedded power providers, to enhance bankability of the projects.

    He said the embedded power will be distributed off-grid within Lagos State through the network of Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies, while the State Government will support the Distribution Companies in upgrading their distribution infrastructure and installation of smart prepaid meters in the areas where embedded power is deployed.

    Other areas of collaboration, according to the Governor, would include support for collection, appropriate legislation and enforcement of power theft laws.
    Besides, Governor Ambode said his administration will collaborate with operators of oil blocks in the Lagos area to accelerate the extraction of gas feedstocks for power generation, adding that alternative sources of fuel would be explored to sustain uninterrupted power supply in the medium to long term, including partnerships on investments in gas pipeline infrastructure through the State’s owned oil and gas Corporation – Ibile Oil and Gas.

    While recalling the success of the Light Up Lagos Project with installation of over 47,000 poles of street lights, and connection of about 67 communities in the Ibeju Lekki axis to national grid after about six years off grid under the rural electrification project, Governor Ambode said another 32 communities in Badagry which have not had access to electricity for over sixteen years would be connected to the grid within the next 21 days.

    Responding on behalf of Distribution Companies (DISCOS), Chairman of Eko Distribution Company, Mr. Charles Momoh commended Governor Ambode for the embedded power initiative, saying it was the best thing that has happened to Lagos State in recent times.

    He also expressed the confidence of DISCOS in the ability of the Governor to see to the success of the initiative.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo, said he was confident that the implementation of the report holistically would address electricity problem in the state.

     

     

  • 27 countries, 100, 000 athletes to participate in Lagos Marathon

    27 countries, 100, 000 athletes to participate in Lagos Marathon

    A total of 100, 000 athletes from 27 countries including Nigeria will be participating in the second edition of Access Bank Lagos Marathon billed to hold from 7am to 2pm on February 11, 2017.

    64 elite athletes from 26 countries and 102 from Nigeria, as well as 30 special athletes will also be participating in the marathon scheduled to start from National Stadium in Surulere and terminate at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

    Addressing a world press conference on Friday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said adequate preparations have been put in place to ensure a successful event, assuring that the marathon had been designed to be bigger and better than the previous edition.

    Governor Ambode, who addressed the briefing alongside President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr Solomon Ogba; Acting President of International Association of Ultra runners, Mr Nadeem Khan; representatives of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), and representatives of the sponsors of the event, said all the agencies of government participating in the event have been adequately mobilized, saying that Lagosians should expect the best.

    Speaking on the idea behind investing in the marathon, Governor Ambode, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Sports and Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Deji Tinubu, said the event was meant to showcase the excellence of Lagos to the world as well as encourage sporting activities among the people.

    He said: “We want to show the world that Lagos can be and Lagos can do what it is expected of it as a mega city; we want to show to the world the tourism potentials of Lagos; we want to show to the world that Lagos is safe; we want to show to the world that Lagos can be the choice destination for sports, tourism and entertainment and that is why we are doing this.”

    While appreciating all the sponsors that partnered with the State Government, Governor Ambode said it was gratifying to note that many of the participating athletes have picked up their running kits, while top notch security and logistics arrangement have been put in place.

    He also said that the Sole Administrators of the Local Government Areas of the routes of the marathon have also been adequately mobilized, while arrangement for entertainment and fun packs have also been perfected for those not participating in the marathon.

    In his remarks, AFN President, Ogba said as the biggest commercial city and very important city in Africa, the Lagos Marathon was designed to be among the top ten marathons in the world, saying that he was indeed happy with the commitment of the present administration in the State led by Governor Ambode towards the marathon.

    He said it was a common knowledge that over 10,000 people travel to Lagos per day with no intention of going back and with a lot of attendant pressure on public infrastructure, adding that it was good thing that the government considered the event.

    Also, Head of Organizing Committee of the Marathon and Executive Director of Access Bank, Mr. Victor Otoko recalled the success of the last year edition, saying that necessary preparation has been perfected to make this year’s edition hugely successful.

    He said provisions have been made for a total of 29 water stations along the marathon routes with adequate security to ensure that only the marathoners get access it, while all the special athletes participating in the marathon would be given appearance fees.

    Explaining how the Marathon came into being, Project Consultant, Mr Bukola Olopade said Governor Ambode deserved to be commended for his sportsmanship that made it easy for the maiden event to be possible having given approval after presentation on the event.

    “Let me specially thank Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for understanding the context of hosting the event just within two minutes of discussing why Lagos, considered to be the hub of business activities in Nigeria and 5th largest economy in Africa should host the marathon,” Olopade said.

     

     

  • Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    …Commiserates with families of killed security guards

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday directed the State Police Command to ensure prompt arrest of kidnappers who struck on Wednesday evening in Isheri area of the State killing three security guards.

    The kidnappers were said to have also abducted the Secretary of the Isheri North Residents Association, Mr. Dayo Adekoya.

    A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said Governor Ambode has already directed the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni to move decisively and promptly to arrest the kidnappers.

    Governor Ambode, according to the statement, specifically commiserated with the families of the security guards that lost their lives to the unfortunate incident, and assured that government is on top of the situation and working with security agencies to ensure early release of the victim.

    Ayorinde said: “A while ago, the CP of Lagos Command of the Nigerian Police, confirmed that police has commenced investigation as well as put in place necessary rescue operation to ensure the release of the victim.

    “While the State Government commiserates with the families of the three dead estate security guards, it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that lives and property of residents in the State are protected.”

    It would be recalled that just last week, Governor Ambode had demonstrated his seriousness and determination to eradicate the menace of kidnapping when he signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

    The law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom and death penalty in the event of death of a kidnapped victim.

  • Ambode insists on removing yellow buses from Lagos roads

    Ambode insists on removing yellow buses from Lagos roads

    …Reveals New Sanitation Policy

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday insisted plans are afoot to remove yellow buses popularly known as Danfo from Lagos roads for a more efficient, well-structured and world class mass transportation system that would facilitate ease of movement within the city.

    The Governor also said that his administration would soon roll out a comprehensive environmental sanitation policy that would make the city to be clean without much burden on the people in terms of taxes.

    Speaking at the 14th Annual Lecture of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) held at Muson Centre in Onikan with the theme: “Living Well Together, Tomorrow: The Challenge Of Africa’s Future Cities,” Governor Ambode admitted that the present connectivity mode in Lagos was not acceptable and befitting for a mega city, and as such a well-structured transportation mode would soon be put in place to address the challenge.

    “When I wake up in the morning and see all these yellow buses and see Okada and all kinds of tricycles and then we claim we are a mega city, that is not true and we must first acknowledge that that is a faulty connectivity that we are running.

    “Having accepted that, we have to look for the solution and that is why we want to banish yellow buses this year. We must address the issue of connectivity that makes people to move around with ease and that is where we are going.

    “For instance, people going from Ikorodu to CMS have started leaving their cars at home because the buses are very convenient and so why can’t we do that for other places? Yes, we don’t have the money to do that but we can go to the capital market and then improve on the technology of collection of fares and that will encourage investors and then the city will change,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said government was also embarking on massive reform in waste management system, expressing optimism that the plan will fully be actualized by July this year.

    He said: “We are also embarking on massive reform in the waste and sanitation management system. I don’t like the way the city is and the Private Sector Participants (PSP) collectors are not having enough capacity to do it but again should I tax people to death, the answer is no. I don’t want to tax people and so we need this partnership with the private sector so that they can invest in the sanitation management of the city and in no time maybe by July, the city will change forever.”

    The Governor, who recalled the massive infrastructures being put in place in critical sectors of the Lagos economy such as transport sector, road construction and rehabilitation, construction of lay-bys, and flyovers among others, said the main objective of his administration remained the growth of the Lagos economy from 5th to 3rd largest economy in Africa.

    On power, Governor Ambode said the major issue had always been with transmission and advocated an embedded power initiative that would allow clusters of Independent Power Projects (IPP) to run the cities.

    He said he had remained focused on some issues such as infrastructure, security, job creation, power, adoption of technology as an enabler and driving investment through ease of doing business.

    In his opening remarks, CVL founder and renowned development expert, Professor Pat Utomi said the idea behind the formation of the group was to get young people to begin to appreciate early what leadership was all about being service to the people.

    Speaking on the theme of the symposium, Utomi said Lagos remained the best governed State in Nigeria in the last 18 years, and a good example of what the country should be beyond and without oil.

    He commended Governor Ambode on his leadership style, and particularly congratulated Lagos for being named by the Rockefeller Foundation as one of the 100 most resilient cities in the world.

    Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke said the theme of the symposium was apt considering that Nigeria’s population by 2050 would have tripled and as such it was important for the country to start planning for livable cities.

    He commended Governor Ambode over his achievements in office so far, saying that it was obvious that the Governor has been performing very well and he is a good example of continuity in governance.

    On his part, Director of Centre for African Economies, Oxford University, Professor Paul Collier said from his over thirty years’ experience of coming to Nigeria, Governor Ambode has proven himself to be the third excellent Governor in a row in Lagos.

    Collier, who was the keynote speaker, said judging by the population projection of Nigeria by 2050, now is the time for the country to start building its cities to conform with modern trend.

    He said Nigeria’s oil had been a course which messed up the economy, and so there was need to start proper planning for development.

    As a way out, Collier suggested alliance between the business community and political actors, saying that to build a city that works, attention must be focused on energy and connectivity.