Tag: Lagos State

  • Motorists groan over FG’s poor handling of construction work in Lagos

    Motorists in Lagos on Sunday expressed huge dissatisfaction with the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing over the abysmal handling of construction work on Lagos roads, especially on Third Mainland Bridge and Kara bridge, saying that the action called to question the ability of those in charge to handle matters professionally.

    A cross section of the motorists, who spoke to our correspondent about the development, said the negligent manner with which some of the construction works in Lagos were being handled leaves much to be desired of a government that is ready to carry out its responsibilities without subjecting the people to needless and avoidable inconveniences.

    They urged the Minister in charge and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to do the needful by going about their duties with utmost regard for the people.

    A motorist, Mr Samuel Arogundade said ever since the repair work started on Third Mainland Bridge some few weeks back, he has been subjected to untold hardship courtesy of the manner the construction is being handled.

    He said: “I think Mr Fashola and his men should wake up from their slumber and scant regard for safety to handle their duties professionally. Look at the other day, a serious accident occurred on the bridge involving about ten vehicles. The accident left many injured and it was because the construction was not handled professionally.

    “The construction company left their equipment on the bridge without any iota of consideration for safety and their negligible action caused the accident.

    “Apart from the accident, many of us who ply the route daily have been subjected to needless traffic gridlock which is not proper in a city that time is very important to all of us being a city with a lot of business activities,” Arogundade said.

    Also speaking, another motorist, Mrs Abidemi Olakunle said it was time for the Federal Government to do things properly.

    “Look for instance, Lagos State Government has constructed four lay-bys in Oworonshoki axis to ease vehicular movement in an out of Third Mainland Bridge. The lay-bys and segregated bus stops have greatly helped to reduce travel time inward and outward Lagos Island but since the Federal Government started repair work on the bridge, they have frustrated all the successes recorded via the efforts of the State Government.

    “Another thing is that the repair work they are carrying out on the bridge has not even yielded positive impact because up till now, they have removed the asphalt of some sections of the bridge and they are yet to put other ones there. They should finish their work on time,” she said.

  • ‘Lagos @ 50’ will attract tourists – Official

    ‘Lagos @ 50’ will attract tourists – Official

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that the celebration of ‘Lagos @ 50′ was getting to the peak and would boost tourists traffic in the state and country at large.

    The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s spokesman, Mr Ganiyu Lawal, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the celebration would highlight the beauty of Lagos to the outside world.

    “The countdown for the ‘Lagos @ 50’ has started and the preparation by the committee, headed by Prof. Wole Soyinka is already in its top gear.

    “Every month, activities have been slated to create awareness for the unique celebration which climaxes in May.

    “Lagos is celebrating her glamour and achievements in the past, present and her prospect in the future,’’ he said.

    According to him, the state is setting up new structures, monuments and sites as strategies to enhancing the beauty and economy of Lagos as she turns 50.

    He added that the basic goal was to divert the traffic of tourists into Lagos, which would definitely tap into her vast potential.

    “This celebration would attract tourists from all over the world because Lagos is set to showcase her unique potential, which would eventually boost her economy,” he said.

    Lawal then appealed to the private sector in the business of tourism and hospitality to collaborate with the state government in setting up Lagos for the grand finale in May.

  • Ambode mourns late journalist

    Ambode mourns late journalist

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed rude shock and sadness over the death of Mr. Francis Suberu,a member of staff of National Mirror Newspaper .

    Suberu, a reporter attached to the Government House in Lagos, died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 37.

    He was survived by his wife, two children and aged mother, among other relatives.

    Governor Ambode, in a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Folashade Omolara Suberu, described the late journalist as a quiet and unassuming man who contributed immensely in projecting the programmes and policies of his administration in the last 19 months through balanced news reports.

    The Governor said it was always painful to lose a soul mate and family bread winner, but urged members of the family to take solace in the fact that Suberu led a good life and was a member of the esteemed journalism profession.

  • LASG moves to ease Ketu, Alapere, Mile 12 gridlock

    LASG moves to ease Ketu, Alapere, Mile 12 gridlock

    The Lagos State Government says it has commenced the second phase of the Alapere Redevelopment Project to ease the gridlock in Ketu, Alapere and Mile 12 axis of the state.

    The state’s Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Anofiu Elegushi, made the disclosure at a meeting with residents of Agboyi/Ketu on Friday.

    Eleguishi said the project entailed the upgrade and dualization of Kazeem Junction by Alapere Estate up to the roundabout among others.

    “Our intention is to give a proper link between communities around the area and to reduce the pressure on the expressway,’’ he said.

    Eleguishi appealed to the residents to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to enable him deliver on schedule, promising that the government would compensate those affected by the project.

    “There is nowhere we give a project of this nature and there will not be pains and hardship on the side of the residents.

    “We want to appeal to you to bear with us, it is just for a little time,’’ he said.

    The contractor, Mr Tosin Alade, said the project had been divided into three sections.

    According to Alade, the sections include the rehabilitation of the second bus stop at Alapere Junction, the rehabilitation of the Ketu pedestrian bridge and the Alapere road corridor.

    He said that the project would be completed in the next two months.

    The traditional ruler of Ketu, Oba Isiaka Oyero-Balogun, while commending the state government, appealed that those affected should be “compassionately’’ compensated.

    The Community Development Association Chairman, Mr Raphael Ajayi, also lauded the government and appealed for other phases of the project to follow immediately.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government commissioned the first phase of the project in September 2016.

    It included the Ketu-Alapere Lay-by and the 700-metre concretised slip road to decongest traffic in the area.

  • National Theatre: My priority is to boost cultural activities, generate revenue – Acting-GM

    National Theatre: My priority is to boost cultural activities, generate revenue – Acting-GM

    Mr George Ufot, the acting General Manager, the National Theatre, Iganmu in  Lagos State, has said that boosting  tourism, cultural and entertainment activities at the theater, would form parts of his administration’s focus.

    Ufot told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos   while unveiling his plans that he would also generate revenue for the theatre through its facilities.

    “The theatre has lost its glory and it is high time we brought back the lost glory.

    “ I can remember that as a civil servant, I started my working career spanning  eight years  at the National Theatre before moving to the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation as the Director, International Cultural Relations Department’’, he said.

    NAN reports that Ufot was appointed as the acting General Manager of the National Theatre on Dec. 28.

    He said that the theatre used to be bubbling with lots of cultural and entertainment activities years back, adding that it was the peak of all entertainment centres then.

    “I have an idea of how the theatre was way back and I am ready to restore it to it ’’, he said.

    According to him, some of his plans are to upgrade the necessary facilities at the centre; improve on security surveillance and ensure that the surrounding is full of activities day in, day out.

    He said that the 5,000-capacity hall inside the building would be fully utilised to generate revenue for the government through activities.

    “To achieve that, I will ensure that the rates to rent out the halls are reasonable and affordable.

    “I will not scare people away with ridiculous rates; I will ensure that the rates are affordable compared to other halls outside the premises.

    “ The rate will be affordable, especially, for the theatre art practitioners who I believe the arena is suitable for their profession’’, he said.

    He said that parts of his plan would be to collaborate with the Lagos State Government to celebrate Lagos State at 50.

    He added that the celebration would start on Jan. 28, noting that the theatre would be part of the venues to be used to kick start the celebration.

    Ufot said that the President Buhari-led administration did not have any plan to sell the National Theatre to any foreign or local private investors.

    He added that part of the plans was to build shopping malls, hotels and other structures that would spring up tourism activities within the centre.

  • Badagry to become tourism hub in Africa – Ambode

    Badagry to become tourism hub in Africa – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said that his administration would ensure that Badagry becomes the hub of tourism and resort enterprises in Africa.

    Ambode said this at the `One Lagos Fiesta’ which took place at the Badagry Grammar School in Badagry, Lagos State.

    He added that his administration would ensure that the town becomes a flashpoint for development projects in the state.

    “This administration is determined to transform this ancient city into a tourism hub that would attract so many international people to this great city.

    “The six-lane road construction would further boost its economic activities and let’s not forget the seaport that would soon be developed in the town in the nearest future.

    “Our eyes are set on Badagry and we are doing things for the future because we intend to open up Badagry forever,” he said.

    Ambode commended the turnout of people at the event.

    “I have been to two different events but I must commend the turnout here because it is the largest and the best that I have witnessed so far.

    “This goes to show that people here are committed to moving the state forward and I’m so excited and glad about that,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the artistes that performed at the all-nite fiesta were; Mayorkun, Olu Maintain, CDQ, Dremo and Ara, amongst others.

  • Lagos teachers tasked on development plan

    Lagos teachers tasked on development plan

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, on Wednesday urged public school head teachers to come up with a school development plan in 2017, to improve basic education and enhance students’ personalities.

    Adebule, who is also the state Commissioner for Education, made the call at the end of the year programme for Lagos State Primary Schools Head Teachers organised by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Lagos.

    She said also urged them to make school improvement the first and foremost responsibility, to improve education standard.

    ”The government appreciates all your contributions to the development of primary education and has decided to approve teacher’s promotion with all financial benefits. Running cost to school managers has also been increased.

    ”I’m appealing that we continue to do what is right, be dedicated, disciplined and shun all forms of malpractice in the profession so that the state government can do more for our teachers.

    ”Always be reminded that the duty of moulding leaders who will make or mar our nation’s future, is in your hands, ”Adebule said.

    Also speaking, the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, urged teachers to be disciplined, dedicated and to double their efforts in moulding and preparing the students for leadership roles in future.

    ”Your dedication and improved attitude to work earned our primary education the best in the country.

    ”The reward for hard work is more work. I appeal that you continue to adhere to the ethics of your profession so that Lagos State will continue to be a pacesetter in the country’s education sector, ” Ambode said.

    In his address, Dr Ganiyu Sopeyin, Executive Chairman, Lagos SUBEB, said that in spite of the economic recession, the state recorded huge improvement in the education sector.

    ”The state’s education sector has experienced infrastructural upgrade, regular training of teachers, improved welfare packages for teachers. All these improved teaching and learning performance in our schools.

    ”These achievements would not have been possible without the immense support and efforts of the Gov. Ambode-led administration; I urge our teachers to continue to support government’s efforts, ” he said.

    Mr Adesegun Raheem, Chairman, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State Wing, urged the state government to sustain the improvement in the sector.

    ”The year 2016 was a good year for Lagos as it recorded labour-friendly activities and the state won the best in primary education,” Raheem said.

    Mrs Oluwatoyin Edu, Chairperson, Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Lagos State Wing, commended the state government for improving education at all levels in the state.

    ”We recorded increased population of students in our public schools as well as improved academic performance due to enhanced school development.

    ”We promise to continue to do our best to reciprocate the confidence reposed on us by the state government,” Edu said.

  • LASUTH assures of good staff welfare in 2017

    LASUTH assures of good staff welfare in 2017

    The Management, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, on Monday said it will continue to provide good welfare package for members of staff, to improve quality healthcare delivery in 2017.

    LASUTH`s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Oke, said this in a statement in Lagos.

    Oke said that the hospital’s achievements in the outgoing year could not have been without the dedication to duty by workers.

    “We will continue to aspire to provide welfare to our members of staff and I will continue to have an open door policy so that when there are issues, the superior argument will always prevail.

    “Management will work closely with the state Ministry of Health and the government to actualise the insurance scheme for Lagos that promises to enable Lagosians to access seamless and comprehensive medical care,“

    Oke said some of the hospital`s achievements in 2016 included inaugurations, kidney transplant and free eye surgeries organised by donor agencies.

    He said the successes recorded showed the willingness and passion of the government and health professionals to provide quality healthcare services to the public.

    “The new Critical Care Unit building was commissioned by the representative of Gov. Akinwumi Ambode, Mr Tunji Bello, the Secretary to the State Government on July 15.

    “Ambode commissioned, for use, Helicopter Landing Pad to facilitate patient evacuation to the hospital on Aug. 11.

    “The Korean Vision Care carried out over 50 ophthalmic surgeries in 2015; this year, 2016, over 100 patients with eye defects were operated.

    “Plans are underway to make this programme an annual event and possibly extend it to accommodate both in-service pieces of training locally and in South Korea.

    “We successfully carried out cochlear implants for several patients with hearing defects and carried out another renal transplantation, “ he added.

    The Chief Medical Director added that a new committee of the hospital was set up to improve the attitude of staff towards patients that visited the hospital.

    He said, “the watchword, I must emphasise, is that patients should be treated as one would expect to be treated.

    “The committee has been doing its rounds and correcting attitudes of staff where they have been found wanting.”

  • Motorists warned against night journey

    Motorists warned against night journey

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Friday warned travellers to avoid night journey because of ongoing rehabilitation of roads.

    Mr Hyginus Umeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Umeje advised motorists to travel during the day for good visibility, security reasons and quick response in case of emergency.

    “We have been advocating that people should not travel at night because of rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan- Sagamu Interchange and Benin-Ore Expressway by the Federal Government.

    “Due to the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation across the country, it is advisable for people not to embark on night journey,’’ he said.

    The sector commander said that the command had created camps on highways to take care of traffic gridlocks.

    Umeje also appealed to motorists to avoid overloading, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.

    “We learnt that some passengers ask drivers to carry four passengers in a seat meant for three in order to reduce the fare; passengers should not make such suggestions,’’ he said.

    According to him, patrol teams have been deployed to conduct alcohol test on drivers; any driver found wanting will be charged to court.

  • Lagos to construct elderly care centres

    Lagos to construct elderly care centres

    Gov. Aknwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said that the sum of N2.698 billion had been earmarked in the 2017 budget for the construction of five Elderly Care Centres across the state.

    Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the disclosure at the 2016 Pensioners Day Celebration in Lagos with the theme ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’.

    He said the move was to ensure that pensioners from the state recreate from time to time.

    According to him, it is a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the retirees from the Lagos State Public Service.

    The governor said it was also to appreciate them for their contributions to the development of the state and the nation while in active service.

    According to him, the Elderly Care Centres will be constructed in Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Alimosho and Lagos Island.

    This, he said, was to reassure them that their relevance in the society did not end on the day of their retirement from public service.

    ”This administration has shown a genuine commitment to the workers’ welfare, including retirees,  right from the inception through regular and prompt payment of retirees’ benefits, especially those that have accrued over the years.

    ”We had earlier paid a total of N21.929 billion accrued pension rights to 5,027 retirees, while another  N1.5 billion intervention fund was approved for the payment of the outstanding gratuities and accrued pensions to Local Government retirees and the balance of 142% pension arrears.

    ”This is just to ensure that pensioners from the state public service enjoy all comforts of life after giving their best to serve their fatherland.

    Ambode lamented that there was a wide discrimination and prejudicial attitude towards older people, old age and ageing process in the society.

    He urged people to desist from the habit and give due respect to those that laid the foundation for the economic growth of the state.

    In his address, Dr Akintola Benson-Oke, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, said the celebration of Senior Citizens/ Pensioners was in recognition of their various contributions to the socio-economic development of the state while in service.

    Benson-Oke said the celebration was also a further confirmation of the sincerity of the present administration to run an all-inclusive government where everyone would benefit from the allocation of state resources.

    He urged the senior citizens to continue to support the state government with useful suggestions and ideas that could help to move the state forward.

    Mr Mojeed Ibrahim, Chairman, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State Chapter, said the celebration provided an avenue for retirees to come together and share ideas on how to make life more bearable for themselves.

    Ibrahim commended the state government for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to its retirees in spite of the current economic recession in the country.

    ”We are appreciative of your leadership gesture and we are ready to offer useful advice that can help the government to achieve its goals,’’ he said.

    He appealed to the state government to address problems confronting the pensioners, including payment of the remaining gratuities of all affected pensioners, especially local government, primary school teachers and parastatals.

    Ibrahim called for the provision of a befitting secretariat for the pensioners.