The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos will soon set up economic team- Ambode

    Lagos will soon set up economic team- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed delight at the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa, just as he said his administration is in the process of setting up an Economic Management Team comprised of distinguished individuals from the private sector and the public sector to manage and scale up the successes recorded in that direction.

    Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja when he received a delegation from the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce on courtesy visit, said the emergence of Lagos was very instructive, adding that government would explore synergy with private sector with the view to catapult Lagos into a true global city-state in the true sense of the word.

    “Very soon we would be setting up what we would refer to as an Economic Management Team to drive the fifth largest economy, because that’s the way we need to envision our self and this Economic Management Team will involve nominees from the Chambers and other people in the private sector, so that we can collaborate because majorly this economy is driven by the private sector, our duty is to create an enabling environment and fuse all that together, I think that synergy can just catapult Lagos into that global city state that we want it to be,” Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor said there was no doubt about the fact that the economy of Lagos was in the hand of the private sector and the willingness on the part of government to ensure an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, which according to him, was why his administration has been investing massively in security and other business incentives.

    According to the Governor, his decision to come up with the Office of Oversees Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global, was part of efforts at encouraging investment in Lagos both from within and outside, among many other initiatives of the present administration.

    He said: “I think it is very instructive to clearly state that the economy of Lagos is in the hands of the private sector and beyond the fact that Lagos is now the fifth largest economy in Africa, the drive to take Nigeria out of recession actually resides in the private sector and willingness on the part of the public sector.

    “Because our economy is in the hands of the private sector and we are willing to allow them drive it, that is why we have decided to formulate policies and decisions that will make the private sector to thrive in this State and that is why in the last 18 months, we have been running this administration on a tripod of security, job opportunities and infrastructure development.”

    While explaining the tripod, the Governor said his administration believed that when the people and investors are well secured, businesses will thrive and more people would be employed, while the resources generated in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would be deployed to provide infrastructure for the people.

    Besides, Governor Ambode commended investors who have remained committed in doing business in Lagos despite the down turn in the economy, assuring that his administration would continue to work hard and partner with the private sector.

    While justifying the recent joining of O’dua Investment Group by Lagos, the Governor said his administration was of the strong view that the socio-economic integration of western Nigeria depend majorly Lagos, adding that it was better for states around Lagos to be equally prosperous to address migration issues.

    Earlier, leader of the delegation and President of the Council, Prince Dapo Adelegan, congratulated Governor Ambode on the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa, adding that with the development, it was now important to globalize the economy of Lagos.

    He said the Chamber would be willing to partner with the Lagos State Government not only to globalize the economy of the State, but also in the area of policy formulation, among other critical sectors.

    Adelegan, who lauded the various initiatives of the present administration in terms massive investment in security, job opportunities, Light Up Lagos, road projects, among others, also announced the decision of the Chamber to inaugurate Governor Ambode as one of the patrons of the Chamber.

    In a related development, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has lauded the Lagos State Government on the management of the economy of the State, especially in this period of recession.

    Sanusi, who was the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said any country that depends on a mono product commodity like Nigeria is bound to fail.

    According to him, Nigeria and other African countries has a lot to learn from how the economy of Lagos is being run, especially before the state gained oil producing state status.

    The Emir, who spoke at a forum recently, commended the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in Lagos and urged the State Government not to allow its new oil status distract it from the very solid economic template it is currently running.

    According to him, Lagos should emulate Norway, where all its oil proceeds are warehoused in a sovereign wealth fund and saved for the raining day.

  • Lagos shanties of Horror

    Lagos shanties of Horror

    All over the world, shanties in cities is a natural concomitant of urbanisation. In world’s most populous cities such as Bombay, Hong Kong, London and Singapore, the problem of shanties is a recurring decimal which governments in these countries have battled to solve for ages. The cause varies from rural urban migration, illegal immigrants syndrome in capitals like London and Washington DC, to poverty and insufficient and unaffordable accommodation. Coupled with this is the fact that the urban population in the world is rising generally.

    Lagos, a mega city with an estimated population of 22 million inhabitants is not an exception in the menace of shanties and this has been on for ages. The only exception is that Lagos shanties are becoming that of horror where illegal migrants like kidnappers and militants have made their comfort zones, from where they make use of the waterways to ferry their victims to another location.

    Recently, Governor Ambode ordered that all shanties in Ilubirin and along all creeks, waterways and under high tension cables be demolished while the illegal occupants should be evicted. This may sound harsh in the face of the present economic situation, but the fact remains that the action is necessary in order to protect lives and property of about 22 million Lagosians. Building of illegal structures under high tension cables is without doubt, an accident waiting to happen which no responsible government would condone.

    The history of the Ilubinrin shanties especially, reveals that the present illegal occupants moved in and erected illegal structures by cashing in on the time lag created by the redesigning of the Ilubinrin housing project which was started by former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu about ten years ago with the reclamation of the lagoon while the fishermen who were there at that time were resettled at Badore.

    The housing units which was initially expected to accommodate 1,254 housing units started in 2013, while the scheme was reviewed and redesigned by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to accommodate 1,500 families and make the place a live, work and play environment, with the partnership of a private investor. However, the illegal settlers moved into Illubirin waterfront during the process of redesigning the scheme and erected shanties. It is also noteworthy that all quit notices to the illegal occupants have been ignored up till the time that the illegal structures were demolished.

    It is not in doubt that shanties all over the world have always provided a safe haven for all sorts of criminals. In Lagos, shanties, especially those along the coastal areas have become the base of kidnappers as witnessed in Arepo, though in Ogun State, the kidnappers who are suspected militants operated in Lagos and even kidnapped a monarch, Oba Goriola Oseni, the Oniba of Iba. It took the aerial bombardment of the Arepo shanties by the Nigerian Airforce to reduce the once operational base of the kidnappers to rubbles and this has restored relative peace in the area.

    The recent case of kidnap of students and teachers of Lagos Senior and Junior Model College,Igbonla-Epe, on Thursday in their school and who are still in captivity, once again brought to the fore the dangers inherent in allowing these shanties to fester in the state. Before the Epe kidnapping incident, in March 2016, 3 female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary, Ikorodu Lagos, were also abducted and were only rescued six days after, through the prompt intervention of the Lagos State Government.

    With the above incidents, the Governor could hardly be faulted for ordering the demolition of all shanties along creeks and waterways. Apart from the security of lives and property of millions of Lagosians which is the primary responsibility of any government, the move would enhance the government’s pursuit of its policy on cleaner environment and restoration of master plans through the removal of all environmental infractions and nuisances across the state. No investor would bring his money to a city where his life, that of his family and property are not safe.

    While the plight of the urban poor most of who migrated to the city to have a better live must be considered as many of us including Governor Ambode are from humble backgrounds, this does not mean that government should fail in its duty to educate the people on the need to refrain from constructing any structure on river banks, because the safety of about 22 million residents of the State cannot be allowed to be jeopardised by few.

    Not a few people will agree with the obvious fact stated by the state government that, “It is quite worrisome that ramshackle structures, sheds, canopies and shanties, especially along shorelines have turned to the abode of miscreants/street urchins, rapists, kidnappers, touts, street traders and hawkers who often vandalise public utilities and attack innocent citizens”. Apart from the above, lives of the illegal occupants of these shanties are at risk of flooding and other health hazards like cholera and other communicable diseases as a result of poor hygienic conditions of the shanties.

    Just like any other city in the world, the concentration of economic development in a city like Lagos has largely accounted for population boom in very short periods of time which has severely stretched the coping capacity of city governments. One of the most visible outcomes of rapid urbanisation is therefore Urban Slum Formation. The most pragmatic solution to this is that the Lagos state government taking a cue from other developing nations with city slums, is focussing on the effective link established between planned economic development, uban growth and housing.

    This is why Governor Ambode’ s assurance to Lagosians that a lot of houses would be rolled out in the next few months is a cheering news. It is equally heart warming that the private investor will move into the Ilubinrin housing project site with an investment of a whopping $500m anytime from now.

    Boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao, built over 1,000 houses for poor Philippinos in his home town. The multi-millionaire boxing champion, who is also a congressman, and a born-again Christian said, “As faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms, each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. I’m so happy giving this houses free to my constituents in Sarangani Province from my own pocket more than thousand families are the beneficiaries.”

    I know we may not have another Pacquiao in Nigeria even though we have many religious organisations richer than many state governments, but let such individuals and organisations compliment the effort of government by assisting the poor to have access to decent but affordable accommodation. If they cannot offer the houses free like Pacquaio, they can at least make it so cheap that there will be no need for the urban poor to erect shanties that would later become a safe haven for criminals with the attendant health risks to the inhabitants, especially hapless women and children.

    It is high time the Lagos state government demolish all shanties of horror which has become the abode of kidnappers of our school children while reviewing the law against kidnapping to make it a capital punishment as obtained in other states in Nigeria.

    Akintunde, a development economist, wrote from Lagos.

  • Igbonla Kidnap: We’ll soon rescue victims – Ambode

    Igbonla Kidnap: We’ll soon rescue victims – Ambode

    …Says Govt’ll Review Law To Tackle Kidnapping

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday assured that the State Government in collaboration with security agencies would soon rescue victims kidnapped from Lagos Senior and Junior Model College, Igbonla-Epe, vowing that the government would also commence a review of its laws to curb and effectively punish perpetrators of such act.

    The Governor, who spoke shortly after carrying out an extensive inspection of projects across the State, also issued a 7-day ultimatum for all illegal structures on the State’s waterfront to be demolished.

    Speaking to journalists at the Illubirin Housing Scheme in Lagos Island, the Governor who was visibly worried about the erection of several shanties and structures within the premises and especially on the waterfront, said such would not be allowed in the State anymore.

    He said kidnappers, suspected militants and criminally minded persons often seek refuge in such shanties close to the waterfront, from where they perpetrate their heinous crimes and then make use of the waterways to ferry their victims to another location, in most cases to another state.

    The Governor said, “I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to all those living in the shanties around these schemes especially on the waterfront illegally that they should vacate the areas forthwith.

    “You will see that most of the issues that we have with kidnappings are actually being brought up by those who are illegal settlers by the waterfront. We will commence demolition of all the shanties around the creeks in Lagos State and also around our waterways in the next seven days. I have given directives to that effect to the appropriate agencies.

    “The safety of our children and all Lagosians is paramount in this administration. We will not allow a few set of people who come into Lagos and stay on our waterfront illegally and then use it as opportunity to kidnap our people. I also want to assure our people that government is seriously on the issue of the children and the teachers that were kidnapped in the Igbonla Model College and very soon, we will get the victims back.

    “I believe that the era of kidnapping has come to an end. We are going to review our laws and I can tell you sincerely that we will deal with kidnappers squarely in Lagos from this moment onwards. We will review our laws and make sure that there is no room for kidnappers in this State”.

    Governor Ambode, who also spoke on the plans to continue construction of the Illubirin Housing Scheme, said his administration has taken time to review its mortgage scheme vis-à-vis its financial flow, adding that the Illubirin axis would be designed as live, work and play environment under a private sector initiative.

    “In addition to that, the other housing projects that we are doing are on course and I want to assure Lagosians that in the next few months, we will be seeing a whole lot of housing units being rolled out. We believe strongly that people should be able to pay one month rent and live in our housing schemes.

    “We don’t think in a recession, we should be having a situation where we allow people to come and buy when they don’t have money or to come and pay one year rent. We think the way to move forward is to allow these our younger ones to just pay one month deposit and pay one month rent and move into the houses and then more or less play up our rent-to-own scheme,” Governor Ambode said.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, debunked insinuation that the Illubirin Housing Scheme had been abandoned saying that the project has been remodeled to accommodate 500 housing units.

    He said government, in collaboration with a private investor who is investing about $500 million into the scheme, has perfected plans to make the scheme a live, play and work environment.

    He said about five hectares would be dedicated for leisure, while there would also be commercial activities, as well as flyover which would be constructed.

    Governor Ambode also inspected the Federal Government Guest House in Marina which has been handed over to the State Government and the ongoing ultra modern Bus Terminal in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos Island.

  • Lagos consumes N1.6 Billion worth of cattle daily

    Lagos consumes N1.6 Billion worth of cattle daily

    Lagos state alone consumes about 8000 cattle and small ruminants valued at N1.6 billion daily.

    It is projected that, when fully realized, NIRSAL’s efforts to create a structured market for the livestock business in the country, through a bankable standard business model, has the potential to increase the overall value of Nigeria’s livestock market to about N2 trillion.

    Bello Abdullahi Abba, Coordinator Research and Strategy of the  Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), made this disclosure in a press released he issued and signed Thursday in continuation of the recently launched project to transport cattle by rail from the north to the south which was facilitated by the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), at the second cattle train of fifteen wagons that left Nguru, Yobe state for Oko-Oba, Lagos yesterday.

    Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu Abbati Abdulhameed said the initiative is a practical demonstration of NIRSAL’s mandate to provide guarantees so that banks can be encouraged to finance impactful projects along the agric value chain.

    “I am really excited at the progress that we are making on this project which is designed to maximize the current value of the North-South livestock trade, estimated at N950 billion to about N1.8Trn per annum. NIRSAL will execute this project, first, by fixing, end-end, the entire trade livestock value chain through upgrading the performance of its 3 components comprising Breeding, Trading and Logistics then guaranteeing the flow of affordable commercial finance to identified actors and enterprises within the “fixed” value chain.

    “What Nigerians are witnessing through the livestock Rail Transport component is actually one part of the bigger picture of the commercial livestock value chain upgrade being executed by NIRSAL”.

    Ultimately, the objective  is provide cattle breeders in the north, an alternative low cost and safe rail transport linkage to markets and their trading counterparts in the south. This will also eliminate the all too frequent menace of Herdsmen and Farmer clashes across the country.

    He stated that, beyond its general economic benefits to the entire country, the flag off of the Nguru-Lagos cattle transport route will help to catalyze the revival of the North East economy after the devastation caused by the insurgency.

    The journey is estimated to last two days compared to the five to six days it normally takes to cover the distance by road.

    The project, operated by Connect Rail Services Ltd, an indigenous bulk freight and logistics company as technical partner, is part of NIRSAL’s Farm to Market scheme designed to achieve a low cost and efficient transport link between agric producers across the country.

    The scheme is projected to reduce the cost of transporting cattle from the north to the south by over 20 percent, minimize injury and death of cattle while in transit and also preserve 100% of their value so that livestock breeders can get good price for their produce at the destination markets.

    Speaking further, the MD NIRSAL stated that “The next phase will include the creation of business models and specific financing products for the Ranching and Trading components of the value chain. The strategy is to mainstream all the actors into regular and sustainable relationships with structured finance and structured markets. This will include the transportation of carcass and cut beef in refrigerated containers”.

    It will be recalled that the second cattle train follows the historic and successful movement of 500 cows from Gusau, Zamfara State to Oko Oba, Lagos on September 1st, 2016.

    The livestock had arrived its destination hours ahead of schedule in healthy condition that guaranteed good market value for the cattle breeders and therefore healthier, more affordable beef for the consumer.

    There is every indication that the latest Nguru to Lagos cattle movement will produce similar positive results.

    According to Edeme Kelikume, MD, Connect Rail Services, regular bi-weekly movement of cattle by trains carrying at least 1,000 cattle from the north to markets in the south is scheduled to begin soon.

    “Our plan is to ensure that we take this transport solution to all states in the north with functional railway services so that those who deal in cattle will enjoy the cost and associated benefits that it offers. For instance, this service reduces cost of transport by over 50%, ensures quicker access to markets and greater value for cattle upon arrival”.

    NIRSAL is also making progress in its efforts to operationalize other elements of the Farm to Market scheme such as the movement of perishable agric produce like tomatoes, dairy products and vegetables in refrigerated containers.

    The movement of cattle represents the first component of NIRSAL’s “Farm to Market” flagship programme designed to boost value and efficiencies across the agricultural value chain through a remunerative, sustainable and market-focused food production that achieves greater equity so that farmers and other agricultural producers get more reward for their efforts.

    The ultimate plan, according to Mr Abdulhameed, is to enable the movement of meat in the form of carcasses in chilled containers as is done in the developed world.

  • Despite recession, Lagos still Africa’s premier business hub

    Despite recession, Lagos still Africa’s premier business hub

    The federal minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun had in July of this year, declared that Nigeria was in a technical recession. The recession was announced after two successive negative GDP growth in quarter one and two of 2016. The Minster had also stated that they intend to get the economy out of the recession by increasing capital expenditure.

    However, despite the recession, a France think tank chaired by Dr. Pascal Lorot, has seen the potential that Lagos state and Nigeria has to offer as Lagos state remains the economic hub of Nigeria twenty five years after it was replaced as the country’s official capital.

    The France think tank, known as the Institut Choiseul, has selected Lagos state as the city to host a meeting of 100 selected Africans in November 2016. The institute through an annual independent study identifies and ranks young African leaders of 40 years old and under 40, who will play a major role in the continent’s economic development in the near future.

    Ahead of the meeting in November Dr. Pascal Lorot who is also the current and founding President of Institut Choiseul, will be in Lagos to pay a courtesy visit to business leaders and high ranking government officials. Dr. Pascal Lorot would be meeting the French Consul General in Lagos and expected to meet with Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa as well as Ken Etete, CEO, Century Energy Services Limited and Lagos State Government Officials.  Foremost to Dr. Pascal’s visit is the unveiling of the 2016 Choiseul 100 Africa list.

    Lagos was chosen as the host city for this year’s meeting because of its huge economic potential. In 2014 Lagos state had a GDP of $90billion and as at May this year stood as the 7th largest GDP in Africa larger than both Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya, which are said to be two of the continent’s most promising economies

    The selection of Lagos state for this year’s meeting brings noting to doubt, as Lagos has played a role in setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria. In 2015 the state had an internally generated revenue (IGR) of at $1.3 billion, three times more than the state with the second most IGR and 39% of the total IGR by Nigeria’s 36 states. Lagos state fares much better when compared to other African countries.

  • Ambode to residents: Take ownership of newly built roads

    Ambode to residents: Take ownership of newly built roads

    …Says project created over 15,000 Jobs

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday urged community leaders, youths and residents of the State to take ownership of the 114 roads newly constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, just as he vowed to continue to implement people-oriented projects and policies.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke during the commissioning of the 114 roads, held simultaneously in 10 local governments, said residents must guard the infrastructure provided by government for them jealously, assuring that more projects would follow those already completed in the nooks and crannies of the State.

    In Epe, the Governor, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowoshe, and a party chieftain, Alhaji Shakiru Seriki, commissioned about 610meters road in Ajijolaiya Street, Papa Epe and another 620meters road in Adegoke Atowa Street, Epe.

    In his keynote address, Governor Ambode said that the construction of the roads across the 57 Councils, made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country between the period of January to August, adding that the completion of the roads was a glorious dawn of community development accelerated through inclusive governance and a historic leap of faith for his administration and the citizens.

    “At a time the national economy is facing financial challenges, our administration is able to inject over N19 billion into the economy of our State, stimulating employment and engaging the business sector.

    “No fewer than 89 indigenous contractors executed the road project with thorough supervision by the communities and government. About 5,700 direct jobs were created for professionals, artisans and laborers in the construction industry. A larger number of people, approximately 10,000 suppliers and dependants felt the positive impact of this stimulus package in their lives,” Governor Ambode said.

    In Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Governor Ambode also commissioned Molade and Temidire roads.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau at the commissioning of Temidire Street road, the Governor said; “We gave jobs directly to 5,000 construction professionals and artisans and indirectly to over 50, 000 dependents.”

    Also at the commissioning of Molade Street road, being the second road project in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, the Ojora of Ojora Land, Oba Abdul-Fatai Oluyinka Aremu Aromire, who represented the governor said road projects are vital to the development of any community; adding that motorable roads make business strive and engender development.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Sole Administrator of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Mrs. Feyintola Danmole, thanked the governor for initiating the road projects; saying Molade and Temidire roads were in bad shape before their reconstruction and rehabilitation.

    In Ojokoro LCDA of the state, Bioyin and Ademola Abiola streets were also commissioned.

    Governor Ambode who was represented by a member of House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency, Mr. Rotimi Agunsoye, also urged elders, youths and residents to guard jealously all the infrastructure, expose cultism and vandals in their areas, to bring more community driven projects.

    At Eti-Osa East LCDA, Prince Murphy Adetoro and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who represented Governor Ambode at the inauguration of 800km Busola Adalemo street in Langbasa and 480km Shola Omole street in Ado respectively, said the dream of making Lagos a megacity would be actualized if the government continues with the construction of 114 roads annually in all the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs across the state.

    Adetoro noted that the roads had been in bad shape for years, but the recent development had brought relief to residents and motorists linking Ajah Badore axis.

    While inaugurating the Erejuwa street road in Yaba LCDA, Governor Ambode who was represented by the state Assembly Committee Chairman on Local Governments, Mr. Kazeem Alimi, thanked the local contractors for delivering the projects and demonstrating tube capacity of the construction industry in the State.

    A chieftain of the APC, Chief Mutiu Are, who commissioned the Igbore-Omitogun street Iwaya, also in Yaba LCDA, on behalf of the Governor said the roads would contribute massive to the economic landscape of the area.

    At the commissioning of Matthew and Famuyiwa Olayiwola Streets in Mangoro and Agege area of the state, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare and the Olu of Agege, Oba Kamila Oyedeji respectively, said his administration remains committed to running an all-inclusive government.

    Governor Ambode, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip in the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Omotayo Oduntan and Chairman, Ikeja Community Development Council, (CDC), at the commissioning of 41 Road, Gowon Estate and Remi Ogunjimi Street in Mosan Okunola LCDA, assured residents that more community infrastructure would be delivered in the next one year.

    In Lagos Island, two roads, 320metres Agarawu Street and Sanusi Olusi Street were commissioned by Governor Ambode, who was represented by House of Representatives member, Lagos Island Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakub Balogun and Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun.
     

  • Monarchs, Lawmakers, others laud Ambode over completion of roads

    Monarchs, Lawmakers, others laud Ambode over completion of roads

    …Say Governor is a silent achiever

    Some prominent traditional rulers in Lagos State, lawmakers and party chieftains at the weekend heaped praises on the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode over the commissioning of 114 roads newly constructed in all the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

    Governor Ambode had on Saturday flagged off a week-long commissioning of the 114 inner roads, which was an initiative of his administration, with a pledge to commence the construction of second round of another 114 roads across the State soon.

    The Governor, on the same day, also commissioned the Ketu-Alapere modern Lay-by and 700 meters concretized Slip Road which comes with horticulture, artworks, walkways, covered drains and street lights. The concretized road is designed to last for at least 25 years.

    On the other hand, the 114 roads, were selected two per each of the 57 councils, and were designed with walkways, medians, street lights and standard drainage systems. The remaining 113 roads would be commissioned this week.

    Speaking on the newly constructed roads, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Shotebi said the delivery of the projects and many other projects embarked upon by Governor Ambode since coming on board, had vindicated the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The monarch said Governor Ambode deserved to be commended for the massive developmental projects and other initiatives aimed at making life simpler, easy and better for the people.

    Another monarch, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, said the completion of the 114 roads was a great achievement in not just the history of Lagos but Nigeria, adding that Governor Ambode has proven himself to be a miracle worker and a silent achiever who is passionately committed to the development of the State.
    “When Asiwaju Bola Tinubu came, he laid a solid foundation in Lagos State and Governor Babatunde Fashola built on it and made tremendous progress. Now, Governor Ambode is acting as a miracle worker in government and moving the State forward,” Oba Agoro said.

    Also, Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Sanai Agunbiade and a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu, Mr. Babajimi Benson said the 114 roads was a confirmation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Ambode was really concerned about the people and infrastructural transformation.

    On his part, a chieftain of APC in the State, Bashorun Tajudeen Jaiyesimi said the completion of the 114 roads, as well as the completion of a Lay-by and Slip Road in Alapere axis of the State confirmed the genuine intention of Governor Ambode to transform the State.

    Jaiyesimi expressed optimism that the Alapere Lay-by and Slip Road would go a long way to reduce the traffic gridlock on the toll gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and other adjoining routes.

    Jaiyesimi, who is also the Aare Baba Oba of Ikosi Land, congratulated Tinubu; former Senator representing Lagos West, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon and other party chieftains for supporting Governor Ambode after the primary election which produced the Governor, saying that the result of the support was the massive people-oriented projects being witnessed across the State.

  • ‘My purpose for being in politics’

    ‘My purpose for being in politics’

    Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kola Egunjobi is the Secretary, All Progressive Congress (APC) in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State. The politician in this interview, Egunjobi talked about his ambition to become a local government chairman among other sundry issues…

     

    Excerpts

    As a grassroots politician and a graduate of School of Hard Knocks (laughter) and that of Lagos State University, LASU, where I read Sociology. I equally have a diploma certificate in Purchasing & Supply Management from University of Lagos. I attended Iloro Grammar School and State Primary School, now Ife-Oluwa, both in Agege. You may wonder, which school is the School of Hard Knocks, well it is just an idiomatic expression suggesting that I have gained a lot of experience and valuable knowledge in life. I grew up at Isale-Oja, an environment that is filled with tension and violence in Agege area and where people across West African countries, Ghanaians, Nigeriens, Togolese etc live. Yet in the midst of violence and diversity, there is love and harmony. I speak English, Yoruba and Hausa fluently. Also, I don’t believe in working for people but working with them because that way am more efficient. I was once Business Development Manager at Emporium Communications, a medium sized media relations firm and currently a Social Media Manager consultant with Secom Nigeria Ltd among others.

     

    The progressive party as your party, APC prides itself lost some seats to PDP and the opposition in Lagos State House of Assembly and House of Representatives in the last general election for the first time in the 16 year history of democracy, is that not an indication that the party is losing ground in the state?

    In life you win some and you lose some. It also goes to show that in Lagos State and in APC, election is never do-or-die affair like it happens in PDP controlled states. It was an unfortunate incident that will never repeat itself because the outcomes of the election in those places where we lost didn’t reflect our popularity in every nook and cranny of Lagos State. APC is too formidable a party to lose election in Lagos State even across Southwest with our able leader in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

     

    There is fear in some quarters that due to the current bad economic situation, APC may lose election in the future?

    Personally I don’t share such view or fear. We all know this is a mono economy highly dependent on inflows from the sale of crude oil within a global economy in decline. Oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since 2003, at a time sinking below $28 a barrel. And this was because of a slowdown in economic growth in China and Europe among others. The effects of falling prices are being felt by economies around the world, particularly oil producing nations that rely on exports. There is crisis from Azerbaijan to Venezuela. Recently in Azerbaijan there was protest across the nation. The federal government is doing its best by diversifying, but the result will not be immediate.

     

    What is your view about godfatherism and imposition in party politics?

    Each time I listen to people’s opinion on the issue of imposition and godfatherism, I often laugh because it is quite a complex topic. It is not a straightforward issue as people tend to suggest in most of their discussions. Most times, they condemned it in its entirety, and failed to appreciate it, particularly when they are not the godsons or goddaughters. But the fact still remains that godfatherism has its origin in monolithic religion. It also depends on how you perceived godfathers because to me you can both be loyal to the people, that is the state, and your godfather, since what a reasonable godfather wants is the common good. Even where we patterned our democracy, after, the United States, there is godfatherism. As a student of history, I read that JF Kennedy as American president appointed his younger brother, a fresh law graduate, Robert Kennedy, the Attorney General of the United States. So what would you call that?

     

    Why did you venture into partisan politics and why do want to become the chairman of Agege Local Government?

    Politics is in my DNA. I joined partisan politics way back in secondary school and have been in the progressive party. I was the Assistant financial secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, in ‘Ward B1’ Gbogunleri/Isale zone, member of defunct UNCP, AD, ACN and currently APC, party secretary, Agege Local Government. My late elder brother, Sharafadeen Egunjobi of blessed memory, was once a councilor in Agege. Am of the conviction that I have all it takes to make Agege a better place, a commercial and social hub.

     

    You look stylish, what informed this?

    To me looking good is an everyday business. I don’t joke with the way I look. Appearance is the basis people formed their first impression of someone and I want them to have a great first impression of me. I believe that you can judge a book by its cover. While I was in secondary school, I and my late elder brother had a fashion school by the name, La frique Home of Embroidery.

  • Owners of demolished structures in Ikoyi duly served notices – Ayorinde

    Owners of demolished structures in Ikoyi duly served notices – Ayorinde

    …….Vows to Rid State Of Illegal Structures

    The Lagos State Government on Saturday said owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out, just as it vowed to intensify efforts to rid the State of illegal structures.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Government said it had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of Building Regulations, and has therefore resolved to ensure removal of all structures that are in contravention of the law.

    Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated Government’s determination to rid the State of Illegal developments saying “In our effort to maintain a sustainable, organized, liveable and friendly environment, the Government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.

    He also warned that all those who choose to erect illegal structures in violation of our laws in order to take advantage of third parties will not only have those structures removed but will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    According to the Commissioner, the buildings in question were situated in an area originally designated as residential area, but the developers unilaterally and without recourse to the State Government commenced development of industrial and commercial concerns in these locations thereby distorting the master plan of the area; causing environmental nuisance, traffic snarls and more importantly a security threat to the neighbourhood.

    On the allegation that the buildings were not duly served with necessary contravention, stop work and removal notices, the Commissioner said that the State Government will not succumb to blackmail in any form.

    “We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices, the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions”.

    Ayorinde added, “Having served the Statutory Contravention Notices on the offending structures and when owners of such structures failed to remove them within the statutory notice period, we were compelled to remove such structures”. This Government is committed to following due process and will strictly enforce provisions of the law on this subject matter.

    He said the State Government is desirous of restoring the original master plan of all residential areas in the State, adding, “Arbitrary location of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside restaurants and other unplanned commercial centres have contributed in no small way to distorting physical planning designs of the State”.

    While reiterating Government’s commitment to “a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos”, the Commissioner warned that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as the organ of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with town planning laws, will not allow the State’s planning aesthetics to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order.

    While expressing the determination of the current administration to restore the original master plan of the State, he vowed to do everything possible to ensure that people observe the various planning laws and regulations in every part of the State.

    “This is an exercise in progress; it is an on-going operation to sanitize the environment, we have also developed strategies to prevent re-occurrences of illegal developments and for the sustenance of a cleaner Lagos,” he said.

    Ayorinde, however, called on those who have structures within the Right of Way of Public Utilities to remove them or face the full wrath of the law.

    He further urged the general public to ensure that they obtain necessary planning permits before embarking on any renovation, construction or other forms of development, adding that the public should also avail themselves of the provisions of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Regulations.

  • Rainfall: Lagos allays fears of residents, appeals for calm

    The Lagos State Government has allayed the fears of residents over the torrential rainfall witnessed in the State on Sunday, saying that necessary steps had been taken to avert any incidence of flood disaster in the State.

    The State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement on Sunday said that the State Government had in recent times carried out intensive tour of some flood prone communities in the State to clear up blocked drainages and canals.

    The commissioner wondered why any right thinking person would be dumping refuse on water courses and drainages created for free flow of storm water, saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was for the interest of the residents.

    “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm runoffs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth,” Adejare said.

    Allaying fears of teeming Lagosians apprehensive of the rain, the Commissioner said that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters, warning that the government would no longer tolerate the building of illegal structures along channel right of ways in the state.

    To this end, he said the government had since begun demolishing illegal structures and shanties erected on the drains especially in flood prone areas.

    Adejare, however, urged residents living on wetlands and flood prone areas to be cautious and careful, urging them to limit their movement if possible and to move to higher ground if need be.

    He explained that it is their responsibility as a government to protect lives and property, appealing for the cooperation of all Lagosians in their quest to avert any flood mishap in the state.