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  • How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    Lagos is witnessing all-round development, which Governor Akinwunmi Ambode spoke off at the weekend. In this piece, WALE AJETUNMOBI examines the projects already executed and those being executed.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode is opening up inner city roads in various parts of the Lagos metropolis. With this, new areas are being opened up and motorists are getting a better experience.

    Speaking at a media chat on Sunday in Ikeja, Ambode also said the state government was taking the initiative to refurbish Federal roads and street lights in Lagos State, without necessarily asking for reimbursement from the Federal Government.

    “Some of these roads pose problems to the people of Lagos and they do not make us to be globally competitive. So it is in our interest that the roads are upgraded,’’ he said.

    The governor explained that his administration was also working on inner roads to link the ongoing flyover project at Abule-Egba.

    He disclosed that a new road was being built to link the Meiran/AIT Road to the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor said the road was also being extended to enable motorists to link Sango-Ota without necessarily going on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

    He said the state government was  also making plans to upgrade a major road leading to the airport.

    One only needs to go round the city to understand what the governor is talking about.

    The governor’s footprints are everywhere. From Surulere to Festac town, Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, Epe and more and more, Ambode is boldly written everywhere in the forms of projects. It matters not to him who voted for him or not. He obviously does not care about which area voted for him during the election or not. All that matters to him is the development of Lagos.

    In 2016, he championed the construction of 114 roads in all the 57 local councils and LCDAs in the state simultaneously in six months. It was unprecedented in the history of the country. The development brought succor to residents through ease of vehicular movement. Man-hour lost to traffic grid-lock reduced greatly.

    In Apapa Local Government, the projects handed over by the governor include nine roads within the Apapa Business District, such as ultra-modern Liverpool Jetty, 12 block of classrooms at Methodist Nursery and Primary School and 4 block of classrooms at Arakan Barracks Nursery and Primary School with standard facilities such as modern toilets, sick bay, furniture, ceiling fans, ramps to accommodate the physically challenged, among others.

    The road inaugurated are Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Randle Road, Ibikunle Akintoye Street, Commercial Road, Burma Road, Plateau Road, Zeek Avenue, Marine Road Extension and Connector Road; otherwise known as Bombay Crescent to Calcutta Road Phase III.The roads were designed to accommodate walkways, street light and drainage system.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, some of the projects that are making the people happy are an Ultra-modern Court Complex and a 360-meters interlocking road with drainage situated in Aduke Street. In Ikorodu, an ultra-modern shopping complex at the popular Sabo Market, the Ota-Ona Dual Carriage Road as well as block of classrooms in Agbede, have won the hearts of the people of  Ikorodu for the governor of all.

    In Kosofe, the governor inaugurated road projects at Oladele, Shoyebi and Ademola Taiwo/Alamu Taiwo/Ogunsola streets.

    In Ifako- Ijaye Local Government Area of the state, the governor last year inaugurated Oluwasijibomi, Folorunsho Streets and Iju Primary Health Care Center, Lonlo and in Alimosho Local Government Area, the governor commissioned the Mosan Okunola Mini Waterworks after over 20 years of being moribund.

    In Osodi Isolo Local Government Area, the governor inaugurated the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a Police Post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State. Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years. Other projects commissioned are the upgraded Okota Road and the commissioning of Ashamu Police Post in Ejigbo. In Ejigbo, the governor commissioned the rehabilitated Ashamu Police Post in Ailegun, Ejigbo and handed it over to the police.

    In Ojo Local Government, Ambode last year commissioned the Usman Mogaji Road and the Data Capturing Centre.

    In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the governor  last year handed over 10 passengers capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers based in riverine areas.

    In Epe, the governor commissioned include blocks of classroom at St. Theresa’s College, Oke-Oyingbo, a Town Hall at Ita-Opo, Epe and Regional Water Scheme, Otta-Ikosi, while in Eti-Osa, the 1.9km Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road in Eti-Osa Local Government and block of 16 classrooms with modern facilities at Kuramo Primary School in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    In Shomolu Local Government, Ambode inaugurated a Primary Health Centre and Diagnosis Centre named after him and a 400metres road in Bariga Local Council Development Area. In Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Governor Ambode inaugurated the Origanrigan and Awoyaya PHC.

    In the next sixth month, the governor is going to make another history. This time, he is not championing the construction of 114 roads, but 181. Already, the bids have been advertised in the dailies and the Ambode I know will deliver and deliver excellently well.

    Epe is also witnessing massive make-over. From roads to the chalet and many more, Epe is wearing a new look. From whatever axis you enter the town from, whether Itoikin or Lekki-Epe Expressway, you are bound to have the feeling that something big is happening here and when you go into town proper, you are bound to give kudos to whom it is due.

    Abule-Egba’s story is certainly being re-written. By the time the fly-over bridge being done in that axis is completed, this urban renewal initiative will certainly go down in history as truly radical. The massive work will see the area being transformed and the spiral effect on property prices can only be imagined.

  • Lagos seeks handover of Ikorodu-Itoikin-Ijebu-Ode Road

    The Lagos State Government is to apply to the Federal Government for the formal handover of the Ikorodu/Itoikin/Ijebu-Ode Road, Governor Akinwumi Ambode has said.
    The governor said the road was the only one yet to be rehabilitated since it was built in 1967.
    “The road was built by the Mobolaji Johnson administration in Lagos State in 1967. But it is not just about the road, but about the economy of that area,’’ he said.
    Ambode said the proposal, if approved, would enable his administration to improve the lives of the people of the area.
    He said new street light projects were ongoing between Ijora and Apapa, the Oshodi/Mile 2/Apapa Expressway and Lagos-Badagry Expressway reconstruction. On drainage problems around the Victoria Garden City, the governor said the Greener Lagos Initiative project would address all the drainage issues in the state on a round-the-clock basis, “to give all Lagos residents a healthier lifestyle’’.
    His administration, Ambode said, was taking a holistic approach to transportation issues through the roads, waterways, walkways and rail.
    “About six million people are using the walkways daily in Lagos. Many children walk to school, market women also walk to the markets, so we have to keep our walkways clean and safe,’’ the governor said.
    On where he got the funds for his development initiatives, Ambode said the money was from taxes and allocations from the Federation Account.
    “People are voluntarily coming up to pay their taxes, without necessarily waiting to be hounded, because they can see what we are doing with the money,’’ he said.
    According to him, a lot of inner city roads are being upgraded in various parts of the metropolis, to open up new areas and facilitate motorists movements.
    Ambode said his administration took the initiative to refurbish federal roads and street lights in the State, without asking for reimbursement from the national government.
    “Some of these roads pose problems to the people of Lagos and they do not make us to be globally competitive. So it is in our interest that the roads are upgraded,’’ he said.
    The governor explained that his administration was also working on inner roads to link the ongoing flyover project at Abule-Egba.
    He said a new road was being built to link the Meiran/AIT Road to the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos-Badagry expressway.
    The road, he said, was also being extended to enable motorists link Sango-Ota without going through the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.
    He said the state government was also planning to upgrade a major road leading to the airport.

  • Lagos flags-off Ibile Youth Academy

    Lagos State Government on Monday flagged off IBILE Youth Academy leadership training for youths at the five divisions of the state.

    The divisions are Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

    Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf  said the IBILE Youth Academy (IYA) have been specifically designed to be a life changing experience for all participating youths in all its training centres across the state.

    Akinbile-Yusuf, who was speaking at the flagging off ceremony of the IBILE Youth Academy in Epe, said the academy in no limitations or segments will be giving a lifetime platform to youths across the state to be part of a life changing experience, also to help them grow through the training which would be held annually.

    She said: “IYA is all about helping the youths to chart a path for a progressive and prosperous adult life while it promises to be a life changing and once in a life time.”

    She noted that the best ten participants in each centre would be going on camping where they would be taken through different exercise which will produce one participant each as the ambassador for his or her division and will be opportune to be presented as youth Ambassadors across the state.

    She appealed to all 500 participants to be of good values, by being disciplined, punctual, team building effort, active participation, and to know the importance of social interaction.

    A participant, Funso Mojisola Jelilat (18), said she has been blessed being a participant at the academy as she her eyes is now open to so many things that seemed hidden to her before the commencement of the academy.

    She thanked the Lagos State government for paying utmost attention to the well-being of its youths knowing full well that when government builds its youths, it is this building the nation.

    The training will educate youths on self-discovery, volunteerism, goal-setting, creative thinking skills, team building, effective communication and public speaking skills, environmental responsibilities, sex, sexuality and relationships, adolescent health, entrepreneurship, employability skill, finance and investment, ICT innovation and review of Child’s Right Law.

  • Lawmaker, wife hold APC Women Appreciation day in Lagos

    Member representing Ikorodu Federal constituency, Babajimi Adegoke Benson and his wife Olajumoke hosted the APC Women’s Appreciation Day. It was to celebrate women in politics of the ancient town.

    The event, which was organised by the iCare Foundation, was held at Regal Hall in Olo-Odo.

    The event was attended by former Senator Ganiu Solomon, and wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode.

    Mrs Benson thanked the women for contributing to the success of the party in Lagos, especially in Ikorodu division.

    She reiterated the commitment of her husband to fulfilling his electoral promises.

    Benson also thanked the women, who she described as the bedrock of the nation.

    He also appreciated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his compassion towards women. He also praised the Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiatives (HOFOWEN), a pet project of Mrs Ambode.

    ‘‘On our part in iCare Foundation, we prioritise and appreciate our women, a good number of activities have created ample opportunities for them to excel and be recognised in their respective in communities. We have the interest free loan scheme aimed at empowering our women to be self-sufficient; through the Start-up Ikorodu Initiative.’’

    iCare awards were presented to Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Mrs.  Olabimpe Oluyemisi Carena,   Mrs Erogbogbo Tosan, the late Mrs Shokunbi Folake (Iya Kalokalo), Chief Iyalode Fausat Gbadebo and Comrade Kehinde Okeowo.

     

  • Fire outbreak at Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc

    Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, today experienced a minor fire incident which affected a section of the storage facility.

    According to a release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs/General Service, Mr. Okey Nwaka, the fire started at about 3am in the early hours of today at a section of their storage facility. Nwaka further stated that no life was lost, because of the quick response and combined effort of the Lagos State  Fire Service, Alausa, and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

    He therefore applauded the rapid intervention of the Fire Service Officers, LASEMA and men of the Nigerian Police who were on ground to provide additional surveillance.

  • I am guilty as charged – Rapist

    “I am guilty as charged,” a rapist,  27-year-old Samuel Adedeji told a Lagos court on Tuesday.

    Adedeji, a factory worker, had entered a guilty plea when he was hauled up before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on a charge of rape.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, remanded Adedeji, who resides at Nkem Igborosun, Mowo via Badagry at Kirikiri Prison pending sentence at the next date of adjournment.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Feb. 8 at his  apartment.

    According to him, the accused lured the 20-year-old woman into his apartment with a promise to assist in securing a job for her.

    “Immediately the girl entered the room, Adedeji shut the door  and raped her.”

    The offence contravened Section 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sexual assault by penetration carries life imprisonment.

    The case has been fixed for March 20.

  • Alleged rape of housekeeper : Two brothers get N400, 000 bail

    Two brothers , Emmanuel Anyanwu and Okechukwu Anyanwu, were on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court charged with raping their mother’s 13-year-old housekeeper.

    They were, however, released on a bail of N400,000.

    The accused, 26-year-old Emmanuel, an applicant, and 22-year-old Okechukwu,  a student, both reside at 17, Babudu Bello St., Ishashi in Berger on the outskirts of Lagos.

    They are facing charges for conspiracy and rape.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu told the court that the offences were committed sometime in December 2016 at the apartment of the accused.

    “The accused raped a 13-year-old girl who is their mother ‘s housekeeper several times and because of this, the girl ran away from the house.

    “On one of the occasions, the girl was rescued by a good Samaritan who saw her in the night and took her to a police station, ” Ogu said.

    The offences contravened Sections 259 and 409 of the  Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the offence carries life imprisonment.

    The accused, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, in her ruling, granted the accused a bail of N200,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

    Sher directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for  advice and adjourned the case to March 20 . (NAN)

  • Driver in court for defiling neighbour ‘s daughter

    A 50-year-old driver,Covenant Dako, on Tuesday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for alleged defilement of his neighbour ‘s 10-year-old daughter.

    Dako, who resides at 22 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, is charged with defilement.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offence was committed on Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 at the accused residence.

    Ogu said that on Feb. 3, the accused lured the victim, a 10-year-old girl into his room, with the pretext of sending her on an errand.

    “The accused defiled the girl and threatened to kill her if she talk.

    “On Feb. 6, the accused called the girl again into his room and was about to molest her, when a neighbour who was peeping through the window raised an alarm,” he said.

    The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Akanni adjourned the case till March 20 for Director of Public Prosecution’s advise.(NAN)

  • Lagos rejigs KAI for environmental law enforcement

    Lagos rejigs KAI for environmental law enforcement

    The Lagos State government is set to strengthen the activities of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), an agency set up to safeguard the environment.
    The development is part of the measure to implement the Environmental Management and Protection Law recently passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly.
    The agency, the government said, will be transformed to Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps Agency (LASECORPS) to ensure enforcement of the law.
    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the agency would monitor and maintain surveillance on the highways, streets, public drainages, canals, markets and motor parks to ensure the state is rid of activities that may cause harm to the environment.
    The governor added that the mandate of the agency would include a task to ensure residents fulfil their civic duty by paying public utilities levy, which is payable by property occupants for the management of wastes in the state.
    Speaking after he signed the Environmental Management and Protection Bill into law, Ambode said: “Compliance is the key to ensure the state maintains safe environment. The burden of the cost of providing these services will remain low if everyone plays their part and pays their Public Utilities Levy as required by law.”
    LASECORPS’ activities, the governor said, will be based in communities to enforce the laws. Ambode said government would have zero-tolerance policy in enforcing the law, noting that offenders would be prosecuted in line with the provision of the state environmental law.
    “The primary driver of the new bill and the initiatives that we have undertaken is not just cosmetic but to save lives. Therefore, we will unapologetically prosecute offender to the full extent of the law. We will make CEOs accountable, from the very top to the bottom, and the law is very specific about the consequences of non-compliance,” Ambode said.
    LASECORPS’ performance evaluations and remuneration will be tied directly to the number of actionable fines they issue for non-compliance, The Nation learnt. Government said defaulters would face stiff penalties, which include fines ranging from N250,000 to N5 million and imprisonment.
    The government said it would make it mandatory for commercial vehicles operating within the state to carry a litterbin to stop indiscriminate dumping of waste materials on the road. The government said it also plans to remove illegal structures on sewage systems and gives permit for sinking of borehole.

  • Lagos gets 3 new judges

    Three new Lagos State judges are to be sworn in on March 8, an official announced in Lagos on Monday.

    The newly appointed judges are Mr Emmanuel Ogundare, the Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Miss Sherifat Solebo, the Deputy Chief Registrar, Special Duties,  also of the State High Court and Mrs Idowu Alakija, the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state boasts of 57 judges and 98 magistrates.

    Mrs Grace Alo, Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the State High Court, said in a statement that the appointments of the three judges had been approved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the recommendation of the State Judicial Service Commission chaired by the Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode is expected to preside at the occasion scheduled for the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Office, Ikeja. (NAN)