The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Lagos’ new deal for the entertainment industry

    Lagos has always been Nigeria’s entertainment hub. Most of the nation’s renowned entertainers literarily cut their teeth in Lagos. Many iconic and world famous Nigerian artistes such as late Bobby Benson, Victor Olaiya, late Fatai Rolling Dollar, Moses Olaiya aka Baba Sala, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, late Ade Love, Sir Shina Peters, Tu Face, late Dagrin, Olamide to mention but a few developed and fulfilled their show biz potentials through the platform provided by the entertainment friendly Lagos. Music, arts, theatre and all forms of entertainments thrive readily in Lagos basically because of its massive population which helps ensure that every artiste in the city-state has his/her own fan base, as well as immeasurable market to explore.

    Without a doubt, Lagos is endowed with both human and material resources.  From the colonial era till date, Lagos remains Nigeria’s and, indeed, West Africa’s business hub. As Lagos population increases, so is the demand for employment, food and entertainment. Entertainment business got a great boost with the emergence of National Art Theatre, Cinema houses, hotels, bars and other facilities that provide conducive environment for entertainment related activities to flourish. Demand for quality entertainment has always been on steady increase, despite the hustling lifestyle of the typical Lagosian. The profundity of night activities in Lagos clearly reinforces Lagosians’ massive attraction for entertainment. Today, as Nigerians grapple with economic hassles and its attendant diverse complications, entertainment gamely offers great relief for many.

    It is important to highlight the job creation potentials of the entertainment industry. Of late, many have been frustrated by their inability to secure employment from top rated blue chip firms. But it is important to stress that the entertainment sector has now moved from its hitherto recreational status to becoming a huge source of employment. Diverse professionals ranging from fashion designers, lightening and electrical engineers, dancers, voice trainers, make- up artistes, script writers, producers, directors, stage designers and artiste managers among many others are now gainfully employed through the limitless possibilities offered by the sector.

    It is, therefore, not surprising that the Lagos State government is keenly interested in the business of entertainment, considering its numerous benefits.  Since the coming on board of the current administration in Lagos State, the entertainment sector Lagos has received remarkable impetus.

    This is not by any means accidental. The current administration in Lagos has from the outset set to promote entertainment and such related human enterprises through a well thought out programme called T.H.E.S.E. which is an acronym for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sporting Excellence. With the current economic downturns in the country, it is the conviction of the state government that the pursuit of T.H.E.S.E. has become an urgent necessity. In view of the numerous employment potentials of the industry, the pursuit of T.H.E.S.E. by the state government is certainly a shrewd choice.

    To further fully optimize the potentials of the sector in the state, the state government plans to construct an Art Theatre and a Cinema in Igando and also build five new amphitheatres  in Ikorodu, Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Badagry and Epe in 2017. The main objective is to give greater opportunities to youths that are creatively inclined to fulfil their dreams. Similarly, the state government is prepared to assist uniquely creative talents in the state to access needed fund through the N25 billion Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.  This much was revealed at the Agege centre of the just concluded One Lagos Fiesta by the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. Speaking, especially to the youths at the event, Ambode said: “I want to encourage you to take opportunity of applying for the Employment Trust Fund. We have fund already established to take care of your expertise. We have earmarked over N6billion and we intend to push N1billion to the entertainment sector. So, it is left for all of you to bring out your best. Whatever it is that you are doing, if you can’t get a white collar job, the ETF is there for you to help promote your talent”.

    In order to further encourage creative artistes and entertainers in the state to up their acts and become more enterprising, Governor Ambode recently hosted artistes that performed at the just concluded One Lagos Fiesta at his office in Alausa, Ikeja. At the event, Governor Ambode unveiled the state’s plans to leverage on the vast economic opportunities in the entertainment, tourism and arts sectors, to grow its Gross Domestic Product, GPD.  The governor said that “creative industry remained a veritable platform to grow the economy and that government would tap into it.” He further revealed that: “The One Lagos Fiesta is a platform put together by our administration to majorly create awareness about the potentials inherent in the entertainment industry, especially in using it to grow the economy and positively develop talents that abound in the country”.

    Ambode further revealed to the artistes that his government remained committed to using the platform of T.H.E.S.E to grow the state’s economy. Part of the plan is to leverage on Lagos massive youth population to promote entertainment.  Statistics has shown that 66 per cent of Lagos population are below the age of 35 and if two-third are of below 35, it means there is an economy in that age bracket that government is not seeing. The One Lagos Fiesta was, therefore, used to test-run how to harness the artistic potentials of youths in the state.

    It will be recalled that in his inaugural address, Governor Ambode promised to run an all-inclusive government where no segment of the society is left behind. This renewed effort to promote the entertainment industry is an integral part of this philosophy. It is hoped that both budding and established entertainers in the state will take full advantage of this new window to further widen their horizon.

     

    • Odumade is of the Features Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy. Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

  • Lagos to fix Badagry hinterlands power problem

    The 16 years power problem some hinterlands in Badagry West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State will be over soon, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Wale Oluwo has said.

    He said the inability to connect the areas to the national grid arose from some hitches.

    Oluwo spoke at the weekend during an interactive session with community leaders, youths and stakeholders of the Gbaji-Seme community electrification project, at Suntan Beach, Badagry.

    The government, he said, was determined to ensure that the affected communities got better supply than Badagry town.

    The Commissioner said none of the 30 communities identified for the electrification would be left out, adding that efforts would be made to include any other community not already captured in the exercise.

    “This electrification project including the erection of poles, installation of transformers, among others, that are within the control of the government would be completed in two weeks after which we would prevail on the Federal Government to complete the process of connecting the entire Badagry town to a more reliable power source through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) in Agbara,” he said.

    Lagos State Electricity Board General Manager Mrs Ibilola Kasunmu pleaded for understanding from the affected communities, promising that the government would facilitate the project’s completion.

    “We acknowledge the patience already exercised by all the stakeholders in this project but I just want to encourage you to be more patient because restoring what has been bad in 16 years within a very short while could be more onerous than one could ever imagine,” she said.

    Alapa of Apa Kingdom Oba Oyekan Ajose acknowledged the government’s intervention in the project, which, he claimed, should have be handled by the Federal Government.

    Olologbade of Kweme Kingdom Oba Sejiro Olalekan James said the interactive session showed that Akinwunmi Ambode is a listen governor.

  • PTD to train 1500 drivers in Lagos on safety maintenance

    The Petroleum Tanker’s Drivers (PTD) arm of the the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lagos zone, is to train 1,500 drivers.

    Speaking at a National Safety Training  Programme in Lagos, the Chairman, PTD-Lagos zonal council, Comrade Rasaq Akanbi, said the training would centre on safe driving and vehicle maintenance.

    He said at the end of the five week training, each driver would be issued with a certificate, adding that any driver without a certificate would not be allowed to load.

    “We believe that we need to train and re-train our members across the country. If we don’t train them, they may misbehave and cause havoc along our highway.

    “I believe the training will create a very big impact on the attitude of members on the highway. Our target is to reduce, if not totally eradicate, frequent tanker accidents on the highway because if a tanker gets involved in an accident, it is going to cause a lot of damage to people and properties. We are training them because they are the ones that have interface with the vehicles and other road users,” he said.

    Deputy Chairman (2), PTD, Lagos zonal council, Comrade Saheed Adigun, said the main purpose of the programme was to enlighten drivers on how to drive safely when ever they are on the wheel.

    He said the programme would also address other challenges associated with tanker drivers.

    “I am so pleased today and can boldly say that the efforts of the union so far have not been in vain. We have recorded almost no major accidents. It shows our campaign on safety on wheels is yielding the desired results.

    “We are happy that we are not only oiling the economic wheel of this nation, we are doing it in such a way that we put the safety of lives and property of Nigerians above personal gains and we spare no cost to achieve this important goal,” he said.

    He called on all to be alive to their responsibilities and work for the nation.

  • Lagos receives 10,000 transfer applications for public schools

    The Lagos State Government has said it has received over 10,000 applications for transfer to public secondary schools in the state for the current academic session.

    A statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Adesegun Ogundeji, noted that the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, told parents during a meeting that the applications were not granted because the schools “are yet to have all the requisite materials to facilitate teaching and learning.”

    The parents, led by Mrs. Ramota Shamsideen, came to inquire why the transfer requests of their wards were not granted.

    She lamented that they were excluded from enjoying the good facilities the government had provided in some schools they visited.

    Odeyemi appealed to the parents and some pupils who came with them to bear with the government’s inability to absorb them this academic session. He explained that the government was expanding and renovating facilities in its schools to accommodate more pupils.

    Until the expansion and renovations are completed, Odeyemi said the government would not be able to accommodate more students into any of its schools.

    Mrs Shamsideen urged the government to give consideration to pupils seeking to transfer from private to public schools in the next academic session.

  • Lagos trains 250 adult education teachers

    Lagos State Adult Education programme, Eko nkekoo (Lagos is learning), has  trained the first batch of 250 facilitators.

    Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Education, who kicked off the two-day training on Tuesday, last week, said a total of 1,000 facilitators would be trained to man the 1,000 centres the state plans to open this year.

    He said the aim of the programme was to raise the literacy rate of Lagos from 87 to 95 per cent in collaboration with the private sector.

    He said it was part of the mandate by Ambode to ensure that the state meets the needs of its citizens irrespective of tribe, creed, socio economic status and education.

    “One of the key things the governor has mandated us to do is a Lagos that works for all.  One way we can achieve that is if you can read and write.  If you are in Lagos, you must be able to read and write.

    “We launched Eko nkekoo last October 13 to increase the number of centres we have in partnership with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, religious organisations.  So, we have centres near you.That is why we have partnered the Mechanic Association and the Market Women’s associations; so in every mechanic village in Lagos State, there will be a centre.

    “After the training, we will be opening 250 more centres and posting these facilitators to those centres,” he said.

    Bank-Olemoh said there were plans to woo adult learners to the centres with gifts if collaborations with the private sector work out right.

    “We are hoping we will be able to give incentives to encourage adults to come regularly. For instance, they could get a carton of Indomie for coming. We are hoping to do this with the private sector,” he said.

    Director, Agency for Mass Education, Mrs Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, said the facilitators, all of who are NCE holders, would teach for two hours thrice weekly and be paid N10,000 for their efforts monthly.

    She said the training was to equip them with technical skills to teach adult learners.

    “The training is to teach the facilitators how to teach adults and retain them in the classroom. They are already trained as NCE graduates so they know the basics.

    “If they don’t already have centres, we will post them to centres.  You must have a minimum of 20 adults in a centre.

    “They will teach the adult learners how to read and write.  Any learner interested in continuing can go on to our vocational centres and Continuing Education Centre,” she said.

    Mrs Kalesanwo said she was touched that more facilitators showed up for the training, though only 250 were invited.

    “We had to send others away to wait for the next batch of training,” she said.

  • Lagos allays fears on bomb scare in Agege

    The Lagos State Government on Monday allayed fears of residents on suspected explosive substance which was allegedly dropped in a manhole in one of the Streets in Agege area of the State, saying that the development was nothing to worry about.

    The development had led to residents scampering for safety following the bomb scare, but rising from the Monthly Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the government urged the people to go about their normal businesses as the situation had been put under control.

    The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting alongside service commanders of security formations and top government functionaries in the State, said security agencies responded swiftly to the development and found out that contrary to rumour the substance was just pieces of thrash dropped in the manhole.  

    He said: “Early this morning, we were alerted to a situation where it was reported that some passersby dropped something on the manholes in one of the streets at Agege which led to a bomb scare.

    “The security operatives quickly responded; the bomb disposal unit also went there; those manholes were checked and it was found out that it was just thrash that were thrown into those manholes.

    “We also seized the opportunity to do what is called sweeping of the environment to reassure members of the public that security operatives in the State are more alive to their responsibilities, and that once we get information on a timely basis, response will also be done in a swift manner to ensure that nothing untoward happen in Lagos.” 

    He said the meeting, being the first for the year, was used to appraise the performance of security outfits in the State last year, and strategize for the New Year.

    “We have done an appraisal of what happened last year in terms of our challenges and the modest achievements that were recorded last year and use that to prepare for the year and improve on what we have been doing and to position ourselves very well for the new challenges that could emerge in the year with the view to making the people of Lagos and their properties safer and more secured,” Owoseni said.

    While assuring the people that security outfits and the State Government were more poised, repositioned and more willing to ensure smooth security operations in the State, the Commissioner urged residents not to hesitate to supply necessary security information as at when due.

    Speaking on the arrest of two persons in connection with the gruesome murder of a Zonal Commander of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Surajudeen Olatunji Bakare in Apapa late last year, Owoseni said investigation into the case was still ongoing, but that those arrested would help in arresting others who were part of the mob action that led to the incident.

    He said: “It is an ongoing investigation. You know there was a video recording which we have considered and it is based on some of the faces that we saw that we picked those people that were arrested. 

    “It was a mob action and we don’t want to rush to court without doing a good clinical finishing of forensic analysis of the faces to match them with what we have seen in the video and for those fellows that have been arrested to be able to say oh yes these are the other people that were there.

    “As investigation is going on, we would be unveiling the development to the people of Lagos, but what we just want to do is to ensure that all such impunities are stopped in Lagos State.”

    Besides, the CP recalled the arrest of some Boko Haram suspects in Lagos recently, saying that the collaborative effort and synergy that had always existed among security agencies in the State led to the arrests.

    He said henceforth, government and security agencies have resolved to further put their ears more on ground and open their eyes more widely to ensure that those elements were not allowed any space to operate in Lagos.

  • Lagos plans to boost growth with environmental bill

    Lagos plans to boost growth with environmental bill

    The Lagos State House of Assembly is set to pass a bill which will give direction to the state’s dream of becoming Africa’s greenest city.

    The bill, among others, is aimed at opening the door to foreign and domestic investors in the management of the environment.

    It  represents a vigorous environmental legislation which includes an extensive and sustainable waste management plan with a focus on the state’s potential in recycling, waste materials recovery and reduction.

    The bill also drives the adoption of innovative technology in tackling environmental problems.

    “The environmental bill guarantees core investment protection provisions by giving government-backed guaranteed contracts and enacting mandatory improved standards for the enforcement of the new laws,” a source said.

    Creating markets and market places in major industries is one of the Lagos State government’s strategies to promote long-term investments. There is a burgeoning unofficial economy fueled by recycled waste in Lagos. Thousands of waste pickers scavenge the urban spaces for recyclable materials like their peers in Mumbai and Manila, most waste pickers live on landfills while they make a meager living off the recovered items they sell.

    However, the waste pickers barely make a one percent dent in the almost five million tons of waste produced yearly by the 22 million people in the megacity. Certain trends have been beneficial to the industry and have increased the demand for waste management services. Notably, the increase in the demand for the collection and processing of recyclable material and RDF (Refuse Derived Fuels) as is the case in Sweden.

    One of the major highlights of the bill is the introduction of the Public Utilities Levy (PUL) which will be an annual property-based charge paid into the Lagos State Environmental Trust Fund. The trust fund will bemanaged by a board of SEC regulated, independent trustees from the private sector who are accountable to the people and will ensure the judicious use of resources. The PUL will replace all existing LAWMA charges and will drive the development of advanced technology, fund physical infrastructure and services, help create stable and complementary assets for the benefit of citizens.

    The bill also focuses on intensifying efforts in enforcement by commissioning mandated authorities with the undertaking of enforcing fines and other punitive measures for non-compliance. The imposition of stringent penalties is designed to compel citizens to comply with the reforms. It proposes for enforcement to be spearheaded by a rebranded KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) with a carefully laid out plan for its transformation into the Environmental Sanitation Corps Agency. The Environmental Corps will be supported by PUMAU (Public Utilities Monitoring Assurance Unit) a unit that will have oversight responsibility by using innovative monitoring tools to ensure the new standards are effectively enforced.

    The restructuring creates new operational parameters which will see the existing PSPs (private sector participants) working in the commercial and public sectors. The law makes new provisions that protect the interests of existing investments by requiring all commercial entities to have a valid and enforceable contract with a registered operator.

    The dynamic opportunities in the waste industry make the currently ineffective and mismanaged industry rife with profitable opportunities. Businesses with the adept capabilities will be able to make significant impact on Lagos’s waste problem and establish a viable business.

    Waste Management Co., the leading waste management company in the United States recently announced its 3rd quarter earnings for 2016 were $3.55 billion citing an overall revenue increase of 5.6% from the first half of the year. Republic Services the second largest player in North America has a market capital valued at $19.49B.

    Veolia the world’s second largest waste management company has expressed interest in partnering with the State and is expected to be one of such investors. Veolia’s market value is estimated to be over $29 billion.

    Incontrovertibly, striking the right balance between a sustainable business model and innovative solutions that address the uniqueness of the Lagos landscape will propel the State towards its development goals.The passage of the bill will signify a monumental victory for environmental and public health advocates who have prevailed on the government to tackle the environmental crisis in Lagos.

  • Navy arrests 16 suspects in Lagos

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) at the weekend arrested four officials of proscribed Merchant Navy (MN) and 12 trainees at a camp in Ijanikin, Lagos.

    The suspects who were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were apprehended at the camp situated at Oto Awori, Ijanikin on Lagos-Badagry expressway by naval personnel attached to the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Badagry.

    Commanding Officer Adewale Seun (CO), Musa Masiru, Olabimi Bisola, Lukman Bello, Sunday Sule, Ilesanmi Quadri, Dauda Dogara, Beshel Godswill, Lieutenant  Adeoye Busuyi, Awha Seyon, Monday James, Cecilia Okpa, Manmanse Foiter, Olowokere Babatunde and and Adebayo Blessing were said to be between ages 17 and 42.

    According to the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Maurice Eno, Bello was nabbed by some soldiers at Irekiti in Badagry while parading himself as a naval personnel.

    But when the NN was contacted to identify him, it was discovered that he was an impostor, said Commodore Eno.

    After investigation, operatives at the FOB led by the CO, Commodore Simon Dogo stormed the training camp where 15 others,including three females were apprehended.

    Commodore Eno said that the trainees were made to pay N30,000 fees, noting that the NN has severally warned operators of the illegal agency to desist.

    He said: “The Federal Government has proscribed such agencies by an official Gazette number 58 Volume 100 dated August 28, 2013. The NN has severally warned its operators and also advised parents  not to take their children there. It is illegal for them to parade themselves as naval personnel.”

    One of the trainees, Bisola, said she paid N55,000 for training, forms and letter.

    She said: “I paid the money to a man called Godwin at Shagamu and was told the training was going to take place in Port Harcourt.”

    “I and few others met Godwin in Shagamu and boarded a bus en-route Port Harcourt but he detoured  and told us that the training was now in Lagos. He claimed that they have found another base. We were supposed to spend six month but had only completed three months training before we were arrested by the Navy.

    “They told us to be patient that the academy would be approved by the government before the completion of training. We have been deceived and are innocent. We fed ourselves but sometimes, our commanding officer gave us some money to feed. We were seven female and 29 male on training.”

    Denying that the agency has not been proscribed, Seun claimed theirs was Nigerian Merchant Navy Coastal Defence Force, adding that the process for their approval was ongoing.

    He debunked the allegation of impersonation, noting that they were not using NN’s uniform nor accoutrements.

    He said: “We’re not impersonating Nigerian Navy. We are not using their property. I don’t see any reason why they should arrest us. In respect of the legal backing of our operations, it is only my boss, Commodore Agaba in Abuja that can explain that.

    “We secure the coastal area and protect lives and properties. We are waiting for the federal government to pronounce us as a registered body. Merchant Navy has been in existence since 1941. I am a sailor and have worked in different ships before joining merchant navy.’’

  • How not to discipline your child

    How not to discipline your child

    She comes back from work tired and fagged out from the hustling and bustling of Lagos. There was no light as usual and the heat was unbearable, she was sweating profusely as she enters her house so irritated and frustrated with how the day had panned out. As she stepped into her house, she hears the chattering of plates.

    “Who broke that plate!!!!” she shouted her face red with anger.

    “I said who broke that plate or are you all deaf!” she howled like a lion that has been deprived food for days.

    Her 9 year old daughter crept out visibly scared and shaken. She hated seeing her mother in that mood and knew what lay ahead. ‘’mummy ugomma was chasing me and I mistakenly pushed down the plate on the table she said quietly, her eyes filled with fear.

    “Ugomma was what?” Her mother shouted, how many times have I told you children to stop behaving like animals eh! How many times?” she yelled! Not waiting for answers to her questions she landed resounding slaps on the cheek of the 9year old. The girl screamed out of pain, she gripped her face and wailed loudly.

    Have you done your home work she asked her eyes glowing with so much anger?

    The daughter continued crying, still clutching her cheeks
    Oh! so you have not done your home work? wait for me!, she goes inside her room and comes out with a fat cane, dragging her daughter viciously by the hand she started flogging her.

    The little girl wailed and wailed but that did not deter the viciously angered mother, she kept flogging her, tearing her tender skin with each stroke. I will deal with you today, stubborn children, every day I will be talking about your homework, it’s only to play that you know how to do, nonsense!

    When she was done with her first child, she dragged the second child and started whipping her as well, the house girl stood by the side her eyes filled with tears, she could not do anything to stop her madam’s madness, she herself receives beating at the slightest provocation and she knew what would happen to her if she dares to interfere.

    After pouring her frustration on the children in the name of discipline, she storms inside her room, leaving her children in pain and not caring what happened to them. It was the house help that consoled them and cleaned up their torn skin.

    She later found out the next day that the beating had gone too far, the child’s sense of hearing have been damaged. She started panicking and took her to the hospital, the girl went through series of treatment, yet she didn’t fully regain her sense of hearing. Her hearing impairment constantly reminds her of the pain she inflicted on her child. It was not a pleasant feeling.

    Sadly many children in Nigeria go through this kind of traumatic experience from their parents or wards all in the name of discipline, most parents rely on the scriptural admonition,” spare the rod and spoil the child” to abuse their children. It is very important to note a clear difference between discipline and child abuse. Discipline is spanking a child lightly with your hand on the bottom without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm, whereas physical abuse is a corporal punishment which is extreme and is intended to cause harm.

    Each physical abuse meted on a child will not only leave visible physical scars but it can also potentially damage a child’s mental and emotional well being. The physical pain from whipping, slapping, cuts etc will heal but the emotional pain will still remain even after the visible wounds have healed. Physical abuse is number one cause of low self esteem in children and abused children are usually aggressive and tend to bully others. Parents who try to change their children’s behaviour through inflicting pain will raise children who will do the same to others, when they want to influence other people’s actions.

    There are so many ways to discipline a child without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm. Parents should use alternative method of discipline that yields the most positive results for the child. A child should be made to know the rules in the house and also the consequences for breaking the rules and there should be appropriate discipline for each broken rule. For example if a child spills water in the process of playing, that child must be made to clean it up, if a child fights, he can be denied watching TV for a day or two depending on the extent you wish to withdraw such privilege.

    Parents must learn to control their anger and frustration. Physical abuse tends to occur when the parent grows impatient with the child, when this happens parents should try to relieve stress by breathing deeply or counting backwards from ten to zero. This works for me when my children start to act up.

    A country that is committed to child welfare should have an agency that investigates reports of abuse and when it is ascertained that the child is going through physical abuse and neglect, there should be an alternate plan as quickly as possible. Nigerian Government as a matter of urgency needs to set up child protective services, whose responsibility would be to intervene in the family of children at risk of abuse.

    I must commend Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who has gone tough on child abuse by ratification of the first ever executive order establishing a safeguarding and child protection policy in the state. Governor Ambode pointed out that it was developed to prescribe management systems in place to create and maintain a safe environment for children, the policy in clear terms also articulates procedures to be adopted when disclosures of abuse were made. This is commendable, I hope the government would implement the policy and go really hard on defaulters of the law, as this would deter other people from abusing children.

    Njideka Obi, lawyer and a child safety advocate.
    08060424282. safersmarterchildren@gmail.com

  • Ambode: Consolidating good governance in Lagos

    Ambode: Consolidating good governance in Lagos

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has surpassed the expectations of Lagosians in the last 20 months in many respects. The security challenges he faced initially when he came on board had led many observers to dismiss the governor’s campaign promises as idle talk. But gradually he is transforming the state. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE reports.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has not left the people in doubt, about where the administration is heading. Lagos has witnessed tremendous progress since he took over the reins of power 20 months ago.

    The tempo of development in road construction, housing for the masses, market and commerce expansion, continuation of the light rail project, beautification of streets, provision of health facilities and hospitals, agricultural expansion, security, lighting up major streets, wooing investors and exploration of oil in commercial quantity has changed the status of the state.

    Against this background, Lagosians have hailed the governor as one the most progressive-minded chieftains of the party that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) could showcase  on its scorecard.

    Under the governor’s leadership, Lagos has been acknowledged as a fast-growing economy in terms of infrastructure and capital.

    Lagos is better assessed when the torch is illuminated on the following projects:

    Roads

    The proposed megacity project requires good network of roads. To realise this, new roads are coming up, while bad ones are being rehabilitated in prime locations, as well as the grassroots.

    During his campaign and flagging of the administration, Ambode made it clear that 114 roads would be constructed annual across the state. Under the scheme, the Ejigbo-Ikotun road which was a nightmare to motorists and other road users has been fixed. Other terribly bad roads rehabilitated include: the Mosan Okunola road, the Oshodi-Isolo road, the Bariga-University of Lagos road, the Mile 2-Orile Iganmu road, the Ajegunle-Marine Beach road, the Apapa-Ijora Causaway road and the Ikorodu-Ojota road.

    The Abule Egba-Abeokuta road, which is currently undergoing construction, is expected to harness the potentials of the international link of the axis, through the Owode-Idi-Iroko road, Ogun State. The Lekki-Epe Expressway and other major roads now toll gate to raise money to maintain the road. The government has constructed flyover bridges at Ajah, Ojodu-Berger and other Lagos suburbs. Observers believe this will reduce the rate of accidents suffered by pedestrians when crossing the roads.

    Residents of Apapa have also been thanking the governor for rehabilitating their major link road. The Apapa road was a source of sorrow to those who have one transaction or the other to carry out in the industrial area. The heavy-duty vehicles plying the road do not only cause damage to it, but also impede easy flow of traffic. Under Governor Ambode’s watch, the administration has rolled out new operational rules for heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure that they do not infringe on the rights of other road users.

     

    Security

    Following the upsurge in criminal activities at the outset of the administration, security has been a top priority for Governor Ambode. With the prospects of Boko Haram and Niger Delta militants invading Lagos, the governor has put the security personnel to task.  Though some militants accepted responsibilities for the attack at Ikorodu, Ambode quickly rose to the occasion to nip the unpleasant development in the bud. He acquired 10 armoured tanks, three helicopters for aerial surveillance and policing. He also acquired 15 armoured personnel carriers (APC), dozens of Isuzu trucks and others safety gadgets, to aid the operations of security men in the state. Some residents of the riverine areas of Ikorodu who had relocated, because of the threat from the militants, were encouraged to return, because of government intervention.

    Today, any kidnapper caught in Lagos will face summary execution when convicted. The new law has been hailed by observers. Other states have been understudying the Lagos security template, to check criminality in their domain.

    To boost security at the grassroots, the government plans to recruit 5,000 personnel for its Neighbourhood Watch initiative. They are expected to earn N25, 000, with other allowances. The governor said the gesture will assist in policing and returning sanity to troubled communities.

    Ambode said: “There is a law that has just been passed, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law 2016. In line with the resolution taken by the Lagos State House of Assembly, we will go all out to make sure the agency is activated.

    “All our neighbourhoods will be covered. We will provide all the necessary equipment and resources to ensure that we establish what we call community policing and that is the way to go.”

     

    Disability allowance

    Those living with disability have not been abandoned by the government. The administration has floated an empowerment fund of N500 million, to the disabled members of the society a sense of belonging. The money is meant to assist them to acquire skills and enable them set up venture that will enhance their standard of living. The disabled had been abandoned to their fate in the past.

    The governor said: “We will roll out all our empowerment programmes to assist all the youths, artisans and the needy. People living with disability will start getting support from government quarters.”

     

    Domestic violence       

    The governor has also been insisting that women are treated with dignity and respect. To this end, the war against domestic and sexual violence team was constituted. It was charged to campaign against all forms of misdemeanor that will portray women in low esteem and treated as inferior species.

    Nigerian women suffer untold degradation and molestation almost on daily basis. The campaign has enhanced the prestige of women in private and public places. He has equally matched the deal with appointment of women into key positions.

     

    Health

    The health sector has also been receiving the deserved attention of the administration since it came on board. The administration has commissioned no fewer than 20 mobile care unit ambulances. Other 30 ambulances were deployed to hospitals across the state.

    As a result, the mobile care units have been saving lives daily, especially those of victims of road accidents. The intensive clinical service rendered by the unit is being applauded by the public. They said the service provided by the unit is comparable to those obtained in advanced societies. The governor has approved the recruitment of paramedic staff and special medical coordinators, to ensure that 24-hour services are available in General Hospitals and Primary Health Care (PHC) units.

     

    Agriculture

    Farming also received a boost under the present dispensation. Through Ambode’s foresight, the administration has been making impact in the area of agriculture. The government has established commercial farms in areas like Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.

    To sustain plans to feed Lagosians, Lagos and Kebbi State entered into an arrangement to produce rice for the teeming population in Lagos. The Lagos-Kebbi rice, otherwise known as LAKE Rice, was sold to Lagosians during the yuletide season at affordable price. The rice deal brought relief to many homes groaning under the recession.

    The administration’s efforts in the area of agriculture have been commended by analysts. They believe that such arrangement will further cement the relationship between people from the north and those from the west.

     

    Improved revenue

    The recession notwithstanding, the state has been raking in more money into its internally generated revenue (IGR) purse. This has turned out be one of the saving graces of the state last year. As at December 16, the state raked in N287 billion in IGR, which is a whopping N19 billion more that what was generated the year before. The governor gave credit to Lagosians for their dedication to civic responsibilities.

    He said: “The tax payers are the ones giving the little energy that we have and even though when they say Nigeria is in recession, somehow Lagos has been able to do it and it is because people are paying their taxes.”

     

    Education

    To ensure that those living in poor communities of the state have unrestricted access to good education, the administration upgraded schools in those areas. Schools in Ijora-Badia, Ajegunle, Amukoko, Okokomaiko and Makoko slums benefitted from the education programme. It went further to launch a free adult education programme, to take care of the illiterate adult communities that wanted to better its lots.

    The governor said the 552 centre would increase to 1000 and that 1000 teachers would be engaged to drive home government plans. The courses at the centre include: fashion designs, soap-making, bread-making, furniture, bricklaying and masonry.

    The Lagos State University (LASU), the College of Education Ijanikin, the Lagos State Polytechnic and other higher institutions in the state have witnessed relative peace, due to government commitment to enhanced learning environment. Teachers, principals and school administrators received their promotion, while fresh ones were employed.

     

    Oil exploration

    Lagos under Ambode joined the league of oil-producing states in the country. The emergence of Lagos as an oil-producing state would make it the undisputable largest economy in the country. Experts have even posited that Lagos has a larger economy than some African countries.

    The Group Executive Director of the Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, said it was a good development that Lagos is now a proud oil-producing state. Other companies have indicated interest to partner with Lagos to tap into the oil project. The venture will result in employment generation for Lagosians and other Nigerians.

    The executive director said the discovery of oil in Badagry would be a lot more attractive for investment, when prices begin to rise at the international oil market.

     

    Transportation

    The transportation system has also been enhanced under Ambode. He commissioned new luxury buses to ply routes such as Ikorodu-Mile 2, Lekki-Ajah and other highbrow areas of the state. The improvement resulted in employment for drivers, bus conductors and transport administrators. Members of the Road Transport Workers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, recently urged the governor to build bus stops across the councils to cater for the need of commuters.

    The light rail project started under the past administration is moving according to plan. The waterways are also being integrated into the transport network, as more ferries are joining the existing commercial fleets. Thus, Lagosians are now making more use of the waterways to beat the traffic jams usually experienced in the metropolis.

     

    Housing, drainages

    The administration has also reformed the existing Rent-to-Own mortgage scheme, which is intended to make many Lagosians landlord. The Commissioner for Housing, Gbolahan Lawal, said the scheme is aimed at making housing more readily affordable and accessible for Lagosians.