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Tag: lagos

  • Lagos pastor defiles two minors, charged to court

    The trial of a Lagos pastor, Joseph Ogunleye alleged to have been sexually defiling two under-aged girls, Mary, 7, and Bilikisu, 10, (surnames withheld), respectively over the last two years at Ijegun, will commence at a Lagos court on Monday.

    Coordinator, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who made this known, told The Nation that the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has established a ‘prima facie case’ against the pastor and recommended him for prosecution.

    Vivour-Adeniyi said the DPP’s advice was based on reports of investigations and other evidences gathered by the police, which were forwarded to the directorate for necessary legal advice in order to ensure successful prosecution of the matter in court.

    The Director of the DPP, Idowu Alakija, said she would personally prosecute the accused person, who would be facing child defilement related charges.

    She said the sordid act of the pastor was brought to the attention of DSVRT by a Non Governmental Organisation, Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP).

    The accused person who is the Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA) of Alagbelebu Street, Kudeyiebu Estate, in Ijegun, Lagos, is also the proprietor of a school located at 20, Alagbelebu Street, which is equally used as church where he is the pastor.

    She disclosed that the two girls attend the suspect’s school, which serves as his residence, school and church.

    Recalling their ordeals in the hand of the pastor, one of the victims, Mary, said the suspect always asked her and Bilikisu to fetch water for him in his bedroom during the school daily break periods.

    Mary said on the fateful day, Ogunleye allegedly came into the house and threw her to the bed, removed her pants, undressed himself before having carnal knowledge of her.

    Mary also alleged that Ogunleye has been having sex with them since last year and they could not tell anyone because they feared they would die if they exposed the secret.

    The dastardly act of the pastor came into the open when Mary was heard playfully telling one of the children within the neighbourhood that Bilikisu is Mr. Ogunleye’s wife. Bilikisu, it was said, responded that Mary is his wife too since he does the same thing to both of them.

    It was said that the neighbour’s child mentioned the altercation between the minors to her mother, who insisted on finding out what was transpired between them and the suspect.

    After much pressure from Mary’s mother, she finally opened up and narrated how Ogunleye has allegedly been defiling them.

    According to reports by WRAHP, Mary’s mother confronted Ogunleye on the issue and pleaded with him to stop having carnal knowledge of her daughter. Ogunleye allegedly promised never to touch them again.

    Ogunleye, however, declined Mary’s mother’s request that he should provide money for her daughter to undergo medical diagnosis. The mother was thereafter summoned by the Onijegun of Ijegun, Oba Alani Akinremi following a report lodged by Ogunleye that he was being blackmailed by the mother of his victims.

    In his own account, Oba Akinremi, told the WRAHP team that he had received a phone call from Ogunleye that the parents of his pupils were blackmailing him.

    The monarch said in his bid to find out why the pastor was being blackmailed, he had summoned the parents of the girls, adding that it was at this point he became aware of the pastor’s misdeed.

    Considering the safety and health of the girls, the monarch offered to pay for their medical examination.

    After the examination, Ogunleye admitted to have sexually molested the girls and apologised to the parents.

    He was then asked him write an undertaking, stating his admittance and apology of which he wrote, signed and thumb printed.

    On the invitation of Ogunleye, police officers from Isheri Police Station, arrested both parents of Mary and Bilikus, including Mary’s uncle on the grounds that he was being blackmailed.                   The tide of events however turned against the pastor when the parents of his victims lodged formal complaints against him at the station and he was subsequently arrested by the police from Idimu Police Station, Area ‘M’ Command. It was said that the suspect has since been in custody at Panti Police Station pending the commencement of his trial on Monday.

     

  • Lagos failing? of course not!

    Lagos failing? of course not!

    It cannot be said of a man who has vowed that his watch would witness the rule and execution of brilliant ideas; that the state he is governing is no longer vibrant, that that state is failing. That would be far from the truth and reality.

    To claim Lagos is failing under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is to deny not only the empiricism of the success recorded so far but also to repudiate the firmness of the template upon which he is giving shape to the future.

    Failure can’t also be ascribed to a man who made Lagos sail unscathed through a period of financial turbulence when he was the Accountant-General at a time the behemoth called the Federal Government had withheld the economic lifeline of the state.

    But on account of the recent rash of robberies in Lagos, the sporadic gang wars in Mushin and Oshodi as well as the return of traffic snarls on the major roads of the megacity, critics are warning that Lagos might be sliding under Ambode. This is an unacceptable verdict. Indeed it is an unrealistic assessment even as it is a harsh conclusion unreflective of what is on the ground. What we behold really is a man armed with a gear preparing to land the state into the future. Ambode, by the reckoning of astute observers, is laying the foundation for an edifice that promises to house a beneficial future.

    In a very short period (five months out of a potential 96-month tenure allowed by the constitution), he has posted a sterling performing that has seen the power of ideas at work.

    The point is that Ambode is now wielding more enormous powers and operating with wider latitude supported by the vote of the majority in Lagos. These are weapons that are enabling him to work and achieve better than he did as the Accountant-General. In addition to other resources, they are capital requirements needed to add quality to governance, needed to add quality to the lives of the citizens you are governing and above all to “make life simpler and happier for our people” as Ambode himself put it on May 29, 2015 when he was sworn in as the Governor of Lagos.

    He has gone ahead to kick start the great project of radicalizing governance in quite noticeable ways. One of such is that he has brought back from the precipice of death hundreds of senior citizens and their kinsmen and women numbering more hundreds. The governor gave out N11b to pay their pensions and gratuities. This is unprecedented! He is reviving the pay-as-you-go system which was discontinued in 2007. His goal is to return to that plan by August 2016.

    The accountant that Ambode is, he is quietly reordering government priorities by cutting down the cost of running the machinery of administration inorder to free funds for social and economic renewal. This fiscal policy will enable him save N3b monthly in that area alone aside the huge income from the internally generated revenue and what the central government in Abuja would be putting on the table.

    It is injudicious to say a man who has fixed in five months the notorious Ayobo-Ipaja Road has failed. It had been an eyesore for the past eight years, embarrassing successive governments and the citizens year in year out.

    Ambode has also given a hint of how he hopes to run an administration oiled by compassion for the people. I think what he meant by the concept of “compassionate government” he spoke of on May 29 is what he has demonstrated many times over. He will relate with the people directly, not bureaucratically as it were. Their joy will be his joy. Their pain will be his pain.

    In other words, his won’t be an abstract administration. He won’t be a distant and inaccessible governor. Which is why as he headed for the office once, a lady in the throes of anguish during a road accident found Ambode as one of those pulling her out; a poor woman with multiple births whose husband had run away from home was pleasantly surprised to observe the refreshing hand of Ambode bringing back the fleeing spouse; motorists used to seeing their governor only on a high horse rubbed their eyes feverishly to confirm they were not under illusion when they sighted a sweating Ambode in the mad gridlock along Oshodi-Apapa expressway as he sought a solution to the nightmare experienced on that route. Certainly this is not a failed governor who does not understand the pains of the citizens.

    And early in October 2015, the governor announced a gigantic program to light up some 67 communities in Lagos state. Under the plan, nocommunity will be without electricity by the end of December 2015. No other administration in the country has embarked on a scheme this ambitious. It captures the whole state at a go. I must also comment at the dramatic speed that attended this development. Ambode disclosed the plan on Tuesday October 6, 2015 at the maiden Town Hall Meeting at Ayobo-Ipaja. By Thursday October 8, 2015 only two days after, he had concluded the plans to start the project! Talk of passion! Talk of commitment!

    Now consider the benefits of electrifying the landscape of a mega polis occupied by more than 20 million citizens: criminals will no longer operate under the cover of darkness, thus enhancing security and safety of lives and business; artisans and small scale business operators can function with no worries over losses arising from lack of power; much money used to buy fuel for their businesses will be saved for reinvestment in other ventures; these will boost citizens earning capacity; thousands of jobs will be created through contracts for this ground-breaking electrification project.

    All these activities on the part of Ambode represent an agenda to secure Lagos state in the present and launch it into the future.

    Now there is some loose talk about Ambode not having a firm grip on the management of the traffic situation in the state on account of laws apparently attaching a human face to harsh traffic laws. For instance, critics have fussed about his statement that he wants to use technology in arresting those who contravene the law, instead of resorting to harassment or forcibly taking over people’s vehicles. Ambode has also asked Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to treat motorists and street traders in a civil manner.

    Of course, this aspect of the philosophy of compassionate government can be tempered with an application of the stick to discipline those who abuse the governor’s leniency and offer of a carrot. Which is why as I write this, the government has begun an intensive campaign against traffic misconduct. The Governor’s Monitoring Team (GMT) has swung into action whipping those in the habit of driving against traffic, plying the BRT lane, and those disobeying traffic lights. The governor has also instituted 24/7 communication channels by which the operatives of GMT can be reached for prompt response to security and traffic breaches.

    Can you identify the man wheeling this vision with failure? No way!

    • Anibaba, an economist, wrote in from Gbagada, Lagos State
  • Boko Haram: Lagos calls for calm, vigilance

    Boko Haram: Lagos calls for calm, vigilance

    The Lagos State Government has urged citizens in the state to remain calm but very vigilant as the Police and other security agencies intensify efforts to rid the state of hoodlums, armed robbers and suspected terrorists.

    Speaking against the background of the arrest by the Department of State Services of 45 suspected Boko Haram members who allegedly planned to attack Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi, the State government expressed confidence in the combined efforts of DSS, Police and other security agencies to keep the state free of terror attacks and stamp out robberies and violent crimes.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the state government vowed not to relent in its constitutional duty to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the length and breadth of the state.

    Ayorinde said the current reality is that times have changed and the need to urge every citizen to be more security conscious is now paramount.

    “Due to the economic hardship being experienced all over the country with many states and private business owners battling with payments of salaries and wages, Lagos State has become the prime destination for several thousands of people who now throng the daily with no plan to return, because they believe this is the state where economic succor is available”, Ayorinde said.

  • Lagos Cocktail Week comes again

    COCKTAIL enthusiast can get ready for fantastic tasting sessions as the Lagos Cocktail Week holds again. With close similarity to cocktail weeks held in major cities of the world, the weeklong event aims at providing a networking platform for individuals, businesses and brands at designated hubs. It will also feature exhibitions, masterclasses, tastings amongst other side attractions and activities.

    According to Lara Rawa, CEO of Eventi Cocktails, organisers of the event, this year’s event will be different in various ways.

    “For one, we are switching up some of the competitions and encouraging more of our guests to try their hands at making cocktails at some of the different hubs,” she said.

    “We are also signing up partnering bars who will offer cocktails at a discount to LCW wristband wearers. Anyone interested in taking advantage of the promotions and offers happening during the week will need to purchase wristbands from the official hub, The Milano Bar at the Intercontinental Hotel.”

    A master-class targeted at consumers who are interested in developing their soft skills holds on two days (9th & 13th of November 2015) at the official hub. The taste sessions at designated hubs

  • Lagos will not tolerate breakdown of law – Ambode

    Lagos will not tolerate breakdown of law – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday inaugurated a five-man Tribunal of Enquiry to investigate the civil unrest in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state on October 12, which led to the gruesome murder of the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu.

    Disu was reportedly killed while resolving a land dispute between members of Okunraye Community and some private companies embarking on various massive projects within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

    The Governor, while inaugurating the Tribunal, said as a responsive and responsible government, it had become necessary for his administration to set up a Tribunal to investigate the remote cause of the unrest with the view to forestalling future re-occurrence.

    He said the unrest, if not properly managed and addressed, could lead to total breakdown of law and order, adding that the government was desirous of protecting the lives and property of the citizens.

    The Governor added that as a responsible government determined to enforce the rule of law, it is his duty to take firm and purposeful steps to inquire into the origin, factors and circumstances leading to the disturbances at the LFTZ in order to forestall a re-occurrence.

    According to him, “At a time when this government is attracting a lot of foreign direct investments and opening up the economy of our State, we cannot afford to have such disturbances. We will not tolerate any violent acts which disturb the security of lives and property in the State.

    “Having sought advice from the Attorney-General of the State, a Tribunal of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this incident and other recommendations therein,” Governor Ambode stressed.

    Earlier, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said in exercise of the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2003, and considering the recent civil disturbances at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, it has become necessary to constitute a panel of enquiry to investigate the unrest.

    The terms of reference of the Tribunal, according to Kazeem, include the following; “to find the remote causes of the disturbance; to inquire into all incidental matters that might have led to the event; to collect memoranda from individuals stakeholders from various communities and all interested members of the public on the issue; to invite members of the public, stakeholders and all interested members of the public to give evidence leading to the disturbance; to proffer solutions to forestall the re-occurrence of such event in future; and finally, to make necessary recommendations to the government based on the findings of the Tribunal.”

    Kazeem also disclosed that the Tribunal has 45 days to submit its report, and that further days might be added subject to the approval of the Governor.

    The Tribunal, which is made up of distinguished Nigerians, has retired Lagos State High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi as Chairman, while members are Otunba Tunde Seriki, senior legal practitioner; Otunba Yemi Lawal, property developer; Surv. Fuad Kassim, former Surveyor General of the Federation; and Hon. (Mrs) Rafeequat Onabamiro, former member of House of Representatives representing Badagry.

    A Chief State Counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Adebayo Haroun is to serve as the Secretary of the Tribunal.

    Responding on behalf of members of the Tribunal, Justice Olateru-Olagbegi thanked Governor Ambode for the opportunity given to members of the Tribunal to serve the state.

    He assured that the members would work diligently and conscientiously to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    While congratulating the Governor for his victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his election, Justice Olateru-Olagbegi said based on the antecedents of the Governor, he was sure that the state was in best hands.

  • Tax Evasion: Lagos seals six companies

    Tax Evasion: Lagos seals six companies

    The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Thursday sealed up six companies for non remittance of taxes due to the state government totaling over N50million.

    The defaulting companies (Nicon Town Management Company with a tax liability of N36,053,652.89, Marketing Mix and Company Limited with a liability of N10,712,914.15, Hope Valley International Clinic with a liability of 2,389,885.28, BEC Consultants Nigeria Limited with a tax liability of N792,563.47, Goldmine Global Services Limited owing N505,812.73 and Brown Brommel Limited with a liability of N368,159.63) owed the Lagos State Government money for periods ranging from one to five years (2007 to 2012).

    A statement signed by the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Mr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, said the companies were sealed in pursuant to the provisions of Section 104 of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 LFN (as amended in 2011) and will not be re-opened for business until all unremitted taxes are paid to the State Government.

    He also warned defaulting companies, especially employers of labour that the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi  Ambode has zero tolerance for tax evasion, adding that LIRS is set to begin criminal prosecution of all tax defaulters in Lagos State to ensure that culprits are made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The LIRS boss said that under the Personal Income Tax Act, a taxable person is statutorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year at the expiration of 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment, whilst any employer of labour is required to file all emoluments paid to its employees for the preceding year, not later than 31st of January each year.

    “In addition to that, employers will also be required to furnish the LIRS with the salary projection of all staff for the current year. The implication of which is that a taxable person or corporate organisations who have not filed their tax returns with LIRS by the stipulated date is in breach of the provisions of the law, which is a criminal offence that is punishable under the tax laws,” he said.

    He listed such infractions to include, non deduction of taxes (PAYE, Withholding tax etc), non remittance of PAYE taxes deducted from employees, non deduction/remittance of taxes by casual workers, non-filing of tax returns at the stipulated statutory period, under declaration of income, concealment of relevant information (Income, fringe benefits etc) with a view to evading tax, failure to process Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (e-TCC) cards for employees as a result of non remittance of tax deducted from their emoluments.

    Ogunsanwo explained that the LIRS has spent the last ten years on advocacy, publicity and enlightenment programmes on the statutory obligations of the citizenry to voluntarily comply by paying their taxes promptly as prescribed in the constitution of the country and the applicable tax legislations, but in spite of the efforts, many corporate organisations and individuals still engage in several infractions.

    He however thanked those who have continued to express their unalloyed support to the Lagos State Government by performing their civic duties; stressing that these voluntarily compliant taxpayers are seen as partners in progress, who through the prompt payment of their taxes  empower the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to actualize his developmental agenda of infrastructural renewal, sustainable, habitable and safe environment, multimodal transportation network, qualitative healthcare, education, agricultural development and an investment friendly environment amongst others.

    He said the law is clear on issues bordering on tax evasion just as he reiterated that the LIRS will continue to take full advantage of the provisions of the law to prosecute recalcitrant corporate organisations and individuals without further notice.

  • Breaking News: Many trapped as building collapses in Lagos

    Many feared trapped as three storey building collapses at Odunfa Street, Lagos Island.

    Details shortly

  • Lagos: The return of insecurity

    Lagos: The return of insecurity

    Lagos is easily the most important city in Nigeria. There is this continuous attraction and migration to the metropolis because the city is generally regarded as the ‘honey pot’ of the country. In recent times, the state has enjoyed considerably high compliments and accolades for good governance and service delivery. Side by side good governance, are a variety of innovations in the areas of transportation, healthcare delivery, security system, education, inter and intra-ethnic harmony, and many others.

    Amongst the states in Nigeria, Lagos has the heaviest investment on security. In fact, it is the first state to set up a security trust fund, a sort of government-public partnership on security which has become a model in the country. But recent happenings in the state are indications that the state may be fast becoming a dangerous place for people to live in. This is because hardly does any day pass without incidents of heinous crimes, including violent armed robbery attacks, gang wars, kidnappings and other forms of violence occurring in one part of the state or the other. Consequently, Lagosians no longer sleep with their two eyes closed as the state is gradually slipping into the old era of insecurity.

    Daily, Lagosians are bombarded with tales of numerous attacks on residential areas and commercial premises across the state. Two incidents that occurred last week in the state are worth mentioning. The first was the brutal and callous murder of Tajudeen Disu, the amiable Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Disu was killed on Monday, October 12, by heartless rioters at the Free Trade Zone. The following day, Tuesday, October 13, a large number of well-armed robbery gang took over FESTAC town, located along the Mile 2-Badagry Expressway, for about two hours. In the process, they robbed two banks and killed a middle-aged woman and her daughter.

    Last Saturday, hoodlums virtually took over the Ketu-Ikorodu Road axis of the state snatching handbags, money, trinkets and all that in broad daylight from motorists and commuters who were held in the heavy traffic snarl. This went on for a long time without any security agency, particularly the police, intervening. The case of these traffic robbers has become very worrisome because it has become a common feature in almost all parts of the commercial city in recent time.

    The case of a deadly gang that raided two banks in the Ogolonto area of Ikorodu last June is also still fresh in the memory. The Ogolonto operation lasted for a long time without the police lifting a finger. Before then, the same gang had earlier invaded and robbed the First Bank and Wema Bank branches in Ikorodu killing two people in the process. The list is lengthy. Unfortunately, while armed robbers are having a field day, cultists belonging to various cult groups are also daily on the prowl killing and maiming people at will.

    But what could be responsible for the resurgence of insecurity in Lagos in spite of the huge amount of money being spent on security in the state? From my findings, the problem lies mainly on the police. When Solomon Arase, the current Inspector General of Police, was appointed, he tinkered with the security architecture that had been in place in Lagos and other parts of the country prior to his appointment. Being a man who has spent at least 32 years in administration in the police, he removed almost all operations officers in Lagos State and replaced them with administration officers. These are people who have little or no idea about operations in the police. Even some of the Police Commissioners he posted to some states including Lagos, are non-operations officers. He also brought administration officers as Divisional Police Officers, DPOs and Area Commanders.

    Today, a good number of policemen attached to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, as well as the ones attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, in the state, have been withdrawn. About 80% of the DPOs and Area Commanders in Lagos are admin officers. For instance, Sabo Police Division in Yaba is now being handled by an old woman who had previously spent all her career in the admin department of the force. Yet, her division is in charge of such tough areas as Jibowu, Ojuelegba, Igbobi-Sabe and other such areas within the metropolis. Similarly, one of the robberies in Ikorodu took place right opposite a Divisional Police Office that was then manned by a woman as DPO. What this signifies is that what now obtains in the police, especially in Lagos, are square pegs in round holes. This has inevitably created a serious problem in securing the state. Part of the result is the ever-present traffic gridlock now rampant in the state as well as the growing insecurity of lives and property.

    Stakeholders easily recall the time one Abba Kyari was the officer-in-charge of the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja and the level of success and breakthrough the squad recorded during his tenure. He was the scourge of armed robbers and other hoodlums. Kyari had informants all over the place. Now, the situation is different. Recently, the wife of the Deputy Managing Director of a national tabloid was kidnapped. Findings revealed that the SARS in Ikeja got information and arrested the ring leader of the gang. He was thoroughly “massaged”, a euphemism for torture by the police and he confessed.

    By 2 a.m on that fateful day, at least 16 fully armed anti-robbery men were dispatched to the kidnapper’s hideout to get members of the gang and free the poor lady. The gang allegedly ambushed the SARS team that night, shot sporadically and rounded up all the armed men because they (the SARS men) had instruction not to shoot. The gang leader who was in handcuffs, was subsequently freed by his members that night.

    The next thing was that the kidnappers negotiated with the family and an agreement was reached before the lady was finally handed over to her family in the presence of a highly placed police officer who had personally coordinated the negotiation and release. That is one of the most shameful things that have ever happened to the Nigeria Police. It is a story the police would prefer to cover up.

    A lot of things are happening in the policing of Lagos. That is why the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, should look deep into the operations of the police in the state. Already, LASTMA and RRS are technically grounded by the withdrawal of police personnel attached to these outfits. Even Operation Mesa, has become a shadow of its former self.

    There was an enduring security architecture put in place in Lagos by past Commissioners of Police including Mike Okiro, Sunday Aghedo and, later, Marvel Akpoyibo, which drastically reduced criminality in the state. Successive CPs in Lagos used this template that has now been destroyed. These people were able to achieve success because they were all operations men – they had become DPOs, Area Commanders, Deputy Commissioners in charge of Operations, DC OPS and so on, before they became Police Commissioners. Certainly, not the present appalling situation in which admin officers have now taken over.

    Right now, activities in the SCID popularly called Panti have almost grounded to a halt as heaps of petitions are said to be lying on the OC’s table without being attended to. Now that Christmas is fast approaching, it is obvious that the crime rate may likely soar. This is the more reason why Governor Ambode should move in quickly to rescue Lagosians from the present uninspiring police arrangement in the state. And things can only be redressed if there is a change in the present operational structure and leadership of the police in the state. This is not the time for “man-know-man” posting of policemen!

  • Lagos takes steps to reduce rice importation

    Lagos State is supporting the Federal Government to bring down rice importation  which is draining foreign reserve, Governor Akinwumi Ambode has said.

    Ambode, who spoke during the 2015 World Food Day celebration, said the state consumes over 50 per cent of national rice demand which is put at over two metric  tonnes valued at N365 billion.

    Represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Yakub Basorun, the governor said to meet the national demand put at two metric tonnes, 90 per cent is imported from other countries which constitutes a drain on the nation’s foreign exchange reserve while thousands of youths are roaming the streets unemployed.

    Against this background, he said the state and Kebbi have decided to collaborate to develop the rice value chain.

    He said: “While Kebbi State is one of the highest producers of paddy rice in Nigeria, Lagos is undoubtedly the highest consumer of milled rice with ultra-modern rice processing facilties in agro industrial estates located at Imota in Ikorodu Division.”

    To boost processing, he said the state plans to establish more rice processing facilities in collaboration with the private sector. This, he expressed, also, will help to create more job opportunities for the people.

    He also said the government is working towards providing facilities so as to boost agricultural productivity.

    He said the state plans to give incentives to farmers as part of a long term strategy to improve food supply chain. One of the strategies is to provide incentives and inputs to enterprising residents, including the farm estates in Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry.

    In furtherance of the policy of making arable land farming, he said the state has acquired land in Ogun,Osun and the Federal Capital Territory with a view to allocating plots of land to interested farmers who will sign off-take agreements with the state government in this regard.

    Increased food production, he believes could help the nation reduce its dependence on imported foods.

  • Lagos: The challenges before Ambode’s exco

    Lagos: The challenges before Ambode’s exco

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated the State Executive Council and assigned portfolios to his 37 commissioners and advisers. Assistant Editor  Raymond Mordi  examines the challenges awaiting some of the commissioners in the Centre of Excellence.  

    The Commissioners 

    • Gbolahan Lawal, Housing
    • Dr. Jide Idris, Health
    • Folarin Coker, Tourism, Arts & Culture
    • Seye Oladejo, Special Duties & Intergovernmental Relations
    • Ganiyu Johnson, Works & Infrastructure
    • Oluwatoyin Suarau, Agriculture
    • Rotimi Ogunleye, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives
    • Akinyemi Ashade, Economic Planning & Budget
    • Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Environment
    • Olawale Oluwo, Energy & Mineral Resources
    • Dr. Benson Akintola, Establishment, Training & Pensions,
    • Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi, Finance
    • Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Home Affairs
    • Steve Ayorinde, Information & Strategy
    • Adeniji Kazeem, Justice
    • Musiliu Folami, Local Government & Community Affairs
    • Wasiu Anifowoshe, Physical Planning & Urban Development,
    • Olufemi Odubiyi, Science & Technology,
    • Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola, Transportation
    • Adebowale Akinsanya, Waterfront Infrastructure Development,
    • Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Wealth Creation & Employment
    • Mrs Lola Akande, Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation
    • Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Youth & Social Development.

    The Special Advisers 

    • Ayodeji Tinubu, Sports/Chairman, Lagos State Sports Council
    • Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Food Security
    • Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Urban Development
    • Mr. Kehinde Joseph, Civic Engagement
    • Adebimpe Akinsola, Arts & Culture
    • Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, Primary Healthcare
    • Obafela Bank-Olemoh, Education
    • Adeyemi Olabinjo, Commerce
    • Prince Anofi Elegushi, Transport
    • Babatunde Hunpe, Environment
    • Prof Ademola Abass, Overseas Affairs & Investment
    • Mrs. Aramide Giwanson, Housing
    • Kehinde Bamigbetan, Community & Communications
    • Agboola Dabiri, Central Business District.

    One hundred and seventy-four days after he took the driver’s seat in the Centre of Excellence, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday brought on board 23 commissioners and 14 special advisers. They are to assist in the delivery of dividends of democracy to Lagosians.

    The 37 “wise” men are made up of seasoned technocrats and professionals, who were found fit for appointments by the House of Assembly,  having distinguished themselves in their respective fields.

    In an opening remark, Secretary to the Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, explained why it took some time for the governor to constitute his executive council. He said the administration embarked on a series of restructuring, realignment and reorganisation since it’s inauguration on May 29. The coming on board of the commissioners and advisers, the SSG added, is a consolidation of those efforts.

    The SSG’s explanation was echoed by the governor, who inaugurated his 37 lieutenants at a crowed Adeyemi Bero Secretariat Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.  He acknowledged some of the challenges. According to him, Lagos – Nigeria’s industrial hub – is experiencing rapid urbanisation, urging the appointees to put on their thinking caps because there are many grounds to cover. He said the task of providing befitting infrastructure for the rising population of a mega-city must be approached with all seriousness.

    His words: “My fellow colleagues in the cabinet, Lagos is on the brink of greatness and you have all been given this platform to write your names in gold. You must work to leave a legacy that will be spoken of in glowing terms in years to come.”

    No doubt, the burden of meeting Lagosian’s aspirations would be more on the service ministries. Some of such ministries are: works and infrastructure, transportation, environment, health, education, housing and home affairs, which is in-charge of local security.

    Though the entire cabinet would carry the burden of coming up with policies and strategies to make the state globally competitive and making the Centre of Excellence livable for every law-abiding citizen and conducive for legitimate businesses, the role of the service ministries are crucial, when it comes to public perception of the government’s performance.

     

    Works & Infrastructure

     

    Governor Ambode has a contract with residents to fix all roads in the state and he has named Ganiyu Johnson, an engineer, as the man to carry out that assignment. As the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Johnson is back on a familiar turf, having held the forte in the ministry as permanent secretary and special adviser in the past 16 years. There is so much to be done on the network of roads in Lagos. From the island to the mainland; Ikeja to Surulere and other highbrow areas across the state, the roads are begging for attention. In the densely populated centres like Alimosho, Mushin, Oshodi, Agege and other areas, residents will feel the presence of government only when the bulldozers roar in their neighbourhoods.

    There have been complaints from residents, who say the roads in their locality are in terrible shape. They  repeatedly listed Iyana-Ejigbo, Ladipo Auto Market, Daleko, Ipaja-Ayobo by Jakande Estate and the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as raods deserving attention. Explanations that many of the roads belong to the Federal Government no longer hold water as all residents want is for the roads to sparkle.

    It is gratifying to note, however, that the administration has undertaken the rehabilitation of some major roads since inception. But, Mr. Johnson, must bring his experience to bear in the area of infrastructure upgrade. Beyond the usual rehabilitation, the time to initiate the construction of new roads has come as the existing facilities have become inadequate for the rising population to commute.

    After all, Johnson was Permanent Secretary, Public Works Corporation, between January 2000 and May 2003; Office of Infrastructure from May 2003 to July 2007 as well as Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure from July 2007 and May 2015.

     

    Transportation

     

    In a city centre like Lagos, public transportation is related to roads and infrastructure. And it is one of the biggest challenges facing Lagosians. Addressing the new commissioners and special advisers yesterday, Governor Ambode described as unfortunate that Lagosians rely mainly on road-based transportation means, despite the fact that Lagos is surrounded by water. In recent times, the menace of fuel tankers and articulated vehicles on Lagos roads has created untold hardships and resulted to loss of man hours and revenues to businesses. So frustrating was the situation that the Ambode-led administration had to restrict the movement of trailers to during the day.  Despite the restriction from between 6am and 9pm, operators of the articulated trucks violate the law it with impunity, thereby causing avoidable deaths.

    Innovations introduced by successive administrations in the state, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme, have helped to alleviate the suffering of the masses in the area of mass transportation. But the inability to have special lanes dedicated for the scheme and the failure of the regular yellow-colour buses to limit their operations to feeder services have almost messed up the scheme. The scheme is yearning for an overhaul and a long- term solution is required on traffic challenges being faced by Lagosians.

    During his maiden Town Hall Meeting, the governor blamed the perennial gridlock in some parts of the state to poor design of junctions, bad location of bus stops, movements of heavy duty vehicles, bad roads and bad driving behaviour.

    Interestingly, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola, is familiar with the problems. He must adopt a multi-modal approach in tackling the problem in a more holistic manner. He has garnered experience in the field as deputy managing director, AFM Consulting Plc, London, United Kingdom; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation and Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). He must as a matter of urgency encourage the government to complete the Light Rail project and take advantage of the water ways to develop water transportation.

     

    The Environment

     

    Much has been done in the area of the environment but there is room for improvement. Many of the communal refuse dumps have been developed as relaxation centres and gardens, but the activities of the itinerant truck pushers remain a pain in the neck for the authorities.

    Despite the series of sensitisation, residents are yet to buy into the proper disposal of the waste they generate, thus frustrating government’s waste-to-wealth programme. Residents, according to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), should have three litter bins to sort their waste.

    The environmental problems in the city include from industrial waste, solid waste and poor sanitation, as well as water and air pollution. The issue of flooding is another environmental challenge the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, would have to tackle head-on.  For residents the raining season is not always the best of times in Lagos which is below the sea level. Perennially, the city is flooded, often resulting to loss of properties. Many residents are often encouraged to vacate the flood-prone areas. Dr. Adejare, no doubt has a huge responsibility to continue from where the SSG left the ministry. The various units especially the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG), the Drain Ducks, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigares and the enlightenment units must be up and doing. The monthly sanitation programme should also continue with the Private Sector Participation (PSP) scheme encouraged.

     

    Health

     

    Dr. Olajide Idris is back on the beat. He was permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health for eight years and subsequently served as Health Commissioner for another eight years. He must devise a way of managing his fellow doctors, who were always up in arms against the immediate past administration. Under the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration, doctors declared incessant industrial dispute with the government, often boxing the government to a tight corner, when the differences became irreconcilable.

    For Idris, his return to the ministry should be once beaten, twice shy. He must ensure industrial harmony within his constituency.

    According to Governor Ambode, there are cheery news from the health sector. The governor’s words: “The abandoned Ayinke House Project which is more or less our baby factory for pregnant women has been re-awarded and the contractor is on site to finish and deliver this project within the next 3-6 months.

    “Expressions of Interest for a Lagos Medical Park have been received. We will enter the phase of the project soon and at the end of this, Lagos State will become a key destination for Medical Tourism. All these have been painstakingly done to create better access to health services for all Lagosians.”

     

    Education

     

    As experienced under the immediate past administration Governor Fashola, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, will double as the deputy governor and the Education Commissioner. In the past 16 years, the successive administrations in the state introduced several intervention programmes to thrust the state’s educational system to a higher pedestal. With a population of close to 20 million people, a recent statistics released by the state government showed that it currently provides free education across 1,009 primary schools, 348 junior secondary and 327 senior secondary schools in the state. The report puts the population of school-age children at about 4.5 million.

    But, as expected, observers have often criticized the quality of the intervention in public schools. This is where the administration, through Mrs. Adebule, must make a difference.

    The governor himself admits that there are challenges within the sector, even as he pointed out at his town hall meeting that his administration was on top of the challenges.

    He said: “We have taken stock of our education sector and I must admit that there is work to be done. I am not afraid of confronting the challenges. The Governing Councils of our tertiary institutions were inaugurated with prominent selfless Lagosians offering their hands of fellowship to rescue these institutions. We are on course.

    “The recruitment of 1,300 primary school teachers is ongoing to fill the gap in key subject areas that we have identified. The government is concerned about the disparity in quality between Public and Private schools.

    “We have decided to pay attention to all children, irrespective of where they go to school. The gap in quality must be bridged. Desks, chairs and other needs have been approved for procurement immediately. The security of schools is also receiving attention.”

     

    Housing

    No doubt, the economy of metropolitan Lagos has enormous competitive assets. Nevertheless, it faces challenging trends in rapid population growth, urbanisation, and relentless demand for accommodation houses for the populace. The quest for shelter by an average resident is so enormous and tasking that some people put up tents in slums and shanties, not minding the attendant risks. The city is awash with such unathorised settlements, especially on swamps and under bridges.

    The city’s expansion is estimated to continue over the next couple of decades. Being the nation’s commercial nerve centre, it has been unable to keep pace with the geometric increase in population. Although the city’s internally generated revenue (IGR) is high, when compared to other states, it is still a far-cry from what is required to meet the increasing socio-welfare needs including accommodation.

    Successive governments have made efforts to provide housing units, but the efforts are like a drop of water in the ocean. Perhaps the major problem facing residents is that of accommodation, which is gradually going beyond the reach of the low-income earners.

    The former Commissioner for Agriculture & Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, has been given the task of meeting the housing needs of 18 million Lagosians.

     

    Security

     

    Arguably the biggest challenge, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef must brace to contend with internal security in the Centre of Excellence as the Commissioner for Home Affairs & Culture. He has to settle down fast to stem the rising crime wave in the state. There is a perception among Lagosians that there has been a marked increase in crime and criminality within the metropolis in recent time.

    Alluding to this yesterday, the governor noted that criminals are devising new ways to escape from justice. In line with his promise of a safer Lagos, he said the administration has reviewed the security arrangement and has put in motion plans to address the lapses.

    “We are aware of the pockets of violence and robberies that have occurred in different parts of the state. We are investigating these occurrences and our security agencies have swung into action to curb further incidents. We have established an integrated Security and Emergency control platform, all of which are aimed at strengthening the security apparatus in the state,” he told his audience.