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Tag: lagos

  • Ambode ‘s foundation honours 11 young achievers in Lagos

    Ambode ‘s foundation honours 11 young achievers in Lagos

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend, joined the La Roche Leadership Foundation to recognise and celebrate some exceptional youths in Lagos.

    The event, “The Chosen Youth”, held at the Astroturf 2000 in Ikoyi, recognised the efforts of 11 youths who have contributed to the development of their communities in the areas of youth & sports, tourism, social media, entertainment and fashion.

    In a statement, the aspirant said the selected young people had shown leadership qualities and innovation in their endeavours.

    He added that their innovations are the product of vibrant young minds who challenge the status quo and chart a course for themselves.

    Speaking at the event, Ambode, the founder of La Roche, said: “Today we recognise young people who have challenged the status quo and charted a course for themselves.

    “Today, we appreciate young men and women who have not let the circumstances in the country put them down but rather used it to motivate themselves.

    “La Roche salutes your courage. La Roche salutes your passion. La Roche salutes your success. La Roche extends a hand of partnership to you and together we can inspire others to leadership and innovation and improve lives in Nigeria.”

    Most of the chosen youths are social entrepreneurs, who are pursuing innovative solutions to social problems and making tremendous contributions to their communities.

    The selected youths were presented with plaques by La Roche foundation in recognition of their exceptional work.

  • Lagos, debt and development

    Lagos, debt and development

    “In reality, however, the experience of most Third World states suggests that  public foreign debt has been used mainly to create or maintain fiscal deficits. More often than not, such deficits are caused not by greater public investment but by higher public current consumption or, in some cases, grandiose and unprofitable investment.” – Professor Adebayo Olukoshi

    Nigerians certainly have every reason to be wary, suspicious and contemptuous of debts purportedly acquired on their behalf by governments at all levels. Ever since the General Olusegun Obasanjo military administration obtained the first jumbo external loan of US$1 billion to finance major public sector projects, the country’s debt profile has risen steeply with negligible impact on national development. By the time of Obasanjo’s second coming as civilian President in 1999, the country’s external debt had risen to over $30 billion. In 2005, his administration celebrated what it described as Nigeria’s liberation from debt peonage. The Obasanjo administration had scandalously agreed to pay the Paris Club of creditors $12.4 billion of debt arrears upfront to have its remaining debt written off.

    Of course, the country’s external debt stock has been steadily mounting again. According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s current overall external debt by both federal and state governments stands at $9.377 million. The DMO is confident that this debt is sustainable and within healthy limits within the context of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The problem is that there continues for the most part to be very little to show for this debt partly due to the factors adduced by Professor Adebayo Olukoshi in the preceding quote. Corruption, inefficiency and poor governance continue largely to make a debt a hindrance to, rather than promoter of economic growth and development.

    Yet, the mismanagement of debt by irresponsible political and administrative elite does not discredit the fact that debt can be a viable vehicle for driving development. Debt is not a sin. It is not a crime. It is its misuse and abuse that is condemnable and obstructive of development. The sensational reporting of the external indebtedness of the Lagos State government by the media during the week clearly attempts to play on the ill-informed but understandable fear of debt by the general public. According to the reports, Lagos State owes 33.8% of the country’s total sub-national external debts. The state reportedly owes $1.01 billion of the total states’ external debt of $3.01 billion.  Components of this debt include $837.91 million from multilateral bodies and $82.5 million from bilateral sources.

    The loans obtained by Lagos State are for clearly stated purposes. For instance, in addition to an initial sum of $95 million, the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved another tranche of $42 million loan deal to support the EKO secondary school project. Now, is this loan helping to achieve the objective for which it was obtained? According to the World Bank, the EKO school project has systematically benefitted over 620, 000 students a year in 667 public secondary schools in Lagos State between 2009 and 2013. More concretely, the bank reports that student scores from beneficiary schools went up from 30% to 70% in English, 31% to 41% in Mathematics and from 27% to 65% in basic sciences. And the results of the June 2013 West Africa School Certificate (WASC) external examinations showed that 41% of students from beneficiary schools passed with five credits and above as compared to just over 18% before the Lagos EKO project was implemented.

    Again, the World Bank has supported Lagos State’s public sector reforms including fiscal sustainability, budget planning, budget execution and improving the investment climate with a loan of $200 million. Its aim is to help the state “sustain the strong momentum it had achieved in improving public services, facilitating inclusive growth and reducing poverty”.

    And what is the World Bank’s assessment of the state’s performance in this regard? According to its Country Director for Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, “Lagos State has sustained rapid growth and achieved what many would not have believed possible and has managed to reduce its poverty headcount from 57% in 2004 to 23% in 2010”.

    The truth is that Lagos State offers a model of how debt can be utilised to drive development. In 2002, the Tinubu administration raised N15 billion from the capital market. The fund was expended on such development projects as the Global Computerisation Programme, Millennium Micro Water Works, Construction and Rehabilitation of high courts, waste management projects and massive construction of classrooms among others. The bond was fully redeemed in September 2009. The first bond taken by the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has been redeemed while the second tranche will be due for redemption by 2016. All over Lagos, there is concrete evidence of what the funds are being used for through the various projects being implemented in diverse sectors in an unprecedented manner. This on-going radical modernisation of infrastructure will elevate the economy of the state to a higher level while enhancing its capacity both to generate wealth and to repay its debt.

    Of course, there is still a lot to be done to get Lagos to the requisite level of development. For instance, the quality of grassroots governance needs to be radically overhauled. The local government councils can certainly do much better in constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining inner city roads. Better equipped, staffed and maintained primary health care centres will reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary health institutions. The Fashola administration can also do much more to reduce waste and the cost of governance. But overall, Lagos is far ahead of most states and the federal government on service delivery and provision of infrastructure. It is not generally acknowledged, for instance, that the entire country owes Lagos a debt of gratitude that the Ebola virus has been so effectively contained. If the Liberian, Thomas Sawyer, had entered the country through a state with a less alert and effective government, you can imagine what a terrible disaster it would have been for the whole country. In the management of its finances, including debt, Lagos offers a model for the rest of the country to follow.

    Rejoicing with Professor Adigun Agbaje

    It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. It was a season of hope; it was a season of despair. I paraphrase the famous opening words of Charles Dickens great novel on the French revolution, ‘A Tale of two Cities’. These are certainly not the best of times for Nigeria when, for instance, erratic viruses and lunatic terrorists pose such dangerous threats to life. Yet, there are also, daily, life and hope-affirming events and celebrations that are also expressions of faith in the possibilities of Nigeria and humanity. One such joyous occasions comes up today at the No. 3 Staff Quarters of the Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, when the families of Chief (Rtd Col.) Moses Effiong and Professor Adigun Agbaje, celebrate the traditional wedding of their children, Irene Iquo and Ayodamope Ikeolu.

    Professor Adigun Agbaje is one of Nigeria’s most eminent political scientists and a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. He was one of a unique group of distinguished scholars who taught me the rudiments of political science at Ibadan. I remember in particular his foundational course on the ‘Logic and methods of political enquiry’ that taught us not only to detect crooked thinking but also to keep our own thinking straight. I am not surprised that his son, Ayodamope, also a social scientist, travelled far from his native Iwo in Osun state to choose a bride from the Niger Delta. Professor is one of the most broad- minded and detribalised human beings you can meet. Son has simply taken after the father. Love breaks down narrow ethno-regional barriers. The church wedding comes up here in Lagos on Saturday, September 27, at the Catholic Church of Presentation, Oba  Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja. I am sure that many of Professor Agbaje’s students resident in Lagos will be on hand to celebrate and rejoice with a man who so selflessly imparted knowledge to us. Congratulations sir. I wish the couple a blissful and fulfilled married life.

  • ‘How Lagos councils work’

    ‘How Lagos councils work’

    Mr. Mubashiru Hassan is the Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for Local Governments in Lagos State. Hassan spoke on the administration and finance of the third tier. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN met him.

    What is your assessment of  the performance of local  governments   in Lagos?

     In my view, Local governments in Lagos State are working, if we base their performance on their allocations from the federation account. What the public reads on the pages of newspapers is just the gross allocation from the federation account. By the time it gets to the local government, there would have been so many deductions. For instance, in 2013, the local councils in the state spent over N41 billion on workers’ salaries including teachers and local government staff. After that, we still deducted training fund for local government, which is resident with Local Government’s Service Commission. We deducted pensions for teachers, staff of local governments and employers’ contribution to pension; old scheme and new scheme. Now, what remains after these mandatory deductions is very small. If you compare what they are doing with what they receive from federation account, you will acknowledge that sincerely local governments are trying within the resources at their disposal.

    But one would expect the state government to assist the councils …

    Both the state and Local Governments collaborate because when it comes to social responsibility it will be difficult for local governments to do  it alone. What the state government does is to encourage them to contribute into a pool meant to provide essential services to the public. If there is any shortfall, the state government would come in to assist. In terms of road construction and rehabilitation, the state government does that on behalf of the councils. If we don’t pool resources together it will be difficult for a tier of government to impact on the lives of the citizens.

    Is it true that council chairmen are corrupt?

    There is no office holder in Nigeria today that is not accused of corruption. Even if you were a billionaire before assuming office, the moment you get there, you are seen as corrupt. So, it depends on the definition of corruption. The moment you get into public office, everybody believes it’s your turn to have a share of the national cake. Whether you dip your hands into public treasury or not, everybody assumes that you are corrupt. By virtue of certain offices, the holders are entitled to certain perks such as  official accommodation, vehicle and running cost on behalf of the government. Also, government has a policy that  a public officer can go with whatever they are enjoying at subsided rates to minimize corruption. That is to sustain you as if you are still in office.

    What is your view on the controversial State-Local Governments Joint Account?

    The constitution is clear on this issue. When the allocations come from the Federation Account, it goes into that account. From there, it is distributed to all local governments. You called it controversial because as an outsider, you don’t know the workings of the account. When the gross comes into the account, the statutory deductions are made. If you don’t pay the teachers, local government workers and provide amenities, there will be crisis everywhere. What gets to the local governments at the end of the day is so meagre, that if the council chairman delays payment of salaries, and it accumulates over time; then he is inviting trouble. That is what I understand to be function of the joint account. The deductions are statutory. Some state governments tamper with that account. I know that in Lagos there is sanity in the operation of that account. All deductions are statutory and the table is everywhere for everybody to see. It is in public domain; everybody can assess what the state government is deducting or not deducting. And there is a rule. No deduction shall be effected from the allocation of local governments unless on the resolution of council chairmen. If the chairmen say no, deduction fails.

    How does your office check corruption in the system?

    We go out quarterly for inspection; on a quarterly basis we issue our reports. Every quarter, we send our reports to the House of Assembly and the Public Accounts Committee of the House examines them and  pass resolutions on them.

    Auditing the accounts of 20 councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) must have been challenging …

    There is no job without challenges. We sat down and designed a strategy that on quarterly basis, we would be going round and issue our reports. In terms of mobility, the state government has been very supportive. We were giving four buses. We go as far as Epe, Badagry. We saw gaps in the way assignments were being carried out on the field. Subsequently, we organised training for staff. We also encourage them to go for professional examinations. Some do professional examinations. For those already qualified, what they need is capacity building in the areas they need0 to be trained and they attend training locally and internationally.

    Don’t you think the councils are lazy, in terms of revenue generation?

    I don’t believe they are lazy because if they are, they will not be able to execute programmes in their local government areas. It is the revenue generated internally that they use in supporting what comes to them from the JAC account. If you look at their records, you will see that councils in Lagos are trying. I can confirm that.

     

     

  • Advocacy group to promote wellness in Lagos

    To promote improved wellness, Indulge Nigeria Limited, along with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and other partners, is organising its wellness programmes with a Lunch and Learn seminar on  September 30 in Lagos.

    Its Managing Director, Dr Bisi Abiola, said the event designed to promote healthy lifestyle will be followed by the Feel Good Festival (FGF), which is an outdoor wellness picnic.

    This, she said, is to promote quality family time and relaxation.

    She said there will also be aerobics, sports and healthy meals.

    Others are games, fresh air, music, and dance performances to thrill, along with free medical checks, including eye test,  dental and body hygiene.

    Mrs Abiola said parents should come with their children so that they can play at the exclusive ‘Children Village’.

    “The Feel Good Festival is a one-stop destination for a holistic lifestyle experience for the entire family,” she said.

    Mrs Abiola said there will also be the wellness award gala night on November 25 in Lagos, to celebrate wellness ambassadors who committed their resources in promoting healthy lifestyle.

  • Lagos lawmakers and their 2015 ambition

    Lagos lawmakers and their 2015 ambition

    Members of the Lagos House of Assembly have been unfolding their ambition for 2015 elections. The Speaker, Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, wants to be governor. Some want to go to the National Assembly. Others are seeking re-election. Correspondent Oziegbe OKOEKI writes on how far they can go.

    As preparations for next year’s general elections begin, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have returned to the drawing board. There are 40 lawmakers in the House. They are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). All of them have ambitions.

    It is a one-party House. It remains to be seen, if the party can achieve this feat in next year’s polls.

    Since the lawmakers belong to one party, the House has enjoyed harmony, peace and understanding. Issues that would ordinarily cause disharmony and friction are ironed out at the parliamentary caucus meeting.

    Political observers are of the view that this one-party structure of the House has contributed immensely to the progress and development of the state. But, many also believe that a lot of things may also have been buried in the cloak without the public being put in the know.

    However, of the 40 members, 18 are doing their first term, 16 are enjoying second term, five are in their third term and one is doing his fourth term. That simply means that 22 out of 40 lawmakers are ranking members. Majority of them want to go to the National Assembly. The Speaker, Yemi Ikuforiji, has governorship ambition. Eighteen lawmakers in their first term are seeking re-election. These legislators believe they are still learning the ropes. Some of them hardly make contributions on the floor.  When they rise up to speak, it is to second motions.

    Many of them are highly educated. The lawmaker from Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 1, Hon. Sultan Adeniji-Adele, is a lawyer. He is the youngest lawmaker in the House. But, he said he is still learning the process of law making.

    Others, however, have given a very good account of themselves. Their brilliant contributions to debates at plenary sessions on regular basis stand them out in the crowd. In this category are Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2); Olumuyiwa Jimoh ( Apapa 2); Ladi Balogun (Ajeromi (Ifelodun 2); Segun Olulade (Epe 2); Abiodun Tobun Epe 1); Lanre Ogunyemi (Ojo 2); Hakeem Masha (Lagos Island 1); Oluyinka Ogundimu (Agege 2); Bisi Yusuf (Alimosho 1); and Adebimpe Akinsola (Ikorodu 2)

    All the lawmakers have been exposed to series of trainings, locally and internationally. Under the leadership of Ikuforiji, training is a priority. These trainings are beginning to impact on the performances of the lawmakers.

    But, to retain their seats, they have to go through party primaries and general elections. They have started mobilising their constituents to support their aspiration.

    Out of  22 ranking members, 16  have indicated intention to retain their seats.  In this category are four out of  the six principal officers.  The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who represents Ajeromi/Ifelodun 1, is doing a fourth term. He is the longest serving member and the most experienced. He was elected in 1999 and re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011. If he comes back next year, he may become the Speaker.

    The other three are the Majority Leader, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye (Kosofe 11); Chief Whip Hon.  Abdur-razaq Balogun (Surulere 11) and Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Somolu 11), who is also believed to be eyeing the seat of the Speaker, if he is re-elected. Apart from Taiwo and Balogun, who is doing his third term, the other two have only won election into the House twice.

    The remaining 12 Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1); Mufutau Egberongbe (Apapa 1); Wahab Alawiye King (Lagos Island 11); Mudasiru Obasa (Agege 1); Ipoola Omisore (Ifako Ijaiye 2); Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1); Saka Fafunmi (Ifako Ijaiye 1); and Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet (Oshodi-Isolo 11). Almost all the lawmakers in this category, apart from Hon. Sikiru Osinowo (Kosofe 1), who is doing his third term, are about to complete their second term.

    Their argument is that they want to come back to perfect the art of lawmaking. For example, Agunbiade said that, because of his love for his constituents, he would not want to go to the National Assembly because it is too far.

    “I want to be close to my people where they can reach me every day with their complaints and where I can also facilitate quick response to their complaints. This I may not be able to do very well, if I am in  Abuja where I would only have to come home once in a while. So, because of this, I want to come back here in 2015,”he said.

    Six lawmakers want to move up the ladder. Top on the list is Ikuforiji. He has served as the Speaker thrice. By the time he completes his third term next year, he would have spent 10 years as the Speaker without recording any major crisis in the House. Observers say this is a big plus for him. He  is the longest serving Speaker in the country.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Lola Akande (Ikeja 11), who was re-elected in 2011, is eyeing the House of Representatives seat in Ikeja Constituency. Other House of Representatives aspirants include  Hon. Moshood Oshun (Lagos Mainland 11); Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla (Mushin 11); Mrs. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (Mushin 1) and Lawrence Ayeni (Oshodi-Isolo 1).  While Ayinla and Tejuoso are about to complete their third term, Oshun and Ayeni are about to complete their second term.

    To realise their ambition, they have some hurdles to cross. They must render their accounts of  stewardship. They must also submit themselves to scrutiny and popularity test at primaries. At the general elections, they have their Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challengers to contend with.

  • Diamond Bank expands Lagos retail network

    Diamond Bank expands Lagos retail network

    Diamond Bank Plc has opened a flagship branch that would enable the lender provide banking needs of its retail customers.

    The branch, located at Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos, was inaugurated by the Group Managing Director/CEO, Alex Otti.

    He said the model branch is what the lender’s customers should expect going forward. “This is a new generation Diamond Bank and this is what customers should expect in the future. This is a flagship branch and there a couple of branches we have opened and we decided to showcase this today,” he said.

    Otti explained that the branch has a well-equipped electronic branch, made up of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), an ATM gallery, telephone banking as well as internet banking facilities.

    Continuing, he said:  “This is banking of the future. This is a four floor building which has private banking, corporate banking and retail banking. We are leading in terms of digital banking but you cannot rule out brick and mortar.”

    Otti said, presently, Diamond Bank is among the industry leaders in terms of electronic banking. He noted that the recently launched MTN Yellow Account by the bank, has been praised by customers and would provide banking services to both the banked and unbanked within the population. It is also an avenue to boost the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) financial inclusion policy.

    On his part, the Deputy Managing Director, (Retail Banking), Diamond Bank, Mr. Uzoma Dozie said: “This branch is not like the traditional bank, it is actually to make customers feel more comfortable and we are removing the theatrical branch layout and making it your home outside your home.” The lender, he added, is planning to roll out more branches, e-branches nationwide.

  • Lagos CDA rewards indigenes, groups

    Lagos CDA rewards indigenes, groups

    The Idowu Aso Community Development Association (CDA) in Isheri Osun, Igando Ikotun Local Council Government Area (LCDA, Lagos has held its maiden awards where it honoured some people and institutions for their services.

    The event was supposed to be the day of glory for former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Benjamin Olaiya. He might have looked forward to it. But when former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) was called, he did not answer. He had passed on the previous day in London, where he went to meet his children as he usually did. But some heard the news for the first time at the ceremony. Those who passed by his block of shops at the Junction  Bus Stop in Isheri Osun did not pay attention to the fact that they were shut; a tradition normally observed by tenants when their landlord dies.

    However, his death did not diminish the importance of the day. Chairman of the occasion Alhaji Jelili Olubodun praised the late Chief Olaiya for his contributions to the community. He listed some infrastructure he attracted to the area and his selfless service, adding that his kind are rare. A minute silence was observed for the Ekiti-born ex-cop.

    Olubodun urged everyone to serve, saying the late President Nnamdi Azikiwe and leader of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the late Pa Obafemi Awolowo were being remembered because of their services to the nation.  He asked: “What do we do for our people?”

    Specifically, he urged the executives of the association to be trustworthy and make selfless service their watchwords. Like a military commander, Olubodun, a former director, Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWNA), charged the executives to be star performers. He commended their association for being alive to its responsibilities, adding that during their tenure the CDA’s light must not go off.

    Beside Olaiya and Olubodun, other awardees were Chief Shamsudeen Amao Mojeed; the former CDA chairman, Alhaji Alaba Akinlagu; the Divisional Police  Officer, Superintendent of Police Keneth Egbo; and Director, Abiola Farm, Alhaji Aliu Babatunde. The institutions were Elim Providence Schools, M-Trend Schools and Hitech Construction Company, the firm handling construction of the Jakande Estate-Isheri Osun- Ijegun Road.

    The CDA’s Chairman, Otunba Segun Kolawole, sought the cooperation of residents of the area. He asked them to assist the CDA with quality advice on how to move the community forward. He recalled the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, Bank Ki Moon, saying: “No nation can be built without one first building the community”.

    On security, he said there was need for them to cooperate to tackle not only the menace but also others, such as child abuse, kidnapping, and the attacks by Boko Haram insurgents ravaging some parts of the country. He tasked them on the need to be vigilant and “try as much as possible to expose suspicious movements of people around us, and as landlords to be extra-vigilant and careful in admitting tenants to our houses as this may pose a great risk to our community’s peace and progress, which we are enjoying.

    Kolawole led the prayers for the release of the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls held by the Boko Haram sect for over four months. He called for another minute silence in honour of Pa Olaiya, whom he described as an illustrious father.

    Praising Hitech for a good job, he pleaded with its management to speedily complete the road, noting that it is dear to the people. In the interim, he asked them to rehabilitate areas that are bad to ease movement.

    Two officials of Hitech, Ashton Davies and Theo Cilliers, told The Nation they would deliver the road on schedule, promising that, all things being equal, they would meet the April target. They lamented that the work was being slowed by passers-by and the rains. Against the backdrop of their colleague who was killed earlier, the engineers called on the CDA to keep the area safe.

    The representative of the DPO Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs Akinola as crime free and neat. She said this was because its residents are security conscious. She sought for their cooperation with the police.

    Also at the event were Chairman, CDC Igando/Ikotun CDA, Elder Ademola Osibeluwo and Supervisory Councillor Agriculture in the Council Mr Kaeem Amaoo.

  • Photo: Hulk Hogan, others live in Lagos

    Photo: Hulk Hogan, others live in Lagos

  • Ambode says Lagos debt under control

    Ambode says Lagos debt under control

    •Inaugurates campaign office today

    A former Accountant-General in Lagos State and governorship hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Akin Ambode, has faulted claims that the state’s debt is unmanageable.

    He spoke at the inaugural leadership lecture series organised by a political action committee, The Future Nigeria.

    Ambode explained that debt should never be analysed in isolation but considered in relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that most of Lagos’ debt went into financing projects to increase its revenue-generating capability and ensure it remains credit-worthy.

    When asked his vision for Lagos, Ambode said:  “I see a prosperous Lagos; a Lagos that is easily accessible, open to foreigners and Nigerians to pursue their potential; a safe and clean environment; a Lagos that allows every person to achieve their potential; a Lagos that knows no gender no race, no sex, no religion, no colouration; a Lagos that has connectivity and mobility; a 24-7 Lagos, a Lagos where the economy does not sleep at 8pm.”

    He dismissed the notion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Is anti-poor, adding that the party wanted to give all Nigerians the tools to get out of poverty and progress.

    Ambode will today inaugurate his campaign office. The office is in Gbagada on the Lagos mainland. The event is expected to be graced by thousands of his supporters.

    Ambode, who hails from Epe, will interact with his supporters and inaugurate the women and youth wing of the organisations.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Communications, Idowu Ajanaku, said Ambode’s vision to be the next governor of Lagos State is out of his desire to consolidate on the foundation laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Raji Fashola.

    He said having served in the civil service for 27 of his 47 years, he was qualified to succeed Fashola.

    The aspirant promised that given the opportunity to serve as governor, Lagos would continue to be the pride of Lagosians and Nigerians.

     

  • Much ado about okada ‘ban’ In Lagos

    One never really anticipates that the issue of the ‘ban’ of commercial motorcycles popularly called ‘okada’ in Lagos could become a major subject of discourse at this point in time. But then, this is Nigeria! It will be recalled that the Lagos Traffic Law was signed into law on August 2, 2012 by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    An aspect of the law restricts the operations of commercial motorcycles operators in 495 designated strategic highways and routes out of a total number of 9,700 available routes within the metropolis. The import of this is that the law does not in any way bans the use of okada. Rather, what it does is to regulate the activities of commercial motorcycle riders in the state. As at presently, there are more than 9000 routes in the state through which okada riders could effectively operate within the confines of the law.

    Being a government that takes a scientific and methodical approach to governance, the enactment of the law restricting okada operation in the state was primarily meant to protect the interest of the public. It was enacted to ensure that people do not ride on okada along routes that could put their lives and those of others in jeopardy. Universally, one of the major responsibilities of government is the protection of the lives of its people. Hence, the Lagos State government is only performing one of its constitutional duties in restricting okada activities in the state.

    Without a doubt, the misery and grief that okada has brought into several homes in Lagos, and indeed across the country, is not unknown to many.  Available statistics from the Lagos State Management Authority (LASTMA) reveals that not less than 619 people were killed or seriously injured in okada accident between 2011 and 2012.

    Aside safety issue, there is also a security angle to the whole okada issue. A 2012 police report shows that out of the 30 armed robbery incidents recorded in Lagos between July and September 2012, 22 involved commercial motorcycles.

    Looking at these available facts and figures, there should be no controversy about the fact that the operations of okada in the state need to be regulated for the common good of all.

    Besides the agony and grief it brings upon its victims, the lawlessness of okada riders on major highways is quite nauseating thereby making commuting an harrowing experience. Therefore, to  a guarantee the free-flow of traffic and to ensure that the movement of investors coming into the state is not hindered and put at risk, the introduction of the law becomes necessary. No doubt, every attempt to sanitise and restore order to the hitherto chaotic situation on most of our  roads should be embraced, especially going by the traffic situation in Lagos. That is what any responsible government should do.

    It is important that Lagosians cooperate with the state government in ensuring the success of the Lagos Traffic Law since it was mainly enacted to protect the people. Life is a precious gift by God. Self preservation is, therefore, the responsibility of every human being. Self-preservation is keeping you alive, either physically or psychologically. The desire to stay alive is a natural instinct in every human being. The restriction placed on okada in the state is about preserving lives. We must, therefore, collaborate with government to preserve lives. The different between animal kingdoms and human societies is that in the latter laws are made to regulate human conducts in order to avoid the creation of a state of anarchy.

     

    Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.