The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagosians

  • Lagosians demand more infrastructure, commend representatives

    Lagosians from across the state have called on their representatives in the state assembly to prevail on the state government to provide more link and inner roads, rid the state of waste, provide more drainages, hospitals, markets, light up areas not yet captured, more social infrastructure and economic empowerment.

    These were the demands of residents of Lagos at the 4th edition of the constituency stakeholders meeting organised by the state assembly which was held simultaneously in all the 40 state constituencies. The theme of the meeting was, ‘Towards a peaceful and credible election’.

    In Alimosho 1 constituency venue, the Alajasa of Ajasa, Oba Sule Suberu, and other speakers commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and their representative at the Assembly, Adebisi Yusuf, for the inauguration of 22 roads in Alimosho recently, saying it has brought great relief to the area. They, however, requested for more link and inner roads, while the Igbos requested for more inclusiveness in the scheme of things, among other requests.

    Yusuf representing Alimosho 1 constituency spoke at the Abesan venue of the meeting and Adebayo Osinowo representing Kosofe 1 constituency spoke at the Mende Town Hall, Mende, Maryland, venue of the meeting.

    Yusuf assured his people that he has been proactive in the assembly and that he has never been found wanting, making reference to the 22 roads launched recently in Alimosho by Ambode. He assured them that all their requests at last year’s stakeholders meeting have been met while work is ongoing on the remaining ones. And in response to the waste issue he appealed to the governor to urgently do something about it even if it means reverting to the old PSP system to avoid an outbreak of epidemic.

    Speaking on the theme of the meeting, Yusuf said it is in furtherance of the unflinching commitment of the leadership of the house under the speakership of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa in ensuring that the people have meaningful representation through good governance.

    “It is also because of our concern for the peaceful conduct of the 2019 elections. In view of this, we your representatives wish to enjoin you our leaders, members and supporters of political parties and groups to assume the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a way that promotes peace and unity of purpose during and after the elections.”

    Yusuf urged religious leaders and parents to contribute to the success of the elections by preaching against violence in any form, before, during and after the elections. “Community leaders are hereby enjoined to embolden our people to always take advantage of their constitutional right to vote.”

    Osinowo said the aim of the constituency stakeholders meeting is to, among others, create a more conducive environment for credible elections in year 2019

    “And to acquaint the constituents of the efforts of the assembly in ensuring that the government of the state further delivers on the welfare and security of the citizens of the state.”

     

     

     

    According to Osinowo, the assembly has considered 41 bills and passed 30 into laws, which are effectively addressing various challenges and developmental activities in the state while others are at different stages of passage.

     

  • Lagosians demand more infrastructures

    ***as state Assembly holds 4th constituency stakeholders meeting

     

    Lagosians from across the state have called on their representatives in the state Assembly to prevail on the state government to provide more link and inner roads, clear the state of refuse, provide more drainage, hospitals, makers, light up areas not yet captured, more social infrastructure and economic empowerment.

    These were the demands of residents of Lagos yesterday at the 4th edition of the Constituency Stakeholders Meeting organised by the state Assembly which held simultaneously in all the 40 state constituencies. The theme of the meeting was, ‘Towards a peaceful and credible election‘.

    In Alimosho 1 constituency venue, the Alajasa of Ajasa, Oba Sule Suberu and other speakers commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and their representative at the Assembly, Hon.Adebisi Yusuf for the commissioning of 22 roads in Alimosho recently saying it has brought great relief to the area, they however requested for more link and inner roads, while the Igbos requested for more inclusiveness in the scheme of things among other request.

    Hon. Adebisi Yusuf representing Alimosho 1 constituency spoke at the Abesan venue of the meeting and Hon.Adebayo Osinowo representing Kosofe 1 constituency spoke at the Mende Town Hall, Mende, Maryland venue of the meeting.

    Yusuf assured his people that he has been proactive in the Assembly and that he has never been found wanting, making reference to the 22 roads commissioned recently in Alimosho by Governor Akunwunmi Ambode he assured them that all their request in last year’s stakeholders meeting have been met while work is ongoing on the remaining ones

    Speaking on the theme of the meeting,Yusuf said it is in furtherance of the unflinching commitment of the leadership of the House under the Speakership of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa in ensuring that the people have meaningful representation through good governance.

    “It is also because of our concern for the peaceful conduct of the 2019 elections. In view of this, we your representatives wish to enjoin you our leaders, members and supporters of political parties and groups to assume the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a way that promote peace and unity of purpose during and after the elections.

    “The electoral process is one of the most important features of democracy with voters as the major stakeholders. The electorate must have confidence in the process for them to participate as this makes government itself to be responsible and responsive to the needs of the people.”

    Yusuf urged religious leaders and parents to contribute to the success of the elections by preaching against violence in any form, before, during and after the elections. “Community leaders are hereby enjoined to embolden our people to always take advantage of their constitutional right to vote”.

    Adding that it is the responsibility of every member of a community to encourage eligible members of their various communities to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and mobilise others to participate in the coming general elections.

    Osinowo said the aim of the constituency stakeholders meeting is to among others create a more conducive environment for credible elections in year 2019

    “And to acquaint the constituents of the efforts of the Assembly in ensuring that the Government of the State further deliver on the welfare and security of the citizens of the State.

    According to Osinowo the Assembly has considered 41 bills and passed 30 into laws which are effectively addressing various challenges and developmental activities in the State while others are at different stages of passage.

    Among those passed into laws are: Lagos State Cancer Research Institute Law, 2017; Yoruba Language Promotion and Preservation Law, 2017; Lagos State Customary Court (Amendment) Law, 2017; Lagos State Electric Sector Reform Law, 2018; Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018; Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Law, 2018; Lagos State Pension Reform (Amendment) Law, 2018; Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law.

    “Through these laws, we have been able to demonstrate the commitment of this House of Assembly to the improvement of lives of the people and protection of properties in the State. The evident impacts of these are the on-going construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and other infrastructure across the State.

    “It is also worthy to mention that the House issued various Resolutions and attended to petitions geared towards ensuring good governance and peaceful co-existence among the citizens”, Osinowo said.

    The lawmakers assured Lagosians that all their request will be worked on by the Assembly and forwarded to the executive for implementation.

    Those present in all the 40 constituency centers where the meetings took place across the state include: Obas and other traditional rulers, religious leaders, political party leaders and supporters, artisans, CDA and CDC members, market women and men, Arewa and Igbo leaders, security personnel, youths, educationists, landlords and tenants etc.

  • Boat mishap: Lawmaker commiserates with Lagosians

    The member representing Ikorodu constituency 1 and Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly,  SOB Agunbiade, has commiserated with the people of Ikorodu division over the tragic death of some people in a boat mishap that occurred  at the Ebute Terminal. The lawmaker condoled with the relatives, friends and other well wishers of the victims of the unfortunate incident.

    While promising to continue to work hard to see that waterways  remains a safe mode of transportation for citizens of the state, Agunbiade said the death of the victims who were drowned in the boat accident, is quite regrettable. He appealed to operators of ferry services to improve on the safety measures being put in place for passengers as well as staff members go out to sea daily.

    In a release made available by his Media Office, the lawmaker prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims while asking God to give their loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He prayed that such incidents will not occur again in Ikorodu division, Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. “I want to assure that the state Waterways Management Authority would continue to live up to its statutory responsibilities of monitoring the jetties in the state.

    “We are also here to present to you, 60 life jackets for the use of residents of the community and cash to the families of the deceased on behalf of the Speaker and we hope this gesture would go a long way to ameliorate the negative impact of the incident on the people of this community particularly families of the deceased children. I appeal to all relevant authorities to ensure that boat operators provide life jackets for their passengers,” he said.

    About five people were feared dead after a boat capsized in Lagos on Wednesday evening. An eyewitness said that the boat was coming from CMS to Ikorodu.

     

  • Lagosians urged to use BRT, Waterways

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have advised Lagosians to use Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and waterways transportation during the repair of Third Mainland Bridge.

    FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander Hyginus Omeje and LASTMA Chief Executive Officer Chris Olakpe said this yesterday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    They were reacting to the proposed closure of the bridge for emergency rehabilitation/maintenance.

    Omeje said the corps would be working with other traffic agencies to ensure free flow of vehicular movement in various routes that will be affected during the bridge repair.

    “We advise residents in that axis to ensure that they use alternative routes or other means of transportation to avoid traffic jam. Motorists who have nothing to do at the Lagos Island should stay off at this period and people should make use of waterways and BRT that has designated routes. People from Ikorodu going to Apapa should endeavour to use waterways transport system, at least for the main time to avoid delay on the road,” Omeje said.

    Olakpe said no fewer than 100 LASTMA officials were on ground to ensure sanity on the road during repairs.

     

     

     

  • ANA consoles Lagosians over tanker inferno

    The group, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Branch, has expressed sadness over the death of the victims of last week’s petrol tanker explosion that occurred on the Otedola Estate Bridge-side of Lagos-Ibadan Express Way of Lagos.

    While commending the Lagos State government and its various agencies of the state for taking quick action to rescue the situation, it console Lagosians, particular the family and loved ones of those affected.

    The Lagos State Chapter Chairman of ANA, Mr. Yemi Adebiyi, in a release, expressed shock at the losses due to the incident, and called for more proactive steps to prevent a reoccurrence.

    “It is saddening that at a time Nigerians are yet to overcome the trauma of the Plateau massacre by unknown gunmen, the incident in Lagos which occurred due to the unfortunate explosion of a moving petrol tanker ended in not only throw Lagosians into mourning but, also aggravated our pains for the several disasters which have befell our nation in recent time.

    “Members of the ANA are greatly agonised by the losses of lives in the incident. We feel the pains and sorrow of the injured, death of loved ones and loss of properties and commiserate with Lagosians and Lagos State government on the sad incident”.

    He further added that “one cannot fail to notice and commend the swift response of relevant disaster rescue and emergency agencies of the Lagos State authorities, including men of the Nigeria  Police as they rallied round to salvage the situation in order to ameliorate the possible ripple effects of the disaster, which could have aggravated the pains on Lagosians, in record  time”.

    To ANA, Lagos, we have no doubt that, explained the pharmacist turned writer, and other experiences with the various authorities of the Akinwunmi Ambode-led government of Lagos State affirms the confidence of the leadership of ANA in choosing Lagos State as the hosting state for its 2018 international Convention which is to hold between October 25th and 28th. That only shows that Nigeria can always get things right if strategic and deliberate efforts were made to plan and provide infrastructure which are needed for development”, he enthused.

    He further added that the safety and security assurance for all players and stakeholders in Lagos State is expected to be upgraded and sustained over the years for other states in Nigeria to emulate.  with Correct Stress which is vital for the appropriate interpretation of a piece or sentence. I find it fascinating. We do it on a daily basis with varying degrees of success. Take this sentence for instance: I really like that long red dress.

    At the end of the day it will all depend how much we want to speak properly. But that begins when we accept that we may not have been speaking in English all these years. The book gives us a chance to test out our diction in the privacy of our bedrooms and to do something about it. The book also shows how easy it can be.

  • ‘Ambode, a special gift from God to Lagosians’

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been described as a blessing from God to the people of Lagos State.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, said this while speaking with newsmen at the weekend.

    According to the Commissioner, God’s unwavering love for Lagos State has manifested in the leadership of Governor Ambode, whose methodical approach to governance has brought about rapid development in the state.

    Describing him as a special gift to the state, AbdulLateef said the governor has addressed the challenges  inherited when he assumed office three years ago, including traffic congestion, kidnapping, cultism and other crimes that were hitherto.

    Although he noted that the state is not a stranger to progressive leadership, especially since the defining era of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the commissioner added that Ambode has raised the tempo of governance with ongoing massive infrastructural projects dotting the landscape of the state.

    AbdulLateef said: The network of roads in the state has improved under the current administration, with construction of inner city roads and those of the highways with lay-bys and bus-stops. The face of traffic flow and management has been redefined. Travel time within the state has reduced. You will certainly see the improvement while driving on Lagos roads. I am sure driving and living in the state would be more interesting and enjoyable by the time several ongoing urban-renewal projects are completed. Flyovers are springing up on highways to prevent residents from losing their lives while crossing the highways. Lay-bys are being constructed on major roads to also prevent indiscriminate parking by motorists, a practice which used to contribute to the traffic gridlock.

    “Nothing less than modern 1000 bus-stops will soon be completed to ease traffic flow. The lay-bys and slip roads are constructed with installation of wire mesh fencing to bring out orderliness on our highways like never before. And of course the icing on the cake is the sustained Light-Up Lagos, which has been able to perform multi-functions on our roads and metropolis. It enables motorists to see clearly at night. It has also chased criminals and other night marauders away from the black spots in addition to beautifying our city. We can now feel the beauty of having our streetlights illuminate the nooks and crannies of Lagos at night. What about the gains accruable through the night economy in the areas with streetlights? Gradually, Lagos is becoming a Smart City of our dream.”

    The Home Affairs Commissioner, however, added that what is being witnessed in the state is just a tip of the iceberg, insisting that the future promises to be better and more rewarding for Lagosians.

    “More massive capital projects will be completed before the end of the year. While others are busy playing politics of bitterness, Governor Ambode remains committed to fulfilling all his electoral promises because he believes all residents, regardless of their tribe, religion, age and sex, would be positively impacted if government truly works for the people. This is what the governor means by running an all-inclusive government. Under Ambode, Lagosians don’t have to know somebody in government before they feel the impact of the administration. That is the new Lagos, a dream that is fast becoming a reality,” he said.

  • World Cup: Lagosians hail Ambode’s viewing centres

    …govt provides insurance cover, adequate safety, medicals for viewers

    Residents of Lagos State on Saturday commended the state government’s decision to set up six viewing centres across the State to enable them watch the ongoing World Cup matches in Russia. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had last month promised to set up viewing centres in key locations for residents to watch all the 64 World Cup matches live. The six centres include Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island; Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere; Abesan Estate in Alimosho; Naval Yard Ajegunle; Bishop Aggrey School Mushin and Epe Recreation Centre In Epe.

    At the Campos Mini Stadium, residents, shortly after the thrilling Group B match between Portugal and Spain, described the initiative as laudable and novel adding that due to unstable electricity in some parts of Lagos Island, the Centre gave them the opportunity to watch the games. For some other spectators at the Centre, it afforded them the opportunity of watching the World Cup matches in a relaxed mood with stable electricity.

    A resident, Lukman Atanda said, “I enjoy watching football games among the people and the creation of viewing center by the Lagos State Government gave me joy because the atmosphere here at the Campos Stadium is lively. Kudos to the Lagos State Government.” Also, Kelvin Obase disclosed that the viewing center at the Campos Stadium has guaranteed him that some of the matches he would like to watch during the World Cup is certain. “I don’t need to worried about electricity for the period of the World Cup,” Obase said.

    Speaking on some of the benefits of the viewing centres, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Tandoh said because football is a unifying activity that brings the people together, football lovers therefore sees the government as one that touches other sectors such as sports. He said the creation of viewing centre by the State was also complementing the various grassroots sports development championships and competitions that the administration of Governor Ambode has solely sponsored, which according to him is an added advantage to the numerous achievements of the Governor in other sectors of the Lagos economy.

    Besides, Tandoh said the Government has made adequate provisions for medical coverage, adequate security, traffic control and general sanitation at all the viewing centres. He also disclosed that a Public Liability Insurance Cover is also in place covering the six centres for the period of the World Cup. “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who is a member of the Federal Government’s delegation to the Russia 2018 World Cup finals, wants Lagosians to have a feel of football action in the ongoing tournament and he believes the viewing centres will also serve as fun and relaxation spots for the people,” he said.

  • Be patient with Ambode, Lagosians told

    Former Head of Service in Lagos State,  Sunny Ajose, has called on Lagosians to be patient with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as he works harder at making Lagos cleaner. He spoke at the Badagry Federation Youth Coalition public endorsement of the governor for second term. Ajose said Visionscape, the new company saddled with the duty of keeping Lagos clean, will soon get its acts right.

    Speaking on major projects that the governor has brought to Badagry that made him win the youths’ support, he recalled that the governor had his first town hall meeting at Badagry to sensitize the people about his development plans. “He is implementing plans that will ensure that youths have opportunities to succeed as entrepreneurs and professionals.

    He further stated that the governor has started opening roads in the area to make movement easier for the people. “There is the 10-lane road coming from Orile. It has gotten to Okokomaiko where there is a PPP arrangement that will take over from there to Seme. It is to make sure that Badagry becomes a hub for tourist activities internationally. “The Aje oil, the free trade zone, and the mega sea port are all coming here soon. We just need to be patient with the governor,” he appealed.

     

  • ‘Ambode has surpassed expectations of Lagosians’

    ‘Ambode has surpassed expectations of Lagosians’

    Adeniyi Adekunle is a public affairs analyst. He is also the President of Achievers Archive, a non-governmental organisation involved in youth empowerment, training and entrepreneurship. Adekunle fielded questions from reporters recently on the sidelines of a conference in Lagos. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI was there.

    How would you assess Lagos State in the last two and half years?

    Lagos State is evolving into a wonderful state, because of the rate it is being transformed under Governor Akinwumi Ambode. In fact, it would soon become the Dubai of Africa. I’m not a politician and I’m apolitical, but I’m an advocate of good governance. Sincerely speaking, Ambode’s performance in the last two and half years has been stellar. He has surprised everybody. You know there were initial doubts by some people, as to whether Ambode would be able to step or fit into the shoes of his predecessor. But, see how God works, Ambode has been performing brilliantly and the positive touch of his administration is being felt in every sector in Lagos State. Those initial doubting Thomases and other skeptics have now been forced to eat their words. Many of them are now showering encomiums on him.

    Why were people initially skeptical about Ambode?

    Ambode is not your archetypal politician and his name did not ring a bell then. But all along, he has been an accomplished professional – a chartered accountant who has distinguished himself in public service. Ambode rose to become the Lagos State Accountant-General before he retired from public service, but many people did not know him then, because he was not in active politics. But, what many people don’t know is that even while in public service, Ambode excelled. It was the period when he was the Accountant-General of Lagos State that former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was in office then withheld monthly statutory allocation to the state, following the creation of 37 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the Bola Tinubu administration. When that action was taken by Obasanjo, the belief by many was that Lagos State would be starved of funds and the Tinubu administration would be brought to its knees. During this critical period it was Ambode that God used to rescue Lagos State; as he was able to use his wealth of experience to increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR). This enabled the Tinubu administration to remain on course and for three years or more that Obasanjo refused to release the allocation, it was the IGR that the government depended on to survive. I believe that a man that deserves credit should not be denied his due; the success of the Tinubu administration cannot be divorced from Ambode’s ingenuity. This is why it didn’t come as a surprise to me when Ambode was announced as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I knew that he would transform Lagos State beyond expectations. Truly, since he became governor of the state, he has proved his mettle. He hit the ground running and Lagos State has been better for it. It is only those who didn’t know about Ambode’s pedigree that initially doubted his ability to deliver. Today, Lagos State has been a success story under Ambode. But, I also believe that kudos should be given to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for discovering Ambode.

    It is believed that other state governors and even the Federal Government have one or two to learn from Ambode’s governance style…

    I believe they have a lot to learn from his style of administration, because Ambode has clearly shown that you do not have to be a politician of 30, 40 years experience before you can get it right. Look at how the man has been doing a lot of things at the same time. New roads with fly-over bridges have been constructed in Abule-Egba and other places. A lot of projects are ongoing: look at the new BRT lanes from Abule-Egba to Oshodi. If you get to Ikeja, especially at night, you will think you are in New York City. Also take a trip to Oshodi; a lot of construction works ongoing there. Soon, Oshodi will be transformed into Disneyworld of Nigeria. However, one thing I admire in all these is that projects that are being currently undertaken by Lagos State government are of high standard, because they are being handled by reputable foreign and local contractors. You know there was a time that some of our leaders believe and trust only foreign firms for any construction work. Ambode is not one of such; his administration has been giving jobs to local contractors and they too in turn have been living up to expectation. With new projects and contracts going on in different parts of the state, Ambode has been creating job opportunities for the unemployed. He has been helping to tackle the problem of unemployment. I believe other state governors and even the Federal Government should emulate him.

    Which areas would you like the administration to accord top priority this year?

    Power is the key to everything. Efforts should be made to ensure that there is stable and steady supply of electricity. There was a time Lagos State government was even talking about Independent Power Projects (IPP). It is a good idea which I will want Governor Ambode to pursue to a logical conclusion. I will also like the Federal Government to make efforts to increase power generation. Look at a country like South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia where stable and electricity is being generated, all their industries are working, and their economy is vibrant. If there is steady power supply in Nigeria today a lot of things that have been moribund will come back to life. If there is steady power supply, industries will function optimally and in the process job opportunities will be created. Not only that, small-scale entrepreneurs like hairdressers, welders and barbers will have work to do. Steady power supply will engineer rapid socio-economic transformation of the country. I implore all stakeholders to do everything possible to ensure that in the coming year 2018 that steady power supply would become a reality.

  • Lagosians urged to embrace health insurance scheme

    Lagosians urged to embrace health insurance scheme

    The Lagos State Government has called on members of the public to embrace the proposed Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.

    The Medical Director of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Madewa Adebajo, said the scheme is geared towards provision of excellent health service delivery to the populace.

    He spoke during the celebration of some of the hospital’s retirees.

    According to him, the initiative would not only assist in reducing the rate of avoidable deaths, and deaths arising from negligence but, would also help residents pay adequate attention to their health challenges and how the health challenges can be managed.

    He said the scheme has been designed to suit all the social class of the society and all levels of income earners.

    “Lagosians would be making informed-decision if they key into the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in the health sector. The health scheme is cheaper compared to the cost of accessing good health care services or with what is currently obtainable in all healthcare establishments across the country.

    “In the scheme, you can choose the health service of your choice. The whole idea is about saving for the rainy day, so that is anything happens, you would not have to withdraw from your bank account to offset your medical bills at that point in time,” he said.

    He added that the rate at which the state government is embarking on massive infrastructural development, deployment of health facilities and massive employment of staff in the state health sector further attested to the determination of government to ensure there is effective healthcare delivery across the state.

    He pleaded with employees of the State Government to cooperate with government in its drive to make the health sector a credible health institution in the country and internationally.