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Tag: Lagosians

  • Ambode to Lagosians: be security conscious

    Ambode to Lagosians: be security conscious

    •Lawmaker donates gadgets to communities

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode yesterday urged Lagosians to be security conscious.

    Noting that the country is confronted by security challenges, including insurgency, he said concerted efforts should be made to confront the challenges because security is a collective enterprise.

    The governor spoke at the Yaba Local Development Council (LCDA) during the presentation of security gadgets to 14 residential estates, 66 churches, 40 mosques and nine secondary schools by the member representing Lagos Mainland in the House of Representatives, Olajide Jimoh.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami, the governor said the lawmaker’s gesture was consistent with his administration’s vision on the protection of life and property.

    Ambode said: “This is the first time a member of the House of Representatives from Lagos will be distributing security gadgets to churches, mosques and schools.

    “He is complementing the government’s efforts in the grassroots. I urge Lagosians to be security conscious. There are other problems facing our people, especially unemployment. We will also address the challenge.”

    Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains witnessed the ceremony chaired by the chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale. They include Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Chief Kayode Olowu; House of Representatives members- Rotimi Agunsoye (Kosofe), Babajide Benson (Ikorodu), Ayodeji Joseph (Apapa)-; Chief Tayo Oyemade; Lanre Oshun, Dr. Tokunbo Oluwole; Apostle Femi Ojo;  Yomi Lapite, Chief Mudashiru Odetunde, Chief Iman of Mainland Alhaji Sabit Lawal, Apostle Biyi Thomas and Mrs. Omowumi Giwa, who represented Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Explaining his motive, Jimoh said Nigeria can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

    He said: “Nigeria today faces a lot of multi-dimensional security challenges, ranging from robbery, kidnapping, abduction, arson, banditry, cultism, assassination, to terrorism.

    “The older generation must revel in the nostalgia of the distant past when humanity savoured peace with politically-motivated violence, religious disturbances and tribal feuds occurring far in-between.

    “Bloodshed is a constant happening now in the country. On the global scene, terrorism has assumed a frightening dimension.

    “Economic prosperity can only thrive in a relatively safe and peaceful environment. Therefore, governments must provide an enabling environment by ensuring the safety of citizens, organisations and institutions against threats to their wellbeing and prosperity of their communities.”

    “I am distributing security gadgets, specifically hand-held metal detectors to all churches, mosques, communities and schools in mainland Federal Constituency. This will check illegal entries into our places of worship, communities and schools. Someone with an evil intention who carries a weapon or bomb on his body will not go near where metal detectors are used to screen entrants.”

    Ajomale praised Jimoh for his kind gesture, urging other lawmakers to emulate him.

    Olowu said: “We must never joke with security. It is a collective enterprise. Other lawmakers and local governments should take up the challenge in their areas.

     

     

  • Speaker to Lagosians: be law-abiding

    Speaker to Lagosians: be law-abiding

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has urged Lagosians to be patient with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on various issues affecting the state.

    Obasa said the state government has already set out to address those issues.

    Represented by Hon AbdulHakeem Shokunle of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I at the inauguration of Nasrul-li-Fatih society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Ajasa Command Branch, Ayobo, Lagos, Obasa said the assembly will not waiver in backing Governor Ambode with necessary legislation to move the state forward.

    Lagosians on their own part, he said, should be law abiding and eschew criminal activities.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said Ambode’s administration is ready to tackle criminal actions through provision of infrastructure and job creation.

    AbdulLateef, the guest speaker, said security is not all about policing, rather creating a conducive atmosphere for masses to earn a decent livelihood. Once majority of the population are gainfully employed, crimes will reduce drastically. He warned fellow office holders against short-changing the masses, reminding them of Day of Accountability.

    According to him, the gladiators for the Kogi government house have forgotten so soon that the man elected on November 21 to occupy the state’s number one seat is no more.

    “We are all going to join Abubakar Audu one day. If Audu knew the date of his death, perhaps he would not went through the stress of electioneering campaigns. Politicians must know that it is Allah only that gives position to who He wishes. They should fear Allah and be fair with the masses,” he said.

    The branch’s chairman Alhaji Nurudeen Ajala appealed to government to provide good roads and health system for the community.

  • Lagosians will no longer accept excuses, Ambode tells police

    Lagosians will no longer accept excuses, Ambode tells police

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday handed over series of security equipment and vehicles to the State Police Command and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), just as he charged them to ensure that the equipment are deployed effectively to tackle criminal activities as residents will no longer accept excuses.

    Ambode who spoke at the official handing over of 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-Ups, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, three (3) Helicopters, two(2) Gun Boats, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, etc, Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers, put the total cost of acquiring the equipment to N4.765bn.

    He said with the new development, the Lagos State Police Command has been repositioned to compare to similar outfits in other modern City States, expressing optimism that the equipment will go a long way to aid security agencies respond faster to crime.

    “Our Police Command will have its operations significantly driven by the right technology and equipment that will match the emerging sophistication of crime in our contemporary time”.

    “Members of the Police Command have been undergoing training to better equip them for the job. We have also rebranded the Rapid Response Squad of the State police Command to give them a new identity”.

    “Given the encouraging partnership and support of well-meaning citizens and corporate organisations, we are on course to making our State a safe haven only for law abiding citizens”, the Governor said.

    He however urged the officers of the State Police Command to ensure that the purpose for which the equipment was acquired is not defeated.

    “We say to whom much is given, much is expected. Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect the public at any time and place. Lagosians will not accept excuses”, he said.

    Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to further strengthen support for the state, noting that the security of the state reflects directly on the economic fortunes of Nigeria.

    President Buhari in his remarks commended Governor Ambode for his laudable role in prioritizing security and the purchase of the security equipment that would make the state safer and conducive for residents and citizens of the state.

    The President who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau, said the security equipment is a clear demonstration of the fulfillment of the Governor’s mantra to the people of the State.

    “This is indeed a laudable achievement by Lagos State Government to improve the security of life and property of the people of Lagos State. I therefore salute the Governor of Lagos State for initiating this judicious use of public funds to protect Lagosians,” Buhari said.

  • Ambode’ll not disappoint Lagosians, says Commissioner

    Ambode’ll not disappoint Lagosians, says Commissioner

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode will not disappoint the people, Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef said yesterday.

    The Governor, he said, would  transform the state.

    The commissioner was responding to the comment of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria National Missioner Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad  at a prayer session organised by the group.

    Ahmed, who prayed for the success of the administration, said many people were not happy with goings-on in the state, urging Ambode to address their needs.

    He urged members  of the state executive council to do all they can to make the electorate happy.

    The Sheikh said: “Currently, nobody is commending this administration. People are not comfortable with the developments in the state. But we pray Allah will lead, guide you aright. Allah will give you power over danfo drivers, okada riders, armed robbers and the likes.

    “Allah will make it easy for you all to do what it takes to govern us successfully.”

    AbdulLateef said the administration would do everything to meet the people’s needs.

    “The administration of Governor Ambode is the people’s government. For me, I see my appointment as a test from Allah, we will not disappoint you all and I pray Allah guides us and gives us all it takes to succeed,” he said.

    At the event were former Federal Commissioner of Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu; former Inspector-General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith and Commissioner for Justice Mr Adedeji Kazeem, among others.

  • Lagosians urged to pay water rates promptly

    The Acting Managing Director of the Lagos State Water Corporation, Mr. Deji Johnson, has urged Lagosians to pay their water rates promptly.

    Johnson, an engineer, who spoke yesterday at the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), at a stakeholders’ meeting on the Second National Urban Water Sector Reform Project and Rehabilitation/Expansion of Water Distribution Network in Lagos Service Area 2, Yaba, Ebute-Metta and Iwaya (Lot 3), said it cost a lot of money to produce potable water, hence the need for people to pay rates regularly.

    He said: “We want to meet Lagos State water requirement before 2020 by producing 660 million gallons of potable water per day, instead of the present 210 million gallons. We are rehabilitating our facilities to achieve this.”

    Project Coordinator Raheem Ipaye said the project was sponsored by the World Bank and a French agency.

    He said 56-kilometre pipes would be laid in Yaba, Ebute-Metta and Iwaya to supply potable water to many areas.

    Ipaye said: “We urge you to appeal to the ‘boys’ (hoodlums) to allow our contractors do their job. What we are doing is for the benefit of all.”

  • Town hall meetings will benefit governor, Lagosians, says APC

    Town hall meetings will benefit governor, Lagosians, says APC

    The local chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has said the one week set aside by Governor Akinwumi Ambode for his Town Meeting will afford the electorate to appraise the governor’s score card and rate him regularly.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the party said the governor has, with the initiation of the meetings, shown that his government will not only be accountable but mindful of the needs of those voted him into office across the state.

    It said the quarterly parley will serve as a feedback mechanism for the government to know how its policies and programmes affect the people.

    The statement reads: “With this proven desire to carry the people of Lagos along his policies, Governor Ambode will take governance down to the grassroots that form the base of governance.  We urged the good people of Lagos to continue to support the governor in his resolve to continue the legacy of uninterrupted development of Lagos for the good of every Nigerian.

  • Lagosians defy rain for Deeper Life’s crusade

    Were William Shakespeare to comment on the Lagos City-wide Crusade last Thursday at Ikeja Grammar School, Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos, he probably would have reiterated: “There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their lives is bound in shallows and in miseries.”

    That situation played out at the crusade, organised by Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

    Participants walked through the pool of flood and mud, just to have an encounter with the God of wonders

    They stood in the rain, holding on tenaciously to their conviction of maximising the opportunity of the crusade.

    Some of them said the rain was divinely engineered to pour extraordinary blessings upon them.

    Their resolve might have been bolstered by the choir rendition entitled “Shout, for the victory has been won”.

    Over one thousand participants trooped out to surrender their lives to Christ during the altar call.  They dared the flood; making the day, as Pastor Kumuyi said, “a remarkable day, a day of reference and day they will never forget.”

    At the Shomolu crusade within the precincts of the Yaba College of Technology, the participants, who included Uduak Inyang-Udoh, director of Academic Planning Unit (APU) and Sola Akeredolu, chairman of Joint Christian Management Committee, both of Yabatech, could not hide their excitement of being present at the programme.

    Inyang-Udoh, who represented Mrs. Margaret k Ladipo, the Rector of the institution, noted that he had concluded not to miss out, saying: “Personally, I am excited because I see this opportunity as a lifetime opportunity.”

    Kumuyi, in his message at Yabtech, titled “Decision that activates supernatural power,” hinged the predicament of majority of people on their preference to dwell in the valley of indecision, calling on them to escape from God’s wrath through repentance of sins.

    While noting that taking a decision should be a personal, practical and purposeful issue, the cleric said: “A man of no decision is a man of no value, no stamina.

    “Decision makes or mars a man. It is the decision that makes the man; it is indecision that breaks the man.”

    In Agege, which witnessed unquantifiable testimonies, Pastor Kumuyi, in his message titled, “The supernatural beginning of a better future,” charged Nigerians to shun night clubbing, cultism and other social vices as these could be destructive to their lives.

    According to him: “That place where you engage in cultic practices, drunkenness, sucking of blood, adultery, robbing and others is not a place of rest because they will destroy you.

    “You must not remain in sin. Awake and put on a new strength. Rise up from that evil and come to the saviour and something good will come to your life

    The Lagos City-wide crusade, which has spanned three weeks, will be rounded off today at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

  • Lagosians should support Ambode, says Fashola

    Lagosians should support Ambode, says Fashola

    Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has called for more support for his successor, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Fashola said any effort to develop the state would always remain a continuous exercise, adding that successive administrations must continue to make plan adequately for the state’s increasing population.

    The former governor spoke at the installation of the state’s first Military Governor, Brig-Gen Mobolaji Johnson (rtd), as Baba Ijo (patron) of Salem Evangelical Church of Christ, Ilupeju at the weekend.

    At the event were first civilian Governor Lateef Jakande and former Military Administrator Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).

    Ambode was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun.

    Fashola urged residents to support Ambode, saying the task of governing the state was tough and demanding.

    He said the development model, which had evolved in the last 16 years, was made possible by the foundation laid by past governors and leaders, including Brig-Gen. Johnson.

    The former governor said: “Lagos has remained the Centre of Excellence as it was desired to be from the beginning. But there remains work to do. And it would take a committee of actions to achieve that work.

    “We must continue to give our support to the governor, because having been there, I speak from experience; it is a very tough job.”

    “Being there also gives me the experience to know what he (Brig-Gen. Johnson) did; what Ndubuisi Kanu and Alhaji Jakande did. And what (Bola) Tinubu did. And it remains a continuous one-touch passing moment, because the work of developing Lagos will never finish. It is a work about people’s life and progress…nobody can finish the work.

    “If the work could be finished, Alhaji Jakande, Brig-Gen. Johnson and Admiral Kanu would have finished everything and there would be nothing for us to do. Unfortunately, it has not ended. Ex-Governor Tinubu couldn’t end it; I couldn’t finish the work and neither will Governor Ambode. The effort continues.”

    Fashola, who noted that he was four years-old when Brig-Gen. Johnson governed the state, said he laid a solid foundation for the state to prosper.

    If the foundation laid by previous governors had been faulty, Fashola said Lagos would not have witnessed today’s development.

    In his sermon, “Shining and Abundant Life”, taken from Matthew 5:16 and John 10:10, the Southwest Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, observed that the desire for material wealth was making Christians lead lives not conforming to the teachings of Christ.

    He decried the level of corruption in the country, saying it was depressing that some Christians, who were supposed to lead exemplary lives, engage in reprehensible vices, including drug trafficking, tax evasion, money laundering and public funds embezzlement.

    Atilade said corrupt officials, irrespective of status and religion, must not be pardoned, but made to “vomit” their loot before seeking people’s forgiveness.

    He said: “Somebody has said corrupt public officers should be forgiven, I say no way. If corrupt officers are asked to return all they have stolen and given a soft-landing, they would not have learnt anything.

    “If anyone found to have stolen public funds is made to vomit everything and after that, he is stigmatised by being asked to march on the streets and say ‘I am a repentant thief. I have stolen from this country. Please, forgive me’, they would truly have a change of heart.”

    The cleric said the regime of Brig-Gen. Johnson was corruption-free, adding that the former military governor laid good foundation for Jakande to take off peacefully.

    Atilade, who described Brig-Gen. Johnson as child of God born into an illustrious family, said the retired general was a good example of a disciplinarian and community leader.

    Ambode said Brig-Gen. Johnson’s service to the state remained a paradigm of excellence, saying he left a legacy of unblemished records and achievement.

    The minister-in-charge, Superintendent Apostle Babatunde Odele, said Brig-Gen. Johnson donated generously to the church, which was why the retired general was honoured.

    Brig-Gen. Johnson was formally installed and decorated with a garb of honour by Most Reverend Rufus Ositelu.

    Accepting the title, Brig-Gen. Johnson, who spoke for a few seconds, said he was overwhelmed by the honour and love shown him by the church.

    Other guests included the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, represented by Eletu Edibo of Lagos, Chief T.A. Gbadesere, Admiral Akin Aduwo (rtd), General C.Y. Ekwensi, Olujimi Jolaoso and Pa Babatunde Johnson, elder brother of Brig-Gen. Johnson, among others.

  • Ambode targets food security for Lagosians

    Ambode targets food security for Lagosians

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said the state was looking towards partnership in agro business in an effort geared towards ensuring food security in the state.

    The Governor who spoke when he received the Irish Ambassador Sean Hoy, at the Lagos House, Alausa, said his administration was looking to expand the agricultural sector and increase the production capacity of its farmers in the nearest future.

    “One area that Lagos is really interested in is in the agro business, I am very interested in the food security of this state. We have a population that is over 20 million and we should be able to plan properly the food security of the state.

    “We cannot claim that we are self sufficient right now, but we have a plan to be able to let us feed ourselves at some point in time. It’s quite unfortunate right now that the state consumes almost like N300billion worth of rice annually and what we have in terms of production is maybe like five percent.

     

    “We are looking for a situation where we would expand the potentials of our farmers and cross into other states and be able to produce staple products for the people of Lagos. So if we have any partnership that can assist us in securing the future of our people in terms of agro business will be highly welcomed,” the Governor said.

     

    Governor Ambode who also met with a team of investors from the United Arab Emirates, led by Professor Pat Utomi, restated the commitment of his administration to evolve policies and initiatives that would transform the city state into a destination for investors across the globe.

     

    He said in less than 100 days of his administration, efforts have been made to create an atmosphere for investors to look towards the direction of the state and for existing businesses to thrive.

     

    “We’ve already created an Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment to directly deal with issues that relate to investors coming into Lagos.

     

    “We are committed to a situation where we would create a new city where Africans and especially Nigerians in diaspora can be proud of and then we also can be proud of,” he said.

     

    He said that the state’s commercial strength with a population predominantly youths, makes it unarguably the home of the future of investment in Nigeria.

     

    He assured the investors of his administration’s support in the areas they intend to partner with the government.

     

    “We are happy to be associated with you. I want to give you our government’s commitment today that we are committed to the project that is being done by Smart City Dubai and other investors. We are also committed to giving government support in areas that would make investments easy”.

     

    “I want to let you know Professor Pat Utomi is somebody that has had endless passion to make this kind of investment happen in Lagos state, he’s been a major promoter of investment in Lagos and one is so excited. I want to commend you for being part of this initiative”, he said.

     

    Governor Ambode also restated his commitment to the rule of law as well as judicial and security sector reforms, saying the efforts are geared towards ensuring that business transactions are done transparently.

     

    “We would give credence to integrity of this government to make sure that whatever is being done will protect Lagos as well as investors. That’s what we are committed to. Wherever it is that we can be of help to accelerate the delivery of the project. We would do it.

     

    “I have no doubt that wherever Professor Utomi is involved, it comes with a huge sense of integrity and that’s why we would ensure that every aspect of making sure that this project is expanded, because I am made to understand is that whatever it is that you have done, you need government commitment also,” the Governor said.

     

    Professor Utomi, in his remarks said the group of investors from the UAE is aspiring to play a role that will significantly change the business climate in the state revealing that they are looking to invest as much as $10billion in the state within a period of time.

     

    “Smart City Dubai which has a track record of transforming a desert village in one generation to the world’s business hub, my hope and my expectation is that this initiative will make that happen for Lagos and be part of the inspiration along with other projects that you are driving, Eko Atlantic and a host of others, to make this a hub for which the economic emancipation of the black man,” he said.

  • Embrace insurance, Lagosians urged

    • ARIAN, NIA on road show

    Lagosians have been urged to embrace insurance. A lawmaker in Lagos State, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, made the call during a visit to the state House of Assembly by some insurance operators.

    They later embarked on a road show to promote insurance awareness among the people of the state.

    The event organised by the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN) featured the officers of the Nigerian Police and that of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who stopped vehicle owners at Ikeja to check if they had genuine motor insurance policies.

    The insurance companies that embarked on the road show were AIICO Insurance Plc, Royal Exchange Insurance, Niger Insurance Plc, Leadway Assurance Co.Ltd, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Mutual Benefit Assurance Ltd.

    Olowo promised to help the operators in legislation to promote the insurance business. He said insurance is a life-saving business hence the need for the public to embrace it. He advised the firms in the state to do more campaigns on insurance awareness. He also said there was the need for every business in the state to be insured.

    He called on police, FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Operation (VIO) officers on the road must ensure that all vehicles have a third party insurance.

    He asked the operators to stop unscrupulous elements in the state from selling fake insurance to the people.

    ARIAN President, Gbadebo Olamerun, said the event was held to draw attention to the evils of fake insurance policies in the state and how they could be eradicated. He said most vehicle owners do not have genuine motor insurance policies.

    Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Sunday Thomas, praised the state government for embracing insurance in the state.

    He pleaded with the government to assist the sector by ensuring that it makes insurance a compulsory practice in the state.