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Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode lauds NYSC for election role

    Lagos State Governor Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its role in the success of the general elections.

    Ambode said this at the swearing-in of 2019 Batch A corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, where he was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Dr Yusuf Jimoh.

    “May I on this note specially commend the National Youth Service Corps for its invaluable role and contributions to the just concluded elections. The success of the 2019 elections has further proven that the scheme is indeed an enduring legacy of its founding fathers. Our political trajectory becomes more definite with the NYSC as an instrument for sustaining our democracy,” he said.

    The state NYSC Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh, said a total of 2,658 corps members (954 male and 1,614 females) took the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Justice of Lagos, Justice Opeyemi Oke, represented by Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court at the ceremony.

    He urged them to take the programmes of the three-week orientation camp seriously, especially the entrepreneurship aimed at preparing them for self-employment.

    “The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme has been specially designed to salvage the deepening threat of unemployment in our country. I therefore encourage you to go the extra mile to participate in the programme in order to derive the maximum benefits and position yourself as an entrepreneur ready to take the many business opportunities out there. Remember the race for excellence has no finish line,” he said.

  • Ambode congratulates Sanwo-Olu, 40 APC Assembly members

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as well as the 40 House of Assembly members-elect of the party for their resounding victory at the polls on Saturday.

    Sanwo-Olu was declared winner of the election and Governor-elect of Lagos by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, having polled a total of 739,445votes to defeat his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje who got 206,141votes.

    Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the feat was a reward for the vigorous campaign embarked upon by the APC candidate and his running mate across the length and breadth of the State.

    “Lagosians have spoken loud and clear with their votes and have overwhelmingly voted for a government they believe will continue the trajectory of growth that we have experienced in the last 20 years under the APC.

    “It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate our great party for a resounding victory yesterday.

    “Again, the people of Lagos have decided to stay on the path of infrastructural drive, economic growth and all round development.

    “While I congratulate the Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat on their well-deserved victory, let me also thank all Lagosians for keeping faith with the APC,” Ambode said.

    The Governor also congratulated all the 40 candidates of the APC in the State Assembly elections for emerging victorious, adding that it would ensure a seamless relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

  • Pensioners praise Ambode

    The Lagos State Primary School Teaching and Non-Teaching Pensioners Chairman, Comrade Adekoya Samuel has praised Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his unflinching supports to the well-being of Retired Septuagenarians in the State Basic Education Sector.

    Speaking on Friday in Lagos at the Septuagenarians Welfare Package Programmeorganised by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Comrade Adekoya noted that since he assumed office, SUBEB had been consistent in its efforts to the well-being of the retired septuagenarians.

    He said the occasion provided the retirees the time to fellowship with one another, give thanks to God in addition to other benefits like the health talk, gifts items and merriment which the Board provided yearly.

    In his own remarks, the SUBEB Chairman, Dr Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin said the occasion was a testimony that the Board would not relent in its efforts to honour highly devoted septuagenarians who had served the state meritoriously.

    He said the Board cherished their invaluable contributions made towards the development of the education sector, stressing that the Board equally appreciated their devotion to duty, integrity and excellent interpersonal relationship while in service.

    Apart from appreciating retired septuagenarians, Sopeyin said the Welfare Package Programme also encourages those still in service that the government would not forget them after retiring.

    Sopeyin pledged that the Board would continue to articulate policies that would enhance the welfare of its workforce in addition to improving the capacity of its serving members of staff through regular training.

    The idea to celebrate the septuagenarians began in 2009 when the Board felt that Officers who had attained the age of 70 years and above deserved to be appreciated.

    Two hundred and sixty Retirees took part in this year’s event.

  • LASG resumes work on Lagos-Badagry road

    Lagos State Government has assured commuters that effort to rehabilitate the bad portions of the Lagos-Badagry road has resumed following cessation of the rains.

    The Government promised to keep its maintenance workers and equipment on the road until commuters and other users are relieved of the stress caused by the bad portions.

    Read Also:Lagos-Badagry Expressway in terrible condition, says FRSC

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya stated this on Wednesday while addressing the situation on the road.

    He said that the government has maintained the road regularly in the last three and a half years through rehabilitation even though it is a federal government road,  explaining that discussions with investors willing to upgrade the road under the Private –Public Partnership deal is going on at both the state and federal levels.

    “So far, the Public Works Corporation has carried out palliative works at Iyana Era, Ijanikin, Oko-afo, Magbon, Ibereko, Araromi, Iyana Isashi and Agbara”, Akinsanya said, adding that the government has mobilized other contractors to ensure full coverage of the assignment.

    Emphasising the importance of the route to trade in the West African region, the Akinsanya said the plan to expand the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to a 10-lane highway, which began with the construction of the section from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko, topped discussions between Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Chinese investors on President Buhari’s recent trip to China.

    He said in July, this year, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode responded to the complaints of residents over challenge posed to traffic by bumper to bumper movement by directing that the completed segment of the road with the BRT Corridor from Eric Moore to Trade Fair be opened up to  ease traffic.

    To further alleviate the suffering of the motoring public in the Badagry division, the Commissioner said the present administration has completed the construction of Aradagun-Iworo-Ajido road and Ajara- Agelaso- Poka/ Erekiti with bridge.

    He said the government was also building the Aradagun-Imeke-Ajido-Epeme road, Samuel –Ekundayo/Toga and will soon embark on the construction of Abule Ado road.

    Akinsanya assured peace loving citizens that there would be adequate security on the road to ensure smooth traffic and protect residents from danger.

  • Luminous celebrates Ikoyi Club at 80

    Wandel International Nigeria Limited, a member of the Simba Group and sole distributors of Luminous branded inverters recently partnered Ikoyi Club 1938, one of Nigeria’s foremost social clubs in the celebration of its 80th anniversary, to spread its message of how inverters lead to more comfortable lives at home, whilst saving costs at the same time.

    The celebration which included a series of activities was witnessed by the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, captains of industry, top government officials, corporate players and board members of companies amongst others.

    Justifying the essence of its campaign, the Chief Operation Coordinator, Simba Group, Rajneesh Gupta said the decision to work in partnership with Ikoyi Club 1938 was borne out of the need to encourage high-net worth individuals who otherwise already use generators at home, to invest in inverters which not only provide truly uninterrupted power but can help them save millions on diesel bills.

    Gupta noted that with products such as Luminous inverters, organisations as well as residential home owners stand the chance of saving huge energy costs which could consequently lead to increase productivity and guarantee huge returns in the running of business operations.

    “We have found that more often than not, it is the senior organisational leaders who lead the way in encouraging their management teams to optimise efficiencies and use innovative technologies to drive down costs. We are delighted with the response we have received from members of the club and other participants during the celebration of the anniversary.”

    In appreciation of the corporate partnership between Simba Group and Ikoyi Club 1938 on the celebration of its 80th anniversary, the Vice Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938, Dr. Adekunle Wright, commended the organisation for their support noting that the enlightenment campaign would go a long way in ensuring members are more energy efficient and can now enjoy energy cost savings.

  • Ambode, Fayemi congratulate governor-elect

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi have joined other well-wishers in congratulating the governor-elect of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, for winning the keenly contested governorship election in the State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oyetola was declared governor-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the end of Thursday’s re-run election in seven wards.

    Oyetola polled a total of 255,505 votes to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola Adeleke, who scored 255,023 votes.

    Ambode, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said it was a well-deserved victory as the people of Osun had made a choice to vote for continuity and experience, which he said Oyetola represents.

    He congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for yet another victory, saying it was a confirmation that the people still have confidence in the programme and policies of the party not only in Osun but also across the country.

    He also commended the people of Osun State for comporting themselves during the exercise, noting that despite the inconclusive election on September 22, voters defied the heavy downpour to come out en masse to exercise their franchise during the re-run election.

    “The election has been deservedly won. The good people of Osun have chosen quality continuity over uncertainty.

    “I have no doubt in my mind that the Governor-elect will bring his wealth of experience to bear and continue with the good works of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, call for unity and take Osun to greater heights,” Ambode said.

    He also urged those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resort to self-help.

    In similar vein, Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated Oyetola on his victory.

    While Fayemi said the Southwest regional integration and development agenda will now become a reality, Ekiti APC urged Oyetola to consolidate on the gains recorded under outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    Fayemi in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, described the keenly contested election as a reflection of the huge political awareness and maturity of the people of Osun State, adding that it was heart-warming that the better candidate emerged victorious.

    He said: “Congratulations to the Governor-Elect, Gboyega Oyetola, and to our great party, APC.  The people have spoken, and clearly too. It is indeed victory for democracy and all lovers of progress.

    “The regional integration and development agenda of the South West would now become a reality, with all the attendant benefits for the people of the geo-political zone.”

    Dr Fayemi, who described Oyetola as a seasoned administrator and astute manager of men and resources, said he is confident the governor-elect will take the state to the next level of development, having been a part of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s development-focused administration.

    Ekiti APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ade Ajayi, described the victory as an opportunity for Oyetola to build on the good works of the Aregbesola administration whom he described as “the builder of modern Osun.”

    Ajayi expressed optimism that the governor-elect would further transform Osun with the people-centered manifesto of the APC, going by his antecedents and exploits as a loyal party man who stood by his principal.

    While pledging collaboration and cooperation with Osun APC, Ajayi commended Aregbesola for ensuring that the party retains Osun despite the “antics of some retrogressive and reactionary elements.”

    The Ekiti APC hailed the people of Osun State for their steadfastness and peaceful conduct before, during and after the election, urging opposition parties to accept the result in good faith and cooperate with the governor-elect on the task of building a prosperous state.

  • Ambode expresses readiness for Saturday primaries 

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has declared readiness to participate in the primary election for governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC, slated for Saturday across the state.

    The party has adopted direct primaries in the state and Ambode is to slug it out with two other contestants namely: Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Governor said he is restating his readiness in line with the choice of the party in Lagos State and the validation given to the direct primary preference by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

    Read Also:Ambode, Ganduje, Abubakar, Bello, others to face direct primaries

    “As our great party approaches Saturday, September 29th, 2018, earmarked for the direct primary election to choose the candidate to fly our party’s gubernatorial flag at the next general election, I am happy to restate my commitment to participate in that process having procured and submitted my nomination form and having formally declared my intention to seek a second term to continue on the path of unprecedented growth and development that our State has witnessed since 2015”.

    The Governor expressed profound gratitude to the National Leader of the Party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; party elders and executives; GAC members; all APC members and every Lagosian “whose support, understanding and prayers have assisted me in no small measure in being used as an instrument through which our State has redefined the concept of greatness”.

    The statement added that the Governor in seeking re-election is approaching the founding fathers and teeming members of the party with a “grateful heart, open arms and a pledge to open and deeper attention to the concerns of this one, big family”.

    It added that a return of the party’s ticket to Ambode will guarantee the stability of the State’s growing economy; ensure the continuation of the growth and development it has witnessed over time and ensure that the opposition does not take root in the State.

    The statement congratulates the Governor’s co-contestants for the courage and commitment to the party and urges party faithful to come out en masse and vote peacefully in all the 20 Local Governments and 245 wards where the election will take place.

     

  • Ambode, Amosun, Gowon, Akiolu, others celebrate Williams at 99

    …He’s A True Nigerian We Should All Be Proud Of, Says Lagos Gov

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday led other eminent Nigerians to celebrate the first African to qualify as a chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams who clocked 99, describing him as a true Nigerian who worked assiduously to lift up the country.

    Speaking to reporters at a special birthday reception held in honour of Williams at his Lagos residence, Governor Ambode described the celebrant as the doyen of accountancy profession and elder statesman who deserved to be celebrated for his contribution to the growth and development of the country.

    Read Also:Ambode, Utomi advocate transformational leadership

    According to the Governor, “The main reason why we are here is to celebrate a true Nigerian and for somebody who has actually contributed to the development of Nigeria and he is still alive at 99, is worth celebrating and this is like a prelude to the centenary that we are waiting to celebrate next year, and that is why you can see that Ogun State Governor is here too.

    “Apart from the fact that Chief Akintola Williams is the Doyen of the Accountancy Profession, we see him as a founding father of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); he is also the founding father of the Musical Society of Nigeria. So, he has too many parts and this is one Nigerian that we are proud of and we are willing to celebrate him every day,” Governor Ambode said.

    He particularly commended Williams for his role in the development of Lagos, saying the State Government would continue to celebrate true Nigerians like him.

    “That I am here today is more or less to say a big thank you to him for lifting up Lagos; for lifting up Nigeria and we also wish him well on behalf of all Lagosians. We will continue to celebrate true Nigerians and he (Chief Williams) is just one true Nigerian, an elder statesman that we should all be proud of,” Governor Ambode said.

    Responding, Williams appreciated all those who found time to be with him on his special day, and wished them long life as well.

    Aside Governors Ambode and Amosun, other eminent Nigerians at the event include former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd); Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; foremost banker and founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun; legal luminary and philanthropist, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo; former ICAN Presidents, among other captains of industries and members of the diplomatic corps.

  • Ambode, Obaseki celebrate retiring  Ademowo at 70

    Governors of Lagos and Edo states,  Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Mr Godwin Obaseki on Sunday showered encomium on the out going Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, and Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Adebola Ademowo on his 70th birthday.

    They described him as a respected clergy who contributed significantly to mankind and national development.

    The  governors spoke to reporters at a special thanksgiving service to mark Ademowo’s 70th birthday and retirement held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina in Lagos.

    Ambode commended the clergyman for serving the State meritoriously, saying it was not in doubt that he made significant impact to the development of the State and the nation in general.

    According to him, “For somebody that has served Lagos so meritoriously; Bishop Ademowo has been like a father to all of us, and I just want to first of all say a big thank you to him on behalf of all Lagosians and for attaining the age of 70, we are very glad to have witnessed this celebration and I also wish him well and his family.

    “We know the impact that he has actually created for Lagos and even the whole of Nigeria and one is happy to be celebrating this day with him,” Ambode said.

    Obaseki said Ademowo deserved all the accolades and commendation for the peace and unity he brought to bear on the church during his tenure in active service, as well as the service to mankind.

    He recalled how his mother worshiped in the church for 50 years, saying it was on record that Ademowo performed his role as spiritual leader brilliantly and excellently well.

    “My mother worshiped in this church for the past 50 years and Bishop Ademowo was my mother’s Bishop and as a true Anglican, we know how much contribution that he has made to the Anglican Communion; the peace he has brought, the unity and more importantly the service he has made to the church and to mankind.

    “We wish him well; we wish him God’s grace and God’s peace in his retirement,” Obaseki said.

    In his sermon, Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, thanked God for His grace and loving-kindness which saw Bishop Ademowo through his service to the church and mankind, saying it was evident from all fronts that the clergyman had enjoyed the blessings of God.

    Taking his text from the book of Psalm 103, Okoh said the thanksgiving service was most deserving considering the landmark achievements of Ademowo in his 46 years of service to the church, 29 of which was in the episcopacy (being Bishop), saying he would be greatly missed.

    Besides, Okoh admonished the people to run away from sin, saying it blocks access to God and weakens the power of man.

    While declaring that the church was against all forms of homosexuality, Okoh also urged people to prepare for eternity, saying it was important for people to know that their actions in life had eternal consequences whether good or bad.

    Other dignitaries who graced the service include Ogun State Governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos State Deputy Governors, Mr Femi Pedro and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia; foremost banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others.

     

  • Ambode to FG: Revive ports in other states to save Lagos from gridlock

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday tasked the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to revive existing Ports in other States of the federation so as to bring about permanent solution to the perennial traffic congestion in Apapa axis of the State.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Third Quarter Town Hall Meeting, the 12th in the Series, held at the Community Primary School, Iberekodo in Ibeju Lekki Local Government, said the recent chaos witnessed in the area was beyond traffic issues, saying that concerted efforts must be made to revamp moribund ports.

    According to him,  beyond getting other ports up and running,  the issue of tankers queuing up to lift petroleum products from Tank Farms in Apapa was also a major issue causing gridlock and damaging road infrastructure in the area,  which according to him was inimical to the economic growth of not just the State,  but Nigeria in general.

    “It would be very unfair to Lagosians if I don’t talk about issues relating to traffic management and integrated transport management most especially what we have witnessed in the last one week in Apapa, but again I would like to tell Lagosians that every stakeholder that is‎relevant to resolving the Apapa crisis, we have gone to work and you can see that there is a major improvement.

    “But again, this issue has become perennial and in the last six years, it’s always been there, it comes and goes, but the challenge is to be able to find a permanent solution and in that reason Mr. President had directed the Vice President to come and see what the situation is and to actually give us a permanent solution. We are grateful Mr. President, we believe strongly that every layer of government should collaborate to be able to resolve this Apapa crisis.

    “But we all must know that Apapa crisis is more than traffic issues. That is where all States depend on for revenue through Customs because the revenue is shared at FAAC. If anything goes wrong in the Port, whatever they get from Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) could reduce,” Governor Ambode said.

    Stressing that the Apapa congestion was a national issue that required urgent attention, the Governor also noted that oil pipelines should be revived to discourage the trend of thousands of trucks coming from other parts of the country to lift petroleum products from Apapa.

    “It is bad that we still use truck to lift petroleum products from Apapa to other parts of the country. As it is now, other ports in Nigeria must begin to work immediately to decongest gridlock in Lagos.‎ Whatever has led to continual use of trucks to lift fuel, which is, vandalism of pipeline should be addressed immediately.

    “We believe that this will allow the roads to become free.  We don’t need to continuously use tax payers’ money to build road that were destroyed by tankers.  We call on the Minister of Petroleum and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to work towards reviving the pipelines,” he said.

    The Governor also expressed concern about the approval for the development of tank farms in Ijegun area of Lagos, saying that as much as the State supports redistribution of tank farms, such should be located in areas that are not populated.

    “We don’t need tank farms within Lagos metropolis anymore. There are 68 tank farms in Apapa alone. That is a serious danger waiting to happen. Beyond Apapa, they have approved tank farms in Ijegun axis and that is where we have huge population.

    “We need to redistribute tank farm establishment to outer borders and other parts. This is what we believe should be done at this moment to free Lagos roads,” he said.

    Speaking on the efforts of his administration to develop the economy of the State, Governor Ambode said his administration has continued to keep faith with its mandate to ensure that the future of Lagos remains on a sound pedestal.

    He said the Town Hall meeting, which had moved round the three senatorial districts in the State from its first edition held in October 6, 2015 has continued to provide the Government with first-hand information on the needs of the people and how best to solve them.

    “Our promise from the very beginning was that we are going to give you a government of inclusion and it’s very clear that we are on track. When we look at our scorecard, which is to keep Lagos on a trajectory of growth and development, we are on that track.

    “We are happy to be here. We are everywhere meeting the needs of our people, asking them what the issues are and wanting to respond positively to those issues. Yes, we are not perfect, we would try our best but our people know that we are doing things that would create prosperity for their future,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, the Governor said that his administration was not oblivious of the fact that the Eastern and Western axis of the State were pivotal to the future prosperity of Lagos.

    Giving an insight on the next plan of action for the Ibeju Lekki axis,  Governor Ambode also said the construction of the Epe Airport and reconstruction of the Coastal Road were very much on course, adding that the dualization of the Eleko Junction to the T-Junction would commence in January 2019, while the 27 network of roads in Ojokoro, Ayinke House, among others would be completed before the next quarter.

    The Governor, while thanking traditional rulers, community heads and residents of Ibeju Lekki for their unflinching support towards the advancement of the multibillion dollar projects ongoing in the Lekki Free Trade Zone assured that all issues relating to compensation would be resolved before the end of the week.

    Governor Ambode also announced the commencement of recruitment of 1,000 teachers in the State, adding that more would be recruited as the need arises.

    Taking questions from residents, Governor Ambode said his administration would go back to the drawing board and respond accordingly to issues raised, appealing to residents to be patient as the Government would continue to deliver more life changing projects to make life more comfortable for the people.

    A physically challenged resident and graduate of Computer Studies, Micheal Ogunyemi who said he had been jobless for five years could not hold back his joy as the Governor directed the Civil Service Commission to grant him immediate employment from August 1, while relevant agencies were directed to address various issues raised by residents.