The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode mourns late journalist

    Ambode mourns late journalist

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed rude shock and sadness over the death of Mr. Francis Suberu,a member of staff of National Mirror Newspaper .

    Suberu, a reporter attached to the Government House in Lagos, died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 37.

    He was survived by his wife, two children and aged mother, among other relatives.

    Governor Ambode, in a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Folashade Omolara Suberu, described the late journalist as a quiet and unassuming man who contributed immensely in projecting the programmes and policies of his administration in the last 19 months through balanced news reports.

    The Governor said it was always painful to lose a soul mate and family bread winner, but urged members of the family to take solace in the fact that Suberu led a good life and was a member of the esteemed journalism profession.

  • Budget: We’ll consolidate on modest achievement – Ambode

    Budget: We’ll consolidate on modest achievement – Ambode

    …Gov Delivering On His Promises, Says Speaker

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday signed the N812.998bn Y2017 Appropriation Bill to Law, with a promise that it would be judiciously implemented to consolidate on the modest milestones recorded in the last 18 months and propel the State to a path of prosperity.

    The Governor, who spoke at a brief but impressive ceremony, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the 2017 budget, christened, “Golden Jubilee Budget” was his administration’s contract with Lagosians to continue to build an all-inclusive economy throughout the year.

    The Governor thanked the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for their forthrightness and speedy consideration and approval of the Appropriation Bill, which he presented to the House on November 29, 2016, and was passed to Law on January 3, 2017.

    He said the N812.998bn Y2017 budget was in line with the State Development Plan 2012-2025, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2017-2019, based on the State’s Four Pillars of Development Plan which include: Infrastructure Development, Economic Development, Social Development and Security as well as Sustainable Environment.

    Governor Ambode, while assuring that his administration would immediately hit the ground running to implement the budget, expressed optimism that the national economy would begin a path of recovery this year.

    “We are encouraged by the budget performance of last year (2016) which stood at 78 percent. Our total Capital Expenditure in 2017 will be N507.816bn while Recurrent Expenditure is estimated at N305.182bn.

    “Our government is committed to prudent financial management and equitable allocation of resources for the general good and will ensure proper fiscal discipline in the implementation of this Appropriation Law,” Governor Ambode said.

    While alluding to the fact that obligations and duties of citizens like tax payments have become noticeably better, self-induced and encouraging, Governor Ambode sought the cooperation and understanding of all taxpayers to successfully implement the budget, saying that government would continue to strive harder to improve service delivery in all sectors.

    “We encourage all taxpayers to continue in this spirit and also take advantage of available multi-pay channels in fulfilling their civic obligations. Do not pay to touts or illegal channels. Make sure your tax payments count. We are doing everything to eliminate poor services to you,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the judicious implementation of the 2016 Budget by Governor Ambode, against all odds, has gone a long way to confirm his financial expertise.

     The Speaker, who was represented at the event by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, said many laudable projects including the construction of 114 Roads across all the local governments in the state within a year was a first in the history of Nigeria.

    “That means by 2023, just in eight years, he would have done over 1,000 roads in addition to what the Ministry of Works and Public Works Corporation is doing.

    “Another area that is unbeatable is the ‘Light up Lagos’, which no doubt increases the economy of our mothers and fathers. That is in tandem with Article of Faith as entrenched in the 1999 Constitution, which summarily explains that the Governor is determined and committed,” the Speaker said.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade who gave a breakdown of the budget, said a total of N507.816billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while N305.182billion is for recurrent expenditure making up a total expenditure of N812.998billion and an aggregate capital to a recurrent ratio of 62:38.

    Ashade, who is also the Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Finance, said Year 2017 budget which would largely be driven by Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) made up of taxes, rates, levies and others, would be focused on continuous promotion of massive investments in security, infrastructure, transport/traffic management, physical and social infrastructural development, environment, health, housing, tourism, power, e-governance, education, agriculture and skill acquisition.

    While explaining the sectoral breakdown of the budget, Ashade said a total of N141.692billion was earmarked for roads and other infrastructure, while Agriculture and Food Security got N4.795billion with Tourism and Environment getting N20.247billion and N24.031billion respectively.

    A further breakdown of the budget showed that Water got N20.082billion; Housing, N50.344billion; Health, N51.447billion; Sports Development, N9.457billion; Education, N92.445billion; Commerce and Industry, N1.500billion, Wealth and Employment Creation, N6.250billion; Women Affairs, N2.193billion; Youth and Social Development, N2.698billion; Governance, N11.193billion; Science and Technology, N11.000billion; Security, Law and Order, N39.722billion, while N3.800billion was set aside for the 7.5 percent Government Share to Pension Contribution and N7.150billion for Pension Redemption Bond Fund-Shortfall.

    On Transportation, Ashade said N49.077billion was earmarked for the Blue Rail Line, advancement of the 10-Lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway, construction of jetties and terminals especially for the Epe and Marina Shoreline Protection and procurement of ferries to improve on water transportation and encourage tourism, while also disclosing that attention would be paid to the expansion of BRT corridors in Oshodi-Abule-Egba, and other corridors.

  • Ambode links economic growth to strong democratic institutions

    Ambode links economic growth to strong democratic institutions

    …Receives new American ambassador to Nigeria

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday advocated the need for strong democratic institutions in Nigeria, saying that such was critical to economic growth and overall development.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit the new United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, said the transformation of the country depends largely on strong institutions rather than individuals, and as such, all hands must be on deck towards achieving such.

    While congratulating the American people on the success of their general elections held in the country last month, Governor Ambode said Nigeria has a lot to learn from the United States, especially in the area of strong democratic institutions.

    The Governor said: “We know that we have common grounds in terms of democratic experiences. We are very glad that the American election that took place last month was very successful and we believe strongly that in this partnership, moving forward, we believe so much has to be learnt in terms of democratic institutions that have actually succeeded in bringing out the kind of election results that we got.

    “We think that more of our own democratic institutions here in Nigeria should also become stronger so that we think more about institutions rather than persons and those are the things that actually make the economy to grow and the society to thrive.”

    The Governor, who also congratulated the envoy on his new posting to Nigeria, pledged the commitment of the State Government to continually protect the business interests of Americans and others in the State.

    He particularly expressed readiness to partner with American firms in scaling up the transport system and the health sector in the State, among other areas.

    He added that in the last 18 months, the State Government has committed huge resources and efforts to security of the people, assuring that the government would continually give greater attention to the safety and welfare of residents, including American investors.

    He said: “Lagos is a beautiful home to American Embassy. We known that a lot of Americans reside in Lagos and we have tried as much as possible to create an enabling environment for investors in the State and also protect all citizens and residents.

    “We are very strong on judicial and security sector reforms and we have maintained in the last 18 months, a peaceful environment in Lagos and we have continued to ensure also that Lagos is safe.”

    Earlier, the Ambassador said his visit to Governor Ambode was to listen and learn with the aim of planning ways to work with the State Government and the people of Nigeria so that in the future, the children of Nigeria and the children of United States have to gather for a better world forged by the partnership.

     

  • Education vital tool to combat poverty – Ambode

    Education vital tool to combat poverty – Ambode

    …Tasks public service on innovative ideas

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday justified the massive investment of his administration on improvement of educational infrastructure and upgrade of curriculum to meet current realities, saying that education remains one of the critical tools to combat poverty and secure a better future for the State.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja after swearing-in a new Permanent Secretary and Tutor General for Education District Six, Mrs. Olabisi Olufunmilayo Onadipe, said the massive investment on education architecture and continues empowering and equipping of teachers were all in a bid to raise the next generation of Lagosians who will be ready to take on the challenges of the future.

    While alluding to the fact that the State Government placed high emphasis on education, Governor Ambode charged the new appointee to see her appointment as very critical to the future progress of the State, and as such, she must add value not only to the present administration and the public service, but the State.

    The Governor said the public service, as a vital institution primarily responsible for policy implementation, has been given a pride of place, and recalled that since inception of the present administration, a lot of attention had been given to appointment of only officers with credible record of performance into leadership positions.

    He said no matter how good a policy is, its effectiveness in terms of achieving the desired impact would only be determined by the competence and commitment of those charged with the responsibility of implementation, a development the Governor said called for the need for greater sense of dedication.

    According to Governor Ambode, “A lot of attention is given to ensuring that only officers with credible record of performance are appointed into leadership position in the public service. The global rating of Lagos State requires that only the best hands must be engaged to drive the key sectors of the State economy. This is the only way we can guaranty effective and efficient service delivery and synergy between the public and the private sector.

    “I therefore use this opportunity to demand greater sense of commitment and responsibility from the leadership and the entire workforce in the State public service. You must be open minded and ready to embrace new and innovative ideas that are consistent with global practices.”

    Responding, the new Permanent Secretary thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in her, and expressed her readiness to discharge her duties effectively and efficiently.

  • Ambode raises Police death insurance benefit to N10m

    Ambode raises Police death insurance benefit to N10m

    …Presents additional patrol vehicles, power bikes to RRS

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday announced an increment to the death insurance benefit for police officers who die in active service to the State to N10 million, saying that his administration would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of all citizens in the State.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja, after he was presented with two awards recently won in South Africa by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the State Police Command, said security and safety of the people remains one of the focal objectives of his administration, and that Government would continually embrace measures to motivate and encourage officers of the Command to perform their duties diligently.

    The RRS, at the awards presented by Security Watch Africa (SWA), had emerged as the best anti-crime police squad in West Africa, while the RRS Commander, Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, won the award of most outstanding police operational officer in Africa.

    The State Government also bagged award as the best security and most safety conscious state in Africa.

    Speaking after receiving the awards, Governor Ambode congratulated the Commander and men of the RRS for the feat, saying that the people of the State were appreciative of the gallant efforts of the unit at bringing down crime rate in the State, especially in the last one year.

    The Governor also commended the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni for his purposeful leadership of the Command, saying that it was evident that the Police in Lagos was performing creditably well.

    While alluding to the need for increment in the death insurance benefit of officers, Governor Ambode recalled the recent loss of some officers in active service, adding that while government was not praying for the re-occurrence of such, it was appropriate to reasonably reward the family of any officer in the event of eventual death.

    The Governor therefore said his administration was raising the stake of death insurance policy from N1million to rank and file and N2million to senior officers to N10 million.

    He said: “Recently, we lost some police officer due to no fault of theirs and then some form of accidental incidences across the State.

    “I have directed the State’s Pension Office and the Office of the Chief of Staff that we are going to increase the payment that we make to officers that die in active service and then we are increasing that irrespective of whether you are a junior or senior office, if you die in active service, the payment that will be made by the State Government is being increased to N10million from this moment onward,” he said.

    As one of the ways of appreciating and motivating the Command, Governor Ambode also presented additional three patrol vehicles and 45 power bikes to the RRS.

    The Governor, while reiterating the commitment of the State Government to the security and wellbeing of residents, also directed the police to ensure hitch-free yuletide celebration across the State.

    He said the government, by the donation, was also sending a strong signal to those who are always willing to disturb the peace that there is no room for them in the State.

    Responding to the gesture, the RRS Commander, Mr. Olatunji Disu said the equipment given to them by the State Government would further spur them to give their best towards protecting the lives and property of residents.

  • We’ll commence disbursement of N25bn ETF in December – Ambode

    We’ll commence disbursement of N25bn ETF in December – Ambode

    …Artisans, traders, others to get access to fund

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said the State Government will commence the disbursement of the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) initiative of his administration by December, 2016.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke in Lagos at the graduation ceremony for 500 artisans trained by the State Government on modular employability programme in nineteen different trades, said the informal sector remains a critical vehicle for economic recovery, adding that Government was passionately committed to repositioning the sector for economic gains.

    He said the N25billion ETF, which would be disbursed for the next four years on N6.25billion annual basis, was one of the initiatives designed to empower the informal sector, adding that government was open to ideas and strategies that would aid sustainable growth of the sector.

    “Let me tell you clearly that the N25bn ETF is for artisans and entrepreneurs in Lagos State. We will commence disbursement from the month of December, 2016 and let me assure you that a larger percentage will go to our carpenters, our tailors, our hairdressers, our vulcanizers, and so on. Everybody that is a tradesman and is an artisan in Lagos will have automatic access to the Employment Trust Fund (ETF),” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking at the event which also coincided with the 7th Tradesmen and Artisans’ Week, the Governor said the ETF was an initiative with the cardinal mandate to support the establishment and growth of small businesses to create job opportunities for the people, adding that soft loans would be provided to genuine and credible artisans and traders in the State.

    Besides, the Governor said it was now time for conscious and concerted efforts to re-engineer the mindsets of young ones and advance entrepreneurs with the view to repositioning them to face modern challenges, saying that except focus is shifted to equip and rebuild the informal sector, members would not be vibrant enough for the prevailing realities of the moment.

    He assured that his administration would not sit and wait for oil prices to rebound in the international market before arriving at a solution to the challenges confronting the state, hence the need for the ETF and other initiatives.

    On the training for artisans, Governor Ambode said such was one of the platforms for recognizing and projecting the significant contributions of the informal sector as a vehicle for economic development, adding that government was equally mindful of the fact that artisans were the major players and the conveyor belt for industrial enterprise in the country.

    While urging the newly trained artisans to leverage on the strategic position of Lagos as the contributor of 25 percent of the total GDP of Nigeria and 5th largest economy in Africa, Governor Ambode said the training which they passed through was designed to address this skills mismatch and provide the right mix of skills needed to service the industrial needs of the State.

    Responding to requests by artisans through their representatives, Governor Ambode approved that the beneficiaries of the training should be increased to 1,500 artisans next year and a yearly subvention of N12million and brand new operation bus for the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), among others.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti said the 500 artisans were re-trained and up-skilled on eight weeks intensive programme solely sponsored by the State Government for better service delivery.

    On his part, LASCOTA Chairman, Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari thanked Governor Ambode for the various efforts aimed at improving the productivity of artisans in the State, especially the Tradesmen and Artisans’ Empowerment Programme (LASTEAP), saying that the continuous training had impacted positively on their productivity and enhanced them economically.

  • Ambode presents budget of N812.998b for 2017

    Ambode presents budget of N812.998b for 2017

    Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Tuesday presented a total budget estimate of N812.998 billion for 2017 to the state Assembly for consideration and approval.

    The Capital expenditure stands at N512.99billion while recurrent expenditure is N300billion, a ratio of 63-37 per cent.

    Ambode said the 2017 budget will continue the massive renewal of infrastructure and the enhancement of Lagos as one of the foremost tourism and investment destination in Africa.

    “While we focus on physical infrastructure, we shall continue to pay due attention to social infrastructure especially health, education, youth and social development in 2017”, the governor said.

    He disclosed that the State expects an increase in Federal allocation through 13% derivation from Oil & Gas in 2017 which will further boost the revenue profile of the state.

    “In view of our financing gap, we shall continue to sustain deficit financing in the short-to-medium term; enhance revenue growth throughout the year on several initiatives including automation and efficient revenue administration.

    “We would explore more collaboration with local and international investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) especially in the areas of Road network expansion, Transport; Housing, and the Environment”, he said.

    The governor promised that in 2017 his administration will “remain steadfast in our responsibility to make the State safe and secure for all our citizens. We will continue to invest in Security. The Neighbourhood Safety Agency will become fully operational by 2017 with presence in all our Local Governments and LCDAs.

    Adding that “the key focus of the budget for the 2017 is road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance. Our government will focus on roads that will open up the hinterlands, improve connectivity in the State and reduce travel time.”

    He also promised that the administration will commence the Phase II of the 114 Local Government Roads project and the Fourth Mainland Bridge in 2017 and carry out fundamental reforms on all modes of transportation – Roads, Water and the Walkways. In this wise, a Public Transport Infrastructure Bond will be issued in the course of the year, Ambode said.

    “The State government will embark on the Urbanisation of the Marina axis, Waterways Channelization, establishment of more Parks and Gardens as well as the Community Sports Centres and Stadiums in different locations across the State.

    “We will fully implement the Medical Health Insurance Scheme and deploy e-Health/ e-insurance Health Service solutions; and complete the on-going upgrading and extension work in the State General Hospitals and Ayinke House in Ikeja. Work will commence on our Medical Park in the 2017 fiscal year.

    “With the aim of making Lagos State the next technology frontier in Africa, we will invest in Digital Libraries (e-Libraries) as well as Code Lagos projects to prepare our younger ones to meet the new workforce demands, harness the benefits of technology and communicate in the language of the future.

    “Our administration is committed to various projects in the area of Tourism. Our vision is to create a Tourism Hub around the Onikan-Lagos Marina Axis. We will also develop the Epe and Badagry marinas to harness the tourism potentials of these areas. We will establish Museum for Art and Culture in Ikeja, construct 5 Arts/Culture theatres in Alimosho, Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Ikeja with a 400-seater hall in each of them.

    We will accelerate the food expansion programme with a special focus on rice production, animal husbandry and root crops. We will intensify our collaboration with other States in the development of a commodity Value Chain specifically for food commodities. We will invest more to boost fish production in the State, by improving the production capacity of Ayobo Fish Farm Estate in Alimosho area in addition to providing employment opportunities for the youths.

    “The Employment Trust Fund has commenced financial support to our youths and entrepreneurs and this will be intensified throughout next year.

    “In the area of environment, we will improve water supply through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and increase the capacity utilization of water treatment plants, ensure efficient waste management system by increasing the number of Transfer Loading Stations from three (3) to fifteen (15), mitigate the effect of climate change through the conservation of the natural environment and promotion of biodiversity, as well as minimising flood through effective erosion control”.

    The governor sought the cooperation and understanding of all Lagosians in prompt payment of taxes informing that the State Government has embarked on extensive revenue collection reforms. “We will soon introduce more effective multi-pay channels to improve the administration and collection of Revenue. Our Central Billing System and efforts to fully automate revenue collection for ease of payment have reached an advanced stage”, he said.

    He called for support of all Lagosians in the successful implementation of the budget. Saying “we all have a huge responsibility to ensure that it succeeds as we cannot just afford to fail even at this critical period of economic recession”, Ambode said.

    In his remarks, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa commended the governor for the successful implementation of the 2016 budget stressing the supportive role played by the Assembly in the admirable performance of the governor in the outgoing year.

    He pointed out that it is crystal clear that the 2017 budget is aimed at massive investments in various areas of the state to consolidate and improve on 2016 budget to ensure that the dividends of democracy gets across to the people in this period of recession.

    Obasa disclosed that the outcome of the Assembly’s constituency stakeholders meeting has been factored into the 2017 budget, promising that the Assembly would look at the nitty-gritty of the budget estimates to ensure that the budget delivers its desired good through oversight functions.

    The speaker charged all ministries, departments and agencies to furnish the House with all necessary documents to aid the quick passage of the budget.

    He also called on the National Assembly to reconsider the call for special status for Lagos, assuring that Lagos can bring about the economic revival of the nation from the present economic recession.

    The budget presentation was witnessed by prominent Lagosians and party leaders including traditional and religious leaders as well as party leaders, politicians and former members of the state Assembly.

  • Gbadamosi, one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos – Ambode

    Gbadamosi, one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday described the late literary icon and foremost industrialist, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi as one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos who offered selfless service to the service of the State and the nation.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Ikeja during a reception organized by the State Government in honour of Gbadamosi, said the late economist and industrialist was a true Lagosian who contributed immensely to the development of the State, adding that the government and good people of Lagos would forever cherish his contribution to the growth of the State.

    Speaking at the event which was well attended by captains of industry, politicians, and stakeholders in the arts industry, among others, Governor Ambode said Gbadamosi served the State at a young age as Commissioner for Economic Planning and ended his service to the State at his old age as Co-Chairman of the Lagos at 50 Celebration Committee.

    He said: “I stand here on behalf of all Lagosians to celebrate selflessness. Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi was an illustrious son of Ikorodu; a true son of Lagos; a patriotic Nigerian; an elder statesman; a thoroughbred economist; a lover of arts per excellence; a consummate businessman; and above all a selfless Nigerian.

    “He was not just a father but one of the founding fathers of modern day Lagos. We, in Lagos State, will forever cherish his contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State. He was a fine gentle man; a father; an uncle; and a very lively person. We, in the State Government, will miss him so much.”

    Besides, the Governor described Gbadamosi’s death as a personal loss to him, saying that the late industrialist was a brother, counselor and big uncle to him, and that he (Gbadamosi) has surely earned a place of exemplary leadership in the government of the State.

    He recalled Gbadamosi’s days as the Commissioner for Economic Planning in the State whereby he contributed to laying a solid foundation for the development of the State, saying that his appointment as Co-Chairman of Lagos at 50 Committee was reached after a careful study of those who have served the State selflessly.

    While also recalling the backlash that trailed Gbadamosi’s appointment into the Committee on health grounds, the Governor said he (Gbadamosi) stood his ground and never allowed it to deter him from selflessly serving the State, and urged other members of the Committee to make the events to celebrate the State bigger and more successful in his memory.

    Besides, Governor Ambode urged Gbadamosi’s family to be strong and take solace in his dreams and vision of a modern Lagos as well as his legacies.

    The Governor, however, assured that because of Gbadamosi’s love for arts, the State Government would intensify initiatives to promote arts more than ever starting with arts exhibition in January, 2017 to bring the old and the young together and create the framework for youth engagement.

    In her tribute, President of Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief Mrs Nike Akande said the late Gbadamosi personified the value of hard work, adding that he was an amiable and hardworking industrialist who was always bringing deep intellectual insight into national issues.

    Akande also said Gbadamosi had an incredible passion for the progress of Lagos and he was a leading industrialist, lover and supporter of the arts.

    On his part, veteran actor, Olu Jacobs said Gbadamosi was passionately committed to standing with the people and was always particular about the welfare of the arts and artists.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Gbadamosi’s eldest child, Mrs. Morounkunbi Osinoiki thanked the State Government for organizing the tribute in honour of her late father, saying it was well appreciated by the family.

  • Ambode redeploys Ashade as commissioner for finance

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has redeployed the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade to take over as the Commissioner for Finance.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor made the decision shortly after the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

    Ashade is expected to resume his new portfolio with immediate effect.

    Governor Ambode, however, said Ashade would still oversee the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget pending when the State Executive Council would be reshuffled.

    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode on Wednesday, October 19, on Wednesday carried out a cabinet reshuffle with the dropping of the Commissioners for Tourism- Mr Folorunsho Folarin-Coker; Finance, Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi and Transportation, Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola.

    Mr. Ashade was until his appointment by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a Partner at KPMG Professional Services, one of the big 4 international professional services firm with specialisation in audit, tax and advisory services. With over 16 years of professional experience with KPMG Nigeria and extensive skills in financial services industry, project and quality assurance management and public private partnership, he is surely a round peg in a round hole.

    A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ashade was born in Badagry on 6th October, 1975. He had his primary education at Anglican Primary School, Ilado, Badagry between 1981 and 86 and proceeded to Iworo Ajido High School, Badagry where he passed the West African School Certificate of Education in 1992 before proceeding to University of Lagos where he graduated with B.Sc (second class upper division) in Biology in 1997.

    Ashade joined KPMG (then Arthur Andersen, Nigeria) in March, 1999 and this provided an opportunity for a career change to Accounting. He became chartered in 2004 and was admitted as a partner in KPMG 2013. In 2015, he was appointed a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

     

  • Community policing will help in reducing crime – Ambode

    Community policing will help in reducing crime – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said that the fight against crime and all forms of criminality would be better enhanced if efforts are geared towards embracing community policing to complement the police and other law enforcement agencies.

    Governor Ambode, who stated this at the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairman and members of the Board of the State’s Neighbourhood Safety Corp Agency, said community policing was needed to assist law enforcement agencies which, according to him, are already over stretched judging by the enormous task of securing the country.

    Speaking at the ceremony held at Lagos House in Ikeja, Governor Ambode said right from the onset, the major thrust of his administration has always been the security of lives and properties of Lagosians, adding that the Neighborhood Agency, which was an initiative aimed at safe guarding the communities through community policing, was another testimony of the commitment of the State Government to the safety of lives and properties and a demonstration of a promise kept to all citizens.

    The Governor recalled the provision of security at the State level with the massive provision of equipment such as patrol vehicles, motor bikes, boats and helicopter on several occasions to police and other security agencies, saying that such had aided law enforcement outfits in the State in effectively discharging their duties.

    “You will agree with me that the Police and indeed all other security forces within the State and even the country at large are quite stretched, and some form of “community” or “local policing” is required to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing.

    “The creation of this Agency marks another step towards ensuring the protection of lives and properties at the grass root level. Corp members recruited by the Agency are meant to interact with the people at the communities. It is expected that with the visible presence of the Corp members within a particular community, the likelihood of crime will be drastically reduced,” the Governor said.

    He added that the Agency, which replaced the Neighbourhood Watch, has the responsibility of assisting the Police, and its mode of operation will essentially be in intelligence gathering, protection of lives and properties, maintaining law and Order amongst others.

    The Governor also said the Agency has been empowered pursuant to its enabling law, to recruit eligible persons as Corp members in all Local Government Areas of the State.

    He, however, emphasized that the Agency was not meant to compete, but to complement the efforts of the Police Force, adding that the State Government, through the Board, would develop clear policies and strategies for the implementation of the law.

    While reiterating the determination of his administration to commit resources to ensure success of the objectives of the Agency, the Governor said its realization would make Lagos a place where residents and all intending foreign and local investors can do business in safety and comfort.

    He also charged members of the newly inaugurated board to consider their appointments as call to duty, adding that the task making Lagos great and taking it to greater heights was that of all.

    Besides, the Governor commended the foresight, efforts and industry of the Speaker and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for initiating the bill that culminated in the enactment of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency Law 2016, saying their intellectualism in sponsoring the bill and the proactiveness in considering the passage of the law was admirable.

    Members of the Board are Mr. Israel Ajao (Chairman), Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, SP Yinka Egbeyemi, Mr. Razaq Balogun, Chief Tunde Aboyade, Mr. Ishola Laguda, Mrs Kofoworola Adegboye, Mr. Dengel Anifowoshe, Mrs. Ronke Ogabi, CSP Suleiman Lewi, Mr. O. Eziana and Mr Adegboyega Bajulaiye who will serve as Executive Secretary.

    Responding, Ajao who was a former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Ogun States and DIG in charge of Criminal Investigation, said he had no doubt as to the passion and commitment of Governor Ambode to safety and security, adding that members of the Agency would hit the ground running towards the set objectives.

    He said considering the complexities of Lagos being home to Nigerians and foreigners from all works of life, the Agency would contribute its quota towards realization of the objectives of making Lagos a safe place for residents and investors.

    The event was graced by the State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat OIuranti Adebule; Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun and other principal officers of the House; members of the State Executive Council, party chieftains, among others.