The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

Ambode approves N740m compensation for LFTZ host communities

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday approved a total sum of N740, 461,432.00 as compensation for host communities of Parcel B comprising Yegunda, Abomiti and International Airport site of the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

The State’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, who announced the approval of the Governor at a media briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the development was in line the commitment of the Ambode administration to engender a sustainable cordial relationship between the host communities and investors in the LFTZ.

Ogunleye, who addressed the briefing alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo; Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami; the Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited, Dr. Tunde Sodade, among others, said ever since coming on board, Governor Ambode has seriously and holistically addressed the salient need to compensate the host communities, adding that remarkable progress had been recorded in that regard.

While stating that the State Government has continued to engage the host communities ever since the LFTZ project started in 2004, Ogunleye said the engagement principally centered on the need for the communities to recognize the multiplier effects of the project in terms of employment generation and the value to be added to the socio-economic lives of the people.

He said already, modalities were being put in place to ensure hitch-free payment of the approved N740 million, adding that the payment would be effected with immediate effect.

Responding to questions, Ogunleye said the compensation exercise was a continuous process, revealing that N65 million was paid early this year for land owners affected by the ongoing Dangote projects which included petrochemical plant, gas project, fertilizer and refinery project capable of refining 650, 000 barrels of oil per day.

He said before now, the host communities of the 3,000 hectares of land housing the LFTZ Development Agency, a company jointly owned by the State Government and a consortium of Chinese investors, were heavily compensated, adding that more land owners would be compensated in due course at the end of verification and valuation exercise.

“Let me reiterate once again, the commitment of this administration to Community Social Responsibility (CSR) and its readiness to continue to heed the yearnings of our people in the areas covered by the LFTZ and its complementary projects. I also need to assure both local and foreign investors that all our projects in the corridor are fully on course and as an administration, we are fully committed to them.

“At this time of economic downturn, our State as the nation and Sub Saharan economic hub is providing this investment platform with huge potentials as the best destination for direct investment. We are providing appropriate road infrastructure to ease the operations of investors in the zone and we will continue to sustain the friendly operating environment that now subsists,” Ogunleye said.

September 15, 2016
Permanent solution coming to Apapa gridlock – Ambode

…Implementation to commence in few weeks, says NPA MD

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to permanently resolve traffic congestion in the Apapa axis due to activities at the Port, just as he restated his administration’s commitment to restore the glory of the area.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he received the management team of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) led by its Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman on a courtesy visit, said he was highly desirous of transforming the Apapa axis to be a beauty to behold.

While expressing confidence in the ability of the new NPA management to make positive difference, Governor Ambode said he was extremely delighted that the agency was being led at this time of economic turbulence by a thoroughbred professional who is equally grounded in the political terrain.

He said Lagos, being the commercial nerve centre and a city surrounded by water, deserved more than one port, adding that his administration would not hesitate to partner with and support the NPA to succeed in whatever form needed.

“We have had issues about movement of cargo and every other vehicular movement that relates to traffic congestion in the Apapa axis and I think with the new management in charge of NPA, a whole lot of things will be resolved so quickly and I am very glad that this is the way we have decided to go and we will support everything to make Apapa a place that we will all be delighted to speak about,” Governor Ambode said.

He commended the NPA for investing in the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, saying that there was no doubt about the fact that such partnership would go a long way in driving more investment into Lagos.

Earlier, Usman said she was at the Lagos House with her team to expand the existing relationship between the NPA and the Lagos State Government for the benefit of the people.

In an interview with Government House Correspondents, she said the major area of partnership principally centered on decongestion of Apapa gridlock as soon as possible and the success of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, among others.

“We discussed various areas of cooperation and one of the priorities was the decongestion of the Apapa area. We have looked at the priority activities that we need to do to decongest the area and we would proceed with that in the next few weeks.

“There are several partnerships that exist and we intend to forge ahead with them. We have the Lekki Deep Sea Port development which both Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the NPA have shareholdings. We believe that it is a project which we need to take forward within the shortest period. We have reaffirmed our partnership and commitment to drive the project and we want to do that within the shortest period,” Usman said.

September 14, 2016
Domestic violence: Lagos will be uncomfortable for perpetrators – Ambode
Leads first all men walk against women, girl child abuse

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday led an All Male Walk against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), vowing that his administration would leave no stone unturned to ensure that all perpetrators of such crimes are made to face the wrath of the law.

The walk, which proceeded from Ikeja under Bridge through Awolowo Way to Lagos House in Alausa, witnessed the participation of dignitaries from all walks of life, including members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, key government functionaries, entertainers, youths, artisans, workers, among others.

Addressing participants at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Ambode, armed with a placard with the inscription ‘Stop Rape, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse’, said it was time for men to stand up and take the bull by the horn in tackling the menace of SGBV in the society, as recent research has shown that women are more prone to being victims of these crimes.

“There is also an evident trend of suppressing the voice of these victims due to the fact that these acts are perpetrated largely by men. We should not take for granted the potential exponential effect of having emotionally and psychologically damaged women in a society as the effect could transcend to their children who grow up in an environment, thinking this is the norm,” the Governor said.

While alluding to the fact that the State Government had initiated several programs ranging from the provision of legal aid, shelter and psychological counseling services to assist these women, he said it was also pertinent to address the violent behavior of men as it concerns Rape, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.

He said, “The scale of men’s violence against women is enormous and its effect, demoralizing. Men as grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and public advocates have a pivotal role to play in condemning all forms of violence against women, girls and boys.

“We firmly believe that the way forward is to continually engage the male folk as well as the community as a whole. Community engagement is an essential part of working to prevent and respond to all forms of Gender Based Violence.

“As men, we must stand up and speak in one voice, condemning these acts. No more would we condone or tolerate peadophiles, women beaters and rapists. It is inhumane and totally unacceptable to protect or even ignore such behaviour when we see it manifesting in our environment”.

Governor Ambode, while commending participants of the Walk, urged them to remain ambassadors and flag bearers in the fight against domestic and sexual violence, adding “the conversation must be sustained in our workplaces, religious institutions, residential areas, social media etc. If we all join hands and speak against this, we can truly make Lagos uncomfortable for perpetrators of these heinous crimes.”

The Governor also commended the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), organizers of the Walk, which simultaneously took place in Festac, just as he assured that his administration would continue to do more to ensure the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable in the State are adequately protected.

“I will like you to join hands with me to say no to rapists, say no to women beaters and wherever they are, we know that the Task Force that we have set up will swing into action once it receives any petition from any member of the society. We are looking for the first 11 scapegoats whether highly or lowly placed in the society. We say no to domestic violence and sexual abuse,” Governor Ambode said.

Among celebrities who joined the walk include Ace comedians, Alibaba, Teju Babyface, Omobaba and music artiste, Bez.
September 8, 2016
Ambode appoints Anibaba as new CEO Lotteries Board

…Names Gbajabiamila as GM LASIAMA, Oshinowo for Scholarship Board

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday approved the appointment of Mr. Seun Anibaba as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Lagos State Lotteries Board.

Anibaba graduated from the University of Oklahoma and the New York University, both in the United States of America, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy and a Masters Degree in Business Administration respectively. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

He began his working experience with Merrill Lynch Corporate Audit and Global Lending as an intern before his elevation as Vice President of the Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Corporate Audit.

He was the Chief Executive Officer and founder of the DPR Wealth Management LCC and was Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Business and Marketing Strategies before his current appointment.

Anibaba replaces Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila who was named the new General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA).

Besides, Governor Ambode also approved the appointment of Mr. Steve Oshinowo as the new Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board.

August 30, 2016
Ambode restates commitment to rid Lagos of criminals

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday commissioned the newly rehabilitated fuel dump for the State Police Command, just as he reiterated his unwavering commitment to keep Lagos safe, secured and uncomfortable for criminal elements and their collaborators.

The facility, which has 33,000 litres capacity for both diesel and premium motor spirit (petrol), was rehabilitated by the State Government for the purpose of dispensing fuel to vehicles used for patrol and surveillance activities by the Police in the State.

Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, said provision of the facility was in line with his administration’s determination to further enhance security of lives and property in the State.

He said: “Since our inauguration, we have left nobody in doubt about our commitment to keep our State safe and secured. We have demonstrated commitment to this course through massive investment and the provision of modern security equipment to strengthen the crime fighting capacity of security agencies, especially the State Police Command.

“Till date, we have empowered security agencies with 100 Saloon Cars, 195 Ford Ranger Pick Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Hilux and several others.

“These were provided with the main objective of facilitating mobility of officers within the nooks and crannies of the State.

“With this dedicated facility, the State Government has once again made a clear statement of its determination to make Lagos uncomfortable for criminals and their collaborators,” he said.

The Governor said he was not oblivious of the fact that the major requirement for efficient running of vehicles is regular fuel supply and maintenance, adding that such necessitated the approval he gave for the revamping of the old and dilapidated fuel dump at the State Police Command.

While expressing delight at the completion of the rehabilitation and handing over to the police, Governor Ambode urged the State Command to ensure adequate monitoring, as well as usage of the fuel only for the purpose intended.

Besides, Governor Ambode assured the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni of the readiness of the State Government to sufficiently service the facility for a 24/7 mobility of security vehicles.

Earlier, Owoseni thanked Governor Ambode for once again demonstrating that he is a worthy partner, adding that the commissioning and handing over of the facility was a milestone to the Police.

“The State Government has been at the forefront of supporting us both in terms of equipment and logistics. On behalf of the Inspector General of Police, I want to specially thank Governor Ambode and the State Government for supporting us in fueling the vehicles provided for us.

“We want to assure the good people of Lagos that we recognise that to whom much is given, much is expected. We will reciprocate this kind gesture by redoubling our efforts in other to make Lagos safer and more secured,” Owoseni assured.

August 29, 2016
Ambode approves N15.5 million for varsity entrepreneurs

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the sum of N15.5million as seed funding and grants for final year students enrolled in the Ready.Set.Work (RSW) program.

Ready.Set.Work is an entrepreneurship and employability training program for final year students of tertiary institutions in Lagos State, aimed at preparing them for economic productivity as value-creating employees or employers of labour.

Commencing in June 2016, five hundred (500) promising final year students from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), and Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET) have been enrolled in a rigorous curriculum either in the employability track or the entrepreneurship track.

At the end of the program, over 90 top performing students in the employability track will be placed in 6-month internship positions with organizations like PwC, SystemSpecs, FCMB, GTBank, Access Bank, TOTAL, Jobberman, Stutern, among others.

With Governor Ambode’s recent financial commitment to the Ready.Set.Work program, up to 80 students in the entrepreneurship track will likewise have the opportunity to partake in three to six-month entrepreneur apprenticeships where they can learn the tricks of the trade, understand and develop processes for various business functions, and build a network of vendors, industry peers, and mentors.

Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh said that the focus of the initiative from the onset was to provide students in Lagos State with the tools, knowledge, and know-how to become effective employees or job creators.

“We already secured 90 internship slots for students in the employability track of the program and we realized that students in the entrepreneurship track could also benefit from experience in a structured, supervised work setting, where they can learn the rudiments of running a business effectively,” he said.

He said the N15.5m committed by Governor Ambode’s administration would also provide seed funding and working capital for the top three teams to emerge from the RSW Business Pitch Competition, which will hold on September 3rd.

This announcement comes as the 13-week program enters its penultimate week, while a Graduation Ceremony has been scheduled for September to close out the program and celebrate the achievements of students who successfully complete their courses.

August 22, 2016
Intelligence sharing critical in tackling crimes – Ambode

…..Reiterates zero tolerance for criminality in lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday harped on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and property.

Ambode also called for synergy in analysing opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective methods to nip security breaches before they happen.

Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said there was the need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering mechanisms for effectiveness.

Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various communities.

The Governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.

“It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.

“As we approach the “ember” months, let us review our security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and serenity across the land. Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges, there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who recalled the massive investment of his administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup cars, powerbikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun boats, helicopters among others, assured of continuous commitment of the State Government to offer required support to security agencies.

He said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime across our country, ranging from attacks by Marauding herdsmen who have killed many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure which has resulted in huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global recession.”

He, however, reiterated the zero-tolerance posture of his administration towards crime and all forms of criminal acts in Lagos.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said the meeting which witnessed the presence of delegates from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, epitomized the primary essence of government as amplified in the constitution, adding that meaningful development can only occur in an environment with effective security.

In his keynote address, Chairman of the Forum and Permanent Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Aminu Nebagu said the negative consequences of pipeline vandalism in recent time on the economy was of massive proportion, and called on all those involved in the act to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with government to achieve lasting peace.

August 18, 2016
Oil production in Lagos’ll boost Nigeria’s economy

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said that the commencement of crude oil production in the State would in no small measure, enhance the economy of not just the State but the nation in general.

The Governor, who spoke when he received the Chairman and members of the Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on a courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Ikeja, said that it was significant for the Nigerian economy that the State has emerged as the first oil producing state outside the Niger Delta basin.

He described the visit by the committee as remarkable in the annals of the history of Lagos, adding that it signals the official step that takes the State to the final destination that makes us to become an oil producing state.

“We are very glad to receive this delegation. We also want to thank the Federal Government, most especially President Muhammadu Buhari for making this happen very promptly. I want to say that this has been the quickest action that has been taken by RMAFC since I have known the Commission.

“I used to be a former Account General so I had a lot of transactions and relationship with the institution called RMAFC. Within a span of about 60 days of when we wrote our letter, and even before we wrote the letter, this technical committee was set up. It gladdens me to say that the institution works and is working for the good of Nigeria,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode also commended the members of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Boundary Commission, saying that both have contributed immensely to the process of the discovery and production of crude oil in Lagos.

While alluding to the fact that the feat in Lagos has kick-started the path to diversification of oil production in Nigeria, the Governor urged other states in the federation to begin to activate the mineral deposits in their domain as a means to boost their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“It would also give us revenue independence in a manner that there would be equal growth from all the nooks and corners of Nigeria. I am happy that RMAFC has taken this step and also to say that they should also encourage other states to engage in such activities that would allow them to be able to activate whatever mineral deposit that we have in the various states in conjunction with the Federal Government, so that we can start to diversify revenue and growth and then create a balanced growth and development for the whole country,” Ambode said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed said they were on a working visit to Lagos to verify crude oil and gas production from Aje Oil Wells for the purpose of disbursement of the 13 per cent Derivation Fund to the State in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the Commission had set-up an Inter-Agency technical Committee comprising of the RMAFC, DPR, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation and the National Boundary Commission to determine the location of the Aje Oil Wells.

Mohammed said that the Technical Committee recommended that for the purpose of the Derivation Fund as spelt out under Section 162 (2) of the 1999 constitution as well as the provision of the Allocation of Revenue Act 2004, number 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Aje Oil Wells fall within 200m isobaths and therefore should be attributed to Lagos State.

He said as a result, the Commission and members of the Inter-Agency Committee had to embark on the working visit to the Oil Wells to conclude the process.

He added that the outcome of the visit would promote national unity as well as the socio-economic development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“It is also important to state that the commencement of oil production from Aje oil field by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited is the first time oil is being produced outside the Niger Delta basin and therefore of a significance in diversifying the source of crude and gas production in the country,” Mohammed said.

August 17, 2016
Ambode outlaws land grabbing in Lagos

…Signs Property Protection, Neighbourhood Safety Laws

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday fulfilled his pledge of making the menace of land grabbing in Lagos a thing of the past with the signing of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law.

Ambode also signed the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law, a move which is majorly aimed at boosting security of lives and property in all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of the State.

Speaking at the signing ceremony which was attended by the Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade and other top government functionaries, Governor Ambode said the laws were central to his administration’s focus of safeguarding the lives of all residents, as well as attracting, growing investments and improving the ease of doing business in the State.

“In addition to equipping our security agencies, we have now created a legal framework to put some form of communal protection in place to boost and support the great job the Nigeria Police is presently doing,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who explained that the Neighbourhood Safety Corps would assist the police and other security agencies to maintain law and order across the communities, added that the Neighbourhood Safety Agency, which the new law established, would also be charged with the responsibility of registering all private home security and any other person employed for private home security amongst other things.

On the Properties Protection Law, Governor Ambode said the need for the law followed the fact that one of the issues that discouraged investors and hindered the ease of doing business in Lagos in the past had always been the menace of land grabbing.

He recalled that a lot of would-be property owners encountered untold harassment from exploitative land grabbers, adding that the law now marks the end of the road for such land grabbers.

“The Lagos State Properties Protection Law will give legal backing to the operations of our law enforcement officers. The main objective of this Law is to ensure that our investors, businessmen and the general populace carry on their legitimate land/property transactions without any hinderance or intimidation henceforth.

“The Properties Law will eliminate the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property, ensure that the Special Task Force on Land-Grabbers work with all Security agencies to ensure enforcement of State Government and Private property rights in the State, and ensure proper coordination of the efforts of the various agencies of Government charged with enforcing the State Government’s rights over land in Lagos,” the Governor said.

Besides, Ambode said the presence of the heads of the three arms of government – the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, at the signing ceremony was a confirmation of the seriousness and resolve of government of Lagos State to address the issues once and for all.

While setting the tone for the signing ceremony earlier, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said the laws marked demonstration of promise kept by the present administration, and recalled the donation of security equipment to security agencies on two occasions within six months, which had aided the police and other security agencies in reducing crime.

He added that the laws would go a long way in further providing the necessary legal, human and material support to security services in the discharge of their duties.

In his remarks, Speaker Obasa said the signing of the two laws confirmed that Lagos is being governed by a responsible Governor and a responsive government, adding that the move was also a clear and emphatic message to criminals that Lagos is a no go area for their criminal activities.

Also, Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Dele Oloke commended Governor Ambode for taking the initiative on the laws, saying that the Properties Protection law would go a long way in curbing the illegal activities of land grabbers, otherwise known as Omo-Oniles and their sponsors, whom he said are sometimes respectable persons in the society.

Highlights of the Properties Protection Law include the reduction to barest minimum the activities of persons or corporate entities who use force and intimidation to dispossess or prevent any person or entity from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of property acquired through State Government or private transactions.

On the other hand, highlights of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law include, among others, the establishment of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency for regulation and control of Neighbourhood Safety Corps activities.

August 15, 2016
Ambode commissions first state-owned helipad in LASUTH

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned the first state-owned Helipad for medical emergencies in Nigeria at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, adding that the upgrading of the 247-bed and five Theatre Suits for pregnant women, popularly called Ayinke House, would be ready for use by 2017.

Governor Ambode, who also inspected medical facilities at the LASUTH complex, said as part of efforts to transform the health sector in the State for optimal performance, the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre will soon become operational, while approval had been granted for the rehabilitation, upgrade and bulk purchase of medical equipment required in 20 Secondary and 21 Primary health facilities across the State.

“This Helipad being commissioned today is a lifesaving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit and other emergency services being rendered by the State. The Helipad will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities to provide the level of emergency medicine required are not readily available.

“Over the years, we have witnessed emergency situations which require timely movement of victims to appropriate medical facilities. Keeping in mind that every minute matters in securing the lives of people involved in these incidents, the usual movement by road is not the best option in such situations. Helicopters have therefore become an efficient and reliable option which can only be made possible with the availability of helipads within the hospital environment.

“Given the status of LASUTH, as the State flagship tertiary health institution, offering referral services for other public and private medical institutions, it was obvious the helipad had to be located here,” the Governor said.

He recalled that barely a month ago, a 27-bed Critical Care Unit was commissioned in LASUTH to provide life and organ support system for critically ill patients who require intensive monitoring and post-operative treatment, adding that the Helipad would go a long way to facilitate medical evacuation and air ambulance transfer of patients to Trauma Centers.

According to Governor Ambode, the provision of the facilities were consistent with the commitment of his administration to raise the service delivery capacity of LASUTH and other health facilities in the State to international standards to save lives of the people.

He said aside the fact that government will intensify efforts to acquire an Air Ambulance to complete the cycle, the Helipad would be operated by specially trained personnel who will give 24-hour service, guarantee expert medical care during emergency transfer and safe landing at all times.

The Governor also said with the recent execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with selected investors, the State is on the verge of becoming a hub for medical tourism once the Medical Park at the old School of Nursing, Ikoyi comes on stream.

“With the support of our hardworking and dedicated personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our set objectives in the health sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy State,” the Governor said.

The Governor, while inspecting the Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and the Ayinke House at LASUTH, also announced termination of contracts of all abandoned projects at the complex, saying that his administration would not allow such to happen any longer in the State.

Earlier, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said by the commissioning of the Helipad, LASUTH was now on the verge of being elevated as level one Trauma Centre, adding that the Helipad was the first to be certified in the country for any State Government.

Also, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Professor Adewale Oke said the Helipad was an eloquent confirmation that Governor Ambode is an achiever and deserved to be commended.

He also announced that Governor Ambode has directed that motorists should not be charged for parking at LASUTH.

August 11, 2016