The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode tasks new permanent secretaries to add value to governance

    Ambode tasks new permanent secretaries to add value to governance

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday swore-in five new Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service, charging them to add value to governance with innovative ideas that would deepen the impact of his administration’s policies and programmes on the people.

    Governor Ambode who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Exco Chambers, Lagos House, Ikeja, admonished the new appointees to see their appointment as a call to duty with greater sense of commitment and high premium performance in the service of all Lagosians, irrespective of their status and creed.

    He said, “Given the top management positions which you have occupied in your different MDAs prior to this appointment, I have no doubt that you are sufficiently familiar with the vision and policy direction of this administration. You therefore have a responsibility to add value to governance with innovative ideas that will deepen the impact of government policies and programmes on the people.

    “I urge you not to rest on your oars. You must see this appointment as a challenge and a privilege for you to join the political leadership of your various agencies and other members of the distinguished Body of Permanent Secretaries to deliver to our people a Lagos that provides leadership with commitment to accountability, probity and transparency; geographical expansion where opportunities will be limitless under a secured environment”.

    He said the Permanent Secretaries were chosen based on their long years of veritable, excellent and untainted career records, which according to him, conforms with the essential requirements for the actualization of his administration’s vision and dream.

    “We have left no one in doubt about our strong belief in the capacity of the Public Servants of our State as the engine for the actualization of our vision and dream to transform our State to become Africa’s model megacity and preferred destination for investment and tourism. These appointments like others that we have done since we came into office, were not just meant  to fill vacant positions, but rather a process, well thought out to match vision with human capital.

     “As I rejoice with the new Permanent Secretaries on their appointment, I look forward to feeling the impact your elevation will have on the delivery of quality public service to our people,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, who presented the new appointees to the Governor, thanked him for recognizing exemplary performance and merit as core criteria for elevation into accountable posts in the state public service.

    The five new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs Florence Ebunoluwa Oluwasuji who is now the Permanent Secretary/Tutor General, Education District V; Dr. Shamsideen Olalekan Allison, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB); Engr. Saliu Abidemi Adeyemi who takes over as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment; Mr. Senayon Adeola Hundeyin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Mrs Yetunde Adefolahan Odejayi, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office.

    The ceremony which was attended by members of the State Executive Council, retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors also had family, friends and well wishers of the newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries in attendance.

  • Ambode leads as top performing governor

    Ambode leads as top performing governor

    …Secures 36 Percent of Vote Casts

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode is leading other Governors in the poll organised by the African Leadership Magazine to determine Nigeria’s top performing Governor.

    The poll, tagged ‘Good Governance Polls for Nigeria’s Top Performing Governor’ started two weeks ago with Governor Ambode maintaining the lead with increased 36.1 percent of the total vote casts.

    Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano is closely trailing Governor Ambode with 25 percent.

    The Poll, according to its organisers, was designed by the group as part of its strategic engagement tool to monitor performance and gauge the mood of the electorates in Nigeria in line with its objective of providing credible information and support to leaders in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    An overwhelming 35 percent popularity rating for Governor Ambode, among other governors, clearly shows his popularity as he continues to deliver good governance, promoting infrastructural development and people-centred policies that better the lives of the people of Lagos.

    Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun is in the third place with 8.8 percent, while Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike is in the fourth position with 7.9 percent of the total vote casts.

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai sits in the fifth position with 5 percent, while as at press time, voting is still ongoing and is expected to close in the next four days.

  • Collect your PVCs from INEC – Ambode

    Collect your PVCs from INEC – Ambode

    …Urges APC members to remain loyal to party ideals

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday urged residents to approach the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the State for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them participate in future elections.

    Ambode, who spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party secretariat in Lagos during a meeting with Local Government and Ward Chairmen of the party, said it was important for residents of the State who are yet to collect their PVCs to approach the electoral body, as the process of distribution of the cards has begun in earnest.

    The Governor said available information at his disposal was to the effect that a lot of people were not aware of the ongoing exercise by INEC, and as such, people must be made to be aware and take the distribution seriously.

    It would be recalled that the electoral commission, few days ago, began distribution of PVCs in Lagos with a call on registered voters to come with their temporary cards for the collection of the PVCs between 8am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

    The Governor said: “There is an INEC exercise going on now in which they are distributing voters’ card to those who are yet to collect. Many people are not even aware of the development and I like to use this medium to appeal to our party members to go and collect their PVCs.

    “I want to encourage all of us that we should now take the exercise seriously because that is the beginning of the framework of the elections yet to come. This is an appeal both to our members who are here and those who are not here.

    “The APC, as from Monday, will also start massive mobilization and sensitization of the public towards the exercise,” Ambode said.

    The Governor equally thanked members of the party for supporting his administration so far, adding that the support had contributed to the huge successes recorded in the last fourteen months since he assumed office.

    Ambode, who specifically appreciated the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the party leaders for their support, however urged party faithful to remain committed and loyal to the ideals of the party, as well as the leadership of the party.

    “Once again, I want to thank all party leaders and members. I have said it before that we must follow our leaders and I am saying it again. We need to support and abide by whatever directive or direction our National Leader is asking us to go,” the Governor said.

    On his part, Tinubu corroborated the plea of the Governor asking members to collect their PVCs, saying that the people must indeed give the ongoing exercise by INEC the necessary seriousness it deserves.

    Besides, Tinubu commended Governor Ambode for his laudable achievements in office just within fourteen months, adding that the Governor has made him very proud.

    He also commended the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule and the entire team of the State Government for supporting the Governor to achieve so much within a little time.

    He added: “I was with Mr President, President Muhammadu Buhari for about two hours yesterday and Governor Ambode was not there when we were discussing generally about the problem of Nigeria. The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo got up and spoke glowingly of the Governor and my head was swelling. I became even more proud of him.”

    Among those present at the meeting include Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule; Chairman, APC Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Party Chieftain, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Senator representing Lagos East at the Upper Legislative Chamber, Gbenga Ashafa; Southwest APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, among others.

     

  • Ambode flags off Epe-Marina lagoon reclamation project

    Ambode flags off Epe-Marina lagoon reclamation project

    …Says Badagry-Marina Project to be delivered in August

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday embarked on extensive inspection of on-going projects across the State, where he equally flagged off the world class Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project aimed at giving a quantum leap to the tourism potentials of the State.

    Governor Ambode, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by top government functionaries, said the lagoon reclamation projects in Epe and Badagry, upon completion, would look like that of Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    He assured that the Badagry-Marina Lagoon reclamation project would be completed by the end of August, this year.

    The Epe-Marina Lagoon reclamation project is a complete redevelopment of project site to facilitate development of the area and promote tourism.

    The project comes with sand filling to the lagoon up to about 200 meters and dualization of the network of roads in the axis with functional walkways.

    Speaking on why the Epe-Marina and Badagry-Marina projects were embarked upon simultaneously by the State Government, Governor Ambode said: “We want to actually duplicate what you see in Dubai-Marina. This is a whole stretch of two kilometers of real estate and new tourist centres that we are putting in Epe and Badagry at the same time.

    “We believe strongly that coming out from our retreat that we said we are going to grow the IGR of Lagos State by 2017 to N30billion and 2018 to N50billion, we believe that some of these projects that we are commencing now are just inlets to our dream of growing the IGR.

    “We know that by the time we are expanding tourism potentials of Badagry and Epe at the same time, we will be able to get new investors that will be able to come to our new locations to do other things beyond what you see about recreation, tourism or entertainment and then get a whole lot of investments into Lagos State. This is part of our dreams and dreams do come true.

    “We are looking at the future of tourism from both axis. You cannot put tourism in those places without doing the infrastructure that is required to allow people to come in and that is why we are also doing the road network,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode, who equally inspected the on-going dualization of about 25 network of roads in Epe, said the massive investment of government in the area was part of the grand plan to transform the axis and same was in line with the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) project.

    He expressed satisfaction with the level and pace of work done so far, saying that the quality was of international standard.
    He also expressed optimism that the projects, upon completion, would decongest the heartland of Lagos as people would be encouraged to move to Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis.

    Speaking to journalists at the project sites, Governor Ambode said: “We believe with this expansion, the whole lot of what we are trying to do in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki axis will be developed.

    “We are inspired to see how we can look at the phase two of this project as quickly as possible. This road dualization is expected to be completed in 16 months but because we are ahead of schedule, we are looking at the first quarter of next year.

    “With this, we have just injected 30 kilometers of standard roads into Epe and the meaning of that is of course changing the economy of Epe Township, real estate will be boomed and we are encouraging commerce and industrialization.

    “This project is the backbone of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Deep Seaport and the proposed Airport. All the State Government is doing is stimulating the economy and that is what is happening here,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also inspected the VIP Chalets in Epe where he disclosed that government will expand the housing scheme in the area and carry out perimeter fencing of the project site.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode and his team inspected the Adeniji Adele transport interchange outward Third Mainland Bridge, where he ordered massive enforcement against illegal dropping and picking of passengers at undesignated bus stops.

    This, the Governor said, would enhance ease of vehicular movement around that axis and drastically reduce traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge inward Obalende and Lagos Island.

    The Governor also inspected the on-going rehabilitation and upgrading of Freedom Road and Admiralty Way in Lekki, as well as the on-going bridge being constructed at Ajah Roundabout.

    He, however, urged the people to continue to pay their taxes so that government would continue to provide the needed infrastructures.

    He said: “I think in the last 14 months, we have been able to show Lagosians that we can actually appropriate the taxes that they paid judiciously and then allocate it to the different sectors that really have meaning and impact to the ordinary Lagosians.

    “The more they see what we are doing, the more inspired tax payers should be to perform their civic obligations and when they pay their taxes, our commitment remains the same, we will use these taxes judiciously and also expand the growth and economy of Lagos so that life becomes safer, cleaner and then more prosperous for all Lagosians,” he said.

  • Creating value for Lagosians remain my top priority – Ambode

    Creating value for Lagosians remain my top priority – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed total commitment to the actualization of the various initiatives put in place by his administration towards making life better, simpler and more prosperous for the people, just as he assured that the State would witness massive transformation in critical sectors in the next six months.

    Speaking in Badagry at the opening session of a two-day retreat organised by the State Government for members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries, Governor Ambode said creating value for the people remained top priority for him, and that government was ready to partner with any individual, corporate organization and indeed the private sector towards achieving the set goals.

    The retreat tagged: “Reflect, Reappraise, Restrategise: Raising the Bar of Governance,” is the second in the series, and was held at the VIP Chalets, Badagry.

    Governor Ambode, in his remarks, said the everyday challenge for him and his team in the last thirteen months was all about adding positive value and taking decisions only in the best interest of the people.

    He said: “This government is about creating value for our people. That is the whole essence of our coming together as a team. It is all about seeing to what extent can we create value for Lagosians.

    “That is our everyday challenge that the people have seen in the last thirteen months. I believe strongly that creating value is the central focus of everyday decision we have taken at the Exco level and even the Body of Permanent Secretaries level.

    “We are all out to give positive value to Lagosians. We don’t want to make life difficult for people and we also want to ensure that in every decision that we make, the overall interest of the larger populace is actually affected positively.

    “In the next six months, a totally different Lagos you will see because the kind of initiatives that we have set up that are actually work in progress now, we will release and unleash them and the people will obviously see that we are very focused on making life easier for them,” the Governor said.

    Going into specifics, Governor Ambode said government would focus on changing for good the transport system in the State and equally partner with the private sector in maintaining a clean environment.

    “We do not think Lagos deserves the kind of transport system that it has now. We also think we need to intervene with the private sector to deal with the issues that relate to environmental sanitation,” he said.

    The Governor, who commended the members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries for partnering with him since assuming office, however urged them to continue to stay focused on the journey to transform the State.

    He said a lot had been done, but that more still needed to be done, and that all hands must be on deck to move the State forward, one of the reasons he said necessitated the retreat to appraise what had been done and chart way forward.

    Speaking on the retreat, the State’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said the main purpose of the retreat was to raise the bar of governance with the view to ensuring that the manifestos of the present administration are fulfilled in a seamless manner and to refine the implementation plan for the next three years.

    He said aside the fact that the holding of the retreat in Badagry goes a long way to show that all the part of the State is secured and that government has remained focused to its commitment of all inclusive governance, the retreat was also about focusing more on critical sectors such as transportation, environment, and job creation, among others.

    On his part, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folorunso Folarin-Coker said the State Government would soon role out massive programmes on tourism and that Badagry would feature prominently in that regard. He said the Black Heritage Festival in the ancient town, among others would be celebrated.

  • Massive investment in security worthwhile – Ambode

    Massive investment in security worthwhile – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned a newly reconstructed Police Station in Ikosi-Isheri area of the State, just as he said that every the investment made towards the protection of lives and properties of the citizens of the State is worthwhile regardless of the resources spent in achieving such feat.

    Ambode, who said that the construction and delivery of a modern Police Station in Isheri was very central and conspicuously positioned, added that the importance attached to security of lives and properties in the State since he assumed office was informed by the belief that business activities could only thrive in a safe and secured environment.

    “We believe that the continued prosperity of our State can only be achieved under a well-secured and peaceful environment, hence our strong financial investment on security architecture, modern equipment, vehicles and welfare to enhance the fighting capacities of our security agencies,” Ambode said.

    The Governor, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo, also underscored the importance of adequately policing Isheri being a border town to Lagos and the need to redouble efforts by men of the force to make sure that the peace and orderliness presently being enjoyed in the area is not threatened in any form.

    “The government and the people of Lagos State can attest to the resounding successes that officers and men of the security agencies have recorded in the quest and determination to secure our lives,” the Governor said.

    The Governor however sought for increased vigilance from residents of the State while also urging security officers to re-double their efforts in nipping in the bud the antics of kidnappers, abductors, cultists, gangsters and other crimes that are rearing up again in recent times.

    On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area H, Aliyu Garba , promised to ensure that the Police Station is well manned and positioned to provide improved security service delivery and maintain law and order.

    “With this great achievement, I can authoritatively state that Isheri Police Division Headquarters is ready and determined to fight back those that seek to breach the peace within its environs” The Commissioner of Police added.

    Owoseni appreciated the community/state collaboration and contribution of the Community Development Areas, CDAs as well as the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC for initiating the commencement of the construction of the Police Station before the intervention of the State Government.

    Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Sole Administrator of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Aremo Adewale Abdul, appreciated the gesture of the State Government and assured that the Council will do all within its resources to maintain the facility.

    The traditional ruler of Isheri- Ikosi area, Albert Olubankole, lauded the support of the State Government to the community, asserting that his domain had since ceased to be haven for criminals since the police station became operational.

    The monarch warned residents of the area to desist from perpetrating unscrupulous acts that may pitch them against law.

  • Ambode lauds Oshiomhole’s development strides

    Ambode lauds Oshiomhole’s development strides

    …drums support for APC guber candidate, Obaseki

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday lauded his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his achievements in the last seven years, saying that it has impacted positively on not just the economy of the State but the country in general.

    Ambode who spoke when he visited Governor Oshiomhole at the Government House, Benin, said he draws inspiration from Oshiomhole’s style of leadership to bring good governance to the people of the State.

    Governor Ambode who was recently appointed as the Chairman, All progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship Election slated for September 10, 2016, said, “On a personal note, I am very proud of all the things you have done for Edo State and even this country Nigeria, and I can say the few achievements I have actually attained in Lagos State were driven and inspired by the kind of energy you bring to governance and I am very proud to be associated with you and the government of Edo State.”

    He said he was pleased and humbled to be saddled with the task of leading the APC campaign to retain the State, adding that continuity was germane to sustain the path already laid down by the present administration.

    “I have come here this afternoon to accept physically the daunting task which has been laid upon me by our national party and appointing me as the chairman of the gubernatorial campaign committee of the gubernatorial election coming up in Edo State.

    “I am very pleased and humbled by that appointment. And I have come here, firstly, to apologize for not being around on Saturday when the committee was inaugurated because of some exigencies, and to show my presence a few days after, and my commitment to ensure that our gubernatorial candidate not only wins the election, but he is able to show his footprints just like what the present governor has done, that the APC and the change mantra is really in totality about what we want governance to be in Nigeria,” he said.

    Governor Ambode further added, “I like to also say that what we have ahead of us as a party, that is, APC, is beyond ordinary election. We need to take Nigeria out of its doldrums, and the only party that can do that is APC, of which we are happy to be aligned with your state and other progressive states in the country. And that is why we are here as brothers, we offer ourselves and we will continue to also send the same message across board across all the progressive states.”

    He said that Lagos State would explore the opportunities available to develop a major commerce and economic relationship with Edo State as soon as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki emerges as Governor of Edo State, expressing optimism that the partnership would ensure that Edo develops at a faster pace.

    He said, “What I can promise your Excellency is that we have decided that we will bring the whole machinery of the Lagos model to Edo State. In addition to that, we believe strongly that Edo State has the potential of becoming a giant in Africa also, and this relationship is beyond the fact that it is historic, we also want to use this platform of this campaign to start a major paradigm shift in terms of economic and political relationship between Edo State and Lagos State.

    “If we are to look deeply, we believe strongly in the potential of Edo State which actually lies in the symbolic relationship that it can have with Lagos.

    And that is why I am personally taking this responsibility of being the campaign chairman to ensure that beyond the campaign and the success of the election, a major commerce and economic relationship commences immediately with the in-coming governor, and also to let us actually start to have bilateral economic and political relations that will be of benefit to the people of Edo State, firstly, and then to the improvement of the economic growth of Edo State.”

    On his part, Governor Oshiomhole commended the Lagos Governor for taking his assignment as the Chairman, APC National Campaign Council for Edo State governorship election very seriously.

    He said, “For us in Edo, it is clear that you have taken this assignment seriously. It is one thing to accept an assignment, but the passion with which you have accepted it, and to the extent to which you are determined to go to ensure that we do everything we need to do to continue to retain the governance of this state.

    “Under your leadership, I have no doubt. We couldn’t have had a better campaign organization. So, I thank you for that.”

    Oshiomhole who introduced the Governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his running mate, Mr Philip Shaibu to Governor Ambode said, “We have a credible messenger that you are going to be able to help us to market, and we also have a compelling message to put across to Edo State. And we believe the election will be won on the basis of the pedigree of the political parties, the pedigree of the individual and what the two parties have to show to the people.”

     

     

  • Kidnapping: Efforts on to rescue Iba monarch, others – Ambode

    Kidnapping: Efforts on to rescue Iba monarch, others – Ambode

    …Convenes emergency Security Council meeting with Police, Service Chiefs

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presided over an emergency security council meeting attended by heads of security agencies in the State, just as the State Government assured residents that efforts are being put in place to make kidnapping a thing of the past in the State.

    Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni said government and all security agencies in the State are bordered about the emerging crime of kidnapping, and that efforts are on to rescue all those kidnapped recently in the State including the Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni.

    “What we want to assure the people is that we are putting efforts together to ensure that not just the monarch is rescued but also other victims of kidnapping are rescued and we bring those criminals to justice,” Owoseni said.

    He added that the emergency Security Council meeting was principally to holistically appraise the security issues confronting the State, as well to assure members of the public on the priority and importance that the State attached to their welfare and security.

    Speaking on the spate of kidnapping in the State, Owoseni said: “All of us are bordered. As the people are bordered, government is bordered and law enforcement institutions in the State are bordered. We are looking at the issue of kidnapping and the only thing we can tell the good people in Lagos is that government is doing everything possible and is deploying all arsenals of the State towards ensuring that we put a stop to all these and at the same time seize this opportunity to tell the fellows engaging in these activities to channel their energy to lawful conduct because there is no excuse to say that because they cannot vandalize the pipelines again, that is why they are resorting to all these soft targets kidnapping.

    “They should divert their energy into productive use. The government has opened up lots of opportunities for people that want to access soft loans for small scale businesses and industries, the Bank of Industry (BOI) for instance is there, they have been putting up adverts, let them have a change of mind, drop their weapons, access these funds that government at the State and federal level had created and for those of them that have certificates and saying that yes we have stopped bunkering and there is no other thing for us to do, there are platforms that have been created by government for them to be meaningfully employed,” the CP said.

    Owoseni, who addressed journalists alongside heads of other security agencies in the State, the State Attorney General, urged members of the public to stop patronizing street traders, saying there have been instances where criminal elements hide within them to launch havoc on unsuspecting citizens.

    He said the law against street trading had always been in place even before Governor Ambode came into office, but that the enforcement was being implemented responsibly considering the mood of the society.

    He said: “The law has been there even before the present executive governor came into power, so what we are doing as responsible government and responsible security and law enforcement institutions is to further engage like the Governor did last time on television on the evils of street trading.

    “It is not just about stopping the street trading, it also has the security elements. The fellows that are on the roads under the guise that they are selling, some of them are also criminals. There are criminals hiding within them to commit some havoc and for people that are also patronizing them like the Governor has said, everybody is just thinking this is a new law but it is not. We know the mood of the society and we want to balance our enforcement and that is why we are doing a lot of public enlightenment.

    “We are also telling our people that some of those people that they patronize, some of them sell things that would cause havoc to the people. Some of those items they sell are either expired or poisoned because they know you are on the move and you want to grab quickly.

    “Some of these guys also carry weapons under their shirt that they can use to harm people including those beggars. So, these things put together, it is going to be a win-win situation if our people avoid patronizing street hawkers and the hawkers can also form a formidable front and meet the government and ask for the creation of corner shops for them. They are on the roads and vehicles can also hit them, so there are lots of dangers involved and that is why we are engaging the people via enlightenment on the dangers involved,” he said.

  • Kidnapping: Efforts on to rescue Iba monarch, others – Ambode

    …Convenes Emergency Security Council Meeting With Police, Service Chiefs

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presided over an emergency security council meeting attended by heads of security agencies in the State, just as the State Government assured residents that efforts are being put in place to make kidnapping a thing of the past in the State.

    Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni said government and all security agencies in the State are bordered about the emerging crime of kidnapping, and that efforts are on to rescue all those kidnapped recently in the State including the Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni.

    “What we want to assure the people is that we are putting efforts together to ensure that not just the monarch is rescued but also other victims of kidnapping are rescued and we bring those criminals to justice,” Owoseni said.

    He added that the emergency Security Council meeting was principally to holistically appraise the security issues confronting the State, as well to assure members of the public on the priority and importance that the State attached to their welfare and security.

    Speaking on the spate of kidnapping in the State, Owoseni said: “All of us are bordered. As the people are bordered, government is bordered and law enforcement institutions in the State are bordered. We are looking at the issue of kidnapping and the only thing we can tell the good people in Lagos is that government is doing everything possible and is deploying all arsenals of the State towards ensuring that we put a stop to all these and at the same time seize this opportunity to tell the fellows engaging in these activities to channel their energy to lawful conduct because there is no excuse to say that because they cannot vandalize the pipelines again, that is why they are resorting to all these soft targets kidnapping.

    “They should divert their energy into productive use. The government has opened up lots of opportunities for people that want to access soft loans for small scale businesses and industries, the Bank of Industry (BOI) for instance is there, they have been putting up adverts, let them have a change of mind, drop their weapons, access these funds that government at the State and federal level had created and for those of them that have certificates and saying that yes we have stopped bunkering and there is no other thing for us to do, there are platforms that have been created by government for them to be meaningfully employed,” the CP said.

    Owoseni, who addressed journalists alongside heads of other security agencies in the State, the State Attorney General, urged members of the public to stop patronizing street traders, saying there have been instances where criminal elements hide within them to launch havoc on unsuspecting citizens.

    He said the law against street trading had always been in place even before Governor Ambode came into office, but that the enforcement was being implemented responsibly considering the mood of the society.

    He said: “The law has been there even before the present executive governor came into power, so what we are doing as responsible government and responsible security and law enforcement institutions is to further engage like the Governor did last time on television on the evils of street trading.

    “It is not just about stopping the street trading, it also has the security elements. The fellows that are on the roads under the guise that they are selling, some of them are also criminals. There are criminals hiding within them to commit some havoc and for people that are also patronizing them like the Governor has said, everybody is just thinking this is a new law but it is not. We know the mood of the society and we want to balance our enforcement and that is why we are doing a lot of public enlightenment.

    “We are also telling our people that some of those people that they patronize, some of them sell things that would cause havoc to the people. Some of those items they sell are either expired or poisoned because they know you are on the move and you want to grab quickly.

    “Some of these guys also carry weapons under their shirt that they can use to harm people including those beggars. So, these things put together, it is going to be a win-win situation if our people avoid patronizing street hawkers and the hawkers can also form a formidable front and meet the government and ask for the creation of corner shops for them. They are on the roads and vehicles can also hit them, so there are lots of dangers involved and that is why we are engaging the people via enlightenment on the dangers involved,” he said.

  • Ambode reiterates zero tolerance to noise pollution

    Ambode reiterates zero tolerance to noise pollution

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday restated the government’s resolve to enforce relevant regulations on noise pollution in the state.

    He made the remarks when the MTN Foundation distributed 250 hearing aid devices to beneficiaries in the state, including children less than one year old.

    The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Primary Health, Dr. Femi Onanuga, stressed that no individual or corporate organisation would be spared in government’s renewed onslaught against defaulters.

    He urged the 250 beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation Hearing Aid support project in Lagos State to join the crusade of campaign against noise pollution in the society.

    It is the first phase of MTN Hearing Aid Support Project, during which 1,500 devices will be distributed to hard-of-hearing persons in six states of the country.

    Also speaking, Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, described MTN as a company with a high sense of commitment to the execution of corporate social responsibilities.

    Handing the device to some beneficiaries, Mrs. Ambode said, “All these years, the company has maintained a clear lead in diligent fulfillment of its social covenant with the people and society. Its outreaches had touched a large percentage of the population across all age categories”.

    She hinted that coincidentally, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), would do a similar programme later in the year, urging the beneficiaries to use the devices as instructed and also handle them with care.

    Speaking earlier, the Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Denis Okoro stressed the commitment of the foundation to continuous upliftment of the welfare of challenged persons.

    He also thanked the State Government for being the first to establish a department totally dedicated to overseeing the welfare of challenged persons.