The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Tree planting means to combat global warming – Ambode

    Tree planting means to combat global warming – Ambode

    …Targets 10m trees for Lagos by 2020

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday cautioned residents of the State to desist from indiscriminate and uncontrolled felling of trees, just as he harped on the benefits of tree planting to healthy environment.

    Speaking at the 2016 Annual Tree Planting Day organized by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) at Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Governor Ambode described tree planting as the most reliable and cheapest means of combating the effect of global warming, flooding and climate change, adding that such was the more reason why people must protect the trees and plant more to replace those removed.

    The Governor, who was represented at the event tagged: “Lend a Hand to Save Trees,” by his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode said the importance of tree planting to the society cannot be overemphasized as trees provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save children from ultra-violet Rays and provide food, among other benefits.

    Governor Ambode said the annual programme on tree planting was a veritable platform for Lagos to meet the target of 10 million trees by 2020, noting that the peculiarity of the State as a coastal city-state makes it prone to several environmental challenges, a situation which demands that the government and the people must carry out infrastructural development without jeopardizing the environment.

    He said: “The fast growing urban development areas across the State must curtail the uncontrolled felling of trees and ensure all developers adhere to all the Town Planning and Greening regulations.

    “We must plant trees to replace those removed from vast acres of land so that we reduce the rate of ocean surge and erosion with its attendant problem of displacement of homes and communities.”

    While alluding to the estimate of scientists that the world needs 30 billion trees annually, Governor Ambode said a world without trees is a world without life, and so as a people, Nigerians must resolve to ensure that trees are not only saved, but efforts must be geared towards planting more trees.

    According to the Governor, “Lagos has become a positive reference point in Nigeria about creating a Green environment. We remain committed to this cause and will vigorously pursue the State Greening Policy of total regeneration of degraded sites as part of our pact with Lagosians. We will do even more.

    “Already, the Security and Light Up Lagos initiatives of our administration are complementing our beautiful city at night and ensuring the parks and gardens that are safe for relational purposes.”

    Besides, Governor Ambode disclosed that work was at advanced stage at the parks being constructed by the State Government in Alimosho and Ikorodu, adding that the projects would soon be completed and opened for public use, promising that government would enforce tree planting along all new roads being constructed, maps well as create more gardens and ensure the upgrade of all open spaces in Lagos.

    The Governor, who said government alone cannot achieve the greening policy, advocated a collective action by all relevant agencies and organizations to achieve the vision of bequeathing a greener and healthier environment to generations yet unborn.

    He also urged the Federal Government to lead the campaign for each of the States of the federation to resolve to plant at least one million trees annually which will translate to 360 million trees across the country by the next decade, saying that such would go a long way to protect the nation.

  • Ambode vows to make Badagry Africa’s hub of tourism

    Ambode vows to make Badagry Africa’s hub of tourism

    …Presides over exco meeting in ancient town

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday presided over the State Executive Council Meeting held at the VIP Chalet in Badagry, just as he said that his administration has fine-tuned plans to make the ancient town of Badagry a hub of tourism and resort enterprise in Africa within the next 18 to 24 months.

    The Governor, who spoke to journalists shortly after embarking on an inspection tour, said his administration would spare nothing to make Badagry a flashpoint for developmental projects in the State.

    The Governor said, “Our eyes are set on Badagry, let’s do something for the future. We are going to open up Badagry forever.”

    Ambode, who was accompanied by all members of the State Executive Council, also inspected ongoing projects and other government establishments in Badagry which according to him was an immediate response to the questions and suggestions from the 2016 Second Quarter Town Hall Meeting which held at the Muslim Community Praying Ground in Badagry on Tuesday.

    He also inspected the road under construction from Badagry Expressway to Whispering Palms Resort, where he said that the contract for completion would be awarded next week, which according to him would further boost the tourism potentials of the area.

    Ambode also paid an unscheduled visit to the Badagry Asphalt Plant, where he also seized the occasion to commission the facility.

    Addressing the workers at the Asphalt Plant, Governor Ambode commended them for the duty and commitment to work, saying that his administration is not unaware of their hard work just as he assured that they would be duly rewarded.

    Adding his voice, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said that this was the first time, in his many years in service in the State Executive Council, that a Government would be holding its Executive Council Meeting in Badagry.

    This, according to him, was a good sign of the visionary leadership Governor Ambode was providing in the State.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, reiterated the symbolism and importance of the State Executive Council Meeting, which according to him was holding in Badagry for the first time.

    Ayorinde said that the decision of the Governor to take the meeting outside the Lagos House, Ikeja, for the very first time, was a clear indication of the Governor’s readiness and commitment to spread development to every nook and cranny of the State.

    He said that the Governor had spent three days in Badagry, which according to him, goes to show that every part of the State is secured and the Governor can perform his duty in every part of the State.

  • Lagos spends N115bn on capital projects in six months

    Lagos spends N115bn on capital projects in six months

    …earmarks N20bn for health, education facilities’ upgrade

    ..Ambode renders account of stewardship

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said that his administration expended over N115.624billion to carry out capital projects between Janaury and June 2016.

    The governor who spoke at the 2016 Second Quarter Town Hall held at the Muslim Community Praying Ground in Badagry local government also put the first half 2016 budget performance to 70 per cent.

    He however said the performance was an improvement of the corresponding period of 2015 which stood at 63 per cent.

    According to him, the capital and recurrent ratio at the first half of the year stood at 50:50, expressing optimism that it would improve in the second half of the year.

    “He said: “Revenue recorded 73 percent performance for the half year 2016 despite the challenging economic environment. Your Government spent a total of N115.624bn on Capital projects during the half year 2016 leading to the Capital/Recurrent ratio of 50:50 with the plan to improve this ratio to 58:42 provided for in 2016 Appropriation Law in the remaining half of the year.”

    The governor also said that his administration has concluded plans to massively revamp the health sector, disclosing that a total of N10bn has been earmarked to upgrade the health facilities across the State.

    He said that modern equipment would be procured to facilitate treatment of patients in the state”s health facilities.

    While highlighing some of his achievements in the last quarter, he restated his commitment to make life more comfortable, simpler and safer for the people.

    He added that his administration would establish a Technical and Vocational School in Badagry before September 2016, as well as embark on upgrade of the infrastructure in all public schools starting from July.

    According to him, “All our Primary and Secondary schools will be upgraded to create conducive learning environment for students and teachers. Another N10bn has been earmarked for this facelift of our Secondary and Primary schools across the State.”

    He recalled the recruitment of a total of 1,300 teachers for Primary Schools, said in the next two weeks, the State Government will start recruiting another 1,000 teachers for Secondary Schools across the State.

     

    Speaking on his plans for Youth and Sports for the quarter, the governor said government would embark on upgrade of sports facilities and would also support and promote age-grade competitions and sponsor outstanding athletes to national and international training and competitions.

    Ambode also disclosed that his administration would pay greater attention to the issues concerning the elderly especially by establishing three Elderly Care Centres across the State.

    He said: “We will sponsor bills to the House of Assembly which will make specific provisions for the elderly in our society and create a framework for care for the aged. Our priority is to commence the provision of Three Elderly Care centres across the Three Senatorial Zones and further urge the private sector for support and collaboration thereafter.”

    The Governor said as a follow up to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa, Oshodi, an outpost unit would be situated between Ojo and Badagry in this quarter with two other outposts in Fadeyi and Lekki.

    Governor Ambode, who spent hours interacting with various groups such as Corporate organizations, religious leaders, youths/physically challenged, market men and women, Non-Governmental Organizations and the political leaders, disclosed his greater plans to revive the tourism potentials of Badagry, saying the long term plan includes the establishment of University of Hospitality.

    The event was well attended by traditional rulers, including Oba Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi I, members of the State Executive Council, Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Olamilekan Solomon, stakeholders, among others.

  • Lagos earmarks N20bn to revamp health, education sectors

    Lagos earmarks N20bn to revamp health, education sectors

    … Spends N115bn On capital projects in six months

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said his administration has concluded plans to massively revamp the health sector, just as he among other things, revealed that the sum of N10bn has been earmarked to upgrade the health facilities across the State.

    Ambode, who spoke at the 4th Quarterly Town Hall Meeting held at the Muslim Community Praying Ground in Badagry, said modern equipment would be procured to facilitate treatment, while government would also invest massively in capacity building of the medical staff, all in a bid to provide world class health care for the citizenry.

    “We have commenced a comprehensive action to rehabilitate and upgrade the facilities in all our hospitals. Modern equipment will be procured to facilitate treatment and we will invest in capacity building of our medical staff. We intend to spend over N10bn on our hospitals across the State before December this year.
    We will recruit and train medical professionals in areas of rare specialization and special needs,” Ambode said.

    Speaking on the half year 2016 budget, Governor Ambode said the overall performance of the budget stood at 70 percent, which according to him, was an improvement over the corresponding period in 2015 when the performance stood at 63 percent.

    He said: “Revenue recorded 73% performance for the half year 2016 despite the challenging economic environment. Your Government spent a total of N115.624bn on Capital projects during the half year 2016 leading to the Capital/Recurrent ratio of 50:50 with the plan to improve this ratio to 58:42 provided for in 2016 Appropriation Law in the remaining half of the year.”

    The Governor, who reeled out his achievements in the last quarter, said he has greater plans to make life more comfortable, simpler and safer for the people.

    For instance, on education, the Governor said his administration would establish a Technical and Vocational School in Badagry before September 2016, while government would also embark on upgrade of the infrastructure in all public schools starting from July.

    According to the Governor, “All our Primary and Secondary schools will be upgraded to create conducive learning environment for students and teachers. Another N10bn has been earmarked for this facelift of our Secondary and Primary schools across the State.”

    The Governor, who recalled the recruitment of a total of 1,300 teachers for Primary Schools, said in the next two weeks, the State Government will start recruiting another 1,000 teachers for Secondary Schools across the State.

    Speaking on his plans for Youth and Sports for the quarter, the Governor said government would embark on upgrade of sports facilities and would also support and promote age-grade competitions and sponsor outstanding athletes to national and international training and competitions.

    Ambode also disclosed that his administration would pay greater attention to the issues concerning the elderly especially by establishing three Elderly Care Centres across the State.

    He said: “We will sponsor bills to the House of Assembly which will make specific provisions for the elderly in our society and create a framework for care for the aged. Our priority is to commence the provision of Three Elderly Care centres across the Three Senatorial Zones and further urge the private sector for support and collaboration thereafter.”

    The Governor said as a follow up to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa, Oshodi, an outpost unit would be situated between Ojo and Badagry in this quarter with two other outposts in Fadeyi and Lekki.

    Governor Ambode, who spent hours interacting with various groups such as Corporate organizations, religious leaders, youths/physically challenged, market men and women, Non-Governmental Organizations and the political leaders, disclosed his greater plans to revive the tourism potentials of Badagry, saying the long term plan includes the establishment of University of Hospitality.

    He also seized the occasion to intimate on his future plans for the State, revealing that his administration was working round the clock to build the economy of the State beyond the dependence on oil, adding, “The future of Lagos is about tourism and services.”

    Ambode added that aside the N500million disability fund aimed at advancing the cause of persons living with disabilities, his administration would decentralize the Lagos State Office of Disability (LASODA) and absolve 200 physically challenged persons to manage their affairs in all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in the State.

    He also said the State Government would also perfect plans to bring about seamless waste collection in the State, and ensure clean environment.

    “I implore you to take ownership of all government properties located in your area because they are our common wealth. Remember to pay your taxes as and when due in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    “On our part, we will continue to ensure judicious utilization of the resources of the state by executing projects that will outlive us and affirm our position as a Centre of Excellence,” Ambode said.

  • We’re on course to transform education sector – Ambode

    We’re on course to transform education sector – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed delight at the winning of the annual Spelling Bee Competition by students of public schools in the State, saying that the development was an eloquent testimony that his administration is on the right path to transform the education sector.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja while hosting the 16th One-day Governor, Master Olaseinde Olufemi Joshua and members of his cabinet, said the fact that winners of the competition emerged from public schools in inner communities was a clear indication that public schools in the State are now becoming exemplary citadel of learning.

    He said: “I must say that I am impressed about the mixture of the people that we are now celebrating. I can personally say that I did watch the school debate on television and I am very excited that the schools from which the winners emerged are from our inner communities in Shasha in Alimosho, Badagry, Ilupeju and also in Mushin.

    “That in itself shows that we are on the right path. We must be able to show that our public schools are exemplary citadel of learning that we can also use to showcase the fact that the future of Lagos is brighter than what we have now,” Governor Ambode said.

    While congratulating the winners of the competition for doing the State proud, Governor Ambode said the competition was one of the ways of encouraging younger ones to venture into position of leadership, adding that development would also go a long way in preparing the students for position of leadership in the future.

    He added: “We want to say that the six winners we are celebrating today are worthy to be celebrated and we will indeed celebrate them and use them as examples to encourage other younger ones to reach out so that we can be proud that in another twenty years, these ones will take over from us and we would be proud that we really did the State proud.”

    Besides, the Governor congratulated the State’s Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for sustaining the initiative which started about 16 years ago, and called for the scaling up of the initiative to accommodate more younger students.

    Earlier, the One-day Governor, Master Olaseinde Olufemi Joshua, a student of Shasha Community Senior High School saluted the vision of the wife of former Lagos State Governor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was the pioneer of the Spelling Bee competition, saying that the competition had helped students in the State to be more dedicated to their studies and strive for excellence.

    He added that the competition would not have been possible without the free education policy of the Lagos State Government over the years, which is being sustained by the present administration.

    Speaking on Governor Ambode’s administration, Master Joshua said: “Barely a year after taking over the reign of power as the Governor of the State, Lagosians have witnessed a rapid transformation of infrastructural facilities and integrated lighting system. There is no gainsaying that Lagosians’ dream of becoming Africa’s model megacity is becoming into reality through your hard work and dedication.

    “This is evident in your meticulous implementation of various developmental programmes. I can easily predict that our visionary Governor Ambode will take Lagos State to the promise land within his first tenure in office,” he said.

    Master Joshua, who said his father could not make it to the event due to health challenges, however, urged the Governor to consider donating a school bus, a well-equipped E-library to his school and the rehabilitation of drainage systems as well as the roads leading to his school.

    Responding, Governor Ambode granted the request for a school bus in Joshua’s school and all other requests in respect of the other schools of the winners.

    He also ordered that Joshua’s father be treated at the health facilities of the State Government.

    Other winners are One-day Deputy Governor, Komolafe Kehinde of Immaculate Heart Senior High School, Maryland; One-day Speaker, Okinbaloye Rashidat of Ilupeju Senior Grammar School; One-day Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ogunfowora Islamiyat of Badagry Senior Grammar School; One-day Commissioner for Education, Abdulkarim Asiyat of Atunrase Senior High School and One-day Commissioner for Science and Technology, Ahwanyinu Sesinu of Kakon Senior Secondary School.

  • Ambode to Muslims: Extend Holy living beyond Ramadan

    Ambode to Muslims: Extend Holy living beyond Ramadan

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday urged Muslim faithful and all Lagosians to carry on with the principles of the holy month of Ramadan which are love, peace, kindness, compassion and happy co-existence.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke in Lagos House, Ikeja at a special Eid el-Fitri celebration organized by the State Government to mark the end of fasting, said it is only when the principles of the season are sustained beyond Ramadan that the fasting period can be given true meaning.

    The Governor, who said that this year’s Ramadan was unique in the sense that the thirty-day fasting period was fully observed, thanked the Muslim faithful for their prayers and urged them to continue to pray for the State and the country in general.

    He said: “As your Governor, I seek for your support and cooperation as we move into the second year of this administration. We must all play our parts and keep relating with this government and we will not fail in making Lagos work for all of us.

    “While thanking everyone that has spared time to join us in this get-together, I enjoin Muslim faithful and indeed all Lagosians to sustain the lessons of Ramadan,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, thanked God for giving Muslims the strength to complete the thirty-day fasting, but stressed the need for them to remember the essence of the holy month and the expected renewal of faith and spiritual cleansing of souls.

    She said: “It is important for us to continue with the principles of the Holy Month. Ramadan represents love, peace, kindness, compassion and happy co-existence. The Holy Prophet held these principles in high esteem and lived His whole life around them.

    “Therefore, as brothers, sisters, neighbors, co-workers, we must love one another, show kindness to one another and live together in peace. It is when we do these beyond the fasting period that we give true meaning to the Ramadan,” Mrs. Ambode said.

    The event, which attracted hundreds of Muslims who flocked the Lagos House to celebrate the season with the Governor and his family, was also attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including members of the State Executive Council.

    Highlight of the celebration was the Quran recitation, Islamic quiz and dancing competition, with winners going home with prizes courtesy of the Wife of the Governor.

     

  • Eid-el-fitri:  Ambode urges Nigerians to embrace tolerance

    Eid-el-fitri:  Ambode urges Nigerians to embrace tolerance

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the cause of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where citizens regardless of ethnic, religious, political or social status can flourish.

    The Governor in his Eid-el-Fitri message said it is only by embracing peace, unity and fairness that Nigerians can put the country back on the path of growth and development, urging them to embrace the tenets of love, tolerance, forgiveness and brotherhood which characterized the period of the holy month.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor said that the nation needs brotherly love and harmonious co-existence among her citizens above all other things as a means to overcome its numerous challenges.

    While cautioning against acts that would divide rather than unite the country, Governor Ambode called on Nigerians to return to the values of peaceful co-existence and brotherly love.

    He further said: “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, therefore, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country and the possibility of her taking her rightful place in the comity of nations”.

    The Governor said, “In this all important crusade to rescue our dear country from socio-economic as well as political quagmire, let us all continue to demonstrate those sterling virtues of harmonious and peaceful co-existence as well as willingness to serve in this melting pot of cultures where the multi-ethnic and multi-religious nature of our country is turned into a source of strength”,

    Governor Ambode also thanked Lagosians for their continued harmonious and peaceful co-existence in the midst of diverse ethnic origin and religion.

    “With your demonstration of love for your neighbour and the willingness to serve, our State has continued to be a model of what patriotic Nigerians will want our dear country to be.

    “When peace reigns in the land, we can achieve whatever it is that we want to achieve. Infrastructural development can only be carried out in an atmosphere of peace and respect for our political and ethnic differences,” he said.

    Governor Ambode wished all Muslim brothers and sisters in the State a happy Eid-el-Fitri celebration, just as he enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keepers.

  • Lagos goes tough on street trading, hawking

    Lagos goes tough on street trading, hawking

    …Says buyers, sellers liable to N90, 000 fine, six months Jail term or both

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said that from July 1, 2016, it would commence a total enforcement against street trading and street hawkers, saying that the law banning their activities across the metropolis would take its full course.

    Speaking at a live interview session on Television Continental, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said that the renewed enforcement is in line with Section One of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law 2003 which restricts street trading and hawking in the metropolis.

    The Governor, while sympathizing with the family of a street hawker who was knocked down by an articulated truck while trying to evade arrest from officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) along Maryland Bus stop on Wednesday, regretted that the situation led to the destruction of public assets.

    “It is not in our DNA to allow someone to just die by road accident or the way it happened in respect of the incident. But beyond the fact that we lost one person while crossing the road as a result of evading arrest by KAI officials, I need to tell Lagosians that over 49 buses were actually destroyed and it is costing us like almost N139 million to put those buses back on the road,” he said.

    Consequently, Governor Ambode said the State Executive Council has resolved to enforce the Law, which according to him makes both the hawker and the buyer liable of the offence.

    “The issue is we need to enforce our laws because we already have a law in respect of that and then there is a clause in it which says the buyer and the seller are both liable and that we are going to fine them either N90, 000 or a six month jail term.

    “What we are doing on traffic is that we are introducing new strategies to eliminate traffic but Lagos being a cosmopolitan city, you cannot totally eliminate it but now this is the case, in the next few days, you will see on the street of Lagos signs that will be warning you that buyers and hawkers should be aware that there are consequences,” Governor Ambode said.

    He said his administration has also concluded plans to roll out a massive campaign which would warn both motorists and hawkers of the restrictions and the penalty for defaulters.

    “We will be watching out for buyers and sellers and all we need is just scapegoat. Don’t buy plantain chips or any other items in traffic from July 1, buyers beware,” Governor Ambode warned.

    He said aside the environmental hazards associated with the activities of street traders and hawkers alike, they also pose great security and health risks.

    “A whole lot of people who are hawkers, when you check them, I understand from intelligence that there is a cartel. Some people buy fake products and then bring the products in and then give these boys to sell on the street and come back to make returns in the night. So, what I want to advise Lagosians is that most times when you think you are buying something of quality on the road, be rest assured that those things are fake product,” Governor Ambode said.

    He however said that much as the State Government intends to be civil in enforcing the law, some recalcitrant persons try to subvert the process, hence the need to ensure total compliance with the law.

    Asked what plans the Government has unemployed graduates who have taken to street hawking, Governor Ambode said that his administration has launched a N25billion Employment Trust Fund, urging them to access the fund.

    Governor Ambode while answering questions on future plans of his administration assured that greater attention would be given to the health and education sectors, while empowerment for the youth and elderly would also get the needed attention.

    “In the last eight years, while the immediate past Governor actually did a lot to improve on health, you will also see that what he provided is not even enough to cater for all the people coming into Lagos.

    “Now, this second year, I can tell you freely that we are facing majorly the health sector, education sector, the issue of elderly people and then the youths. We believe that in the next twelve months which we are starting from now, you will see a major escalation of the quality of the facilities we are going to provide in our hospitals,” the Governor said.

  • Live above board, be fair to all, Ambode tells LASIEC

    Live above board, be fair to all, Ambode tells LASIEC

    …Swears-in chairman, members of Commission
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday swore-in the Chairman and members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), just as he charged them to live above board and be fair to all parties in the discharge of their duties.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke during the swearing-in ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the new Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Philips (Rtd) and other members of the Commission were carefully selected based on their track record of meritorious service and unquestionable integrity, hence they must be transparent and fair to all without giving undue advantage to one party over another.

    The Governor said his administration places high premium on the Rule of Law, just as he vowed that the Executive arm of government would not do anything to directly or indirectly interfere in the affairs of the Commission.

    He said LASIEC, as the statutory body saddled with the responsibility of conducting Local Government elections, has a critical role to play in entrenching the democratic process in the State, and therefore the newly sworn-in members must go all out to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.

    He said: “We have painstakingly selected people of unquestionable integrity and track record of competence to guarantee a credible, transparent and accountable process. Leading this team is Hon Justice Ayotunde Philips, a retired Chief Judge of Lagos State who left a record of meritorious service that saw her to the pinnacle of the Lagos State Judiciary.

    “All I just want to say to all the members is that they must live above board and truly live up to the public expectation as independent umpires. You must be transparent and fair to all without giving undue advantage to one party over another. This is only way that you can guarantee the credibility of the process you supervise,” the Governor said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode thanked members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their due diligence and subsequent confirmation of the Chairman and members of the Commission, as well as the timely passage of the amendment to the LASIEC Law.

    Members of the Commission are Justice Philips (Chairman), Dr. Bunmi Omosehindemi, Mr. Lateef Raji, Mrs. Toyin Famakinwa and Mr. Olusegun Ayedun, with Mr. Olumide Lawal as the Permanent Secretary.

    Responding, Justice Philips thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in her and other members, and assured that they would do all within their powers to ensure credible, free and fair elections.

    She also said that her tenure would witness the transformation of LASIEC to an institution that would be envied and emulated by other States of the Federation.

    “I believe in action more than in words and people would see as time passes that we will try to do our best and I hope that we will make LASIEC an institution for all the other states to follow. Lagos always leads and the judiciary in Lagos has led others in Nigeria and we intend to bring the same to bear on LASIEC to become an institution that the rest of the country will envy and will seek to emulate,” she said.

    She added that her team will go back to the drawing board and critically appraise the situation on ground, while an election date would thereafter be determined in due course.

  •  Activities of local, foreign investors crucial for economic growth- Ambode

     Activities of local, foreign investors crucial for economic growth- Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said that the activities of both local and foreign investors in the State are key indicators that would trigger economic growth and enhance the emerging opportunities in the socio-economic landscape of the state.

    The Governor who spoke at the City Hall, Lagos, venue of the 2016 Stakeholders Forum organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business District (CBD) also commended the enthusiasm of investors and entrepreneurs alike to put their money in worthwhile investments in the State.

    He added that the present administration is also providing more opportunities to investors and entrepreneurs in the emerging economic profile of the Lagos Mega City in the various sectors of real estate development, marine transportation, commercial and business activities.

    “Our administration is focused on providing more opportunities to investors and entrepreneurs in the emerging economic profile of Lagos Mega City in the various sectors of real estate development, marine transportation, commercial and business activities to create job opportunities and generate wealth for investors in a conducive and secure environment,” he said.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented at the Forum by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, said the focus of his administration since inception has been to put in place necessary structures that would sustain a 24/7 economy in the “New Lagos”, adding that despite the global economic challenges, “we have ensured that the business districts functioned effectively to move the wheel of economic growth in the Lagos Mega City”.

    He assured that in the months to come, the district will witness tremendous transformation with the completion of the Blue Line rail system and the ongoing reconstruction of the Marina axis.

    The Governor said the gathering was about ways to identify the gaps in the operation of the district and what can be done individually and collectively to uplift the status of the CBD to global standards.

    “It is also about maximizing the investment opportunities in this axis through government policies, incentives and direct intervention in terms of infrastructure provision and upgrade towards actualizing the vision of the present administration of making “Lagos safer, cleaner and more prosperous”, he said.

    He urged the stakeholders to share experiences, ideas and evolve new strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of the Central Business District administration and management for the benefit of all.

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on CBD, Mr Agboola Dabiri, reiterated the readiness of the Government to return the lost glory of Lagos Island by bringing back corporate organizations and private companies to the District just as it was in the eighties.

    He added that the State Government has committed enormous resources in rebranding, painting, beautification and general upliftment of the axis to ensure it is conducive for businesses to thrive.

    The event which also featured panel discussions was graced by many important personalities including members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, Body of Permanent Secretaries and members of the Organised Private Sector.