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Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Unilever advocates sustainable business models and SDGs

    Unilever advocates sustainable business models and SDGs

    Unilever Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the advancement the lives of Nigerians through its sustainable living plan. This was done at an event organised in partnership with the Lagos Business School.

    The Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Unilever Plc, Mr Paul Polman, spoke extensively on how profitable and sustainable businesses are built in the midst of volatility.

    Polman, who has been at the centre of the advocacy for building widespread support for the SDGs globally, has continued to champion the drive for a sustainable and integrated approach to sustainable business practices.

    Speaking to young entrepreneurs, sustainability experts and young business leaders at the forum, he said: “The scale and urgency of the challenges the world faces are so great and we need to look beyond our own business to drive transformational change. These challenges actually provide opportunities for emerging businesses to grow profitably and sustainably while addressing development challenges.”

    “At Unilever, we have been able to demonstrate that sustainability drives growth. More than ever before, we are leading the way, having taken a commitment to put sustainability at the core of our operations. And this is growing the business, despite current economic and business challenges” he added.

    Also speaking at the session, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, ably represented by Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo, stressed that Lagos State is ready to support businesses like Unilever, who are delivering value and economic growth through their operations.

    Other Nigerian CEOs present include; Oscar Onyema, CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange; Mr. Mutiu Sumonu (CON), Chairman, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.; and Mrs. Mosun Belo- Olusoga,  Chairman Access Bank; and they all shared from their wealth of experience the ways to create sustainable commercial models within a highly volatile world. The event was moderated by Dr. Chris Ogbechie, Diamond Bank Chairman, and Faculty of the Lagos Business School.

    In his opening remarks, Yaw Nsarkoh, Unilever Nigeria Managing Director said: “Businesses that address both the direct concerns of citizens and the needs of the environment will prosper over the long term. This is what guides our operations at Unilever as we meet the needs of our consumers while maintaining commercial profitability.

  • Ambode moves to scale up land administration in Lagos

    Ambode moves to scale up land administration in Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that his administration was working towards ensuring effective land administration that would go a long way to secure the future prosperity of the State.

    The Governor who spoke when he received a delegation from Thomson Reuters, led by its Managing Director-Africa, Sneha Shah on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said that the State Government decided to partner with Thomson Reuters to improve land administration in the State.

    He said the State Executive Council has already given its nod to the project that would bring about an effective Geographical Information System (GIS) to generate credible data on land administration in the State, which according to him will aid planning in the State.

    “I am happy to let you know that with the approval of the Lagos State Executive Council, we have a partnership that is going to work for the benefit of all Lagosians and Nigerians in general.

    “This relationship is beyond a business relationship, it is about the development of Lagos and that is the way I have seen it and that is the way we want to carry out this vision. We know that land administration issues in Lagos are of paramount importance to this government.”

    Alluding to the fact that Lagos was fast becoming a leading City-State in Africa, Governor Ambode said that efforts are currently being made to improve on revenue generation from landed properties, expressing optimism that the project would help to achieve the set objective.

    “We know that there are about two million landed properties in Lagos, but right now what we generate revenue on is less than 400, 000.

    “What this project means for us is that Thomson Reuters brings its expertise alongside other partners in this same project to ensure that at the press of a button, we would be able to see all the landed properties in Lagos, and that also secures the future revenues of Lagos.

    So it is of paramount importance that we carry on and make sure that we execute this project,” the Governor said.

    Speaking further, the Governor said, “Beyond the fact that we have had fluctuating exchange rate, we have kept on moving forward with this project and I believe that the next 18 months, Lagos will have a very good data base. We are very glad that this has been a very credible and transparent process and I am happy that we are in this together. We thank you for believing in the economy of Lagos.”

    Earlier, leader of the Thomson Reuters delegation, Sneha Shah said the Firm was pleased to be partnering with the State Government on such project, saying that the administration of Governor Ambode has shown leadership to move the State forward.

    “One of the things is the way citizens are served and it is due to your vision and leadership, we are very pleased to be part of it, am very pleased to be working with such remarkable local partners and I think that is truly the mark of a successful project.

    “It is when you can bring the best of global capabilities with the local implementation, the people who know what is really going on the ground and really and then you create something that is trustworthy, that is sustainable that would last the citizens for years to come. We just want to say thank you to you.”

     

  • Security: Ambode receives #10m donation from Lebanese community

    Security: Ambode receives #10m donation from Lebanese community

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday received a donation of N10 million from the Lebanese Nigerian Initiative (LNI) for the State Security Trust Fund, charging the body to continue to do more for the State.

    The Governor, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he received the Chairman and the directors of the LNI through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello thanked the group for the initiative, adding that a lot could still be done for the State in that regard.

    “Particularly in the field of security, there is still a lot you can still do for us. Without the efforts of people like you and others in the past, Lagos would not have been where it is today in terms of maintenance of peace and security”, he said.

    The Governor added that with the business pedigree of each of the members of the LNI, the present administration is deeply appreciative of their contribution which, according to him, is a good initiative.

    He said the issue of security cannot be left alone for government to handle and that this was one of the reasons that informed the clarion call to members of the organized private sector to join the State Government in ensuring that the people can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lebanese Nigerian Initiative (LNI), Mr. Faysal El-Khalil said the members of the Lebanese community have been in Nigeria for over a century doing legitimate business.

    He said the members are, through the latest gesture, demonstrating a reassurance of their commitment to the determination of the present administration to keep criminals at bay permanently.

    Mr El-Khalil said the donation was about how the members of the Lebanese community can give back to the Nigerian and Lagos community which they have been operating for long.

    He said in addition to the security initiative, the LNI has also embarked upon a project towards investing in education by creating an endowment fund in the American University in Beirut where specified number of Nigerians would be beneficiaries.

    Meanwhile, the State Government, through the LSSTF, on Thursday donated 100 hundred level four bullet proof vests and ballistic helmets to the State Command of Nigerian Police.

    Speaking during the donation which was received by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr. Abdulrazak Balogun said the massive support to security agencies in the State was part of the strategy of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration at ensuring a safe, secure and prosperous State.

    While stating that businesses and investments can only thrive in a secured and conducive atmosphere, Balogun said there was a need for the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to continue to support government, especially by complementing the sincere and genuine efforts of the present administration in the State at securing lives and property.

    He said: “We just continue to appeal to the private sector to continue to support us. They have been doing so well. As you know, the Trust Fund is based on donor funding and so all we have been able to achieve is from the private sector and we just appeal to them that nothing is too small.

    “As Lagos continues to grow and improve, security challenges continue to increase and we need to forestall this problem in future and we can only do that with the continuous support of the private sector.”

  • Lagos on sound footing to emerge as world class city – Ambode

    Lagos on sound footing to emerge as world class city – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said that his administration has succeeded in laying a strong foundation that would propel the State to emerge as a globally competitive City-State.

    The Governor, who spoke at the public presentation of a publication “Cascade of Change: A Decade Of Liberal Thoughts” authored by Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that the next plan of action is to build on the foundation to move the State to the next level.

    “In the last one year we have laid the foundation to make Lagos a globally competitive City-State. In the coming years, we will build on this foundation to move Lagos to the next level, a level of first class infrastructure, services, economic growth and opportunities for all,” he said.

    He said the State has the privilege of housing the largest collection of media houses in Nigeria, saying it was an indicator to the fact that every journalist, editor, columnist and blogger has a role to play in the development of the State.

    “This calls for transparency and constructive engagement with the media to spread our message. Our government will always do its part and we call on the media to be our partner as we build a Lagos State where everybody has a voice, a chance and opportunities,” he said.

    Governor Ambode while commending the author of the book said it would no doubt go a long way to enhance knowledge as well as shed more light on issues of public discourse and enrich policy design and implementation process.

    He said Mr. Ayorinde’s contributions and participation as the arrowhead of the media and strategy team in his gubernatorial campaign was instructive to what the State Government could achieve if members of the team are on the same page.

    “Steve Ayorinde is an unassuming personality whose professional work has impacted on our national life in many ways as a social commentator, moderator of social commentary and now as the Chief Information Manager of Lagos State Government.   I am sure the fire that runs through his veins have been compressed to flow through his latest publication “Cascades of Change”: A Decade of Liberal Thoughts”.

    “He represents a generation of conscious journalists who have committed to working towards a better society. We are proud to have him in the Lagos State Executive and he has been involved in various stages in the implementation of our Change Agenda. He has deployed his professional skills, competence and experience in promoting our socio-political reforms through a liberal and focused policy implementation strategy,” the Governor said.

    He urged Nigerians to enrich their personal libraries with the book, just as he called on spirited individuals and corporate organisations to purchase copies and endow the libraries of tertiary institutions in the State for the benefit of the students who are the future of our society.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba said in the last one year, Governor Ambode has silently embarked on massive transformation of the State.

    Osoba, who alluded to the clearing of Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi, the ongoing dualization of Epe-Ijebu Road and many other infrastructural projects in Lagos, said he was indeed happy that the Ambode administration has continued in the tradition of excellence that the State had always been known for.

    He also commended the swiftness in which the Governor attends to issue of infrastructural renewal, saying many testimonies abound that Governor Ambode is a silent achiever, adding that such was what governance should be all about.

    On his part, a public commentator and development expert, Professor Pat Utomi recalled the early days of Governor Ambode in office when he was criticized by many as lacking the capacity to lead the state, adding that his response then was “you got to think, plan and act,” adding that he was happy that the Governor has proved him right.

    Utomi, who said the Governor, is endowed with the ability of audacious imagination, alluded to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of 4th Mainland Bridge that was long conceived, the Eko Atlantic City Project, the Smart City Lagos initiative, the Light Up Lagos Project and the ongoing neighbourhood renewal.

    In her goodwill message, former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr. Doyin Abiola said she was proud that Lagos has always been a centre of excellence producing people of excellence.

    She said: “I have never met the Governor and I have never had any discussion with him but from what he has been doing so far, it was clear that he was prepared for the job and he has been moving from step to step.

    “I have always wondered how Lagos survived when the Local Government allocation of the state was withheld by the Federal Government. I could not understand it and it was said that Governor Ambode successfully managed the account of the state at that time and so I want to commend them for the good works they are doing and urge them to continue.”

  • Residents laud Ambode over Oshodi-Apapa highway repairs

    Residents laud Ambode over Oshodi-Apapa highway repairs

    A cross section of Lagos State residents on Wednesday lauded the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for keeping to his promise of repairing the failed portions of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, saying that the development has transformed the economic landscape of the axis.

    Governor Ambode, had about five weeks ago, made an unscheduled inspection of the road while returning from a function, where he expressed dissatisfaction at the deplorable state of some portions of the road.

    A visibly worried Governor Ambode had alighted from his convoy to inspect the bad portions of the road between Berlett and Ilasa, and Cele Bus stop inward Oshodi.

    Governor Ambode not only directed the officials of the Ministry of Works to immediately move to site, but also ordered that an immediate palliative measure be put in place to alleviate the sufferings of motorists who have been complaining about the deplorable state of the road through various means.

    The Governor had specifically stressed that he could not afford to ignore the road due to its strategic importance to the economy of the State.

    A total of 4klm was repaired on the long stretch of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway between Berlett, Ilasa and Cele Bus stops inward Oshodi. The blocked drain which caused the damage to the road was repaired while work is currently ongoing on the service lane of the road.

    Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, a trader who deals in office equipment in the area, Mr. Akeem Abolarinwa said the repair of the road in less than five weeks was a miracle, and it only confirmed the genuine intention of Governor Ambode to transform the State.

    He said: “We are very happy with the repair of this road. This road has been in a very deplorable state for long and we have been enduring untold hardship as a result of the sad development.

    “I remember very well just about five weeks ago when Governor Ambode passed through this area and saw the deplorable state of the road. He came down from his vehicle and inspected it and promised us that work would start on it. Here we are today enjoying the good road. Our businesses have witnessed a quantum boost since the completion of the repair work and I just want to pray that God will continue to grant Governor Ambode wisdom and strength to lead the State,” Abolarinwa said.

    Another trader in the area, Alhaji Sani Wasiu, who sells home and office furniture, commended Governor Ambode for keeping his words just within three days after inspecting the road.

    He said: “This is a good development. In fact, I don’t know how to appreciate the Governor. He made a promise and fulfilled it. This road was repaired in less than five weeks and this has never happened before and it is a big surprise to every one of us in this area.

    “When the Governor said repair work would commence on the road immediately, we thought it was a joke and just after three days that he visited the road, we saw a massive mobilization of Julius Berger to the road and they commenced work immediately.

    “Everything has changed since the repair of the road. Even security has improved in this area and we now have more people coming to patronize us. I just want to give kudos to him,” Wasiu said.

    On her part, a resident of the area, Mrs Ronke Onaopepo said the quality of work done on the road within a few weeks was commendable and an eloquent confirmation of the fact that the Governor is passionate about the development of the State.

    She said: “We have had instances of containerized trucks falling off the road and causing traffic gridlock for hours due to the deplorable state of the road. But now, that is a thing of the past and our story has changed for the better, all thanks to a compassionate Governor in charge of Lagos State.”

  • Lagos to meet UNESCO education standard – Ambode

    Lagos to meet UNESCO education standard – Ambode

    • Commissions Block of Classrooms, Furniture

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned newly constructed block of six classrooms, furniture, toilets and borehole at Farm Settlement Primary School, Odogunyan in Ikorodu area of the State, just as he expressed optimism that it would go a long way to complement efforts geared towards meeting pupil/ classroom ratio in line with UNESCO standards.

    The Governor, who spoke at the commissioning of the infrastructure donated by Ford Foundation in conjunction with Journalists for Democratic Rights (JORDER), said the school infrastructure was part of efforts towards restoring and sustaining confidence in the public school system by guaranteeing equal access to quality education to all children especially those with humble socio-economic background.

    He said that the 17 per cent of the current Budget of the State earmarked for the Education Sector was the highest sectoral allocation in the Budget and would go a long way to ensure that every child can access to quality education.

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Tunji Bello, reiterated the commitment of his administration to positive reforms in the educational sector through the provision of necessary infrastructure and curriculum development.

    He expressed appreciation to the Foundation in promoting international cooperation and advancing human development through the collaboration with Government, private sector, academia and the host communities.

    “As Partners-in-Progress, we consider this donation a demonstration of your belief in this administration’s policy of encouraging corporate organizations, public spirited individuals and other stakeholders buy into our “Adopt-a-School Initiative”, the Governor said.

    The Governor urged the school community who are direct beneficiaries as well as the Odogunyan community to take ownership and assume responsibility for proper care the new classrooms.

    He also called on other well- meaning and public spirited individuals, corporate organizations and other stakeholders to join hands with the government in order to move the state forward in all sectors.

    The Governor later cut the tape to formally hand over the classrooms and facilities alongside the Representatives of Ford Foundation in West Africa, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Executive Director of the Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Mr. Adewale Adeoye and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin.

  • Ambode honours 555 staff with long service merit award

    Ambode honours 555 staff with long service merit award

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday presented long service merit awards to 555 public servants who had distinguished themselves over the years, just as he restated his commitment to the welfare of workers in the State.

    The Governor who spoke at the Merit Awards ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, congratulated the recipients of the award, saying that their diligence, hard work and sacrifice has contributed immensely  to the success story of the State since its creation in 1967.

    He said, “This occasion provides another unique opportunity for me to put on record my heartfelt appreciation for the contribution of the Lagos State public servants to the success of this administration in the last one year. The modest achievements for which I have received accolades could not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the engine room which the public service represents.”

    Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Dr. Benson Akintola, also seized the occasion to charge public servants to continue to show good examples as law abiding citizens of the State and work together to strengthen public trust and confidence in public institutions by being proactive, diligent, responsive, innovative and timely in service delivery.

    “This is the desire goal of the various reforms and restructuring that we have introduced and implemented in the last one year,” he said.

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the welfare of workers in the employ of the State Government, saying that it would continue to remain top priority of his administration.

    “We shall adequately reward diligence, hard work and exceptional performance. Conversely, negligence, indiscipline and abuse of trust shall be sanctioned appropriately in line with rules and regulations of the public service.

    “Once again, I congratulate all the awardees for the meritorious service to the State. I wish you good health and great years ahead as you look forward to glorious end of your career in the State Public Service,” Governor Ambode said.

    Earlier the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola said the objective of the award was to encourage diligence, commitment and loyalty among public servants in the State with the belief that it would spur both recipients and non-recipients alike to continue to put in their best at all times.

    She said since the inception of the Award in 2006, several public servants have benefitted from the gesture, adding that this year’s edition was the 10th in the series.

    Ademola also encouraged public servants yet to be honoured to continue to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities so as to merit such honour in the nearest future.

    “Let me assure you that the State Government on its part will continue to provide the necessary and conducive environment for the attainment of your lofty goals. Government will also continue to place a high premium on the welfare of its staff with a view to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in order to bring out the best in them,” the HOS said.

    Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Ola Micheal-Dawodu, Permanent Secretary who had put in 35 years of service, thanked the HOS and the Governor for giving them such honour, assuring that they would continue to make themselves available for service when called upon.

  • Our commitment to grassroots development unequivocal- Ambode

    Our commitment to grassroots development unequivocal- Ambode

    • Swears-in 57 Sole Administrators for LGs, LCDAs 

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday swore-in new sole administrators to take charge of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, with a reassurance that his administration would spare nothing to make governance at the grassroots vibrant and responsive.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja during the swearing-in ceremony, said the appointment of sole administrators was another step by his administration to deliver on its promise of a government of inclusion where no one is left behind.

    “The hallmark of any good Government is to provide basic services to the communities at the grassroots. This is the only way the real dividends of good governance can spread downwards and touch the hearts and minds of its people,” he said.

    The Governor further said: “Our State is growing so fast that the concept of the rural area will not be applicable to any part of Lagos very soon. Our government is working hard to meet the yearnings of our people who live in what I term semi-urban areas by providing them with services like water, good roads, street lights, efficient refuse collection, cleaning of drainage and roads, primary healthcare, recreational parks and sports facilities to make those areas live able and economically viable,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also said that the appointment of the Sole Administrators to manage the affairs of the Local Governments and Councils was in line with the recent resolution passed by the House of Assembly which recommended that the previous local government committees be resolved.

    He said his administration remains committed to reforms that would make the Local Governments more responsive to the needs of the people, adding that he recently assented to three bills on local government reforms recently passed by the Assembly that would change the face of governance at the third tier of government.

    Governor Ambode also charged the newly sworn in Sole Administrators to see their appointment as a call to service of the people, urging them to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.

    “You are relay runners on a journey of reform that will ultimately culminate in the election of accountable people that will carry on the baton of good governance for our people. For the duration of your race, I urge you to run the race efficiently with diligence so you do not betray the trust that has been placed in you.

    “Your job is to go to the Local Governments you have been posted and make a difference to the lives of the people. You must touch lives and be prepared to have your lives also touched by our people. You must interact with the people, share their joys and pain, and reside among them. It is only through this symbiotic relationship that we can truly say we have begun to understand and serve our people,” he said.

    Governor Ambode also said that the State Government would put in place a strict monitoring, control and feedback process to check against excesses and abuse of office, warning that he would not hesitate to replace any Administrator found wanting in conduct and discharge of duties.

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said the appointment of the Sole Administrators was one of the steps aimed at preparing the Local Government councils for the subsequent elections, and urged the appointees to see the development as an opportunity to engrave their legacies on the sands of time.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, Sole Administrator of Bariga LCDA, Mr. Sanya Osijo thanked Governor Ambode for counting them worthy to be part of the development of the State, assuring that they would go all out to offer good governance at the grassroots.

    The Sole Administrators and their designations are Gbenga Abiola (Agege LGA), James Agboola (Orile Agege LCDA), Fehintola Akabo (Ajeromi Ifelodun LG), Femi John (Ifelodun LCDA), Quadri Ganiu (Alimosho LG), Sola Akande (Agbado Oke-Ode LCDA), Abiodun Agbaje (Ayobo Ipaja LCDA), Doyin Salami (Egbe Idimu LCDA), Ibrahim Adigun (Ejigbo LCDA), Samuel Ojo (Igando Ikotun LCDA), Rotimi Ogunwuyi (Mosan Okunola LCDA), Oki Nurudeen Bamidele (Amuwo Odofin LG), Habeeb Aileru (Oriade LCDA), Jide Alao (Apapa LG), Olumide Olayemi (Apapa Iganmu LCDA) Jacob Kent (Badagry LG), Genesis Williams (Badagry West LCDA), Bolaji Adele Solomon (Olorunda LCDA) Olu Ogunniyi (Epe LG), Muyiwa Okesanya (Eredo LCDA), Babatunde Adetunji (Ikosi Ejirin LCDA) and Abiodun Elegushi (Eti-Osa LG).

    Others are Ayeni Babatunde (Eti-Osa East LCDA), Goke Ona-Olawale (Ikoyi Obalende LCDA), Aderemi Adebowale (Iru-Victoria Island LCDA), Surakat Adigun (Ibeju-Lekki LG), Shefiu Osinnuga (Lekki LCDA), Label Raji (Ifako Ijaiye LG), Ipaye Adeleke (Ojokoro LCDA), Biodun Taiwo (Ikeja LG), Samson Oloyede (Onigbongbo LCDA), Stella Kokumo (Ojodu LCDA), Ogunleye Gbolahan (Ikorodu LG), Bashorun Bolanle (Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA), Emmanuel Aguda (Ijede LCDA), Shukura Okeowo (Ikorodu North LCDA), Segun Anifowoshe (Ikorodu West LCDA), Olufemi Okedeyi (Imota LCDA), Animawun Adejumoke (Kosefe LG), Ilelaboye Rasaq (Agboyi-Ketu LCDA), Abdul Adewale (Ikosi-Isheri LCDA), Musa Nasir (Lagos Island LG), Are Abiola (Lagos Island East LCDA), Rojaye Olayomi (Lagos Mainland (LG), Adefuye Bayo (Yaba LCDA), Yinka Kazeem (Mushin LG), Adekunle Julius (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA), Wasiu Sanni (Ojo LG), Isa Jubril (Iba LCDA), Abiola Esrom (Oto-Awori LCDA), Adebayo Taoheed (Oshodi/Isolo LG), Oshikoya Abimbola (Isolo LCDA), William Lawanson (Somolu LG), Sanya Osijo (Bariga LCDA), Sheriff Balogun (Surulere LG), Yussuf Temitope (Coker/Aguda LCDA) and Samiat Raji (Itire-Ikate LCDA).

  • We’ll not discriminate in disbursement of N25bn ETF – Ambode

    We’ll not discriminate in disbursement of N25bn ETF – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday assured that his administration, through the Board of the Employment Trust Fund (ETF), has put in place a robust process of disbursing the N25 billion earmarked to provide succor for small scale businesses and people with innovative business ideas, just as he expressed optimism that the Fund would drastically reduce unemployment and ensure sustainable wealth creation.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Ikeja Airport Hotel in Lagos at the first Stakeholders’ Summit organized by the State’s Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, said the only criteria for accessing the fund is to be a resident in the State with marketable business idea, adding that there would not be discrimination based on colour, gender or creed.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said apart from the fact that credible and experienced Nigerians were appointed into the ETF Board, the entire process of accessing the fund has equally been designed to be “credible, transparent, accountable and not discriminate on account of gender, religion, physical ability or disability, political affiliation and socio-economic background.”

    Both the ETF and the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment were created by the Ambode-led administration in the State, and they were designed to tackle unemployment with the sole mandate of reducing it to a barest minimum.

    Already, the yearly contribution of N6.25 billion for Year 2016 to the Fund has been released by the State Government, while the disbursement would kick-off in earnest.

    Speaking on the summit with the theme: “Strengthening Partnership For Employment Opportunities and Wealth Creation in a Competitive Environment,” Governor Ambode said the summit was a platform initiated to generate ideas, harmonize strategies and device strong partnership for sustainable wealth creation.

    While urging participants at the summit to come up with ideas and suggestion that would add value to the strategy guiding the design and implementation of sustainable programmes for harnessing the opportunities for job and wealth creation, the Governor assured that his administration would favourably consider the recommendations from stakeholders.

    He added that his administration strongly believes in creating potential and innovative capacity for the youths, especially by providing support and creating conducive environment for the innovative ideas to thrive, thereby bringing about employment opportunities and sustainable wealth creation.

    Besides, Governor Ambode said the economic challenges facing Nigeria as a result of dwindling revenue from crude oil, presents a unique opportunity to chart a new direction for sustainable economic growth, adding that part of it was what his administration has been to support the establishment and growth of small businesses to create job opportunities and generate wealth for the collective prosperity of all.

    In his goodwill message, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended Governor Ambode for his laudable achievements in infrastructure renewal and security.

    The Vice President, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, said infrastructure renewal and security were the necessary ingredients for sustainable wealth creation and generation of employment which equally are the basis for long term progress.

    In her keynote address, Chairperson of the Lagos State ETF Board, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okaru said Nigeria must create about 1.5 million jobs quarterly to keep the number of unemployed people flat, adding that as a way out, there must be an effective collaboration between government and the private sector to come up with solutions.

    Okaru, who lamented that many Nigerians were spending time to acquire certificates that are of no value, said the people must be encouraged to look around for opportunities and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

    She also advocated the need for order and discipline in the society, saying such would also go a long way in creating job opportunities.

    Speaking on the ETF, Okaru said government would soon embark on disbursement of the fund, adding that at the moment the board was putting in place necessary foundation to build trust and credibility.

  • Nigeria moving on despite challenges – Ambode

    Nigeria moving on despite challenges – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that against all odds, Nigeria has continued to surmount its challenges due to the commitment of Governors and their spouses to addressing issues of governance in their respective States.

    Governor Ambode who spoke when he received a delegation of the Southern Governors’ Wives’ Forum (SGWF) on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said that the efforts by Governors to deliver good governance in their States would not be effective without the complementary role by their wives.

    He said the SGWF was an important platform that would afford wives of Governors share knowledge and exchange notes on governance which could be beneficial to their people on the long run.

    Governor Ambode said, “I want to commend each and every one of your Excellencies for supporting us, we Governors, at least, to be able to create the impact that we are creating. Notwithstanding the fact that these are hard and difficult times, but we are out there still trying as much as possible to create that impact. I must commend you for that supportive role. It is very obvious everywhere that against all odds, we are pushing on and we would succeed.

    “This forum is more about creating impact on governance on behalf of our people, no matter how much it is that a Governor can do, if it is not complemented by somebody that is prayerful, somebody that is supporting the programmes, there is no way you can go and actually go out there and succeed.”

    While pledging his support for the Forum towards their set objectives, Governor Ambode commended Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of the President of Nigeria for conceptualizing the SGWF, saying it was a viable avenue for members of the Forum to impact on the lives of women and children in their States.

    “Let me reiterate the fact that I would support this forum in whatever ways you have deemed it fit and I know the next two days of your meeting, one of the resolutions that would come out is how Governors can support this forum, so I give my commitment and also want to say that I would be in the forefront of those that would support and also ensure that other Governors support this forum,” he said.

    Earlier, wife of the Governor of Imo State and Chairperson of the Forum, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha said they were in Lagos for the second edition of their quarterly meeting which the State is hosting.

    She said the forum presented members with the opportunity to rub minds and come up with ideas that could trigger both economic and social rebirth in Nigeria.

    “While it is very important that we do what we are doing as individuals in our various States, we are looking at what is happening in Nigeria today and we have realized that it is very important that we must be patriotic in all that we do and we must begin to tear down the walls of friction and conflict, that’s the only way we can have the Nigeria of our collective dream and aspiration.

    Mrs. Okorocha, on behalf of the forum also congratulated Governor Ambode for his strides in the last one year of his administration, saying that the impact of his government was being felt across the state.

    “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate you on behalf of the Southern Governors’ Wives’ Forum on your giant strides towards the massive transformation of Lagos within just one year in office.

    “Lagos is indeed our second home, so we can attest to the fact that Your Excellency has done a great job. One begins to wonder what magnitude of development that Lagos would be experiencing during your tenure.

    “As Nigerian women, we deem it fit to give honour to whom honour is due, that first, coming here, not only to pay a courtesy visit but to give you our respect and formally introduce this forum to you”

    She said the Forum which has 17 members, was poised to support the programmes of Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who according to her is very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians.

    “We are poised to complement the effort of our dear husbands, the Governors of the Southern States through our respective pet projects and carry out laudable initiatives in the Southern region.

    “We are so passionate about this forum and with God on our side we would make bold statements and at the end, we would leave a worthy legacy for our generation yet to come.

    She also solicited the support of Governor Ambode to reach out to his brother governors to buy into the ideals and goals of the Forum.

    In her welcome address, Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode said that the Forum would seize the opportunity of the two-day meeting to carefully consider all items on the agenda and make robust contributions towards enhancing national growth.