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Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Lagos declares June 12 public holiday

    The Lagos State Government on Saturday declared June 12, 2018 as public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential elections  won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO)Abiola.

    This was contained  in a statement  signed by the Secretary to the State Government,  Mr. Tunji Bello. 

    Commending President Buhari’s recent declaration of June as the new Democracy Day, the Governor said the singular act would forever ensure that Chief MKO Abiola and other martyrs of democracy who laid down their lives in the struggle to entrench good governance did not do so vain.

    “On behalf of all Lagosians, we want to commend and applaud Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit finally against all odds from all other past presidents that 25 years after, we are able to now celebrate our own Democracy Day and also declare that the real winner of 1993 June 12 Presidential election was actually our own MKO Abiola.

    “No matter how long you try to hide history, history will always reveal itself with a true platform. So, we know that is one very important singular step as we go forward to build an enduring democracy. And for all democrats in this country, we are excited that we are moving in the right direction. 

    “It also affirms that Nigeria can get it right if we begin to put things in the right perspective and work for the general good of the greater number of people. That is the true essence of democracy.

    “For us in Lagos, June 12 is not just a day to remember, it is a rallying point for those of us in service that we must continuously strive to entrench true democracy and good governance which is what Chief MKO Abiola totally exemplified,” Governor Ambode said.

  • Ambode to traditional rulers:  Ensure peace, security in your Communities

    …Inaugurates New Lagos Council of Obas, Chiefs

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday urged traditional rulers to work towards ensuring peace and security and as well be at the forefront of correcting anti-social behaviors in their communities, saying peaceful atmosphere remains the necessary ingredient for development.

    The Governor, who spoke at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, while inaugurating the newly constituted Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said traditional rulers also have a pivotal role to perform in promoting the State’s tourism campaign being the custodians of culture and tradition of the people.

    He said the new Council was coming at a time of momentous changes in evolution of the State, especially with the development by his administration to ensure that government presence is felt by every community.

    “Our government has immense regard for our Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers and we always welcome advice from our royal fathers in order to maintain social harmony and ensure peaceful coexistence in our State.

    “I, therefore, use this opportunity to call on our Royal Fathers and Chiefs and the new leadership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs to continue to address anti-social behavior in their communities. The most important ingredient for development in the State is peace and security and you all have an important role to play in this.

    Read Also: Ambode: why Lagos is investing in Lekki Free Trade Zone

    “As custodians of the culture and tradition of our people, our royal fathers should also be at the forefront of the State’s tourism campaign. A significant aspect of tourism is our culture and historical sites which fall under your jurisdiction,” the Governor said.

    He said the tourism potentials of the State and the resources being channeled by the State Government to environmental regeneration and creation of tourist hubs must be showcased to the world, adding that such required the support and cooperation of royal fathers.

    He said regardless of the advent of modernism, the importance of traditional institution of kingship in the society could not be downplayed, noting that it remained a rallying point for the generality of the people.

    The Governor, therefore, urged members of the re-constituted Council to justify the confidence reposed in them by using their wealth of experience to support his administration in the task of deepening democracy and bringing development to every part of the State, just as he restated commitment to the welfare and activities of royal fathers in the State.

    Besides, Governor Ambode commended members of the dissolved Council for serving the State with a high sense of patriotism during their five-year tenure, and urged the new Council to advise government rightly on matters relating to customary laws, cultural affairs, inter-communal relations and maintenance of public order in the State.

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami said the re-constitution of the Council became imperative following the expiration of the tenure of the former Council after serving for five years in line with the law.

    He said the new Council is made up of one Permanent Chairman in person of Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; three Vice Chairmen, one Acting Vice Chairman and 77 members totaling 82 members.

    “The composition of the new members is made to reflect the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, thereby allotting 15 members each to four divisions of the State and 21 members to Lagos Division due to its peculiarity,” Folami said.

    The Vice Chairmen are Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi; Alara of Ilara, Oba A.O Adesanya; and Onigando of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi.

    Responding on behalf of the Council, Oba Akiolu thanked Governor Ambode for the opportunity given to them to serve the State, and urged traditional rulers to team up with government by coming up with useful ideas to assist in area of security, welfare, environmental sanitation and revenue generation.

     

  • Judiciary, Security sector reform targeted at growing Lagos GDP- Ambode

    …Osinbajo, CJN Urge Judges to Be Above Board, Uphold Ethical Standards

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said the major reforms being implemented in both judiciary and security sectors in the State were targeted at creating a sound pedestal for residents to be productive and in turn boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State.

    Ambode, who spoke at the first biannual lecture of the Lagos State Judiciary held at City Hall in Lagos Island, said the major reforms in the sectors were already contributing to the growth of the economy, assuring that no effort would be spared in ensuring the success of the various initiatives.

    The Governor particularly commended the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, saying he was in firm support of the reforms being championed by the duo in the judicial sector.

    “I want to say that I am very proud of the judicial sector reforms going on in the State; we are very proud of the work being done by the Chief Judge and the combination of the efforts being carried out by the Attorney General and Chief Judge is something we need to support.

    “It is now very obvious that some major reforms are going on in the judicial sector and we are very proud as the executive arm of government to support the judicial sector reforms which we are also complementing with our security sector reforms.

    “In totality, the reforms are aimed at improving the economy of Lagos and grow the GDP and what is going on in the judicial sector is significant and we are very proud of it,” the Governor said.

    While lauding the initiative of the lecture which was intended to engender thought provoking discussions and provide platform for stakeholders to assess performance of the judiciary and as well broaden the frontiers of justice delivery, Ambode called for the lecture to be held annually.

    He said it was important for the intellectual conversation around the lecture to be held regularly in order to bring about practicable solutions to issues in the sector.

    In opening remarks, Justice Oke lauded Governor Ambode for supporting the reforms being implemented in the State Judiciary, describing him as a man of vision who is known for pursuit of excellence and international best standards in every area of his administration.

    She said the lecture, which is the first of its kind not only in Lagos but in other jurisdictions, was designed to facilitate closer interaction between judiciary and the bar both in terms of practice and continuing legal education.

    The CJ, who reeled out some of the reforms being implementing including judicial ethics and administration, old cases above 20 years elimination programme, designation of special offences court, sexual offences court, small claims court, child rights law and regulations, prison decongestion effort, among others, said the lecture was one of the initiatives put together to advance justice delivery in the State.

    On his part, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo represented by Special Assistant to the President on Economic Crimes, Mr. Biodun Aikomo, said in view of the strategic role occupied by judicial officers in the country, it was important for them to always be above board and uphold ethical standards.

    “Judges must be beyond reproach; they must be above board; they must abide by ethics and standards of the profession and dispense justice without rightly,” he said.

    Speaking on the theme: “Judicial Standards, Integrity, Respect and Public Perception: A Comparative Analysis From Independence In 1960 Into The Present Millennium,” the guest speaker at the lecture and Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen admonished judges to refrain from commenting from commenting on matters of public interest through social media blogging sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, among others.

    The CJ said judges must also ensure the removal of their personal information online, and as well desist from uploading pictures of their holiday and personal activities on social media.

    He said judges “who are desirous of discussing public matters on the social media can only do so without revealing their identity,” adding that the interactive design of the internet blogging sites made it important for judges not to descend into such arena.

    Onnoghen, represented by Mr Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Justice of the Supreme Court, also called for the study of law in the University to be made a second degree in view of the declining standards of education in Nigeria, while lawyers who wanted to be appointed into the bench, in addition to 10 years post call requirement, should also be mandated to have post graduate diploma in law.

    Such reforms, according to the CJN who traced the trajectory of the Nigerian judiciary since 1960, were important factors that can further help to advance justice delivery.

    Read Also: Ambode commended as rights group inspects projects

  • ‎Ambode seeks World Bank’s partnership in funding key projects

    …Says Support for Lagos‘ll positively rub off on Nigeria’s economy 

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday called on the World Bank to seriously consider partnership with the State Government in funding key projects in transport, energy and water sectors, saying such collaboration would positively impact the economy of not just the State but the country at large.

    Speaking at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja during a courtesy visit by Executive Directors of the Bank led by Mr Patrizio Pagano, Governor Ambode said though the State Government in the last three years had hugely invested in provision of infrastructure across all sectors and sections, but collaboration from the Bretton Wood institution in key sectors in the State would go a long way in boosting the economy and making life comfortable for the people.

    He said available statistics from the United Nations confirmed the fact that an average of 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour which is the highest in the world, while the population of the State was now around 24million, with attendant impact on infrastructure and other social amenities, adding that the complexity of the State makes the need for support in funding key projects more compelling.

    “The significance of Lagos to the overall economy of Nigeria itself is not what we want to toy with and so when I read in the brief that the delegation would be coming to Lagos, I thought it was a very good decision that you would be able to see some of the sectors and some of the impact we have made.

    “So, if the World Bank were to generally support the development of the Nigerian economy, beyond the fact that you would be having anything to do with the Federal Government, I think that the greater part of what you should concentrate on should be issues that relate to major sectors that have to do with Lagos because anything that is driven by Lagos more or less has an overall positive impact on the Nigerian economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    Already, Governor Ambode said his administration had commenced the process of implementing major reforms in the transport sector with major bus terminals and laybys springing up in key areas across the State, adding however that major support was also needed in areas of integrated transport system involving road, rail and water transportation.

    While alluding to the traffic congestion raised on the Airport Road by the leader of the delegation, the Governor said the development was a signpost of the fact that there was urgent need to invest massively in other modes of transportation.

    “Unfortunately, with the huge population of Lagos, we just have some effective operation of one mode of transportation which is road. So, technically, when you are having a whole lot of people coming into the State and you are having so much expansion around the West Coast, it is important that we review the integration of our public transport management system in a manner that we can actually stand to say that we are planning ahead of the kind of urbanization challenges that we are having in our hands as well as some sense of implosion in terms of population coming from other parts of the country into Lagos.

    “So, technically there are major reforms going on in the public transport system and because the roads and the infrastructure are the things that are visible right now, it is important that we seek greater support to be able to create new terminals, create new laybys, new bus stops and actually even purchase new buses because when you look at the bus system in the city, it cannot actually meet the demand of a globally competitive city that we are trying to make Lagos to become.

    “In that regard, I just think that the transport sector is one area that we really need to look at and if we are able to make a good example and a good success of what Lagos should really be in terms of integrated transport system, we would have helped Nigeria to create an example and we would have also been able to replicate it in other parts of the country,” the Governor said.

    He said Lagos, being a sub-national was also having challenges in providing energy to adequately power the State, as well as in the area of providing portable water to the huge population due to competing pressure on resources, adding that support to augment efforts being made by the State Government would equally be helpful.

    Besides, Governor Ambode thanked the World Bank for the various budget support initiatives in transport, agric and water sectors, saying the support had crystallized not only in development and growth of the State, but also resulted in stronger ties with the institution.

    Responding to a question on how Lagos contributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth plan, the Governor said his administration decided to reflate the economy by investing massively in key sectors which in turn touched even the lower fabric of the economy, saying the development changed the tied of the negative outlook of the country’s financial numbers, and eventually stabilized the economy.

    “The last three years have been tremendously progressive for Lagos. We have done so much in terms of infrastructure to make sure that the city stabilizes. We are very strong in the area of security and right now, Lagos appears to be the safest city in Africa and security wise we have been able to put the city back on track and it has stabilized a whole lot of investment here.

    “We believe also that if we continue in that path, some years to come we would become the third largest economy in Africa,” the Governor said.

    Earlier, Pagano said the delegation, which consists of 10 World Bank Executive Directors representing 96 countries, was in Nigeria to study the challenges and expectations of the partners in West Africa from the bank, saying the team was delighted to learn the challenges faced by Lagos, which he described as Nigeria’s most dynamic State.

    Read Also: Ambode advocates inclusive governance, true federalism

     

     

  • Ambode to Buhari: Lagos truly deserves a special status

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider the possibility of granting Lagos a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as the driver of the nation’s economic growth.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at a State Dinner in honour of President Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate his two-day official visit to the State, expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left to strive for development without much Federal support.

    The Governor said that despite the strategic position the State plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the State, which he said his administration was doing its best to explore by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

    He, however, said that for these potentials to be realised, the State requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the State same was turned down by the Senate.

    “Mr. President, it has become glaring that Lagos State cannot achieve this alone. Mr. President, 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left without much Federal support.

    “Your Excellency, despite all these, Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to grant our State a Special Status. I recall that a bill seeking to accord it a Special Status has been rejected three times in the Senate. Lagos deserves a Special Status if we want the State to continue to serve as the major driver of the nation’s economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    Thanking President Buhari for magnanimously yielding the State’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy, Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the State Government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

    “Mr. President your word has been your bond as far as your promises to Lagos State are concerned. You approved the reconstruction of the Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road that will be ready by the end of this year. You gladly released for our kind use, your Presidential Lodge in Marina because you believe in our vision to transform the lodge into a monument and cultural legacy as part of the Onikan-Marina cultural and architectural regeneration.

    “In addition, as part of our drive to use entertainment and sports to drive tourism and economic growth, we again ask of Your Excellency to consider ceding the ownership and management of the National Stadium Surulere and the National Arts Theatre Iganmu to Lagos State. These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “This is not too much to ask but we are reassured that our President is a listening father who understands the yearnings of Lagosians. We are confident that he would listen and respond positively to the demands of about one-eighth of the nation’s population resident in Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking on Friday after conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) which is a multi-billion dollar project expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis, Governor Ambode said the project was a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

    He recalled that the project, which was conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a brilliant engineering display which had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

    “This project has actually saved the whole of Victoria Island and is standing on over 750 square kilometres bigger than Victoria Island itself when it is eventually completed. This is just an example of what the private sector can really do to the Nigerian economy and that is why we have made it possible that Mr President should take a practical tour of how we can really move the Nigerian economy when we partner with the private sector,” Governor Ambode said.

    Responding, President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I’m impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and positive effect which this project is capable of having on the economy.

    “I’m really grateful for those who agreed to invest so much in our country to get a secured area for operations capable of handling big businesses and investments throughout Africa,” the President said.

    Read Also: Buhari hails Ambode for developing Lagos

     

     

  • Buhari commissions Ikeja Bus Terminal 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday began his two-day official visit to Lagos State with the unveiling of ultra-modern Ikeja Bus Terminal designed to redefine public transportation in line with the Bus Reform Initiative of the State Government.

    The President, accompanied to the facility by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and other government functionaries, lauded the State Government for various initiatives aimed at catering for movement of the growing population of the State and making modern buses available to the people.

    He particularly commended Governor Ambode for his developmental strides in the last three years, saying the projects were indeed laudable.

    “I commend the Governor for development and strides he recorded within the first three years of governance. I recognize the push of the State Government in reforming public transportation especially the Bus Reform Project which will make modern transport buses that are air-conditioned available to the people.

    “I acknowledge the vision of Lagos State Government to revamping the railway transportation system. Presently, we have outlined in new-year message of the plan for a-Pan African Railway Transportation. I commend Lagos State for also developing rail infrastructure to cater for movement of its growing population,” President Buhari said.

    While assuring that the Federal Government’s plan for transport infrastructure especially the ports would be strictly adhered to, the President said his administration remained committed to order the development of the country, and as well further stabilize the economy, create an enabling environment for job creation, tackle security and draw Nigeria to acceptability.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode said the Ikeja Bus Terminal signposts the commitment of his administration to reform public transportation infrastructure and management in the State, adding that the vision remained the provision of a functional, efficient and integrated transport system to support the populace and facilitate commerce.

    He said: “In the last three years, we have committed to revamping and providing a new integrated transport system to support our growing population. We have initiated and completed the provision of infrastructure that are scalable and would support the daily needs of our people to meet their connectivity and mobility needs.

    “The Ikeja Bus Terminal is one of our flagship transport infrastructure under the State Bus Reform Initiative. The first phase of this programme will see 13 new Bus terminals introduced including major terminals at Oshodi, Yaba, Ojota, Agege and the already completed Tafawa Balewa Bus Terminal.

    “We have commenced the introduction of 5,000 new buses into the Lagos economy in the next 3 years. We will inject 820 environmentally-friendly high capacity buses in the first phase of this reform by September 2018, 300 New Bus Stops, 3 Bus Depots, and Intelligent Transport System which will aid Lagosians to plan their journeys on our public transport system.”

    Ambode specifically thanked President Buhari for approving import-duty waiver received on the buses in the Phase One of the scheme, saying that arrangement was now in place for the buses to be assembled in Lagos within the next 20 months, which would in turn create jobs for the people.

    He said aside bus and road transportation reform, the State Government was also promoting Non-Motorised Transport such as walking and cycling paths to give the people modal choices while promoting healthy living, just as he said that the rail transport infrastructure was being put in place.

    “Work is ongoing on the 27-kilometre Blue Line Rail project from Okokomaiko West of Lagos to Marina in Central Lagos. We are in discussions with various investors and stakeholders on our urban rail project, the Red Line from Alagbada to Marina.

    “Mr. President, the success of a highly populated, cosmopolitan smart city-State like Lagos is strongly dependent on the efficiency of its transportation system. We are committed to a functional, efficient and integrated transport system which will support our population and facilitate our commerce and we will continually work till we achieve this objective, Governor Ambode said.

    The Ikeja Bus Terminal, which is estimated to convey about 200,000 passengers daily across 23 destinations, has been fitted with all aspects of public transport operations such as buses, passengers’ insurance, 13 ticketing boots, route licensing, terminal bus attendants and operating companies.

    Apart from eliminating all the previous chaos and difficulties associated with boarding bus to different locations, the facility which is sitting on 10,000 square metres land space, is equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), food court, shops, rest rooms, ATM Gallery, free Wi-Fi, electronically controlled shades, fully air-conditioned terminal, among others.

    The ITS enables would-be passengers to know the arrival and departure time of buses from the comfort of their homes, offices or anywhere and properly plan their journey.

    Statistics show that over 12million Lagosians and 80million Nigerians use public transportation daily without standard facilities and the Ikeja terminal is one of the 13 designed to change the narrative in Lagos by exposing the people to befitting and comfortable environment to commute across the State.

    Read Also:Ikeja Bus Terminal: Buhari applauds Lagos’ giant strides in three years

  • 57 Council Chairmen endorse Ambode for second term

    The Chairmen of 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of Lagos State on Sunday unanimously endorse the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office.

    Rising from a meeting with the Governor at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, the council chiefs said their decision to support Governor Ambode for another term was on account of the need to allow him continue with the massive infrastructural renewal and transformation of all parts of the State.

    The Governor had in recent time received series of endorsements for a second term in office from critical stakeholders and sectors in the State.

    The Chairmen, who spoke through the Chairman of Conference of LGs and LCDAs in the State, Hon Omolola Essien, said the achievements of the Governor in office so far were visible to all.

    Essien, who is also the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, said the unanimous endorsement of the Governor was the second time the council chiefs would be doing such having earlier endorsed him individually.

    “We the Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of Lagos State are all here to reaffirm our endorsement of our Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for second term.

    “Our decision to support him for another term in office is based on the fact that he has performed extremely well; we can all see that everything that he has done in Lagos State, no other state has been able to do that.

    “He has done very well and there is still continuation of a lot of things to be done which the Governor is actively implementing. We are here reaffirming our position because we have already endorsed him before now,” Essien said.

    Also speaking, Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Hon Kolade David Alabi, said the achievements of the Governor so far in office were evident for everyone to see, adding that the decision to support him was to allow continuity of the good works.

    “We are all here today and we have resolved to endorse Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for second term in office; he has performed creditably well and what he has done is what the legal people call res ipsa loquitur that is the fact speaks for itself. Everywhere in Lagos there is construction work going on and of course we have to give him another four years to consolidate on what he has done since assuming office.

    “So, we have all resolved to endorse him for second term. This is our second time of endorsing the Governor; we have done that first simultaneously in all the 57 councils and we are here again to unanimously endorse him for second term,” Alabi said.

    Read Also: ‘Ambode taking Lagos on flight to better future’

     

  • 2019: Youth group target two million votes for Ambode

    As the 2019 elections beckon, a youth group, The Asiwaju Redrive Youth Initiative (TARYI) has set a target to get two million votes for Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who looks set to throw in his hat for a second term.

    Coordinator of the group, Mr. Bukayo Adesanya who spoke during the launch of the group in Lagos Thursday said the drive behind the initiative was to create a citizen-uplift mechanism that would bring awareness to social growth in areas where society has slipped into oblivescence.

    He said TARYI studied the life and activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and arrived at an operational theme of ‘Effusive Youthful Commitment, Society’s Better Placement’

    As a germane project, Adesanya said his group has identified the imbalance between the number of registered voters and the number of people that actually vote at elections.

    Their research revealed various elements feeding this disparity, and they have embarked on therapeutic measures that would put the electoral process in good stead, beneficial to all.

    Beyond the election, another project top on the agenda for TARYI is the grassroot scouring of talents, identifying their deficiencies and arming them with means of overcoming these deficiencies, thereby yielding a blossoming of their talents.

    These, Adesanya said are amidst myriads of proposed activities, that the group intends to pursue going forward.

    “Life has those who wait for it, and those who go and take it. In recent times and across different climes, there is a growing tendency of the younger generations filling leadership positions, either waited for or purposefully taken.

    “I have decided to embrace leadership and contribute positively to society and this is what inspired me to set up the TARYI.  I have the passion and zest to deliver, and TARYI provides the viable platform to run the gauntlet with the mentorship and support of Mr. Idris Aregbe, David Agboifo, Hon. Taiwo Ayedun, amongst others. Lagos and Nigeria are about to feel the bliss of the breeze,” Adesanya said.

    Read Also: 2019: Market women, men endorse Ambode

  • Ambode, Ooni of Ife, others for ‘My Heritage My Pride’, Sisi Oge 2018

     

    All is now set for the 11th edition of the Annual most exclusive cultural event “My Heritage, My Pride & Sisi Oge”, Africa’s biggest most exclusive Cross-cultural Event & Award Festival

    The Awards, a brain child of Heritage Solutions, will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, (Balmoral Convention Centre) Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

    Chief Host of the event and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will lead other top dignitaries including Royal Father of the Day, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; Special Guest of Honour and Executive Governor of Imo State Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha; Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye and a host of members of the Diplomatic Corp and Ambassadors.

    Convener of the event, Mr. Idris Aregbe said this year’s edition would be bigger and better than the 10th Anniversary held last year.

    He said the event would feature series of varieties that would see the amalgamation of cultures from the continents of Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe, which according to him would be an exciting memory of a lifetime!

    “It’s time to brace up for an unprecedented, awesome experience, as we bring you mind-blowing cross-cultural line up events from: Awards, Art Exhibition, Fashion Show, Music, Dance Drama, Cultural Pageant and Festival,” he said.

    Aregbe said awardees for this year’s edition would include several local and international personalities who have distinguished themselves and have become a force to reckon with across Africa.

    He said the highlight of the event would also be star performances by local and international guests who will thrill guests at the ceremony.

    He said unlike the previous 10 editions held at the Civic Centre, this year’s edition would hold at the Federal Palace Hotel Balmoral Convention centre to accommodate the anticipated large turnout.

    The Heritage Solution Awards and My Heritage My Pride is powered by No. 1 Heritage Solutions and is proudly supported by the Lagos State Government, Our Lagos Your Lagos.

     

  • Lagos reduces land use charge rates, waives penalty for late payment

    …Grants 50% Reduction on Commercial Charges, 25% For Owner-Occupier, Manufacturing Concerns

    … Gives Tax Credit for Payment Already Made, Introduces Instalment Payment Plan

     

    Following extensive deliberations with stakeholders on the new rates payable by property owners under the Lagos State Land Use Charge (LUC) Law, the State Government on Thursday announced a major reduction in the rates and as well waived the penalty for late payments across board.

    The State’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade, who disclosed this while addressing a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa on the outcome of dialogue with stakeholders, said the rates payable on commercial properties have been reduced by 50 per cent in response to the demands of the people.

    He said the government has also reduced the charges for Owner-occupier with third party including industries and manufacturing concerns by 25 per cent, while tax credits has been given for LUC charges already paid in addition to introduction of instalment payment system.

    Ashade, who addressed the briefing alongside dozens of Executive Council members and top government functionaries, said the decision to reduce the rates was taken at the weekly Council Meeting held on Wednesday and Chaired by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode.

    He said: “The Lagos State Government, in its desire to build world class infrastructure and improve the well-being of its citizens reviewed the Land Use Charges payable by all property owners. This exercise was received with mixed feelings by various interest groups who expressed serious concerns.

    “In line with this administration’s tradition of inclusive governance and civic engagement, and as a Government that is committed to the welfare of its citizens and understands the importance of continuously engaging the populace, we undertook extensive dialogue with various stakeholders on the Land Use Charge (“LUC”) revised Law and its implementation.

    “Consequently, we received a wide range of responses from our dialogue with various stakeholders on the amended LUC Law 2018. The stakeholders included the Organised Private Sector, Nigeria Bar Association, Real estate investors & developers, Landlord & Resident Associations, Community Development Associations, Civil Society Organisations, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors &Valuers and several other professional groups.”

    Giving a breakdown of the reduction, Ashade said for commercial property owners who were mostly affected by the amended law, a property valued at N20million for instance which was earlier billed N91,200 will now pay N45,600 per annum as a result of the 50 per cent discount, while property occupied by owner, third party and property used for industrial and manufacturing purposes will now pay N23,040 per annum on a property valued at N20million as against the earlier N30,720 based on the 25 per cent discount.

    On owner-occupied property, the Commissioner explained that for a property valued at N20million, only N7,752 will now be paid per annum as against N9,120 earlier demanded based on 15 per cent discount.

    He added: “Other rates and reliefs, apart from the ones stated above, will remain unchanged and will be implemented as stipulated by the Law. These include 40% general relief, 10% for 70 years and above, 10% for properties owned by persons living with disability and 10% for properties that are 25 years old and so on and so forth. Owners of Property across all categories will now be allowed to make payments by instalments. This will help to reduce the burden of taxation on our citizens.

    “We appreciate and commend property owners of all categories who have performed their civic duties faithfully by paying the LUC. Consequently, as a result of these new measures, those who have paid the original amount will be awarded tax credits to the extent of the excess amount paid and carried forward to next year,”  Ashade said.

    He added that in a bid to create a framework to empower property owners with self-assessment, the executive would forward a regulation to the House of Assembly for review of applicable rates and regime of reliefs on categories of properties pursuant to LUC Law.

    While appreciating stakeholders for trusting the current administration with the responsibility of investing the revenue from LUC in infrastructure renewal and overall development of the State, Ashade urged them to endeavor to participate effectively in the legislative proceedings going forward.

    Besides, the Commissioner said the reduction would be implemented immediately as there were provisions within the LUC law which empowered the government to carry out necessary adjustment to cushion the effect of implementation.

    Also, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem said under the amended law, there is provision for establishment of five tribunals out of which one has been created in Ikeja and now operational, while the remaining four would be established in other administrative divisions of the State in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu and Lagos Island.

    He said the law also makes provision for aggrieved tax payers to ventilate their grievances within forty-five days through a mediation process, adding that so far over 80 cases have been resolved through mediation.

    Read Also: Land Use Charge: Dialogue will lead to positive outcome, says Ambode