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Tag: Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Lagos explains Land Use Charge payment

    Lagos explains Land Use Charge payment

    …Discounted payment extended till April 14

     

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday clarified the figures circulating in the media on the rate for the newly reviewed Land Use Charge Law of 2018, saying many of the numbers were based on several years of arrears on the levy not paid by affected property owners.

    Speaking at a news briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan said there were so many misconceptions and misinformation about the new law, adding that the law was a progressive enactment duly made by the House of Assembly and handed over to the Executive for implementation in the overall interest of the people.

    He specifically dismissed the humongous figures being bandied about on the social media, saying many of the calculations were based on arrears of many years of non-payment.

    “The fact is that this law took a long process to be made. It started as a bill and went through the first reading, second reading, public hearing to which all stakeholders were brought together to debate it and some of the relieves we have seen were part of the debate expressed by the stakeholders about the need to protect the vulnerable segment of the society. Having made the law, the Lagos State House of Assembly has handed it over to the executive to implement.

    “The second important part is that a lot of relieves have been built into the law but many people are confusing arrears with the actual figure. If you see those figures, ask whether it is for one year or arrears of several years of non-payment. The humongous figures that are being bandied around particularly in the social media relate to the arrears of many years of non-payment which are computed together,” Bamigbetan said.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade said the government has extended the period for tax payers to enjoy the 15 per cent discount in the reviewed Land Use Charge Law to April 14, 2018 in order to enable the implementation and enforcement of the new law, as well as allow many property owners to benefit from the discount.

    Ashade, who took time to clarify reactions in some section of the public on the new law, said under the old law, which had not been reviewed for over 15 years since 2001, the Land Use Charge rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive and was depriving the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.

    He said the Law, which was reviewed by the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed into Law by the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on February 8, 2018 is a merger of all Property and Land Based Rates and Charges in the State.

    Ashade said: “There was an urgent need for the repeal, as the old law had not been reviewed for over 15 years, since 2001. Under the old law, the LUC rate was totally inaccurate and retrogressive which deprived the State of keeping track of all economic activities that relate to land in Lagos State.

    “The new law is a consolidation of Ground Rent, Tenement Rate, and Neighbourhood Improvement Levy. This charge is payable annually in respect of all real estate properties in the State, which means owners and occupiers holding a lease to a Property for ten (10) years or more are now liable to pay the annual LUC invoice charged.

    “Thus, the Tenement Rates Law, the Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge and all other similar Property Rates or Charges, Laws or amendments to any such property Laws shall cease to apply to any property in Lagos State as from 2018.  Nonetheless, all pending invoices, orders, rules, regulations, etc. under the 2001 repealed Law shall continue to be in effect until such obligations are discharged.”

    Explaining the calculation of amount payable, the Commissioner said that property owners can determine the amount by multiplying the Market Value of their property by the Applicable Relief Rate of 40 per cent and Annual Charge rate.

    “Upon receiving a notice or not, the new law has made it possible for owners to calculate their charge, and enable prompt payment, which allows them to benefit from a 15% discount for early payment, applicable to payments made within 15 days of receipt of Demand Notice,” he said.

    Responding to fears of tenants that the new Law might force landlords to increase rent, Ashade said aside the fact that the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 was still in force, payment for Land Use Charge under the new law is on the Landlord and not the tenant.

    He said the minimum rate was only increased from N1,200 it was in 2001 to N5,000, while there is provision for self-assessment and Assessment Appeal Tribunal under the new law.

    On vacant properties, Ashade said such would be treated based on owner-occupier and not as a commercial property, explaining that the target of government is to make commercial property owners to pay a little bit more.

    Read Also: Ambode on Land Use Charge: we’re ready for dialogue

  • Ambode signs N1.046tr 2018 budget into law

    Ambode signs N1.046tr 2018 budget into law

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill of the State into law with a total budget size of N1, 046,121,181,680.00.

     The total budget size comprises of N347, 038, 938, 872.00 to be funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and N699, 082, 242,808.00 from the Development Fund for both capital and recurrent expenditure for the year ending 31st December, 2018.

     The Governor also signed two critical bills into law. They are the Consolidated Transport Sector Bill and the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Bill.

     The Transport Sector Law 2018 provides for the development and management of a sustainable transport system in the State, as well as development, management and maintenance of transport infrastructure and facilities within the State.

    The law also regulates the provision of an efficient transport delivery system and ensures availability of a safe and affordable transportation system. It is hoped that with this law, an efficient integrated transport management system will evolve in the State.

    On the other hand, the Teaching Service Commission Law 2018 provides for the control and management of teaching service matters in the State, and for connected purposes.

    The law regulates and co-ordinates the management of teaching service matters and provides uniform guidelines for the effective management of Post-Primary Schools in the State.

    Ambode, while presenting the 2018 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, had pledged that his administration would make every effort to complete all ongoing projects as well as initiate new ones to consolidate on the development recorded in the last two and half years.

    Read Also: Ambode okays N30,000 monthly for 1,000 interns

    He said the budget, christened as “Budget of Progress and Development”, would be used to consolidate on the achievements recorded in infrastructure, education, transportation/traffic management, security and health sectors, among others.

    Outlining the key components of the budget, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olusegun Banjo said capital expenditure would gulp N699.082billion, while N347.039billion would be dedicated to recurrent expenditure, representing a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 67 per cent to 33 per cent and a 28.67 per cent increase over Y2017 budget.

    He also listed key projects captured in the 2018 Budget to include the Agege Pen Cinema flyover; alternative routes through Oke-Ira in Eti-Osa to Epe-Lekki Expressway; the 8km Regional Road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) with Freedom Road in Lekki Phase I; completion of the on-going reconstruction of Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane road and the BRT Lane from Oshodi to Abule-Egba.

    According to sectoral breakdown of the budget, General Public Services is earmarked to gulp N171,623bn, representing 16.41 per cent; Public Order and Safety, N46.612bn, representing 4.46; Economic Affairs, N473,866bn, representing 45.30 per cent; Environmental Protection, N54,582bn, representing 5.22 per cent, while Housing and Community Amenities got N59,904bn, representing 5.73 per cent.

    Health sector got N92.676billion, representing 8.86 per cent; Recreation, Culture and Religion got N12.511billion, representing 1.20 per cent; Education got N126.302billion representing 12.07 per cent, while Social Protection got N8.042billion representing 0.77 per cent.

    Under the budget, there are provisions for completion of the five new Art Theatres; establishment of an Heritage Centre at the former Federal Presidential State House recently handed over to the State Government; a world class museum between the former Presidential Lodge and the State House, Marina; construction of four new stadia in Igbogbo, Epe, Badagry and Ajeromi Ifelodun (Ajegunle) and completion of the on-going Epe and Badagry Marina projects.

    On Housing, there are provisions for completion of on-going projects especially those at Gbagada, Igbogbo, Iponri, Igando, Omole Phase I, Sangotedo and Ajara-Badagry under the Rent-to-Own policy, among others.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade put the projection for revenue (IGR) at N897billion, while the remaining part of the budget would be funded by deficit financing.

    “Today is a good day in our State; the Governor just signed the 2018 Appropriation Law. For the first time the Law has about N1.046trillion as total amount that we would spend in 2018.

    “The Budget is tagged “Budget of Progress and Development” and in terms of capital and recurrent expenditure, we have 63 per cent Capital and 37 per cent Recurrent and that shows that we are really big on infrastructural renewal.

    “In terms of revenue, we are expecting a total of N897billion both from the State and Federal receipts, so the rest would be funded through budget deficit financing. We are focusing this year on completing all projects that we have started knowing fully well that people would say that this is an election year, but the Governor is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy; we are not slowing down, we want to really ensure that we touch every aspect of Lagos that needs to be touched in terms of infrastructural renewal, welfare and other things that the Governor promised,” Ashade said.

  • Eko Boys raise funds for school’s new site

    Old Boys of the Eko Boys High School celebrated their alma mater’s 105th anniversary with fanfare last Saturday.

    After a service at the Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral Yaba, the party moved to the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, for an awards and fundraising dinner, during which the national president of the Eko Old Boys Association (EKOBA), Ekorian Idowu Sofola, said the association would require close to N2 billion to complete projects at the school’s new site in Abijo GRA scheme along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

    The school is presently located in Mushin, where many structures are dilapidated.  However, if the master plan of the Abijo site is followed, the school would boast of state-of-the art facilities.

    Already sitting on the land is a block of 18-classrooms being constructed by the Lagos State Government.

    Sofola said the funds raised would be needed to complete classroom block, hostel (N85 million); Staff quarters (N121million); assembly/dining hall (N61.8 million); and fence work (N 35.8 million).

    Others are: security house (N2.8million); sandfilling (N30 million); perimeter lighting (N4 million); generators/installation (8 million); external works, road layout etc (N15 million) among others.

    Sofola thanked success Lagos State governments – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and Mr Akinwunmi Ambode – for supporting the school.  He said the association was intervening to complement government’s effort.

    “We are gathered here today for the sole purpose of taking up the government’s challenge and raise the first tranche of N1 billion of our conservative N2 billion intervention fund to supplement the work of the Lagos State government in order to expedite the construction of the school complex and put our students in an atmosphere of conviviality,” he said.

    In a paper titled: “Being an overview of the progress on relocation of Eko Boys High School to its new site,” Ekorian Funso Owoyemi said Eko High School had fulfilled the dreams of its founding father, Late Rev William Euba, as the first indigenously founded non-denominational private school to educate indigenes of Lagos (Eko).

    “I am confident and grateful to God that the objective of the founding fathers has largely been achieved as it is on record that so many eminent Lagosians such as Late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, Late General Adeyinka Adebayo, Late Dr Olusola Saraki, the Muri Okunolas, the Lagudas, the Kotuns, Erogbogos, Simpsons, Keshintons and numerous notable families in Lagos State and indeed Nigerai passed through this great institution,” he said.

    Considering this, in addition to the absence of a government school within an eight kilometer radius of the school’s new site (except in Sangotedo and Akodo), Owoyemi appealed to the government to still give more attention to the relocation effort.

    “We envisage a similar situation and almost a total package that was offered to Methodist Boys High School when it was relocated from Broad Street to Victoria Island, Lagos and the entire landscaping of the school was done with a completed perimeter fence.  This has become imperative against the backdrop of the recent ugly experience of Model College, Igbonla around the same axis with the present location of Eko Boys High School,” he said.

    Old students from far and near stood to be counted at the event – donating/pledged various sums towards the cause, including N2 million from EKOBA London “towards the foundation of the school hall”; N10 million from former First Bank Group Managing Director, Mr Bisi Onasanya; N2.5 million from the 79 Set; and N1 million from Mr Kolapo Omidire of the 78’ set among others.

    The programme also featured awards to old boys who had distinguished themselves in their various endeavours and public life including: Dr Olu Payne, Mr Adeniji Raji, a past president, Mr Gbolahan Solabi, Mr Akin Lawrence, Mr Babatunde Johnson, among others.

    Post-Humous awards were given to Rev Akin Adesola, Justice Muritala Aremu Okunola; Olusola Saraki, and Semmie Adisa Olatunji.

    In her speech, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, represented by Mrs Yetunde Odejayi, Permanent Secretary attached to her office, praised the old boys for their passion for their alma mater.  She said she was impressed they had gathered to raise so much money for the school.

    I am impressed by your effort to raise N1 billion for your school.  The Governor has asked me to promise you he will do more than other governors,” she said.

     

  • The governor-general, the chair and the beautiful bride (Is it true?)

    The governor-general, the chair and the beautiful bride (Is it true?)

    Three governors. Gesticulating and smiling. What could these helmsmen be discussing at the Presidential Villa yesterday just before the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting?

    One of them is Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) (right) the “governor-general”, a title conferred on him by a brother-governor for his outstanding performance.

    Another is chairman of the Forum of Governors, Abdulaziz Yari, who is the governor of Zamfara State. Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (left) completes the trio. He was speaker of the House of Representatives before defecting at the last minute in 2015 from the PDP to the APC.

    Tambuwal has been reported to be on the “shopping list” of the PDP in its quest for a return to power in 2019.

    The opposition party is looking for a “clean guy” from the North to battle President Muhammadu Buhari for the top job.

    On Wednesday, Tambuwal was in Asaba, the Delta State capital, in the company of PDP men – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Nyesom Wike and former Governor James Ibori. They held a meeting. Could they have been discussing Tambuwal’s return to the PDP ahead of 2019?

    Is the “governor-general” asking “the beautiful bride”,  (with the chairman as witness), “are we still together?”; “Is it true?”

    We may never know, until 2019.

    Yes. After all some politicians are masters of surprises —and inconsistency. They often change like the weather.

  • Osinbajo, Ambode, others for Think Tank Forum

    Osinbajo, Ambode, others for Think Tank Forum

    The Annual Think Tank Forum Lecture  and Award Gala will hold on November 10 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

    According to the International Coordinator/Executive Director of the LEAD Project Africa, Jide Peters, this year’s 9th LEAD have a special honour for “Intrapraneurs”- that is people/ managers of ideas that are creating values and shaping different sectors of the economy.

    He said the Think Tank Section is also to strategically create a road map to Nigeria’s economy – with the theme: “The New Order for Economic Advancement in Nigeria”.

    Speakers at the event include Kwara State Governor Adbulfatah Ahmed, Alhaji Sani Dangote, Group Vice President Dangote Group, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, SSA to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, Honourable Commissioner for Communications and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Chairman Unilag TV and 101.3FM.

    The Gala Nite will also be graced by dignitaries including Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Executive Governor Kebbi State, Asiwaju BolaTinubu and Mrs. Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu.

  • Assembly slashes Ambode’s re-ordering request

    Assembly slashes Ambode’s re-ordering request

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday at plenary passed the budget re-ordering request of the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to the tune of N25.028bn.
    Ambode had requested the lawmakers to re-order the 2017 budget to the tune of N42..028bn but after taking the report of the Ad-Hoc committee in budget headed by the acting Chairman, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, members slashed the request by N17bn due to insufficient information.
    The key components of budget 2017 was recurrent expenditure N300.535billion while N512.464billion be dedicated to capital expenditure representing a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 63 percent to 37 percent.
    The request to re-order the Paris Club refund loan of N17bn to address the challenge of transportation in the State was stepped down as members were not satisfied with the information provided by the MDAs.
    Olowo had explained earlier that there was the need to pass the review of the budget as requested by the Governor in order to address the challenges of transportation, flooding and insecurity.
    While leading the debate, Hon. Olufunmilayo Tejuoso stated that “there are some grey areas that need to be addressed before passing the budget. There were not enough clarifications. As Lagos State House of Assembly, we should be careful; we are concerned about transportation, however, if they could not give enough information on the issue, it should be thoroughly looked into before passing it.”
    Also, Hon. Saka Fafunmi pointed out that the request to access funds meant for Lagos State University (LASU) for accreditation in 2016 and 2017 was not clear enough.
    He argued that since 2016 budget estimate had lapsed, how would the fund be accessed to take care of the previous accreditation.
    While supporting his colleagues, Hon. Olanrewaju Ogunyemi stated that since the MDAs had promised to furnish the House with full details of information requested, “I think the 17 billion Naira can be held back. The 2017 budget is gradually rounding up, it can be incorporated into the 2018 budget
    Hon Bisi Yusuff said, “Since detail information was not provided, there is need to get the fundamentals correctly. It is not Mr. Governor but those who are saddled with responsibilities.”
    The Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said the Governor should be commended for having the foresight to utilize the Paris fund judiciously.
    “I think we should commend the Governor and his team for utilizing the Paris Fund for ease of Lagosians. We are all aware of what is happening in some States where the money is used to pay salaries and in some other States they could not account for it.
    “We are willing collaborators with the Governor to do what will be of good to Lagosians. Since there is need for clarification, we will drop that leg on the recommendations,” Obasa said.
  • Jobs used to wait for us when we graduated –Ikoyi Club chair Babatunde Akinleye

    Jobs used to wait for us when we graduated –Ikoyi Club chair Babatunde Akinleye

    This week, Lagos elite club, Ikoyi Club 1938, under the chairmanship of Babatunde Akinleye, rolled out the red carpet to celebrate its 79th anniversary with style and splendor, notable only to the upper class in the society. From a simple press conference and the official cutting of the tape at the club’s rotunda, Ikoyi Club went on to host different competitive sporting activities, charity visit to Ikoyi Prison, a public lecture delivered by the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, with keynote address by Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Of course, the Special Guest of Honour, was the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, who was quite at home at the club. Babatunde Akinleye, a successful engineer and businessman, takes us into the ideals that set up the club, its culture of stability, and the lifestyle and character that ensures one retaining its membership, even within a family orientation.

    How has your early life influenced the person you are today?

    Early life, I believe to a large extent, determines what one becomes. It shapes you as a person. I come from a university environment background, having grown up in a university campus. My father worked for the University of Ife. I went to primary school in the staff school there in Ife.  My secondary school was Comprehensive School, Aiyetoro. I studied electronics engineering at the University of Ife and went back to do a Master’s degree in science and that was when it became Obafemi Awolowo University. So my values shaped me for being fortunate enough to grow up in an environment at a time when things were totally merit driven.

    For me, everything is on merit. It has nothing to do with who you are or whom you know and that shaped my values and influences that made me Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938.

    Did you have your education in Nigeria?

    Yes, all through. I never studied abroad.

    But you must have grown up as a privileged child, so why didn’t you go abroad, because at a particular time, it seemed many young people were leaving Nigeria to school abroad?

    On the contrary, at the time I went to school, it was the people who were not doing well, who couldn’t get into university in Nigeria on merit; those were the ones that went abroad. If you were brilliant, and doing well, you would go to school in Nigeria! It is when you are not doing well and your parents needed to manage you, that is when you were shipped abroad to go to school. Things have changed. Now the privileged go abroad automatically because the educational system has regressed today. We hoped that we can contribute to improving the educational system in Nigeria. On a personal note, there is a foundation I am involved in, that is championing the cause of improving the quality of education, and making it available to the less privileged. That is one of the ways we can improve Nigeria.

    What is the name of the foundation?

    Bunmi Adedayo foundation

    Who was your role model, your mom or your dad?

    Both of them actually. But in different ways, my father was a very quiet but strong willed person. He encouraged me to think for myself and allowed me to make my decisions. My mother on the other hand was in a sense, very definite about the fact that you must do things properly. You must remember a child of whom you are. I wasn’t from a rich family. My parents were in the middle class.

    How easy was it for you to get employment after school?

    I graduated in1980, so it was easy. We had jobs waiting for us then, with a car loan and a brand new car. That is the challenge now. My generation and the generation after mine were the last generations to have lived in Nigeria where things worked. I know that 15 years ago, in my company, we were looking at buying cars and I heard my engineers who were graduates telling me that we should go and buy Tokunbo cars. They didn’t see why we should spend money on buying new cars for them. I had to explain to them why they deserve to buy a new car, and why they should not limit themselves to a Tokunbo vehicle. That is one thing Nigeria needs to address. People don’t have to underrate themselves and accept that they are not worthy of good things of life. Unfortunately, that is where Nigeria is.

    How easy was it for you to move up in life?

    I chose to work in a news company which was a startup for me. I was fortunate that I had a boss who trusted my competence and I was their first engineer. It also exposed me to learn and I worked there for seven years before I set up my own business. I have been running my own business now for 40 years.

    And what is your business called?

    It is called Logistics Science and Technology limited. We do electronic and information technology

    How did you get to become the Chairman of Ikoyi Club?

    I joined as a member in 1992. I played squash and snookers. About 20years ago, I was invited to serve in the sections committee of the board and basically I got interested in making the club function properly. For me, the defining thing is the fact that this is a place where things work. We are all entitled to the same thing; there is no member that is more important than the other. It is something I have come to believe in and I must pay my dues to make sure it remains so. You can’t want something to work and stay on the outside and expect others to do it.  I became chairman of snookers section in 2005 and after that I served on various sub committees of the club and became vice chairman of the club in 2012 and I became chairman of the cub in 2017.

    Having checked the role of honours, it is all the big names in the country that are there, people say it is an elitist club. Is it true?

    Ikoyi club 1938 has no apology for that. It is an elitist club because we look for people who have contributed significantly to the country. It is not about you being a rich person, it is your character and the kind of person you are that determines whether you are admitted or not. The honours role is a mixture of people who we feel have contributed to the society and we made them honorary members. Every single one of them has played a significant role in the history of Nigeria because that is the condition.

    Before you become a honourary member, the committee must consider you fit and they propose you to the AGM. The club as a whole will either vote that you become one or you don’t become. As a whole, it is the members that determine who becomes honourary members.

    What is your membership strength?

    We have about 7,000 members from different parts of the country.

    It is a family club and the members are elitist, so does that mean that their children are also elitist?

    The definition of elitist is people who do things in a manner that speaks to quality. We do things properly and we are well behaved.

    It means you are grooming special families here?

    We groom people with character and values here. The day you no longer have those characters and values, you are no longer a member of the club. You will be forced to change and behave properly. The club is not for every Tom, Dick and Harry to join. You must demonstrate good character and ability to add to the society.

    As chairman of the club, what roles do you play?

    The general committee is responsible for policies or monitoring of what the management is doing. As chairman, I chair that committee. My role is to make sure things are done properly in a manner according to the rules of the club.

    You said earlier that Ikoyi club is a microcosm of Nigeria, which means that people from other parts of the country are affected by what happens here?

    What I meant is that, all parts of Nigeria are well represented here. We have people from Sokoto, Enugu, Calabar, we have membership from all over the country. There are no characteristics or any part of Nigeria that is not represented here. And whatever any of our members does outside of the club, can affect his membership here. That knowledge makes each member to behave well.

    How does Ikoyi club impact on the society?

    When you are a member, if you misbehave outside it rubs off on the club. What happens is that when members know that they can be suspended or expelled, it cautions their behaviour.

    You lived in the university community, did that influence the choice of the woman you finally met and married?

    Not at all: After I graduated, I moved to Lagos. It was here in Lagos that I met her.

    Was it love at first sight?

    (Laughs) Yes, I believe it was love at first sight.

    What is your tenure as chairman of Ikoyi Club?

    It’s a year tenure and maximum of two tenures of one year each. I started in February this year and my first tenure will end in February next year. If I run again and I am elected, I will be able to do another year till February 2019.

    Is there anything you are presently doing differently?

    The only thing we promised is that we will run the club according to the rules and we are strictly enforcing the rules. What I expect to do for the club is to take the club back to its glorious days when people looked up to the club. We feel we have moved slightly away from it and we want to take it back there.

    How about chieftaincy titles, have you taken any, if not, why not?

    I haven’t and that’s simply because, I am not interested in it.

    Briefly, how would you describe yourself?

    I’m an engineer who believes in things being done properly and according to the rules.

    When you decided to be the chairman of Ikoyi Club, you must have nurtured some dreams to implement at the club. Have you achieved those dreams?

    Not yet. We are working to bring Ikoyi Club back to being a 5-Star Establishment held in high esteem by society as a whole.

    You are aging gracefully with lanky shoulders, and youthful look. What is your health secret?

    I try to do all things in moderation.

    There is also the philanthropic side of you, what motivates you to give?

    God has been good to me and he enjoins us to love everybody and treat them as we would treat him.

    Do you agree that you are a stylish person?

    I leave that to others to judge.

    Have you ever wanted to be someone else, or be in a different profession?

    No.

    If you are not what you are today, what else would you have loved to be?

    Nothing else I can think of.

    Any regrets so far?

    None.

    Do you feel fulfilled?

    I am still a long way to achieve that state.

    Any new hobby you have developed in recent times?

    I am a retired cricketer. No new hobbies. I read, travel, enjoy good music and I play snooker.

    At this time of your life, what would you say you value most?

    I value the love of my family and friends.

    What inspires you?

    Making others happy inspires me.

    Please tell us about your most memorable holiday?

    That was my wife’s 50th birthday celebrations. We went on a 10-day cruise to the East Mediterranean with family and friends numbering 45.

    What does success mean to you?

    Success to me is being fulfilled and having happy people around me.

  • Ambode to new Lagos CP: Task ahead is enormous

    Ambode to new Lagos CP: Task ahead is enormous

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed confidence in the ability of the new Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Imohimi Edgal to deliver on the enormous task before him in effectively and efficiently policing the State, saying that the security of lives and property in the State remain paramount.

    Ambode, who spoke at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja when he received the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Fatai Owoseni and the new CP alongside top officers of the Command, said there was no doubt about the enormous responsibility before the new police boss, but that it was gratifying that he (Edgal) was very much familiar with the security architecture of the State.

    The Governor recalled how security was made one of the focal objectives of his administration since inception, saying that the development was designed as part of efforts to build a solid foundation for the growth of Lagos economy and welfare of the people.

    He specifically thanked Owoseni for contributing immensely to the security of the State during his tenure as the CP, and wished him success in his future endeavours.

    While officially welcoming the new CP to the State, Governor Ambode acknowledged the fact that Edgal had been very familiar with the terrain having been in the State for long, and assured him of the support of the State Government to ensure his success in office.

    He said: “We are comfortable that he (Edgal) does not have to start trying to learn the ropes because he is very familiar with the security architecture of the State and the enormity of the assignment that has been given to him. On our part, we will ensure that we support him as well as men and officers of the State Command.

     “What is most important to us is that we must keep the city safe. Lagos must be safer, Lagos must be cleaner and it is based on that we can invite investors to come in. That is when we can project our 24/7 economy and so we cannot afford not to have a vibrant police force. More importantly is the fact that we in government have decided that without a safe city, we cannot have a prosperous State and the prosperity and the peace that Lagos is enjoying now is actually founded on that fabric of the safety of lives and property,” he said.

    The Governor also assured that his administration will support the present effort of the Nigeria Police to scale up community policing.

    “We will give the new CP all the support and I want to also say that we will support community policing. You must have seen that in our action which was why we established the Neighborhood Safety Corps and we want to thank the Nigerian Police for supporting that.

    “The establishment of the Corps is part of the fabric of the community policing that the Nigerian Police Force is now projecting and we will support it with materials, resources and also ensure that every community is properly policed and in that, we will have the peace that everybody need to go about their activities without let or hindrance.

    “We are very emphatic on law and order and we will ensure that our judicial system works in convergence with the Nigerian Police so that we can keep the city safe and more prosperous,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Ambode commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris for the positive trend and improvement in security that the country had witnessed in recent time.

    Earlier, Owoseni thanked Governor Ambode for the support the Police Command enjoyed during his tenure, especially the massive procurement of equipment and logistics for officers, saying that the gesture contributed largely to the achievements recorded in the last two years.

    On his part, Edgal assured that he would hit the ground running and employ various means including community policing to ensure that Lagos emerges as the safest city to live and do business in Africa.

    He said Lagos, being a cosmopolitan city, must be policed based on dynamics required, and that he would bring his passion to bear to ensure that residents of the State can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    He specially appreciated Governor Ambode for the support the police had enjoyed in recent times and pleaded for the continuation of the kind gesture, just as he assured that security of lives and property of Lagosians would now be a top priority.

    “I want to assure Governor Ambode that under my watch, you will have no cause for complaints or concerns. We will serve the people of Lagos with all our hearts and might. Let me use this opportunity also to warn criminals and hoodlums that it will not be business as usual.

    “I also want to warn officers and men of the command that issues of human rights abuses, corruption, indiscipline generally will no longer be a slap on the wrists. The full weight of police regulations and the law will be meted out to anybody found wanting under my watch,” Edgal said.

  • Lagos flags off Oshodi-Int’l Airport road

    Lagos flags off Oshodi-Int’l Airport road

    The Lagos State Government on Monday flagged off the reconstruction of the Oshodi-International Airport Road, with a pledge to complete the project within the next fifteen months.

    The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode had last month at the quarterly Town Hall Meeting held in Badore area of Ajah, announced that the reconstruction of the road, which is a major gateway to the country, would commence in September, and that the construction would facilitate the transformation of the road to a world class standard.

    Specifically, the design of the project include the reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to three-lane Expressway on both directions, construction of two-lane Service Road in both directions, construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport, construction of a flyover at NAHCO/Toll Gate and drainage works.

    Others include the removal of existing Pedestrian Bridge at Ajao Estate and construction of Pedestrian Bridges at Ajao Estate and NAHCO/Hajj Camp, construction of Slip Road to provide access to Ajao Estate, construction of Lay-bys and installation of Street Lights, among others.

    Speaking while flagging off the project, the State’s Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr Adebowale Akinsanya said the commencement of the project was in line with the commitment of the present administration to transform the entire axis, being the major gateway to the country’s commercial nerve centre.

    He said the State Government took it upon itself to undertake the reconstruction of the road being one of the busiest roads in the State with vehicular volumes averaging 50,000 vehicles daily, and that its poor state was not acceptable for the status of the State as the fifth largest economy in Africa and the nation’s commercial hub.

    He said some of the fences along the corridor have been identified to be within the right of way, but that government would minimize the impact of the project on property owners.

    He said in order to properly carry along people of the area, a stakeholders’ meeting will hold on Thursday to sensitize the people whereby they will have an opportunity to ask the necessary questions.

    He said to fast-track the project, three group of workers will work on the project and they would work day and night, while upon completion, the project will be linked to the Oworonshoki reclamation project, which is also ongoing and is aimed at transforming the corridor to a major entertainment and tourism hub.

    The Commissioner, however, urged residents and motorists to cooperate with government while the construction will last, saying that the intention was to transform the area.

    “There will be some minor inconveniences but we are going to try to mitigate the impact. The work will be accelerated. The project is to make life easier for everybody. We just want to appeal to people to cooperate with us. We will be here to talk to the people in case of any issue and we are also working with our partner, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),” the Commissioner said.

    Also speaking, Managing Director of Planet Projects, the firm that designed the project, Mr. Biodun Otunola said prior to the commencement of the construction, adequate feasibility studies were carried out, and that the project, upon completion, would facilitate total transformation of Oshodi and International Airport corridor.

    He said in as much as there would not be alternative roads created specifically for the project, adequate measures have been put in place to educate the public on the staging that would be developed, saying that the project would be executed in phases, while motorists will make use of other sections of the road during construction work on a particular section.

    Otunola, whose company is also handling the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, said by the time the road project and the interchange are completed, the whole axis would have been transformed to world class standard.

    “The desire of the State Government under Governor Ambode is to ensure that this whole corridor is turned into an international corridor so that investors and the people can be proud that we have an international gateway that we all can be proud of.

    “We are not just building roads, we are thinking of the transportation implication and so there is a bus reform project that is ongoing and every part of Lagos will be connected by bus and that is why this road project will be linked to the Oshodi interchange. So, there will be about 20 lay-bys, bus terminals and so on which are all flowing from the same Master plan for this area,” he said.

  • Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    Ambode to Lawyers: Support devolution of Power to States, fiscal Federalism

    …Says Weak Institutions Impeding Ease Of Doing Business

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday called on lawyers in the country to raise their voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    By the current revenue allocation formula, the Federal Government takes as much as 52.68% of centrally-collected revenues in the federation account, while States and Local Governments share 26.72% and 20.60% respectively.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 57th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) held in Lagos, Governor Ambode tasked lawyers to utilize the golden opportunity of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to lend their voices to the call for redress of all the aberrations that had stunted growth and inhibited capacity of States to harness their potentials.

    He said: “Let me use this opportunity to call on the Nigerian Bar Association as a body and members to raise your voices in support of the demand for devolution of power to States and fiscal federalism, especially the review of the current revenue sharing formula.

    “These, in my view, are fundamental and critical to creating an enabling environment that will accelerate development in all parts of the country. The ongoing process for the review of the 1999 Constitution presents a golden opportunity for us to redress all the aberrations created by the interjection of the military that have stunted growth and inhibited the capacity of States to harness the huge potentials of our nation.”

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, “African Business: Penetrating Through Institution Building,” Governor Ambode identified weak institutions as a major factor inhibiting growth in Nigeria and Africa, saying that the development had constituted a major disincentive for investment in the continent, which in turn, was hampering efficient and effective harnessing of the huge resources in the continent.

    He said in most cases, institutions are weak because their establishment is influenced by personal and short-term considerations, while in some other cases, institutions are deliberately weakened in order to make them subject to the whims and caprices of the leadership.

    As a way out, Governor Ambode said: “Building and sustaining strong institution requires our collective commitment to the rule of law.  It entails building the capacity of such institutions to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively and transparently while also being accountable to the people. It must create an atmosphere of confidence, mutual understanding and protection against arbitrariness.

    “We must take a cue from developed economies where the integrity of their institutions is not compromised for whatever reason. In those climes, it is the institution that puts officials of the State in check and not vice versa as we have experienced and are still experiencing in most parts of the continent.”

    The Governor said such ideal situation and global best practice was what Lagos State had been striving very strongly to attain in order to build an economy that is globally competitive.

    “This has been one of our key commitments in the past two years as exemplified by the fa- reaching reforms we are implementing by way of security and judicial sector reforms. Happily, these efforts are yielding the expected outcomes,” Governor Ambode said.

    Besides, Governor Ambode expressed excitement at the recovery and return of President Muhammadu Buhari back to the country after long medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    “Let me firstly on behalf of all the people of Lagos State and all Nigerians thank God for the safe return of Mr President, General Muhammadu Buhari. Mr President, we wish you well always,” Governor Ambode said.

    In his opening remarks, NBA President, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos State Government at building strong institutions, saying that the State had made greatest institutional transformation in recent times.

    He said the decision to host the conference in Lagos again was not just because of the facilities and infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey which the State had witnessed.

    “Our last conference in Lagos was in 2009. We are delighted to be here once again, especially to join the State to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We have come back here not just because of the conference facilities and other infrastructure but also to support the transformative journey that this State has witnessed in the last several years.

    “If we are talking of institutions, there is no better place to do that than in Lagos. Lagos is a State that has perhaps made the greatest institutional transformation in recent times. Many of us remember Lagos in the 80s and 90s with the state of the frustrating traffic, the very frustrating pollution, the hold-up, the smoky roads and army of unemployed youths rooming the street to what you now see as a much more modern city, a true centre of excellence. I therefore wish to thank His Excellency, Governor Ambode for the tremendous work he is doing in Lagos and also for being a strong partner to the Bar Association,” Mahmoud said.

    The conference, which is still ongoing, was attended by 11,935 delegates and 142 speakers from 15 countries.