The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr Steve Ayorinde

  • Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    Isheri Kidnap: Ambode orders prompt arrest of culprits

    …Commiserates with families of killed security guards

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday directed the State Police Command to ensure prompt arrest of kidnappers who struck on Wednesday evening in Isheri area of the State killing three security guards.

    The kidnappers were said to have also abducted the Secretary of the Isheri North Residents Association, Mr. Dayo Adekoya.

    A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said Governor Ambode has already directed the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni to move decisively and promptly to arrest the kidnappers.

    Governor Ambode, according to the statement, specifically commiserated with the families of the security guards that lost their lives to the unfortunate incident, and assured that government is on top of the situation and working with security agencies to ensure early release of the victim.

    Ayorinde said: “A while ago, the CP of Lagos Command of the Nigerian Police, confirmed that police has commenced investigation as well as put in place necessary rescue operation to ensure the release of the victim.

    “While the State Government commiserates with the families of the three dead estate security guards, it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that lives and property of residents in the State are protected.”

    It would be recalled that just last week, Governor Ambode had demonstrated his seriousness and determination to eradicate the menace of kidnapping when he signed into law the anti-kidnapping bill recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

    The law imposes a penalty of life imprisonment on kidnapping for ransom and death penalty in the event of death of a kidnapped victim.

  • Breaking News: Lagos cancels monthly environmental sanitation day

    Breaking News: Lagos cancels monthly environmental sanitation day

    …Urges residents to comply with environmental laws

     

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday terminated the monthly environmental sanitation exercise which hitherto held for three hours on the last Saturday of every month.

    The State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution arrived at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting which approved the need for a robust review of the environmental laws and procedures in the state in order to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment.

    The Government noted that considering the present economic situation in the country, it was no longer appropriate to restrict movement of people for three hours in a mega city like Lagos at a time they should be pursuing commercial and entrepreneurial activities.

    According to government, in the last two decades, Lagos has grown exponentially into a mega city with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over twenty million people.

    But sadly, the environmental laws, policies and procedures being practiced in the State have not been able to match the phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy, hence the need for the reform.

    Ayorinde said the State Government was not unaware of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

    According to him, the thrust of the fresh initiatives, among others, is to promote holistic and modern solutions to the unique environmental challenges confronting the State, while encouraging citizens to voluntarily partner with government to achieve the desired goals.

    The Statement said: “After a careful consideration, the State Executive Council has therefore resolved that the present economic climate can no longer support the continued lock down of a mega city like Lagos, when the citizens should be free to engage in commercial and entrepreneurial activities that can promote economic growth and prosperity.

    “Furthermore, Government will also accelerate the introduction of fresh reforms through the passage of the new harmonized environmental laws that will drive meaningful changes in areas of harmonized billing, waste management, modern Landfill sites, noise pollution, introduction of an Environmental Trust Fund and an Environmental Advisory Council.

    “The Government wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to a clean and secure environment for the benefit of its citizens, and will continue to provide the necessary leadership to meet the environmental challenges of a mega city like Lagos. Lagosians and visitors alike are therefore urged to embrace these changes and imbibe a culture of voluntarily maintaining and preserving their environment to create a beautiful and healthy city that we all can be proud of.”

    The statement added that the State Government would henceforth be tougher in ensuring expeditious enforcement against contraventions of its policies and regulations and as such, residents should voluntarily comply with the necessary laws and support government in its bid to have a clean and healthy environment.

     

  • Lagos denies demolishing Otodo Gbame community

    Lagos denies demolishing Otodo Gbame community

    …Cautions against spreading of unverified news on social media

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday denied the unsubstantiated claims being circulated in some sections of the media and on social media of its involvement in the fire incident that took place in Otodo Gbame Community in Lekki area of the State last Wednesday.

    The State Government specifically punctured media reports suggesting that it authorized the burning down of the community, saying that the allegation was far from the truth.

    The State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, in a statement, said the State Government shared in the painful loss of the residents but explained that from Police reports and evaluation by the government, the waterfront community was razed by the fire incident that happened as a result of the ethic clash that occurred between the Egun and Yoruba residents within the community.

    Ayorinde said while the Police succeeded in bringing to a halt the deadly clashes which occurred as a result of continued disagreement over tolling and other sundry issues, the large part of the shanties had already been torched and razed down before the combined team of fire brigade and emergency rescue officers got to the scene on the night of Wednesday, November 9th.

    “It is therefore unfortunate that a few aggrieved persons and fifth columnists will choose to blame the government and law enforcement officers that rose to the occasion in ensuring that the clashes did not degenerate further and more importantly that the arson did not spread into Lekki Phase 1,” Ayorinde said.

    The Commissioner said while the Otodo Gbame shanties clearly fell within the prime waterfront areas where Lagos State Government would prefer to have better development, befitting of a prime area in a mega city, it was mindful of the fundamental rights of the various residents living in the area.

    According to Ayorinde, while government was not unaware of the legal tussle over the areas and the rights of citizens to stage peaceful protests, relevant agencies of government had since been deployed to provide succor and lessen the pains of the displaced people.

    The statement warned both local and foreign individuals or groups that may be using the unfortunate incident to perpetrate wrong and unfounded information to desist from taking advantage of an unfortunate development and the plight of the former residents of Otodo Gbame, adding that the State Government would not be blackmailed with cheap, sensational interjections from the onerous task of better securing Lagos, improving on urban development and looking after the infrastructural needs of all residents.

    The Commissioner also urged the people of the State to refrain from any act that could threaten the peace of their areas and pledged that government would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property and promote peaceful coexistence needed for speedy development of the State.

    Similarly, the State Government has also urged residents especially users of social media as a source of news and social interaction to be mindful of the source of their information to avoid spreading false and unsubstantiated materials.

    Ayorinde said a case at hand is the alleged brutalization and killing of a 7-year-old pilferer that reportedly happened at a certain location in Lagos being circulated on social media.

    According to the Commissioner, the Lagos State Police command has duly issued a statement questioning the authenticity of the story while asking for eye witnesses or anyone with verifiable information to come forward with information as the Police continue with their investigation.

    “While we condemn in its entirety every form of crime and jungle justice, it is important to plead caution whenever a human life is involved. So far, there is no indication that the dastardly act being peddled on social media happened anywhere in Lagos State or that it is a recent case.

    “The Police have promised to carry out further checks and will welcome every useful information, but available information at the moment does not suggest that such killing happened last Saturday at either Orile-Iganmu or Badagry. There is no any corpse that fits the description in any area being touted; just as the location of anyone with useful information to corroborate the sad tale being peddled cannot be established,” he said.

  • Special Grant Bill: Lagos deserves special status – Ambode

    Special Grant Bill: Lagos deserves special status – Ambode

    …Commends Senator Tinubu

    The Lagos State Government has commended the distinguished Senator representing Lagos Central Constituency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for pushing the need for Lagos State to be recognized and rewarded with a Special Status and Grant into the forefront of national discourse even if the import of that request is lost on a number of her colleagues.

    The State Government said in a release signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, that history would remember Senator Tinubu kindly for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill that sought a special recognition for Lagos State as the commercial capital of Nigeria as well as one per cent of federally generated revenue in view of its socio-economic importance to the entire country.

    The statement quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as saying that without prejudice to the decision of the Senate to stand down the bill, Senator’s Tinubu’s informed position and push will remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in the national economic discourse.

     “At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians. She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues,” the statement quoted Governor Ambode as saying.

    It stated that in spite of the set-back the bill suffered on Wednesday, the fact remains that Lagos State has always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

    ” The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos.

    “A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill.”

    The statement quoted Governor Ambode as adding that in spite of the rejection of the bill, Lagos State would continue to be special and will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe.

  • Edo poll: Ambode not in Edo state – Ayorinde

    Edo poll: Ambode not in Edo state – Ayorinde

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday dismissed allegations made by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu alleging that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Kaduna State counterpart, Mallam Nasir El Rufai were in Edo State for the election.

    In a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, the government described the allegations by the PDP candidate as reckless and disgraceful.

    Ayorinde while clarifying the position of the Government said Governor Ambode was presently overseas for an official assignment and in any case had no business being in Edo State on Election Day.

    “The Lagos State Governor served as the chairman Campaign Council constituted by the All Progressives Congress  and his duty ended 24 hours before the election because no campaign was supposed to hold 24 hours to the election and having completed his assignment which included appearing with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Grand Rally in Edo State earlier in the month, Governor Ambode has no reason to return to Edo State on election day and for this sort of lie to have been peddled by a candidate who is supposed to be a pastor, is reckless and disgraceful.

    Ayorinde said Governor Ambode had clearly enumerated his position on the election during the Grand Finale of the campaign when he said that like Lagos where continuity has moved perfectly well, Edo State also deserves continuity in governance.

    “That message has been passed and has been accepted by majority of Edo indigenes and therefore there would not be any need for the Governor to return to Edo on Election Day. The general public and security operatives are hereby advised to ignore the desperate lies of Pastor Ize-Iyamu,” Ayorinde said.

  • LASU VC’s remark at closing of ‘Ready-Set-Work’

    LASU VC’s remark at closing of ‘Ready-Set-Work’

    Ready-Set-Work is an initiative of Lagos state Government to address employability and employment challenges facing today’s graduates while empowering them with the right skills and knowledge that will make them Valuable in the market place for final year students of Lagos State Government owned institutions across all campuses.

    The Governor of Lagos State Akinwumni Ambode allocated N15.5 million seed funding for those with the best business ideas among provision for internship slots in top  organization like Total, System Specs, Guaranteed Trust Bank, Access bank, FCMB and Jobberman who will all be on ground to select students for their respective organizations.

    The 13 weeks programme started its general module session from June 18 – July 9 which there after the classes where divided into the Employability and Entrepreneurial module which lasted from July 16 – August 27, after which students of both classes where told to compete for a chance to be among those who will be picked for the internship slots of 6 months and prize money of N1 million plus 600 thousand naira for 6 months for the person with the best business idea and 500 thousand plus 100 thousand naira for 6 months, 250 thousand plus 100 thousand naira for 6 months to the 2nd and 3rd  person, respectively.

    Lagos state university vice chancellor, Olanrewaju Fagbohuin, special adviser to the Governor of Lagos state on Education, Commissioner Obafela Bank-Olemoh, commissioner for information and strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Wealth creation, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo. Also on seat are the Senior County Manager for PWC, Mr. Uyi Akpata, the founder and CEO of system Specs, Mr. John Obaro, Managing director of Etisalat, Mr. Mathew Willsher among others, were all present to witness the pitch and interview sessions of the programme.

    In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, appreciated the effort of those who made the programme a success, the likes of the Lasu engineering and technical department team who ensued all were in place for the duration of the programme, the lecturers who left their home every weekend to support the programme and even the security men and the school cleaners were not left out.

    The top 3 Business ideas as well as those who have been selected to internship positions, by the partner organizations will be announced at the Ready-Set-Work RSW Graduation ceremony slated for Thursday, September 15, 2016 at landmark Center, Victoria Island.

  • Owners of demolished structures in Ikoyi duly served notices – Ayorinde

    Owners of demolished structures in Ikoyi duly served notices – Ayorinde

    …….Vows to Rid State Of Illegal Structures

    The Lagos State Government on Saturday said owners of the buildings demolished in Ikoyi were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out, just as it vowed to intensify efforts to rid the State of illegal structures.

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Government said it had noted with dismay, the flagrant disobedience of Building Regulations, and has therefore resolved to ensure removal of all structures that are in contravention of the law.

    Speaking against the backdrop of recent demolition of some illegal structures in Ikoyi, Ayorinde reiterated Government’s determination to rid the State of Illegal developments saying “In our effort to maintain a sustainable, organized, liveable and friendly environment, the Government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.

    He also warned that all those who choose to erect illegal structures in violation of our laws in order to take advantage of third parties will not only have those structures removed but will also be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    According to the Commissioner, the buildings in question were situated in an area originally designated as residential area, but the developers unilaterally and without recourse to the State Government commenced development of industrial and commercial concerns in these locations thereby distorting the master plan of the area; causing environmental nuisance, traffic snarls and more importantly a security threat to the neighbourhood.

    On the allegation that the buildings were not duly served with necessary contravention, stop work and removal notices, the Commissioner said that the State Government will not succumb to blackmail in any form.

    “We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices, the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions”.

    Ayorinde added, “Having served the Statutory Contravention Notices on the offending structures and when owners of such structures failed to remove them within the statutory notice period, we were compelled to remove such structures”. This Government is committed to following due process and will strictly enforce provisions of the law on this subject matter.

    He said the State Government is desirous of restoring the original master plan of all residential areas in the State, adding, “Arbitrary location of kiosks, illegal parking lots, unapproved mechanic workshops, roadside restaurants and other unplanned commercial centres have contributed in no small way to distorting physical planning designs of the State”.

    While reiterating Government’s commitment to “a safe, clean and prosperous Lagos”, the Commissioner warned that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as the organ of government saddled with the responsibility of ensuring compliance with town planning laws, will not allow the State’s planning aesthetics to be destroyed by people who have no regard for beauty, serenity, law and order.

    While expressing the determination of the current administration to restore the original master plan of the State, he vowed to do everything possible to ensure that people observe the various planning laws and regulations in every part of the State.

    “This is an exercise in progress; it is an on-going operation to sanitize the environment, we have also developed strategies to prevent re-occurrences of illegal developments and for the sustenance of a cleaner Lagos,” he said.

    Ayorinde, however, called on those who have structures within the Right of Way of Public Utilities to remove them or face the full wrath of the law.

    He further urged the general public to ensure that they obtain necessary planning permits before embarking on any renovation, construction or other forms of development, adding that the public should also avail themselves of the provisions of the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Regulations.

  • Lagos ready to propagate brand awareness – Ayorinde

    Lagos ready to propagate brand awareness – Ayorinde

    The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to publicise “Brand Lagos” as the State continues to record successes in infrastructural development, investment drive and promotion of Arts and Culture.

    Consequently, the State will expand on its promotion of the State’s tourism brand next weekend with a three-day programme tagged “Love Lagos Weekend” holding between Saturday, August 27 and Monday, August 29, 2016 in London.

    The State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, made this known on Friday while receiving the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the London–based BEN TV, Dr. Alistair Soyode, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    The Commissioner stated that the time is now right to begin to promote the Lagos Brand on the world stage in order to showcase the socio-economic and cultural strengths of the State.

    According to him, the State Government has in the past one year undertaken several tourism programmes that have been widely acknowledged, which have put the state on world map, adding that the “Love Lagos Weekend in London’’ is also geared towards selling the state and uniting lovers of Lagos in the diaspora.

    The various tourism programmes, he said, are in the realization of the pledge made by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during his electioneering campaign to use tourism and the arts to promote social cohesion and create employment opportunities.

    Other objectives of the Love Lagos Weekend are to create awareness on the new Lagos State administration, provide platform for interaction with Lagos State indigenes and lovers of Lagos State in the Diaspora and further market the state to potential investors and partners that can contribute towards the Lagos@50 celebrations.

    The Commissioner congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of BEN TV for the successes recorded in the past 13 years of operation and for propagating the Nigerian and African culture to global audiences.

    Ayorinde stated that the State Government is ready to partner with the TV Station in line with its strategic engagement with the media. He added that while “One Lagos” had successfully been launched as the state’s Tourism master brand, the ‘Love Lagos’ concept as the slogan and brand-driver is now being promoted to further endear the state to the world.

    Earlier, Soyode had explained that the purpose of his visit was to intimate the Lagos State government on the activities of the station and the establishment of the ‘’Nigerian Diaspora Mentoring Corp’’ aimed at creating a platform to engage Nigerian youth for gainful ventures.

    According to him, the Corp has been able to provide a platform to engage professional Diaspora Nigerians to interact with the Nigerian youth for purposeful direction in adjusting to adulthood, noting that private individuals are more available to render such support and give them needed leadership direction.

    He commended the State Government for redefining public sector information management under the current leadership of the Ministry of Information and Strategy and pledged the readiness of the station to partner with it.

  • Lagos congratulates film directors for toronto film festival selection

    Lagos congratulates film directors for toronto film festival selection

    …Avows readiness to market the Lagos brand globally

    The Lagos State Government has congratulated nine Lagos-based film directors whose latest films will be screened to global audiences at the world-acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival holding in Toronto, Canada between September 8th and 18th 2016.

    The 41st edition of the festival this year is focusing on Lagos State in its City to City, the first African city to be so honored.

    In a press statement signed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the Toronto International Film Festival will be celebrating the talents and creativity that abound in Lagos with the unprecedented selection of eight new films by Lagos-based filmmakers in the City to City segment and one other film for Industry Special Screening.

    In addition, two outstanding actor/filmmakers, Kunle Afolayan and Genevieve Nnaji were selected to ‘In Conversation With’ (ICW) which will have the two celebrities discuss their works on the world stage.

    “The Lagos State government is happy to confirm the selection of eight Lagos-made feature films at the Toronto International Film Festival coming up in September as well as Mr. Kunle Afolayan’s The CEO, which will enjoy a Special Industry Screening on the 12th of September.

    “We are happy that as the birthplace of Nollywood and the state that is regarded as one of the world’s most productive film locations in the world, Lagos State will be the centre of attraction in Toronto, Canada this year.”

    Ayorinde said as the first African city to be so honoured at the festival, the focus on Lagos in Toronto this year confirms “the arrival of Lagos State on the world stage” and how the global creative community acknowledges the potential that is associated with professionals in the motion picture industry of Lagos State.

    The Commissioner listed the selected films as follows: 76 (directed by Izu Ojukwu), 93 Days (Steve Gukas), The Wedding Party (Kemi Adetiba), The Arbitration ( Niyi Akinmolayan), Taxi Driver ( Daniel T. Oriahi), Okafor’s Law (Omoni Oboli), Just Not Married (Uduak-Obong Patrick), and Green White Green (directed by Abbah T. Makama).

    The statement added that in addition to the selected films, TIFF has also invited two young actors for participation at the newly created Rising Stars Programme at this edition. “OC Ukeje, for his role in The Arbitration and Somkele Iyama for her roles in the three of the films selected – 93 Days, The Arbitration and The Wedding Party.

    The Commissioner said the Lagos State government was pleased that two of the selected films enjoyed the support of the state government during production and that the thrust of all the films will highlight different aspects of lives and historical developments in Lagos and in Nigeria in general.

    “While 76 revisits the political upheaval of 1976 that led to the assassination of the Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, 93 Days examined the bravery of the late Doctor Stella Adadevoh and the Lagos State Government in combating the dreaded Ebola virus in 2014.

    “We are pleased that filmmakers are exploring themes that are strong enough to attract global attention. The focus on Lagos State this year, therefore, signals the beginning of a rewarding global attention to our creative artists and the inherent potentials in the state as destination of choice for international filmmakers, visitors and investors.

    Ayorinde added that to properly take advantage of the opportunities that featuring at the Toronto film festival brings, the State Government will have a pavilion at the festival, co-host a befitting reception for the Nigerian filmmakers and offer support to the industry delegation. He said that “this falls within the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s vision to support the arts and creative industry in Lagos State” adding that the time is ripe for the Lagos State brand to engage with the world.

     

  • Lagos reinforces security in Ikorodu

    Lagos reinforces security in Ikorodu

    …Seals off Western Lodge Hotel on Isawo Road

    The Lagos State government has reassured the general public that the lives and property of well-meaning and peace-loving residents in the state remain its priority.

    In a statement released on Sunday by the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the government advised that the general public should be extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their immediate environment to the Police or any of the security services within the state.

    The statement urges “members of the public not to allow any building to be used to harbor criminals or serve as a base for criminal activities.”

    According to the statement, recent security investigations in the Ikorodu area of the state have revealed that the Western Lodge Hotel, located at 123, Isawo Road, Agric area of Ikorodu has been associated with illegal and criminal activities “and the Lagos State government has accordingly decided to seal up the hotel until further notice.”

    The statement added that “government will immediately reinforce the presence of security agents in and around Ikorodu axis” in order to further reassure residents of the determination of the government to safeguard lives and property in the area.

    The press release added that the Lagos State government warns that it will not hesitate to prosecute and confiscate any building found to have been used or is being used to aid criminal activities.