Ambode disburses N1bn to 705 beneficiaries of N25bn ETF

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday, January 26, 2017, presented cheques worth over N1billion to 705 beneficiaries of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) pilot scheme, charging them to utilise the funds responsibly to grow their businesses, create jobs for the unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos economy.

Governor Ambode, who made the presentation at the LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja,

Lagos, said his administration identified unemployment as a major socio-economic challenge facing Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole in the course of the electoral campaign, and thus prioritised job creation.

He said the setting up of the ETF was a direct response to address the challenge of unemployment as well as provide support to the youths, entrepreneurs, artisans and other unemployed residents of the State.

“We have kept our word. We created a dedicated Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, whose mission is to promote and sustain entrepreneurship and employment,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode, while commending the Board and Management of the Fund for embarking on a comprehensive review of the business environment and developing a strategic framework and operating guidelines to ensure the sustainable and successful management of these funds, said the successful disbursement was a product of the painstaking effort.

He said the funds are targeted at small and medium scale businesses and individuals including carpenters, hairdressers, electricians, automobile parts repairers, block makers, bakers, fashion designers, cake makers, food sellers, kerosene retailers, mobile money agents, painters, plumbers, photographers and light manufacturers of liquid soaps and water among others.

“These beneficiaries are making history as the first set of beneficiaries of this Employment Trust Fund, and my charge to you is simple: You must use these funds responsibly, grow your businesses, create jobs for our unemployed youths and contribute to the growth of the Lagos State GDP. The idea is that for every N1million we disburse, we should create a minimum of five jobs around that business value chain.

“These loans have been provided at a very affordable rate of 5% per annum, far cheaper than the prevailing bank interest of 25% per annum. This is our modest way of reflating the Lagos economy, creating jobs and getting our youths gainfully occupied. Those of you here today, the first beneficiaries of this initiative, will be the agents through which our country can overcome its current economic challenges,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also enjoined market women and female artisans to take advantage of the opportunity as his administration was particularly interested in supporting women in business.

“I also implore the Employment Trust Fund to pay special attention to the Entertainment Industry and the Tech Hubs in Sabo, Yaba area. These are new areas with huge potential for growth and job creation,” he said.

Governor Ambode also expressed optimism that the target by the Board to empower at least 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in due course was achievable and that the multiplier effect would be the creation of over 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs by 2019.

In her opening remarks, Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries was in fulfillment of the promise made by Governor Ambode during the electioneering and a confirmation of many to come.

She recalled that while canvassing for votes, the need to provide jobs was clearly on the mind of the Governor, and according to her, he wasted no time in setting up the ETF Board made up of people with proven track record, as well as transferring N6.25billion for the initiative to kick off, while the Board ensured that the process was fair and transparent with no favour as to party, religion, tribe or faith, and covered all the 57 Councils in the State.

“While we were trying to come up with the necessary procedures, Governor Ambode kept telling us to hurry up to start disbursing the loans to residents which signified his good intention and he has also given us the mandate to make the disbursement a monthly affair to make the fund get to as many residents as possible,” Omoigui-Okauru said.

Responding on behalf of others, one of the beneficiaries, Ahmed Ojikutu thanked Governor Ambode for the initiative, saying that it was gratifying to note that the process was very transparent.

He said: “This is indeed a promise kept by the Governor. When next the Governor tells us anything, we will believe him and I want to sincerely thank him on behalf of all the beneficiaries.”

LASG Education District 1, Agege Spearheads Sensitization of Deceased Staff Kinsmen Over Death Benefits Claim

Undoubtedly, the number one tag of the Lagos State Education District 1, Agege goes beyond mere nomenclature, the District under the leadership of TGPS/Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yinka Ayandele, has over years proven beyond reasonable doubt to be moving ahead of her contemporaries in unfolding epoch events.

The district took another first recently, spearheading the state’s sensitisation programme for the kinsmen of staff who lost their lives while in active service in the year 2016. The programme was part of the resolve of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode that all death benefits accrued to any deceased employee of the state is duly and promptly paid to their next-of-kin.

Not less than 14 beneficiaries out of the 18 deceased staff recorded by District 1 in 2016 attended the unprecedented event tagged; “Sensitisation Programme for Beneficiaries of Deceased Staff of Education District 1, Agege”, held at the district’s secretariat in Agege. 

Delivering Governor Akinwunmi Ambode message to the beneficiaries, Dr. Ayandele reiterated the state government’s commitment to take staff welfare sacrosanct whether alive or otherwise. An emotional Ayandele was closed to tears while informing the gathering that the sensitization is to give valuable information to the deceased families on how to approach documentation for the LASG insurance welfare scheme for deceased staff.

Shortly before her speech, special prayers and a minute silence were rendered in honour of the deceased staff. It was an highly emotional moment for the entire gathering most especially the beneficiaries who marveled at how much their deceased loved ones are appreciated by the district even in death.

Expressing her concern and sympathy for the deceased families, Dr. Ayandele eulogised the deceased staff of the District saying they had worked meritoriously and contributed immensely to the growth of education in Lagos, hence the government's resolve to alleviate the burden that their losses would have placed on their families.

While explaining all the documentation processes involved before claiming the insurance death benefits, GM Cosmic Insurance Broker, Mr. Tunde Sanda stated that the beneficiaries must provide the deceased appointment letter, confirmation of appointment letter, Medical certificate of cause of death, death certificate from the National Population Commission, Obituary poster amongst others. Mr. Sanda assured the beneficiaries that the documentation should be processed and sent to their office for claim of benefits within 30 work days.

Representative of Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Olabode Akintunde revealed that the state government has set aside huge amount of money as death benefits in case of any occurrence, adding that ministry of finance is fully ready to assist the beneficiaries with verifiable documents. He stressed that he had never attended this kind of event with such magnitude and importance before while appreciating Dr. Ayandele's foresight for initiating the sensitisation. 

On his part, Mr Segun Osifako, Director, Administration and Human Resources in the district, who spoke in the capacity of Dr. Ayandele, lamented the demise of the district’s staff. He however urged people to be very proactive whenever nature takes its course in this regard by assisting the district through swift submission of necessary documents after the death of any staff for instant processing and claim of the deceased benefits.

Mr Ojo Samuel, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, commended the government for the initiative, stressing that it will reduce difficulties faced by kinsmen of dead colleagues in accessing death benefits. One of the beneficiaries, Miss Sholanke Moyosore couldn't hide her mixed feelings while speaking to AgegePulse. She said; "as a teenager, this sensitisation is most important to me because prior to now, I didn't know where to go regarding my late father's benefits. Today is highly emotional for me. I have always looked forward to accessing my daddy's benefits from the government but I don’t know how to go about it. I am very delighted for this opportunity. 

The sensitization will go a long way to help next-of-kins access those lying down benefits for the deceased. I Thank Governor Ambode and I appreciate the TGPS for her inestimable motherly care, impressive dispositions, a role model, a leader, mentor and God sent".

Other beneficiaries present at the event include Mr. Akeem Kayode Isiaka, Alhaja Akintunde Lateef, Mr. Adebayo Adekunle, Mr. Kupoluyi E.O, Mr. Anifowoshe Rahman O, Mr. Beckley Babatunde, Sholanke Moyosore O, Mr. Amadi Felix Uche, Olajire Dare and Mr. Fadogba Oluwadare.

NUT Chairman, Agege, Comrade Popoola Amos, NUT Chairman Alimosho, Comrade Ogunwomoju Olusesan, Chairman, ANCOPPS Ifako-Ijaye Zone, Mrs. Alabi Folashade among others were some of the Dignitaries who marked attendance at the event.

Dr. Ayandele later presented cash gift to the beneficiaries of the 18 deaths recorded in 2016 to assist them in processing the death benefits of their loved ones from the state.

HOW WE PLAN TO DECIMATE OUT-OF-SCHOOL PUPILS IN AGEGE - Majiyagbe

Although, statistics have shown that the number of pupils enrollment into Agege primary schools has drastically increased since the square peg for the job was placed in the square hole with the appointment of Hon. Olalekan Olatunde Majiyagbe as the Executive Secretary of Agege Local Government Education Authority, LGEA, the need to further decimate the number of out-of-school children that litter the nooks and crannies of Agege remains on the front burner for him.

In a chat with Agegepulse Magazine, the brilliant dude spoke on the journey so far, the present state of the LGEA and plans to make primary education more interesting and appealing for every child in Agege. Excerpt:

“As a trained psychologist and counselor, I’ve been able to transform and impact lives through counseling. I am one of the team that produced the first gifted and talented child in Lagos state from Yewa Pry School, Agege. The survival of every man is in his brain; your brain generates solutions depending on how you apply it to issues. 

For someone to succeed in life he/she must identify his/her inner treasury. I became a consultant to World Bank on community issues around age 27, which was as a result of the cognitive academic system operating during our time. Our parents were ready to give physical support and assistance to us unlike now that parents are using money to buy their primary roles for their children. It is high time parents worked with teachers to build a better future for our pupils.

“In Agege, we have 50 Pry Schools and 2 special schools for children with special needs. Since I came in, we have been able to increase staff welfare, build more structures, organize periodic staff training for academic improvement and co-curricular activities. It is our believe that out of school children are products of unfavourable economy situations, what we are doing is to partner with market leaders to fish them out, though they are not too many, people use them as maids and as hawkers. We are working to have stakeholders meeting with CDAs and other stakeholders in order to develop a working paper and statistic on them. Through this, we'll proffer solution to that. Till date we have experience massive enrolment into our primary schools because parents appreciate government efforts to make learning accessible and appealing to pupils.

On his proposed 30days traditional dancing steps to mark his 10years investiture as the Asiwaju of Oko Oba Land, Majiyagbe said; "that is a new dimension to publicity, we want to create an euphoria to sensitize people that Asiwaju will soon celebrate 10th year anniversary. And that dancing step is not a regulated approach, I may not be in royal regalia, I can be at a point they will sing and dance and I will inform them to get ready for Asiwaju day. When the day gets closer, there will be royal movement on horse or open roof with guards and they will sing and dance at almost every point to dole out gifts to children all around. And when it gets to the D-day which is June 2017, it will be only church service and reception. I will also use the day to mark my 54th birthday.

On politics, he said; I've a commitment and vision to emerge Agege LG chairman. It's an age long dream because I've the wherewithal to bring succor to my people. We have tailor made plans to make Agege people happy. We’ve a strategy to run a successful Local Government system called Agege Model. I assure you that this model will be emulated by other LGAs in the long run".

Watch out for the full interview in the next edition of AgegePulse Magazine.  

We Have A Master Plan To Give Agege Facelift – Dr. Adejare, Commissioner for Environment

 Recently, AgegePulse had an exclusive interview with the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Samuel Adejare at his Agege residence. Below is an excerpt from the interview: 

“Growing up in the heart of Ebute Meta was quite interesting under the tutelage of my God sent guardian/mother, Chief Mrs. Iyabode Oduwole of blessed memory. She was the architect of everything you see in me today. My only regret in life is the fact that she is not alive today to witness how her mentorship regime served as the solid foundation for my success in life (Dr. Adejare weeps). Our mandate from Mr. Governor is to ensure a clean and flood free environment that is conducive for all. Part of it is to plant 10million trees by 2020. We’ve grown about 7million trees as at today, we are sure of surpassing our target by 2020. We urge every individual to imbibe the culture of planting a tree to mark important days (birthday, wedding, anniversary, e.t.c) in their lives. This will aid our resolve for a greener environment.

The monthly Environmental Sanitation was cancelled because we were convinced that shutting down Lagos for 3hrs of every last Saturday of the month is a disgrace to us, cleaning our environment should be our way of life. We will embark on viral sensitization and education of our people on the need to be mindful of the importance of a clean environment. Our blueprint for Lagos environment will cater for the nooks and crannies of the state.

Talking about Agege, Hon. Adejare said; “We have a master plan for Agege and Governor Ambode is very interested in it. In terms of flood in Agege and Orile Agege, there are plans to start a massive drainage system in areas like Akilo, Alaagba, Pero, Papa, Agbotikuyo, Dopemu amongst others to address flooding and environmental issues in the area. Before the end of this administration, the railway area of Agege will also witness massive facelift. They are all in our plans and our working Governor has keyed into it.”

On why he dumped Medicine for Politics, he said; “A typical doctor is a politician, the study of Medicine is to make people comfortable and Politics is to take good governance to the people with quality representation while ensuring people live comfortably. Medicine and Politics are interwoven in terms of end result. As a medical student, I represented the department all through my six years in school.”

Watch out for the full interview in the next edition of Agegepulse Magazine.

SPEECH DELIVERED AT INAUGURATION OF IBILE PEACEFULLY ASSEMBLY, AGEGE CHAPTER.

SPEECH DELIVERED AT INAUGURATION OF IBILE PEACEFULLY ASSEMBLY, AGEGE CHAPTER.

Delivered by: Hajia Fatimah Mohammed on Friday 30^th, December, 2016

It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction, to welcome you all to this historic inauguration of Agege Chapter of Ibile peaceful revolution Assembly.

 ”This inauguration is historic and symbolic because the enemies of Ibile peaceful assembly did not want this day to come to be. That is why, you will look round today and not see Saheed Mosadoluwa (Mr. Ibile) on seat.” Our distracters have cooked some fake stories to keep him behind the bars, but be rest assured that no matter how long lies and deceit travels, truth will always catch up with it.

I will use this opportunity to salute the courage and commitment of all Ibile members in this trying period and most particularly the doggedness of the Agege Chapter to go ahead with today’s inauguration, despite all the intimidations.

The Nigerian state is at a very critical junction in its history. The state of the nation can only be described as perilous.

 Officially the Nigerian economy is in a recession for the first time in 25 years. Yet the federal government is as helpless as a blind rat in a brain. “The objective of Ibile peaceful revolution is to bring about a re-arrangement of the table and re-distribution of the common resources so that it gets to the common people on the street.

 Ibile peaceful Assembly is a non-partisan body that is only interested in ensuring that round pegs are put in round holes.

We shall provide support for our members (whom we know to be of good character and have the capacity to deliver good life to the generality of the people) in any political camp they find themselves whenever they vie for political office.

Ibile also believes in empowerment, because it is better to teach someone how to fish than to be giving the person fish. We have various empowerment programs for both the young and the old.

 Ibile also has a prison outreach programme; we discovered that there are many innocent youngmen rotting away in many of our prisons, not for committing any crime, but for not been able to employ the services of a lawyer.

“We intervene in such matters and provide legal assistance to such persons, and ensure that their cases get the desired attention and resolution.

The Ibile family is a very big family and I can assure you that it is growing day by day. There are many L.G chapters waiting to be inaugurated and also many states wings that are ready to take-off.

The simple is truth is “if we struggle we may win, but if we don’t we have lost” and “Dare to struggle is Dare to Win”.

Excerpt from Baale Gbogunleri Isale Oja, Agege, Alhaji Rasheed Rufai Kuku during the inauguration, I quote " Saheed Mosadoluwa Mr. Ibile was born and bred in Isale Oja, and he remains the Pride of Isale Oja" Agege as a whole. It is not easy to pioneer a large number of people like this without facing huddles, and challenges, and seeing light after the tunnel is the most possible result.  

So, we are confident of what happened and he will come out victoriously.

Leaders in the world have also faced this, It is not new to us and forces behind this will never succeed he prayed.

IBILE PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY INAUGURATES AGEGE CHAPTER

Inaugural speech by Hon. Saheed Mosadoluwa (MR. IBILE)
Speech delivered by: Olamide Olatunji on Friday 30th December, 2016

Greetings and kudos to all Ibile Revolutionaries. I appreciate Agege and Mushin chapters’ members. I also recognized and appreciate Ifako-Ijaiye, under the leadership of Mother Theresa, Hadjia Fatee that gathered here including Agba from Oshodi.

Let me start by telling the whole world how fast they choose to spread my idea, the idea “I overcome fear to test “IBILE PEACEFUL REVOLUTIONARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL ROOT. IT IS REAL.

Tell those that choose defaming my person character that they can never stop my revolutionary spirit.

The footage on some of the television channels in Nigeria and abroad as well some of online media about my person should be good evidence that some people from different television stations and national dailies chose not to carry-out investigative journalism hence publishing false reports about Hon. Saheed Mosadoluwa as they failed to realize that SP Ngozi  Braide of is not serving interest of the nation or the fictitious complainant but to serve some politicians foster interest to remove Mr-Ibile out of circulation because of widespreading acceptance of his campaigned to inbuilt Yoruba Nation psychologically to hijack political structures from those who achieved power through political subterfuge.

The issue at hand cannot stop or depress me, if not a contribution to sharpen my ability to express IBILE REVOLUTIONARY as a political platform that will not negate Yoruba people creativity.


 I am on 14 days remand in Ikoyi prison and believe me, my first and second days has contributed to the need to harness more support from the like-mended towards the rehabilitation and re-integration of inmates as clearly encapsulated in Ibile prisons policy initiative.

 All Ibile members need to play significant roles in assisting inmates as they are innocent people who are dying for no just cause of which we need to assist poor Nigerians to be responsible citizens.

Prisoners in Ikoyi needs volunteers  in provision of prison based programs and also to assist inmates reintegrate back into the society.

I fear not the heat from those who think defaming my character will stop Ibile assembly. No! It is the intensity of a horse race. Ibile revolutionaries are health because of our philosophical roots are natural for those who are committed to the pursuit of political truths.

They expect me to throw cold water exhilaration and emotion on how are Nigerians believe their lies. Whenever they mention the issue, ask them to produce the complainant of the fraud case against Hon. Saheed Mosadoluwa (Mr. Ibile) and the real facts.

 Tell them also to come forward to court during trial to see the police investigation reports to understand the politically motivated case against me.

I enjoin you all to let us concentrate on how to perfect ourselves and to present Ibile peaceful assemble as a model for those who are ready to pursue truth, love and justice for all as I have stated in the Ibile precious brochure volume #1 that I am not an expert on how to gain widespread acceptance on true revolutionaries in moral philosophy as represented Ibile core values.

Let me appreciate all the IBILE’s in the process of communicating the idea.

 Can anyone tell Comrade Yusuf .O. Fadeyi and his 3 other comrades that Ibile assembly members will remember them for sharing five days of the pain with me and the revolutionary spirit in them still reaffirm how committed they are to this cause,  I pray that our sufferings will not go in vain.

Agege chapter has come to stay and with me being on ground, we shall witness Oshodi Inauguration.

I thank my fathers and mothers; I appreciate you all for being there to spark my vision. I cannot be shaken.

I knew the danger of the exercise before I embarked on it. I know how the clientele political masters will want to stop me, but you all have ensured the success of Ibile.
Please the strength to further Ibile as a cause of liberty is not just for me alone but also for future generation.

Together we can, and we will take back our country and restore to its greatness.
Long live Ibile Revolutionary
Long live in Yoruba nation
Long live Nigeria
Long live Africa.
Thank you all