EID EL KABIR: EMBRACE SACRIFICE, LOVE, UNITY, AMBODE URGES MUSLIMS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday called on Muslims in Nigeria to embrace the values of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.

“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.

The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of their ethnic religion or political affiliation.

While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.

Gov. Ambode Unveils Three Executive Boats, Four Jet Skis -AgegePulse

... Targets 2million passengers on water daily

...We‘ll Explore Tourism, Economic Potential Of Waterways, Says Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday inaugurated three newly acquired executive boats by the State Government, with a pledge to fully explore the tourism and economic potentials of the waterways in the State for the overall benefit of the people.

Speaking at the unveiling of the boats held at Caverton Jetty in Civic Centre area of Victoria Island, the Governor said the State Government was committed to the implementation of the integrated transport management system designed to scale up water, rail and land transportation, saying that the grand plan is to divert at least two million passengers on the waterways daily thereby reducing traffic on the road.

He said the boats and four Jet Skis recently acquired by the State Government to ensure safety and fight crime on the waterways were prelude to major plans to fully activate the potentials of water transportation, while in coming months, the State Government would take delivery of additional seven commercial ferries, among other plans for the sector.

According to him, “This is a significant day for Lagos State as we commission three boats belonging to the Lagos State Government. We discovered that sometimes, we do not have the ability for our officials to go on the waterways to address issues relating to people and citizens that live alongside the waterways.

“As you aware, twenty-five per cent of Lagos is water and it is important that we put in the right initiatives that can actually make activities on our waterways to thrive and the also people living along the waterways to bring them into proper perspective.

“Sometimes when dignitaries come from other States or countries, they are not able to see the true side of Lagos from waterways perspective and that is one of the reasons the State Government decided that we would procure the boats that would help us to promote tourism in the State so that people can see the great potentials of Lagos State,” he said.

Governor Ambode said as much was ongoing on road rehabilitation and construction, as well as the rail system, the water sector was also experiencing specific initiatives such as construction of terminals, channelization, construction of walkways, among others to encourage more people to key into the sector.

He said: “As people are well aware, we are committed to the integrated transport management system that we have promised Lagosians. As much as we are doing on the roads, we have decided that we would face the waterways. We have just ordered the procurement of seven ferries; we have also invited people from the private sector to take over terminals and also be able to procure their own boats and ferries.

“We are so particular about safety; we are so particular about the future of everyone and that is why we decided also that we would do a lot on channelization and dredging on waterways to make it motorable. People will begin to see all these at the end of the first quarter of 2018 and we believe strongly also that both the government boats and the ones from the private sector will start to berth the waterways of Lagos and we will use that to complement what it is that we have on our roads and also use it to complement the future of what we are trying to plan for the rail system.”

He added that over six million people walk every day on Lagos roads and that accounted for why walkways were being constructed across the State, while there are plans to create connectivity between water terminals and the roads, especially in Badore, Ajah, Mile 2, Badagry, Ikorodu and other places where there are terminals.

While stating that the maintenance and sustenance of the boats had been outsourced to specialists to ensure proper usage, Governor Ambode also invited more private sector stakeholders interested to invest in the waterways to partner with the State Government, saying his administration is liberal, transparent and willing to collaborate with interested investors.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr Adebowale Akinsanya said about thirty commercial routes on the State waterways have been identified for dredging and channelization, while ten jetties spread across the State were being constructed, among other ongoing plans for the sector.

He also said that the Ministry was working in concert with the Ministry of Justice to enforce relevant laws guiding the waterways to ensure compliance with safety standards and checkmate any illegal activity by operators.

Also speaking on safety plans for the waterways, General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr. Tiamiyu Adeshina said the Jet Skis would be deployed across the State to aid rescue operation in case of emergency, and also help to fight crime.

“Each of the Jet Skis has the capacity to carry two divers and the idea behind this is that when an incident occurred on the water, there is a Jet Ski that will move divers fast to the incident scene while the rescue boats are coming behind and when they get there, divers are dropping into the waters and as soon as they rescue people, we put them into the rescue boat and take them to hospital,” Adeshina said, just as he revealed  that training to that effect was already ongoing.

Also, the Managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, said the commissioning was the beginning of sustainable development for the waterways, adding that apart from efforts by the agency to enforce safety standards, the State Government has concluded plans to license 10 new operators who would provide better ferries.

The Governor also inspected ongoing projects on the waterways especially at Orange Island and Lekki Foreshore areas of the State.

Queen of Netherlands visits Ambode, lauds LASG’s Health Policy

AgegePulse Magazine

…Lagos Health Insurance Scheme To Kick Off Early 2018, Says Gov

Queen of Netherlands, Her Majesty, Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as part of efforts to advance the United Nation’s financial inclusion advocacy as a vehicle to alleviate poverty and fostering equitable economic growth in Nigeria.

Queen Maxima, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time in the last five years, in her capacity as the Special Advocate to United Nations’ Secretary General on financial inclusion for development, said she was impressed by the initiatives of the State Government to improve service delivery especially towards expanding access to affordable healthcare.

While noting that it was important for governments to prioritize access to affordable healthcare, Queen Maxima particularly lauded the health insurance scheme of the State Government, which legal framework had already been put in place, saying that Governor Ambode deserved commendation for coming up with such laudable effort.

She said: “Today I had opportunity to visit two clinics in the State where I saw the new pilot project in which you (Governor Ambode) has also started looking into which is to make health insurance possible even to the poorest of the people.

“I was very impressed by the leadership that the State of Lagos has taken as to coming up with a law which makes health insurance mandatory and also to able to plan for the future and you are already doing some credit to some health facilities which off course will improve efficiency of a lot of these institutions. I commend you for your efforts and I will like to know from you Mr Governor what is your commitment on the future in this field,” she said.      

Responding, Governor Ambode said the Health Insurance Scheme of the State Government aimed at expanding access and scaling up healthcare delivery in the State will commence in early 2018.

He said the legal framework to guide the implementation of the policy had already been put in place, while every necessary efforts to ensure the success of the scheme were being put in place.

Governor Ambode, who received Queen Maxima alongside his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and other top officials of the State, commended the visitor for her efforts at advancing issues relating to healthcare and financial inclusion.

Speaking on the health insurance policy of the State Government, the Governor said: “We are on the path of positive improvement on the things that have to do with health. Like the Queen rightly said, we have a law that allows us to do the Health Insurance Scheme which is targeted at the most-needy and the poor that cannot afford ordinary healthcare. We believe that if we pull the resources of every other person in the State together, those that cannot afford will be able to have a chance to access healthcare which is the main objective why the Queen has been going round to promote good healthcare for people generally.

“We want to say that we are deeply committed to that vision and we are committed to that ideals and also say that we will do everything possible to make sure that the Health Insurance Scheme starts up early next year and we can now allow people to have some sense of inclusion which is one of the basic principles of good governance.

“The main essence of good governance is for us to be able to carry everybody along. In a cosmopolitan city like Lagos that we have population of almost 22million people and the majority can really not afford the things we want them to, and so we believe strongly that a partnership like this is one in the right direction.”

On financial inclusion, Governor Ambode said the informal sector accounted for about 80 per cent of Lagos population, a development he said prompted his administration to set up N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) to serve as an instrument to grant members of the sector access to finance.

Besides, Governor Ambode said it was time to call on the Federal Government to scale up financial inclusion with the view to expanding access for more people to benefit, while also calling for escalation of mobile banking to ensure that more people from the rural areas have access to finance and all issues connected.

While drawing the similarities between Lagos and Netherlands, Governor Ambode said the State, being a cosmopolitan city, is striving as much as possible to ensure that every resident is comforted with hope of great future.

He said the present administration in the State under him was also working hard to bequeath functional and affordable healthcare system to the people of the State, just as he assured that the State Government would do everything possible to support the United Nations initiative being championed by Queen Maxima.

COWLSO: Gov. Ambode Charges Women on Entrepreneurial Skills, Productiveness - AgegePulse

 Urges women not to be afraid of being more successful than  husbands

…Ambode’s infrastructural drive revolutionary, says Bindow

COWLSO urges govt to provide lands, grants for women in agri-business

The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) on Thursday concluded its three-day National Women Conference, with a charge on women to step up their entrepreneurial skills and not be afraid of being more successful than their spouses.

The Committee also urged women to take full advantage of the paradigm shift from Nigeria’s dependence on oil and explore the many opportunities available in the fast growing agricultural industry.

This was part of the 22-point communiqué reached at the conclusion of the Conference with the theme, “She Creates, She Transforms”, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and read by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.

“Women were charged to step up and not be afraid of being more successful than their spouses and they must be willing to invest more to expand their pool of income,” the communiqué read in part.

The Conference also tasked women to embrace entrepreneurial disposition and also get more involved in animal husbandry because of their prudence and passion, in order to increase daily production in the country, while government should also provide lands and conducive environment for women farmers.

Besides, women were encouraged to help one another by introducing themselves to organizations where funds could be accessed such as Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN), Bank of Industry, among others.

“Women should be solution providers that are purpose-driven rather than looking for immediate financial profits. These give opportunities to contribute towards improving the society.

“The Conference reiterated that women must be empowered in order to take care of the family, community and the nation.

The conference also stressed the fact that women should be positively aggressive and assertive in order to contribute to the development of the nation,” the communiqué also read.

The Conference also appreciated the Lagos State Government for empowering women through its skill acquisition programme.

In her closing remarks, COWLSO Chairman and Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode said it was important for Nigerian women to understand that they are in a unique situation at this point in time, and must see the current reality in the country not as a hopeless situation but an opportunity for entrepreneurial ambition to make a positive impact in a challenging situation.

While making reference to one of the sessions at the conference which focused on agriculture, Mrs. Ambode said women should have good mentors, be consistent and persist in doing the right things, noting that challenges should be seen as mere stepping stones that do not kill.

She said: "I urge all participants to make the best use of all they learnt at the conference for their personal benefits. You should also please endeavour to pass on the knowledge acquired."
Declaring the conference closed, Adamawa State Governor, Senator Jubrilla Bindow, who was the Special Guest of Honour, lauded the sterling performance of his counterpart in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in office so far, describing his infrastructural renewal efforts as unprecedented and revolutionary.

Bindow said Governor Ambode, through his brilliant works, had confirmed to Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was committed to bring about positive change in the country.
Bindow, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Martins Babale, said despite the complexities of governing a State with unique peculiarities like Lagos, Governor Ambode had performed creditably well in key sectors, adding that he was indeed proud to associate himself with the achievements, and described his counterpart as a worthy leader.

He said: “Let me end this short address by very sincerely commending my dear brother, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his sterling performance as the Governor of Lagos State. I know the complexities of governance especially in a highly urban and sophisticated setting like Lagos, but I also acknowledge that my brother has done wonderfully.

“I must say with Ambode’s performance here in Lagos and our achievements in transforming Adamawa State, our party, the APC has glaring signpost of positive change to showcase to Nigerians any day anytime.

“As if working as twins, both my humble self and Governor
Ambode have addressed infrastructure in a very revolutionary manner in our states. This is in addition to commitments in areas of education, health and human services. I am proud to associate myself with my brother the Governor of Lagos State and I am proud of him as a person and as a leader,” Bindow said.

He also commended COWLO leadership and members for coming up with the conference which focused on engaging women positively at a time when others were discussing hate speeches, saying that it was indeed gratifying that the conference deliberated on positive causes and promotion of values.

Earlier, Governor Ambode congratulated the over 2,500 participants at the conference for successfully undergoing three days of networking and experience, saying that from reports, the conference had been very intensive and knowledge-driven.

“We are looking forward to seeing more of this creative and transformative impact on women in Lagos State. Like I always say, our government will always be there to support you and help you to achieve your aspirations,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, the Governor encouraged women to key into the 22-point communiqué issued at the end of the conference with the view to positively making use of same for the overall benefit of themselves and the State.

Agege LG/Orile Agege LCDA Celebrate Sallah in Grand Style

The open field area of Maternity Health Centre, Agege was filled to its capacity yesterday as sons and daughters of Agege Local Government Area and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area from all walks of life, rolled out drums to rejoice at the 2017 Sallah Get-Together gig organised by Lagos State Government in collaboration with the two councils.

As part of the state government's inclusive initiative, the Ileya fiesta was a moment of merrymaking targeted towards bringing the people under one umbrella in order to dine and wine with government, simultaneously across the coastal state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was ably represented by Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Babatunde Samuel Adejare, said the annual celebration signifies the triumph of faith and the assurance that Almighty Allah will always open a way for those who have absolute trust in His grace.

"It is a day of sacrifice to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's faith in Allah. It is however, very important for all of us to play our own part as Prophet Ibrahim did many centuries ago", said Ambode.

Ambode stressed that his administration will ensure that dividend of good governance is evenly and fairly distributed in line with his pledge not to leave any part of the state behind.

According to the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami, the Ambode led administration has been an impactful one. "We want you to support the governor and his team in order to take Lagos to a greater height and to also deliver the dividends of democracy at the grassroot level."

On his part, Chairman of Agege LGA, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi appreciated the gathering for holding firm to the pillar of unity and religious tolerance. He admonished them to keep their environment clean and safe for healthy living. He encouraged them to take good care of their children and try to engage them gainfully at the free vocational centre provided by the council.

While delivering his speech, Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde made it known that Agege and Orile Agege Muslim and Christian Community have been enjoying peaceful co-existence adding that his administration would continue to preach peace for greater Agege LGA and Orile Agege LCDA.

Like the previous year, Islamic Quiz and Quran competitions were held as part of the activities marking the event. Abdullah Rasaq emerged 1st while Fathia Olayemi and Ismail Nusayba took the 2nd and 3rd position respectively in the Quiz competition. Also, Keshinro Abubakar came 1st, Sofia Ajala emerged 2nd and Animashaun Raman picked the 3rd prize in the in the Quranic Competition.

Apart from the exquisite delicacies and assorted drinks provided in abundance for the people at the event, there were various Islamic singers on the band stand ditching out songs with their sonorous voices. Also, the gathering provided avenue for the grassroot to mingle with the political class. Moreover, there was high level of networking and exchange of ideas among the people.

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.”

Why We Spearhead Inauguration of VPS - Baale Gbogunleri Isale-Oja, Alh. Rasheed Kuku

The inauguration of Voluntary Policing Sector (VPS) -

It is imperative for us to consider the best way to protect ourselves. The then DPO of Iso-Ikoko police station, Monday Agbonika brought the initiative which was later embraced by Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. However, as God would have it; Agbogunleri Isale Oja community embraced the initiative because it came in the way that we have always wanted to protect ourselves.

The policemen cannot afford to protect all of us at the same time. We felt it is time for the neighbourhood to help ourselves in ensuring safety of lives and properties. It is obvious that before you even get to the police station during distress, it might be difficult but if the neighbourhood is composed and secured, evil perpetrators will be scared off. This is the reason why we inaugurated the Voluntary Policing Sector (VPS) to serve as our community's watchdog.