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Tag: Lagos

  • Senate confirms 8 REC nominees, steps down Lagos, Kebbi, candidates

    The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mrs Asmanu Maikudi from Katsina State and seven others as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC).

    Other nominees, who were equally confirmed are, Mr Sam Olumekun from Ondo State, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu from Sokoto State, Mr Kassim Geidam from Yobe and Jibrin Zarewa from Kano State.

    Prof. Samuel Egwu from Kogi, Mr Mike Igini from Delta and Abdulganiyu Raji from Oyo State were also confirmed.

    The upper chamber, however, stepped down consideration of Amb. Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Dr Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi) and Ahmad Mahmud (Zamfara).

    It also rejected the nomination of Prof. Mustapha Zubairu of Niger on the ground that he came from the same geo-political zone with Mohammed Haruna, the Federal Commissioner, representing North Central in INEC.

    This decision of the senate followed the report of the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented by its Chairman, Sen. Suleiman Nazif.

    The decision of the chamber to step down the confirmation of Akeju was sequel to a Point-of-Order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Biodun Olujimi, on a court judgment against his appointment.

    Displaying a copy of the judgment, she warned that confirming the nominee would amount to a negation of the powers of the judiciary.

    On the nominees from Kebbi and Zamfara, the senate said that there were issues on their cases that needed to be further investigated.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, charged the successful nominees to contribute their quota to transform election process in the country.

    He said that their appointment was timely as it would have positive impact on elections in the country.

    “The newly confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners are people of high integrity, disciplined and full of patriotism.

    So, we expect that the gains recorded by INEC in the previous elections should be surpassed.

    “The timetable recently released by INEC for 2019 general elections is timely and this will give the newly-appointed RECs an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the previous elections.

    “On our part as a Senate, our committee is working on the amendment of the Electoral Act to further complement the electoral body,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the Senate had, prior to the confirmation of the RECs, clarified that it had not changed its resolution not to consider presidential requests for confirmation on areas not specified in the Constitution.

    It stated that it would maintain the position until judicial interpretation was made on those areas.

    This followed a Point of Order by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe.

    Whiling citing Order 43, he said that he was taken aback when he read in the newspapers that the Senate had reversed its resolution on confirmation of certain executive nominations.

    On that, Saraki said, “this institution has great respect on the resolutions that we pass here as a body.

    “We will never go against our resolutions. If you can recollect, what we said is explicitly stated in the Constitution in Section 153 or even section 171.

    “Ambassadorial and ministerial appointments are the only ones that we will continue to consider.

    “Those are ambassadors, ministers and others bodies, specified in the Constitution.

    “The National Assembly will not consider anyone outside the specified agencies, and INEC is among those bodies that are in section 153, which we will consider their nominations.

    “This is just to assure you that we have not shifted ground on this resolution.

    “Please discard what you read from the newspapers and be guided that as presiding officers we respect the law,’’ he said.

    In another development, the National Information and Intelligence Database Bill, 2017 scaled first reading at the plenary.

    The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi(APC-Kaduna), is aimed at making the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit(NFIU) autonomous of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    It is part of effort to lift the suspension of Nigeria from EGMONT, an international Financial Intelligence Group.

     

  • LASG to connect Ikorodu with Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    The Lagos State Government says it has started the “long awaited road project,” which will connect the Agric area of Ikorodu to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway through the Arepo area of Ogun State.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday on the road in the Agric area of Ikorodu, requested support and cooperation of community leaders.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, Rotimi Ogunleye, said the government had also approved the reconstruction of Igbe/Igbogbo/Bola Tinubu network of roads.

    He said, “The Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road will have a link bridge that will connect the state to the Ogun State boundary, which will link the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.”

    Ambode said the road would be a dual carriageway, with lay-bys in some areas, adding that the road would serve as another link to Sagamu.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Temidayo Erinle, said the first phase of the road construction would begin 400 metres from the Ikorodu Road at Agric bus stop, with a total length of over seven kilometres.

    He said there would be 10 lay-bys and bus stops on the road, with traffic signalisation at necessary intersections along the corridor and street lighting, and construction of drains to control storm water.

    The Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, who also represents Ikorodu I constituency, Sanai Agunbiade, commended the governor for opening up the communities, adding that the construction of the road would ease traffic movement along the corridor.

    The Managing Director of Hitech Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Mr. Evan Becker, said the project would include four pedestrian bridges at strategic locations.

  • 30,000 policemen, others set for Lagos LG election

    30,000 policemen, others set for Lagos LG election

    In preparation for the Lagos State Local Government, LG elections, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday, announced that 30,000 police personnel and other security agencies would provide security during the July 22 LG poll in the state.

    Owoseni disclosed the figure while briefing newsmen on plans for the election and other activities of the command.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission will on July 22, 2017, conduct election into 20 local government councils and 37 local council development areas of the state.

    The commissioner said that all sister security agencies, including the military, would carry out their constitutional roles during the election.

    “We have identified the black spots in the state where we think we need more men. The police and other security agencies have met and inter-agency’s consultative committee on the election was put in place.

    “All is now set for the election by all security agencies. There will be a capacity building programme for all security agencies to educate them of what is expected of them on the election day.

    “There will be interactive session for political parties’ candidates contesting for them to do an undertaking.

    “We hereby warn all elements planning to foment trouble during the election to have a rethink.

    “All security agencies have vowed to ensure that the election is devoid of violence. We urge all to play the game according to electoral laws.

    “Anyone that dares to foment trouble will have him/herself to blame. They will be made to face the full weight of the law,” Owoseni warned.

    He assured the public that the police would carry out their duties properly, stressing that all unprofessional conduct would be dealt with.

    (NAN)

  • Osibanjo advocates proper waste collection, disposal in Lagos

    The Managing Director of Jawura Environmental Services Ltd., Prof. Oladele Osibanjo, on Tuesday called for proper collection and disposal of waste in Lagos.

    Osibanjo made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

    According to him, 70 per cent of flooding problems in the state is as a result of waste blocking the drainage systems, thereby obstructing free flow of water when it is raining.

    “A lot of solid waste is generated daily in Lagos, almost millions of metric tons monthly.

    “Unfortunately, less than 50 per cent of these waste generated are collected because of inadequate access roads and people leaving refuse in unauthorised places, especially on road sides and median.

    “As the waste is not properly collected, it scatters all over the place and ends up inside the drainage systems and channels when it rains.

    “Once the drainage systems are not flowing properly, any torrential rainfall will cause flooding,’’ he said.

    Osibanjo said that the Lagos State Government should apply strictly the “Polluter Pays Principle’’ to ensure that every generator of waste paid for it.

    He said the companies that manufacture most of the waste materials should see the Polluter Pay Principle as social responsibility.

    Osibanjo said that 60 per cent of waste generated were biodegradable, adding that they could be converted to energy and fertilizer.

    He said that the government should see waste management as a resource and create the enabling environment for private sector to come in and utilise those resources.

    Osibanjo, an environmentalist, said that the waste disposal method too was not environmentally friendly.

    He said that waste had value which could be used to create and generate employment among youths.

    The professor, President of Waste Management Society of Nigeria (WAMASON), said that once the state got the proper collection of waste right, the other aspects would be easy to tackle.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the severe flooding recorded at Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki axis that on July 7, was partly due to refuse blocking the drainage systems.

    Osibanjo said that some of the waste that caused the severe flooding recorded in Lagos on July 7 was now on the sides of the roads.

    He explained that the flood had receded but that the stench coming from the refuse areas could cause health challenges.

    Osibanjo said there had to be a paradigm shift and awareness creation for people to know that if waste was not managed properly, it could pose health challenges for them.

     

     

     

    NAN

  • Lagos launches community TV to scale up grassroots development

    …Seeks active participation of CDCs, CDAs, others

    The Lagos State Government on Monday unveiled a new television programme tagged ‘Lagos Community Updates’ to advance development at the grassroots and engender active participation of the people at the local level in governance.

    Speaking at the unveiling held at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Communities and Communications, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the programme, which is billed to commence next Monday, would serve as a veritable platform for people at the grassroots to get first-hand information about activities of government, and also serve as a feedback mechanism for government to know the plight of the people.

    He said the programme would also assist government and the private sector to know about the activities of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) who have initiated projects on their own but require intervention to complete such projects.

    According to Bamigbetan, “The programme is first to bring to public limelight the activities of CDAs in terms of their initiatives for self-help and the way they are taking ownership of the projects and programmes of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode because the Governor has expressed his desire to partner with CDAs and CDCs in areas where they require support and collaboration.

    “By developing a medium that is able to do this, we enable the government to also have first-hand-knowledge of the efforts of the communities and therefore enable government and the private sector to intervene. Many corporate organisations have funds for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects but they do not know where to channel those funds and by bringing up these communities who have initiated projects on their own but require assistance to complete the projects, we allow the private sector to have an inkling into where they can direct their resources in terms of CSR.

    “Through the programme, we will also let the government know that the job they have been doing also requires extra efforts because we will bring to the government the people who have initiated projects and want to partner with the government,” he said.

    He said aside from the showing of the programme on television, all the social media platforms have also been activated to promote the programme with the view to making the people aware of its existence.

    He, however, urged all CDAs and CDCs in the State as well as the generality of the people to take ownership and full advantage of the initiative, and assist government in scaling up development, especially at the grassroots.

    On his part, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde said the State Government was delighted to come up with the programme, which he said, would go round all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the State to showcase the activities of government and equally facilitate feedback.

    Also, Chairman of Ojokoro CDC, Alhaji Amusat Azeez said it was gratifying that a programme which would help to highlight the plight of the people at the local level was coming into fruition in the State, just as he expressed optimism that the programme would help the State Government to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

    “Governor Ambode is a Governor of the people who is always willing to help the people and I am sure when he sees the plight of the people through this programme, he will adequately respond to the interest of the people,” Azeez said.

  • LG Election: Lagos Govt announces restriction of movement

    LG Election: Lagos Govt announces restriction of movement

    The Lagos State Government has announced restriction of vehicular movement on Saturday July 22, in view of the local government elections holding the state.

    The elections will hold across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

    Mr Steve Ayorinde, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in a statement on Sunday said that the restriction of movement would be enforced between 8a.m and 2pm.

    He said that the step was to allow for a smooth conduct of the polls and unhindered participation.

    Ayorinde urged residents to be peaceful and orderly on Saturday as they cast their votes in their respective wards for chairmen and councilors who were expected to drive development at the third tier of government.

    He said that the election would bring on board a new set of public officers for the next four years at the local government level.

    According to him, the restriction will allow the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and the security agencies to distribute electoral materials in good time and ensure the sanctity of free and fair electoral process.

    “The police and other security agencies are ready to ensure that the electioneering campaign and the voting on Saturday are conducted smoothly without public disturbance.

    “Every political party, candidates and their supporters, and the general public are hereby assured of safety throughout the period of voting and collation.

    “However, the government solicits the cooperation of voters and the general public by obeying the restriction order and the general electoral rules in order to ensure a peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections,” Ayorinde said.

    LASIEC had last week announced that 12 parties would participate in the July 22 election.

    It listed the parties as: All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, Kowa Party, National Action Council (NAC), People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), United Democratic Party (UDP) and United Progressive Party (UPP).

    The electoral body had also displayed the list of validated candidates for the election at its headquarters.

     

     

    NAN

     

  • No plans to postpone Lagos council polls – LASIEC

    No plans to postpone Lagos council polls – LASIEC

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) says it has no plan to postpone the July 22 council polls.

    The Chairman of LASIEC, retired Justice Ayotunde Phillips, said on Saturday that rather than shift the election, preparations had been intensified to ensure that the exercise was successfully conducted.

    The commission is also stepping up awareness to mobilise voters for the elections, she said in a statement by Mr Dapo Olatunde, the Director of Publicity of LASIEC.

    She explained that LASIEC had just concluded the training of its electoral officers on effective election management and administration as part of the preparations.

    In addition, the ex-Chief Judge of the state, said ad-hoc staffers were being trained on how to discharge their duties efficiently during the election.

    Phillips promised that the commission would “go extra mile” to meet the expectations of the people of credible elections on July 22.

    On the litigation against the commission by the Labour Party over its decision not to use card readers, she said:“LASIEC will have to wait for court pronouncement for next line of action.

    According to her, the commission is also awaiting the court’s verdict on the suit instituted against it by National Conscience Party (NCP) over “imposition of administrative fees”.

    Phillips noted that the party did not obtain the nomination forms for its candidates as a result of the fees and did not also participate in the recent screening and validation of candidates.

    The chairman urged the electorate to participate actively in the political process, saying it is through participation that they can elect quality leadership at the grassroots.

     

     

    NAN

     

  • Cut 1 tree, plant 5, Lagos Commissioner warns residents

    The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Samuel Adejare, on Friday, warned residents of the state that anyone caught felling a tree without permission would be made to plant five, among other penalties.

    Adejare said this at the annual tree planting campaign held at the 9 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.

    TheNews reports that the Campaign theme for the year is “Think Green, Plant Trees, Live Green.’’

    The exercise was organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).

    Adejare, represented by the Head, Public Affairs Unit, LASPARK, Mrs Tejumade Olufemi, reiterated that it was an offence to cut trees without permission in the state.

    He said that quite a number of persons had been arrested for cutting trees without permission, and the offenders had equally been asked to replant trees as their punishment.

    “What we do, first and foremost, is to write letter of warnings to the offender, and if they continue in the act, then they will be arrested and taken to mobile courts.

    “Another one is that when you fell one tree, you plant five and we see to it that the trees are nurtured to life,’’ he said.

    Adejare, however, said that residents could seek permission from LASPARK if they had any reason to fell a tree.

    The commissioner said there was an ongoing sensitisation exercise to let people know the advantages of planting trees.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State said at the event that the government was embarking on a tree planting campaign as part of its efforts to sustain healthy living for residents.

    The governor, represented by the Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu, said: “As at today, over six million trees have been planted state wide.

    “To mark this year’s tree planting day, we are adding another 500, 000 trees which will be planted simultaneously in 78 locations across the state.

    “Trees are essential to human existence as they provide food, shelter, remedy for ill health and source of energy and also help to control storm water runoffs, noise pollution and prevent desert encroachment.”

    Ambode noted that planting of trees would not only be an option, but a strategy that must be embraced by all.

    “I have directed that Parks and Gardens Unit be resuscitated in all the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 Local Council Development Areas to complement LASPARK.

    “In addition, 570 newly trained youths have been empowered to jump-start the greening programme at the local government level,” he said.

    Ambode called on private developers in the state to support the campaign by desisting from massive deforestation in the name of site clearance for infrastructural development.

    NAN reports that three trees were planted at the 9 Brigade Headquarters as part of the programme.

     

     

    NAN

  • Lagos crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability, growth – World Bank

    …We’re evolving a viable transportation system, says Gov. Ambode

     

    The World Bank on Thursday said that the role of Lagos to Nigeria’s stability and growth could not be overemphasized, as the State remains the economic gateway to the country and for the rest of the world.

    Country Director of World Bank, Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud who spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House in Ikeja, said the giant strides being recorded by the present administration in the State had received global attention, adding that the World Bank was proud to be part of the transformation.

    “Nigeria needs Lagos, Lagos is a huge part of the growth for the country and the growth is about job creation and stability of the country. We are really honored to have been your partner and we would be honoured to continue the partnership.

    “We really acknowledge the national, regional and local importance of Lagos being the gateway to Nigeria and for the rest of the world. There is a success story that is being told not only in Nigeria but globally and that success story is really thanks to the leadership that you (Ambode) brings in with a clarity of vision and also the speed by which you take decisions and implement programmes and projects,” Benmessaoud said.

    He attested to the fact that the engagements the World Bank have had with Lagos have been unique in Nigeria, noting that as the existing partnerships were coming to a close, they were looking at other opportunities to build on the positive momentum and partner the State on its urban regeneration drive.

    “We are closing our ongoing portfolio which is very small right now, we would very much like to support you and go for the next generation of programmes that are responsive for your vision. We are very pleased to partner with you as you set an agenda for a transformative State,”

    He said the visit to the Governor, therefore, was to explore ways to build on the existing partnerships in the areas of transportation, energy and the environment towards meeting the growing demands of residents as well as attract more investors into the State.

    “The objective of the visit is to maintain and capitalize on the positive momentum that we have created through our partnership over many years and also to see how we can leverage that partnership in helping you, supporting you achieving your vision for the urban transformation in Lagos State that will enable you to create a livable city, bringing more jobs that will not only retain and expand the existing businesses but also attract new businesses and generate more revenue for the State and attracting the private sector,” he said.

    Responding, Governor Ambode thanked the World Bank for their partnership over the years, noting that they have contributed immensely to the success story of Lagos State, especially in the transportation sector.

    Alluding to the fact that Lagos was the first State in Nigeria to receive budget support from the World Bank, the Governor commended the successful execution of the three Development Policy Operations (DPOs), saying that the State has been able to show evidence that the partnership had been very successful.

    “It’s been very fruitful and we’ve become totally responsive to ensure that whatever it is that we are getting in terms of support from multilateral institutions, we show credibility also to show that we plan well for such support and we are willing to also continue to abide by international standard to ensure that whatever it is we are getting as support, it is used for the common good of every citizen in Lagos which is the whole essence of service,” the Governor said.

    Governor Ambode also said that his administration has fashioned out a work plan to integrate water, rail and road transport system to evolve a viable means through Lagosians can commute within the State with ease.

    “I think the new sets of proposal are the kind of strategy we should put for Lagos State and that’s what this visit speaks to. I will like to see a strong support in the transport sector, so that we have support for water, rail and other infrastructure that goes with it. Like I said, we already have a work plan that integrates the three together which we would share with the World Bank and also improve on our discussions in terms of advisory management, financing and also different kind of support that ultimately help us to deliver the dividends of democracy that we actually promised our people.

    “We are very serious that we want to improve on transportation, improve on environment and also power because we believe that’s the whole essence of making the State investor friendly.

    We have improved a lot on security and we just think that moving 23 million people on a daily basis in a comfortable way would mean that we will have to integrate our transport management system in such a way that you can move actually on water, using the rail also and then the road,” he said.

  • I left Lagos because of the existence of cliques- Jeremiah Gyang

    Former Chocolate City artiste, Jeremiah Gyang has opened up on the reasons why he left Lagos where his music career was thriving for Jos.

    The singer, whose hit song Na Ba Ka ruled the airwaves for several years said: “I have been living and working in Jos these past years. As you can see, I am quite busy doing my thing around the North. I had to leave the entertainment scene in Lagos and return to the North because I was tired of trying to seek favour from some of the key players in the music industry.”

     

    Explaining further, he said a lot of musicians in Lagos are getting attached to the cliques within the entertainment industry.

    Hear him:”It seems as if a lot of musicians in Lagos are getting attached to cliques within the entertainment industry and if you do not belong to such groups, you won’t get far. Since I came to the show business terrain there with my brothers from the North and I fell out with them.

     

    “Of course, nobody would admit me into their camp. There was no need for me to continue to stay in Lagos because I felt that I was wasting my time. I had to go to somewhere else that I would be relevant. Eventually I found relevance here in the North,” he said.