When Governor Akinwunmi Ambode stepped into office exactly one year ago, many doubting Thomases, who believed that no one could surpass the records of achievement by the immediate past Governor, Babatunde Fashola, did not give Ambode any chance of performing at all. These sceptics summarily concluded that the new Governor will fail from the onset.
But there is a saying that the hood does not make the monk, and also the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Ambode has kept surprising everyone, especially the critics and the skeptics.
Less than five months in office, Ambode launched the biggest spending ever in the State’s history, on security buying ordinances/equipment worth over N4billion to beef up security in the State and to guarantee a conducive environment the citizens and investors.
This ambitious project is bigger than the total spending on security by previous administrations in their entire tenures.
Soon after, the new Governor turned his attention to the road sector and made the boldest decision outside the ones Fashola’s administration did in building the Mile 12 – Ikorodu and the Marina to Mile 2 light rail projects.
Ambode announced recently that a memorandum of understuding has been signed for the construction of the much talked about 4th Mainland Bridge, which will join Ajah to Ikorodu.
His administration embarked upon a unique project called 114 roads, whereby each of the fifty seven (57) local government areas/local council development areas will get two good roads built,to be completed by the end of May 2016. These 114 roads cost the state N15billion.
Ambode is not yet done. He has unveiled a plan for the construction of Epe to Ikorodu highway via Itoikin road under the Public Private Partnership arrangement. The road will attract toll fees by users.
The silent working Governor is not done yet. He has become the light of Lagos, determined to make the State work day and night by lighting up almost all the streets and roads in the nooks and crannies of the State.
This light-up project is to put the mega city state of Lagos at bar with world capitals such as Paris, London, Washington/New York, Moscow, Berlin etc, where every corner is illuminated to enable close circuit Television cameras to function effectively.
Who will believe that anyone outside Tinubu and Fashola could embark on such robust capital projects all within one year in office? From the constituency he served the state, Ambode decided to put his searchlight on them also. He knows that the civil service is the engine room of governance and that without their cooperation, not much can be achieved. He decided to please them by approving payment of their leave bonus/benefits.
It is true that some civil servants alleged that he was the one who stopped this benefit during Fashola regime before he left the service, but he has proved that even if the allegation is true, there is always room for redress and for change.
Other expectations of the civil servants are also being considered. Governor Ambode has assured them that he has to work first and produce results for the entire staff; then he can revisit his important constituency. In the meantime, the Governor has ensured that civil servants are paid their salaries as at when due (promptly and cheerfully) I remember the governor telling me during my recent visit to his office in connection with both the state anniversary and the anniversary of Oriwu Sun that if only the state work force will be patient, they will enjoy by the time he settles down in office.
A sign of this good gesture is the one he showed in the health sector where he gave medical Directors of Government hospitals brand new cars and ambulances to enhance their work.
Ambode is not a noise making Governor. He is not loud mouthed, boasting and praising himself. He chooses to be a silent achiever, allowing others to assess his performance. Perhaps, this is the reason he prefers to sit down and work in his office, poring over heaps of files and issues to be attended to and sending his commissioners to commission projects and represent him at important occasions.
But in this month of May, he visited many parts of the State. (See pages)
One unique thing about Ambode is his religiosity. He is a God fearing leader, who is compassionate, especially for the poor and the less privileged. It must be for this reason he set up the Civic Engagement Ministry to provide outlets, funds and help to people who have genuine needs.
This paper believes that Ambode is a Governor, who will make positive history with time. He has not been granting press interviews as some people would want. He pushes forward his team mates in the Exco and works behind. This humble aspect of him, despite the gigantic achievements he has recorded in one year, compelled this newspaper to go into the book of records to chronicle his outstanding stewardship account in his one year in office.
Can we ignore that he rolled out fifty (50) new BRT buses to add to the fleet of over four hundred (400) in service, all to cushion the effect of the recent removal of oil subsidy and consequent jump in fuel pump price from N87 to N145 per litre?
Impressed by the tremendous efforts of this unassuming governor, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Oriwu Sun, Mr. Chuma Adichie, assisted by Associate Editor, Mr. Festus Ezema, and News Editor, Alhaji Muftau Jimoh provided this special supplement for a free flowing overview of the achievements of Ambode to mark his first year in office.
Enjoy the account.
PUBLIC SECURITY AND SAFETY
In less than six months in office, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode launched the most ambitious and audacious project to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of Lagosians.
The multi-billion naira programme was like equipping a sophisticated army getting ready for war. Of course, it came in the heels of new security challenges across the state.
The new administration acquired ten (10) armoured tanks, three helicopters for aerial surveillance and policing of the state, two gun boats, fifteen armoured personnel carriers and multiples of Isuzu trucks.
When the federal government found it difficult to provide arms, ammunitions and equipment to combat terrorism and insecurity in the country, which culminated in the recent . Dasuki arms gate, Lagos State government, under the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not waste time nor squander funds to provide necessary materials needed to serve the state. The government procured with speed 100 brand new power bikes, 100 4-door salon cars, 55Ford Range pick-up, ten Toyota land cruiser pick-ups and BMW power bikes, not for the luxury of legislators, executive council members or senior police officers, but for field operations to ensure that Lagos is safe for its citizens.
To promote the work of Special Operation Service (SOS), equivalent to United States Special Forces, the Ambode’s administration purchased 100 brand new squad cars with which the SOS is expected to co-ordinate community policing with the Rapid Response Squad and other security outfits.
The government, during this period, also procured revolving lights, siren and public address system as well as vehicular radio communicators and other security gadgets as bullet proof vests, helmets, handcuffs and uniforms.
To motivate the security personnel in the state, the government improved the insurance and death benefit schemes and paid one million naira each to two deceased officers of the Rapid Response Squad, who lost their lives in active service.
The government also strengthened and rebranded the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in order to give the squad a new identity for effective and efficient service delivery.
Other components of this massive security package, unveiled by Ambode late last year, include the establishment of integrated security and emergency control platform and the construction of police stations at Isheri in order to enhance the security of people in that axis.
Impressed by the honest and dedicated commitment of the new administration towards effective security, over one billion naira was realized as donations at a forum, which attracted members of the corporate world and respected members of the society to enhance security apparatus in the State.
LIGHT UP LAGOS PROJECT
To make Lagos State a mega city that works for 24 hours and a garden city of excellence, where optional productivity can be engineered, the Ambode’s administration is pursuing another gigantic effort to light up the entire state.
His philosophy seems to be that if the state is well lit up, crime will reduce, and people will be encouraged to work round the clock unleashing great potentials and high productivity.
To these end, the government commissioned a community electrification project connecting 68 communities in Ibeju Lekki/Odeomi and environs to the national grid.
The government, within the past year, lit up 365 streets across the state (an average of one street per day). These streets include Ogudu road, Maidan – Agiliti road; Ajelogo market street; Agboyi/Kola Iyamore street, Brook Estate, Off CMD road, Magodo; Hassan Street and Adebanwo street all within Kosofe LGA.
Other streets benefitting from this light-up project are Idayatu Sana/Mabadeje/Unmi/Karounwi street, Ikorodu, Awolowo I and II road, Ikorodu; Ring road, Imota, Ikorodu , Ikorodu to Lagos Island, Ikorodu road (Jibowu to Maryland), (Ikorodu LGA); Basorun Akilo and Akanni streets, Bariga; Akirini street/Adenuga Kajero, Oluwadare Somolu LGA); CMD road, Ikorsi – Ketu; Oregun road, Oregun; Mushin –Oshodi – Ikeja.
Penetrating both the highbrow and the nooks and crannies of the state, the following streets also embraced the light-up campaign: Maduike street; Raymond Njoku street Awolowo Road; Polo Club, Ikoyi; Muson road, Onikan; Onikan Under-bridge (all in Eti-Osa LGA); Adeniran Ogunsanya, Bode Thomas, Rosanwo street, Tejuosho road/Olajuwon street, in Surulere LGA.
The popular Mobolaji Bank Anthony road, Iju road, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Eko Bridge, Oke-Olowogbowo, Elegbata, Green Poles (Alapafuja to Apongbon by the bridge), Lagos Island, and Third Mainland Bridge, Oba Ogunji Road, Capitol road in Agege, Ile Zik Bus stop inward Iyana Dopemu, Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway, Murtala Muhammed Way, Jibowu, Commercial Avenue, Aje street, Hussey and Alakija street, Yaba, were all lit up.
To actualize and activate these vast networks of street lights, some of which are in rural communities, the state government commissioned the 33KVA electricity substation in Gberigbe community in Ikorodu division.
To compliment the Light-up Lagos Scheme, the government embarked upon the installation of transformers to several communities in the state, which hitherto had been in darkness.
From all of these provisions, one could see the strategic relationship between providing security and lighting up the environment (the city) to enable security men and the citizens to combat crime.
WOOING INVESTORS
Confident that it had taken adequate security measures to make Lagos state a safe place to live in and invest in, the government went out this past year to woo both local and foreign investors. The government is not resting on its oars, knowing that Lagos is the most industrialized in the country. Hence, it seeks new opportunities, diversifications and expansion to create jobs for its people and generate more income for capital development.
The government carried out the official launch of Lagos Global website (www.Lagos global.org) to put the state in the internet hotlines and online platform for business and commercial activities.
Then, the state met with and held robust bilateral discussions with a number of countries, governments, corporate entities and investors.
These contacts include the one with the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Andrezj Dycha, and with officials of the European Union (EU) as well as with Chief Executive Officers of some Polish Businesses.
The Namibia President, Dr. Hage Geingoband, also had discussions with the state government on crucial areas, just as the government met with the Lord Mayor of the city of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow.
In meeting these potential investors, the Ambode’s administration is convinced that the economic life and transactions in Lagos have far gone beyond what can be limited to day time alone. Hence, the night component should be fully developed.
The government is aware that once an investor is assured that the operating environment is safe, secure, all day, all night and well lit, a viable market, abundant human capital and the assurance of more investors will be guaranteed.
Since Lagos is determined to be a global player as the 5th largest economic block in Africa, the state is well positioned to attract and retain investments from across the globe.
Other bilateral talks were held with the Ambassador of the United States, James F. Entwistle and with the Italian Ambassador, Fulvio Rustico. The Chinese, who are dominant players across the globe, also had useful investment talks with Lagos State through their Consulate General in Nigeria, Mr. Kan Liu.
The government also developed project proposal templates and sensitized MDA’s on the creation and mandate of the office on March 17, 2016. It evaluated 68 proposals from investors and engaged in ongoing discussion with investors and MDAs on the development of Marina strip. Also, the government customized GEMS pipeline tracker (excel based tracker) to manage investment pipeline.
Within this period, the administration hosted several other groups of local and foreign investors, including the President of Dangote group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote as well as investors from Dubai, USA, and envoys from EU countries and countries of the Middle East.
Among the investors from Europe are the ones from the United Kingdom, who are exploring various business opportunities in the state. About 22 foreign investors are currently exploring the areas of transportation, environmental management, energy, information technology etc., which will further boost the state’s economy and create employment opportunities.
ROAD DEVELOPMENT
No administration can get an applause from Lagosians without addressing the issue of infrastructural deficits, especially the area of new road construction and rehabilitation of existing ones.
From the administrations of Asiwaju Tinubu to that of Fashola, the APC led governments of Lagos State have laid emphasis on road projects investing so heavily in them. One of the biggest in this sector is the Mile 12 to Ikorodu expanded highway with world class facilities bought at nearly N30billion and commissioned by Governor Ambode in November 2015.
With a huge population approximating 20million, the mega city state of Lagos has inexhaustible demand for good roads. There is a direct correlation between investment in infrastructure development and the rate of economic growth. This accounts for the resolve of the Lagos State government to build world class roads that are enduring. It is not surprising, therefore, that the works and infrastructure ministry consumes the bulk of the capital vote every year.
The state government undertook, within this past one year to rehabilitate a vast number of roads across its territory. It embarked on what it called “Operation fix all potholes”, which entailed the rehabilitation of over 350 roads in the state.
These roads include Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, Mongoro – Cement – Dopemu Underbridge axis; Ijaiye road, Moses Adedayo stree, Ojodu; Oba Akran Avenue, Ogba, Charity /Olayiwola/Olaniyi road network, Abule Egba; Ipakodo – to Ijede road, Isawo road, Ikorodu; Ikotun – Ijegun road, Okekoto axis, Agege; Epe – Ijebu Ode road; Odunmola Poka/College Road junction axis, Ado Road, Ajah; Obalende bridge, descent inward NIPOST, Lekki-Epe expressway, Elemoro – Abijo axis; Billings way, Oregun; Ashabi Cole street, Alausa; Abdul Quadri – Adebiyi street, Magogo Phase II.
During this period, the popular Ago palace Way was completed. The dual carriage way in Okota, Isolo met the expectation of the people and the government. Other roads completed include the Ikotun – Egbe – Iyana Ejigbo road as well as the Mosholashi – Ayobo – Ipaja road and also the Ajasa Command road.
Another remarkable attempt to challenge the demand for more roads by Lagosian was the initiation of “Operation 114” geared towards construction of two roads in each of the 57 local government and local council development areas in the state. This noble project is scheduled to cost N17.5billion and is still ongoing across the state.
Also ongoing is the construction of fly overs across two state high traffic zones, namely Ajah roundabout in the Central Senatorial district and Abule Egba junction in the West Senatorial zone.
As demand for roads grow, so also are demands for flyovers and pedestrian crossing over high speed road lanes. Of course, the days of metallic or steel flyovers, the type built along Ikorodu road at Ojota, Palmgrove, Onipanu are gone. Today, steward concrete flyovers for pedestrian is the vogue; hence, government is currently constructing about ten pedestrian bridges across the state.
They include Olopomeji, Oworoshoki, Kosofe LGA, Mile 12 bus stop in Kosofe LGA, Ijaiye Bus stop, Igbobi bus stop along Ikorodu road, Iddo bus stop along Muritala Muhammed way, Ile-Epo Bus stop along Lagos – Abeokuta expressway, Loco bus stop along Muritala Muhammed Way, Berger Cement Bus stop, across Apapa – Oshodi expressway and the Berger Ojodu expressway along Lagos – Ibadan expressway.
Other notable road projects executed this past year include replacement of worn-out bridge expansion joints within the metropolis. They include Oke-Afa/Egbe bridge, Dopemu bridge, Iyana/Ipaja bridge, Alhaji Masha bridge, and Eko bridge. Other concerted efforts in the road sector include the construction of Ijegun- Isheri Osun – Isolo (Jakande Estate) road; dualization and improvement of Isheri Olofin – Iba Ojo (LASU) road, Phase II; reconstruction of Lagos –Badagry carriage way, (Lot I and 2A); reconstruction of Gaskiya College road/Sari-Iganmu road; upgrading of roads within Apapa Central Business District, in Apapa LGA, (Marine Road, Bombay, Crescent – Randle road, Ibikunle Akintoye street, Commercial Road, Burma road, Plateau road, Zeek (Ado) Avenue, Marine Road Extension and connector road: Bombay Crescent, to Calcutta Road Phase III.
Also of importance is the construction of Aradagun – Iworo Ajido Phase I, Bridge (only section I) and construction of Afromedia Adaloko road Phase I. Along the wester – axis is the reconstruction of the Mushin – Isolo road.
In many states, these massive road efforts would easily be noticed but not Lagos State, where the city hides government efforts unless you shout out.
Infrastructural development is a critical pillar in promoting socio-economic development; hence, the state government attaches great importance to maintaining existing structures and facilities as well as construction of new ones.
While some public building are being constructed, others are being renovated. These include the Ayinke House (Maternity Complex at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the construction of the Model Magistrate and High Court complex at Ajegunle, Ajah – Badore and Badagry, the multi-Agency office within the secretariat complex, Alausa, and the 6- floor multi level car park facility building at Onikan, Lagos Island.
Away from infrastructural maintenance, and back to the cardinal focus of every administration in Lagos State, which is good roads, the State government awarded 80 grading and surface dressing projects in various LGAs/LCDA’s. This is in recognition of the commencement of the wet season. Out of these 80 projects, 61 have been completed while 19 are at various stages of completion.
Two flyover bridges have been awarded, which are reinforced concrete two lane dual carriage flyover and solar powered signalized intersection along Maroko/Epe expressway at Ajah intersection, Eti-Osa LGA, and reinforced concrete dual carriage flyover along Lagos –Abeokuta expressway at old Abeokuta road/Abule Egba intersection, Alimosho LGA.
The state government undertook the rehabilitation/upgrading of Brown street Oshodi/Isolo LGA and the construction of Freedom Road to Admiralty Way, off Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe Experesway –Eti- Osa LGA – Lagos Road, Epe (Oke – Osho)/T junction /Aiyetoro roundabout) – Epe LGA.
Also in the same Epe axis, the government rehabilitated Professor Agbalajobi road (Aiyetoro Garage – Ita Opo – Itamarun – Ottin) in Epe LGA.
Furthermore, the government addressed a network of roads (Group A) in Oloja Estate (Bature/Otunba Adeniyi/Omotayo/Uthman Mustapha/Adekunle Rahman/Ishawu Owolabi – all in Epe LGA.
In other parts of the state, the government undertook other maintenance and palliative measures to address road challenges. The ones that benefitted from these interventions include Akanni Doherty street, Ogba; Oba Akran Avenue, Ladipo Oluwole street, Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja; Old Abeokuta road, Agege inward and outward, Abule Egba; Yisa Oladimeji street, Ifako; Iju road, Eliot Inward, Fagba Oko-oba road, Agege; Akilo road inward Oba Akran, Agege; Alfa-Nla, Oke-koto, Agege; Rafiu Williams road, Bank Olemoh Street, Ayinde Giwa in Surulere and Bajulaiye and George/Boyle street in Somolu.
Other beneficiaries of government intervention are Ilasamaja/DaSilva/Iyalla/Alafia/Cameroon, Mushin; Julius Elebiju, Ketu Makoko road, Yaba; Tapa street, Lagos Island; Agbede/Transformer road, Ikorodu, Uraka street, Epe, and Old Ojo road, Ojo.
The government also completed rehabilitation work on Acme inward Akilo, Ogba, Alfa-Nla, Oke-koto, Agege; CIPM road, Alausa, Ikeja; Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Ikotun, Ijegun and several other roads at various stages of completion.
The mega city state of Lagos, as one of the most populated cities of the world, an economic hub in the West African Sub region, an industrial giant, a huge market place, a transportation center and a financial complex, all combine to make the State a tourist attraction and destination.
At a time Nigeria’s dependence on oil has collapsed, Lagos State is in the lead to embrace tourism, arts and culture as alternative source of revenue to oil.
The Lagos Ministry of Tourism drives the Ambode’s administration vision to stimulate the state economy through tourism, hospitality, sport and entertainment.
The execution of this vision has ensured that the state explores all its tourism potentials for multiplier social and economic gains.
The ministry organized the fantastic “One Lagos Fiesta” through which the state celebrated its people, its culture and its tradition, and equally exposed the raw talents that abound in the hinterland. Lagosians were indeed treated to an all intensive, all-inclusive and well deserved fun to end the year 2015.
With aspiring musical artistes who had the flare for local music and hip hop, both the old and the young ones and an excited audience were entertained for five days non-stop.
The government expanded the scope of the Lagos Countdown from a single location event, which held at Bar Beach, to hold concurrently in the five major directions of the state – Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry.
Lagosians gathered simultaneously at these five location to count down to the end of the year. Mighty carnival venues, platform, podiums, musical equipment and audiences kept vigil at these venues, enjoying themselves as they waited for the end of the year. The annual countdown was beamed live to a global audience. The idea is to ensure that no part of the state is excluded from this year’s celebration. It is in fulfilment of Governor Ambode’s pledge to run an all-inclusive government, in which every segment of the society is not left out in the scheme of things. The Governor moved from venue to venue to attend the countdown fiesta.
The ministry also commissioned and handed over for public use the re-developed Amusement Park, Apapa. With this, the state government is offering Lagosians an opportunity for the regeneration of family values and bonding through leisure spots, recreation and entertainment facilities.
The Apapa Amusement park thus compliments the extensive work Lagos administrations over the year have done to turn the state to a garden city, whereby former jungles are now beautiful parks for relaxations. Dreaded slums are today love nests because of environment upgrading embarked from the years of Tinubu to present time.
The government also inaugurated Lagos at 50 anniversary committee to be headed by Nobel Laurette, Professor Wole Soyinka. Governor Ambode performed the inauguration, which also named Mr. Rasheed Gbadamosi as co-chairman of the committee. Eleven others including the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism are members of this committee, which is expected to deliver a world class celebration by showcasing past achievements of the state and project the immense potentials for future growth and development.
As part of the activities to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Lagos State, the government plans to construct iconic infrastructure facilities to boost tourism potentials of the state. One of these is the redevelopment of the National Museum at Onikan and the Badagry Heritage Museum.
SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
The Ambode’s administration recognizes the importance of sports in national development especially for Youths engagement and image projection of the state and the nation.
It is determined, therefore, to revive the dimming glory of the state, which dominated the various national sports festivals for several years and paraded two of the best football stadia in the country.
To this end, the state government hosted (received) the management team of Barcelona Football Club of Spain on the 22nd of February, 2016 at the Lagos House and conducted them on an inspection tour of stadia in the state towards partnering with the club to establish its first football Academy in Sub Saharan Africa in Lagos State. The move synchronizes with the administrations drive and philosophy on sports development.
During the past year, the Ministry of Sports also partnered with the Access Bank to organize the 2016 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the first full international marathon in 30 years. Participants came from Kenya, Ethiopia, other nationals from other countries, including China, India, America, Cameroun, Morocco, etc.
This administration sustained the Governors Belt Boxing Tourney and the Lagos International Lawn Tennis Tournament. It also celebrated the first international day of persons with disability through sports. It organized the state Squash Association closed satellite championships at the squash court of Teslim Balogun Stadium between March16 and 19, 2016 and a basketball preliminaries championship for secondary school for the Nestle Milo competition.
TRANSPORTATION
Because security, road and transportation are major challenges facing every administration in a megacity such as Lagos, the Ambode administration is facing these issues boldly and confronting them constructively.
In the quest to solve the traffic challenges in the mega city, the state government procured the rescue/recovery machines (Grove Telescopic Mobile Crane, type GMK 5130 – 2) and two forklifts for immediate rescue operations during emergency.
The state is erecting truck barriers to prevent heavy axle articulated trucks from flying bridges and thereby, protect and maintain the life span of the bridges. A new design is being used to ensure reduced damage of coliseum.
The loudest effort in the transport sector during this period was the introduction/injection of 434 brand new Bus Rapid Transit buses and the flagging off of a direct BRT lane from Ikorodu to CMS. This robust effort is moving millions of commuters monthly in blue air conditioned buses with ease, absolute comfort and affordable fares.
The state established mobile courts for speedy resolution of traffic, environmental and other related offences to check the abuses of the beautiful roads built at huge costs and those who obstruct free flow of traffic.
Another bold and outstanding achievement of the administration is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the much awaited 4th Mainland Bridge from Ikorodu to Ajah. The government is also considering a Public Private Partnership arrangement to construct the Ikorodu – Ijebu Ode – road, which will be a toll paying highway.
The Transport Ministry commenced the painting of pavement kerbs/medians barriers on 34 roads in over ten local government LCDAs across the state while painting of kerbs and median barriers from 3rd Axial Road through 3rd Mainland Bridge to Obalende/Apogbon is also ongoing.
As the government is concerned about road transportation, it has not ignored the Waterways Governor Ambode assured Lagosians during the April Town Hall meeting in Ikorodu of governments commitment to fully activating the Ebute (Ipakodo) jetty as it awaits the standard ferries to ply that waterway.
To ensure that the vehicle Inspection Service operations is in tandem with the desire to repackage the Agency for effectiveness, a befitting headquarters is being built at the VIS yard in Ojodu.
The government attention was also not shifted from the strategic Blue line project between CMS through Mile 2 to Badagry. Significant progress has been made in the delivery of the Lagos Blue line, which will run from Mile 2 to CMS and will have seven stops within the route. The focus is now on the National Theatre to Marina end of the infrastructure work. The phase 1 is 95% completed.
Back to the waterways, there has been a major push to mitigate accidents that occur on the waterways. Apart from removing water hyacinths, which clogs the operations of ferries across the state, about 2,400 life jackets were distributed to communities.
The government also convened a stakeholders’ meeting on improving public transportation in the State. The highly educative and fruitful meeting was well attended.
The ministry empowered the State Task Force to monitor, enforce traffic laws and reform the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).
ENVIRONMENT
The present administration is consolidating on the gains of the previous government to sustain the beautiful environment, which the state now wears, and to improve on the standards attained. The Ministry of Environment in its effort at regeneration completed Epe and Ewu-Elepe landfill rehabilitation operation while that of Olusosun is at an advanced stage of completion.
The government repaired and rehabilitated four Washing Bays, each at Mushin, Iddo, Ikeja and Ogudu zones.
It increased the capacity of waste collection by 40% through the monthly injection of trucks. Government operatives dislodged illegal construction of make- shift public latrines on walk ways at Otto – Oyingbo, dislodged illegal car wash outlet on the landscaped loop opposite the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu and removed illegal stairs used to ascend/descend the bridge along Oworoshoki Bus Stop.
Government officials put an end to illegal trading activities beside Alapere Medium Estate and Police Station and dislodged illegal car wash/mechanic workshop at Obalende along St Gregory’s road.
The government completed enforcement at Mechanic Village, Adekunle – Third Mainland axis and dislodgment of illegal auto-mechanic workshops at Unity Close, Matori Cemetery Ladipo, Mushin.
Also, the ministry embarked on maintenance and clearance of the drains along Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Falomo by Bourdillon, Ikoyi/Obalende; Lewis street, Obalende.
Also, it handled the desilting/cleaning of signal Barracks drainage channel, Ajegunle, Ajeromi – Ifelodun LGA and desilting of system 5 channel, from Masha to Babs Animashaun Surulere LGA, as well as dredging of Ipaye drainage channel, Ojo LGA, and Austin Okonkwo/Greenville Estate/Badore channel, Eti-Osa (Ajah).
The determined efforts of the government to prevent flooding of the city and maintain its natural drains as well as the green vegetation are paying off. The degradation of the environment is being averted in many sectors.
HEALTH
The Lagos State Government under the able leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in its stride to improve the state health sector and upgrade medical facilities in the various state owned hospitals procured and handed over 20 Mobile Care Unites Ambulances and 26 Transport Ambulances. These have since been deployed across the various General Hospitals and 24 hour Primary Health Care Centers in the state with the aim of widening the coverage of Emergency Services beyond the metropolis to the hinterland.
The government also purchased X-Ray machines for all General Hospitals in the State to reduce cost incurred by patients for doing it outside the State Hospitals as well as generators to ensure 24 hour power supply in all the General Hospitals in the state.
There was also provision of X-ray machines for all the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) as part of the Ambode led government’s promise to upgrade them to international standard and ensure that drugs are now made readily available in all the PHCs for residents.
The State government, aside approving the recruitment of more paramedic staff and special medical coordinators to ensure 24 hour service to the citizens, installed two new Molecular Biotechnology machines called Genexpart at Isolo and Ikorodu General Hospitals and also commissioned and handed over the Ikorodu Hospital Accident and Emergency Center and Agbala Paediatric Health Centre, Ikorodu.
Furthermore, Governor Ambode’s administration approved the creation of additional 14 LASAMBUS operational points at Agege, Ajeromi, Apapa, Eti-Osa, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Mushin, Ojo, Somolu, Surulere and Badagry, while also lifting embargo on employment of Resident Doctors and approved the employment of 25 House Officers and 31 Interns.
Also, the State government in its passionate effort to restoring the hearing ability of those who are deaf or hard of hearing, approved fund for homegrown cochlear Implant Surgery, under a specially designed programme. The cochlear implantation is a hearing device implanted into a deaf patient’s ear through surgery to help in converting sounds into impulses, which enables the patient to hear. A 64 year old man has already undergone the surgery successfully.
Furthermore, there was improved welfare for staff and regularized casual Medical Doctors in the state, effective curtailing of the spread of Lassa Fever in the state, and the outbreak of Fabrile Rash disease commonly known as Measles at Otodo Game Community in the Eti-Osa Local government Area of the State as well as re-awarding the contract for the rehabilitation of the abandoned Ayinke House project.
ADIMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Within the period under review, the pragmatic administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode embarked on numerous landmark activities to improve the administration of Justice in Lagos State.
Among these include the launching of a compilation of Laws of the State tagged, ‘The laws of Lagos State 2015.’ This is the first of its kind in making the laws of Lagos State accessible to the public online. It is a step in the direction of the justice and security sector Reforms, which the administration promised to pursue in order to strengthen the rule of law in the state and the launching of the Declared Zero Tolerance for Sexual and Domestic Violence and the subsequent training of 190 officials of the State Emergency Command and control on how to receive reports of Sexual and Gender Based Violence incident in the state.
The Ambode administration also launched the Domestic Violence Guidelines, which embraced the protocol response to domestic violence crime by relevant agencies, and the Lagos State Mobile Court to try traffic violators as well as approved the use of the 112 toll free-line to report cases of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect maltreatment and other sexual assaults.
EDUCATION
Since coming to power a year ago, the Ambode government has recorded a tremendous achievements in the education sector of the state, among which include the procurement of two (2) Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) Machines with Software, and ten (10) High Speed Industrial Scanners to facilitate and ensure that the Lagos State Examination produced picture recognized fool-proof certificates for JSS III students as well as deliver credible, reliable and timely assessments for Lagos State pupils, and also the completion of the solar lighting of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) as well as the completion of the construction of a 250-seater Hall; 1,000 seater Information and Communication Technology Laboratory; eight (8) Lecture Rooms and offices for the school of Arts and Science; 150 seater computer/ICT/Cybercafe; 50 Bed Guest House, and a 20 –offices complex at the same school (MDCPED).
The administration also procured one thousand, one hundred and fifty (1,150) and two thousand, three hundred (2,300) mattresses for 28 boarding house schools valued at N48.09 million and 8,440 students’ desks and benches valued at One hundred and eighteen million, One hundred and sixty thousand naira (N118,160,000.00) only,; and 800 teachers’ furniture valued at Thirty two million Naira (N32,000,000) only.
There was also the launch of the Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (YES) in all the five Government Technical Colleges in the state and the disbursement of a total sum of Two hundred and eighty-four million, four hundred and twenty Thousand (N284,420,000.00) only as bursaries to 7,541 students, which include: students of Nigeria Law school, Maritime Academy and College of Health Technology, while the state government equally boosted the Lagos State schools’ Debate Competition.
On Tertiary education, the Ambode administration signed the amended Lagos State University Bill, approved the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor for the institution, restored sanity and peace of LASU as well as appointed Governing Councils for all the tertiary institutions in the state.
The Lagos State government, under Governor Ambode, has in the last one year, also embarked on massive rehabilitation of schools, construction of new classroom blocks and provision of furniture to the tune of N2.5 billion.
This was funded jointly with the federal government under the UBEC scheme with the state adding an additional N526 million as well as recruitment of 1,300 teachers into the public primary schools in the state.
AGRICULTURE
Another sector, which the result-oriented government of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had impacted tremendously since coming to power in May 29, 2015, is the Agriculture sector, considering the numerous innovative projects and programmes embarked upon by the state government to bring the sector up to speed with what obtains in other parts of the world.
Notable among these is the commencement of a common-sense revolution by partnering Kebbi State Government to establish a commodity value chain that would boost food processing, production and distribution towards successful implementation of the National Policy on Rice Self-sufficiency.
Under the Rice for Job programme, 70 youth were empowered with 420 bags of fertilizers, rice seeds and other related inputs by the Ambode administration, while 70 stakeholders in the value chain at Badagry, Ojo, Okun-Ise and Magbo-Alade were equally empowered with the provision of coconut oil processing equipment such as graters, frying bowls, etc.
The State government also procured a state of the art processing equipment from Malaysia for the production of certified edible coconut oil and desiccated coconut in the state, while also commenced activities towards the establishment of a 30 hectare Fish Farm Estate of Jogundeyi Apena, Baba Ode and Atitebi communities in Ayobo – Ipaja CCDA. The project, when completed, would produce additional 2,500 tonnes of fish per annum and generate about 1,250 direct jobs.
It also distributed 34 units of Outboard Engines (OBE-40HP) to 34 fishermen, 2,818 bags of fertilizer, hybrid maize and agro – chemicals to 1,400 crop and vegetable farmers in the state as well as the distribution of 150 tonnes of maize grains to feed millers, 240 bags of fish feeds to fish folds, and 2,600 bags of poultry feed to poultry farmers and fish folks to enhance production.
COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND COOPERATIVES
This ministry, under the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, has recorded lots of achievements in the last one year. Among these are the registration of 150 cooperatives societies;1,206 cooperators were equally trained by the state government at the Lagos State Cooperative College, Agege and another 360 cooperators from 243 registered cooperatives societies across the state on the effective management of their respective cooperative societies.
The Ministry also embarked on the rehabilitation of the Matori SmallScale Industrial Estate, Fatai Atere Way, Mushin and allocation of factory units to 4 incubators, while it also presented one bus each to Yegunda community of parcel ‘B’ in the Lekki Free Trade zone and the host community of the Lekki-Epe International Airport in fulfillment of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the Host Communities of the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Under this ministry, the dogged administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has also recorded impressive achievements during the period under review. Among these include the completion of the Ultra-Modern Tejuosho Market phase II at Yaba, with a pedestrian access road from Ojuelegba, commencement of the construction of thirteen (13) floor luxury Residential Apartments at Isale-Gangan Phase II, which is designed to house 33 units of flats, shopping complex and car park as well as continuing with the relocation plan of plank sellers at Anikantamo to Iberekodo site with construction works at various stages of completion.
The administration equally facilitated the final lay-out approval, perfection of title documents and Grant of Approval-in-principle to two excised villages namely Onilegbarada and Olorunnisola at Ijebu-Lekki towards the prevention of illegal development, while it has also ensured the speedy processing of development permit and approval with 599 building approvals granted.
Under the Ambode administration, the preparation for the Epe and Ikorodu Master Plans has reached advanced stages with ‘Request for Expression of Interest’ published, and bid submitted by interested bidders/consultants opened, and preliminary evaluation carried out, while the development of the site for the relocation of saw-millers from Oko-Baba to Agbowa-Ikosi has equally reached advanced stage and will become fully operational very soon.
Towards enhancing of orderly development in the state, the Ambode government granted provisional layout approval to Amity Estate, Ibeju-Lekki and Julius Berger Pls, Lekki Yard, while final approvals were granted to Cowries Greek Estate, Elegusi and Lighthouse Cooperative Building Society, Lafiaji in Eti-Osa LGA.
Moreso, the administration approved one hundred and seventy-one (171) building plans of various categories for development as well as granting approval for a number of ten (10) requests for Planning Information.
Other achievements of the Ambode government in this ministry include the review of the existing Ikeja Model City Plan, 2010-2020; demonstration of ‘Go-live’ of e-planning Permit System for online submission and payment for Planning Permit; Inspection of 625 building sites across the state which were in various stages of development; removal of encumbrances on the Right-of-Way of Balogun/Sunny/Alade/Adebisi/Adebodu/Adeyanju Road Network in Epe and clearing of Right-of-Way through St. Peters Catholic Church for the completion of Johnson Umejei Road, Ajao Estate, Isolo.
HOUSING
Since the inception of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration a year ago, the Housing Ministry has embarked on an aggressive housing projects and programmes to effectively and efficiently live up to its role in housing delivery to the people of the state.
Parts of these laudable achievements of this ministry are the completion of 4 Blocks (48 units) of 12 in Lagos HOMS; 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom flats at the HOS staff Quarters, Alausa, Ikeja and the completion of another 9 blocks (108 units) of 12 –in 1 LagosHOMS; 2 and 3 Bedroom flats at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
It carried out comprehensive supervision of construction work on all LagosHOMs which are currently at various state of completion at Ilubinrin foreshore, Ijora Badia; Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Ibeshe, Ikorodu; Gbagada, Iponri, Surulere and at Abijo, Ikota, Sangotedo and Victoria Island.
The ministry also carried out appointment and co-ordination of facility managers to run the existing Estates and organized Housing Stakeholders Forum to define its role in Housing delivery as well as effective monitoring of existing estates in order to prevent encroachment by land speculators, and reconstruction and restructuring of services for proper security within the estates.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Under this Ministry, the Ambode administration completed the first phase of BILLING PLATFORM – centralized billing application that integrates directly with LASG financial application and used to capturing items of all MDAs, and monitor customers’ and ‘account receivable’ transactions.
It also completed the network upgrade for Alausa and old secretariats; this involves the replacement of all core distribution and switches on the network in a hierarchical order to make it resilient, reliable, secure and stable as well as the completion of the Enterprise Gis’ Upgrade and Integrated Land Administration Automation system, which simplifies the process of issuance and approval of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) as well as mortgage registration.
The ministry equally developed e-pp as an online portal for approval of building permits and also made possible single Bulk Payment Application for vendors/contractors’ fees and staff salaries through the integration of Oracle to NIBSS payment gateway.
The ministry’s achievements in the period under review also include designing of Programme Based Budget Template for 2016 fiscal Budget on oracle EBS while training was also conducted to educate Budget officers of the implication of this innovation; provision, of a platform for single view of LASG revenue and expenditure account balances; activation of the cash payment module of oracle as well as organizing a workshop tagged “Hour of Code” for 100 public secondary school students to expose them to basic computer coding languages.
The Ambode government, through the Science and Technology Ministry, also organized a workshop tagged “Microwork for Youth” at the State Government’s Digital Village in Alausa, Ikeja, to train ordinary National Diploma (OND) graduates with basic computer knowledge on how to access on-line employment, while the ministry collaborated with Rockefeller foundation and the Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology, to train about 1,000 unemployed youths in Lagos State on IT Digital Skills.
WOMEN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION
Like other ministries under the Ambode administration, the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ministry has performed exceedingly well in overseeing the affairs of women and embarking on various people-oriented projects and programmes to alleviate poverty in the state.
Among the achievements of this ministry in the last one year was the marking of Y2016 International Women’s Day at the Police College Ground, GRA, Ikeja, on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, with the theme “Pledge for Parity.” The commemoration is a rallying point to build support for women’s participation in the political and economic areas, a time to reflect on progress made, call for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
There was also the launching of Priority Actions Documents to End Violence Against children on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victorial Island. The event was another great leap in the Ambode’s administration’s determination and quest at strengthening public institutions and laws on violence against children and the vulnerable in the state. It was indeed a strong statement of Governor Ambode’s commitment to ensuring that all children are safe from abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect.
Moreso, the ministry inaugurated local government Dangote Foundation Micro-Grants Beneficiary selection committee to flag-off the Micro Grant programme for women in the state on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium. The committee was saddled with the responsibility of selecting people at the ward level, nominate and present prospective eligible beneficiaries to the State Dangote Foundation Micro-Grants programme committee for final approval.
The Dangote Foundation’s N400 Million Lagos Micro-Grant scheme is planned to empower indigent women in the state with N10,000 each and a mobile phone.
A fact finding interactive session with the Professional Women Associations in the state was equally held by the ministry to feel their pulse and afford them the opportunity of contributing their quota to the development of women folk in the state as well as intensifying the training of the youth and women to empower them through the various Skill Acquisition centres spread across the state where they are trained in diverse vocations such as Refrigeration, Air-conditioning, Tie and Dye, Cake Making, etc.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
During the electioneering campaign, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was popular for his promise to take governance back to the people of the grassroots if elected as Governor. After one year in office, the “Game-Changer” as popularly called, has not only fulfill that promise, he has also succeeded in delivering the dividends of democracy to the teeming grassroots through the various people-oriented projects and programmes embarked upon by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, which were designed in conformity with the promise of the governor to make the local people feel the presence of his administration.
One project that has continued to make the people of Lagos State, especially the grassroots, to praise Governor Ambode is the on-going 114 local government road project across the state. The government did not only commence the project, it has also embarked on marathon site inspection of construction works to ensure uniformity and quality of work. The roads were equipped with covered drains, walkways, and street lights as construction works are going on steadily on various sites across the state to ensure the roads are completed as at when due.
The state government also ensure the effective involvement of the beneficiary – stakeholders in the respective communities through workshops, conferences and site meetings to promote ownership and monitoring of the construction works for these roads.
There was also a Coordinated Digital Literacy Training of 233 girls/women to make 610 in collaboration with Women in Technology (WITIN) between 31, August, 2015 and March, 2016, to transform the lives and livelihood of girls and women in the state through improved computer skills and the coordination of three numbers Community Stakeholders Interactive Meeting with the state Ministries and Security Agencies in attendance to educate the community development association members and get feedback on developmental issues in the state.
The Ministry also organized interactive sessions with all the stakeholders at the community level on security of lives and properties as well as promotion of access through gated streets in the state with the involvement of Community Development Associations in the state.
Apart from the completion of three community halls at Itaopo in Epe, Ibeju-Agbe in Ibeju-Lekki LGA and Ajara Dokoh in Badagry LGA, the Ambode administration, through this ministry, also approved the appointment, upgrading and recognition of over 47 Obas and Chiefs, which is unprecedented in the history of the state, while according the welfare and capacity building for existing Obas and Cheifs the required importance for their contributions to the development of the state.
Moreso, the ministry, through its Standing Tribunal on Chieftaincy committee, concluded and submitted reports on the upgrading, appointment and recognitions of ten (10) Obas and Chiefs.
On Community Agriculture, the Ambode government has indeed promoted alternative feeding methods of cattle to minimize farmers’ pastoralist conflicts, diversify rural communities’ income and also provide employment for 145 youths on its demonstration and pilot farms at Ketu, Epe, Ojodu Berger, Ilogbo, among others.
Furthermore, since the inception of this administration, there have been concerted efforts towards ensuring that rural communities across the state get potable water supply and a clean environment that is free from diseases and dirts.
Among the laudable achievements in this regard associations (CDAs) by the state government to indigenize continuous supply of free potable water to their rural communities across the state. This project has provided permanent employment to at least five artisans per site within the beneficiary communities.
There is also promotion of good hygiene and sanitation practices in the state through the coordination of local governments operatives in the area while the ministry is also involved in continuous eradication campaign of Lassa fever in the state with active involvement of all sanitarians in the state.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has initiated and completed a number of projects and programmes within the last one year in office, which cut across marketing Board activities and various others.
The Board successfully relocated the traders in the Oshodi loop into Isopakodowo market, which is also located at Oshodi. Over one thousand lock-up shops were allocated with provision for about two hundred Kee-Klamps and office spaces.
They also conducted awareness campaign on lassa fever among the markets in collaboration with the association of market men and women (ACWEN). Also undertaken were the conduct of a study on the eradication of street trading in Lagos State; taking over of the Oyingbo market and the relocation of the traders from the streets; coordination of the Joint Allocation Account committee activities for the period.
Others include the facilitation of the two progress review meetings between the Executive Secretaries of the LGAs and the Governor in order to synergize development; treated eleven out of seventeen petition received on local government operations to the satisfaction of the petitioners and evaluated twelve infrastructural projects for implementation by the local government councils in the state.
In the aspect of boundary disputation, The State Boundary Committee met twice and liaised with the national boundary commission to promote good neighbourliness and resolve conflicts within Ilupeju, Otta – Ikosi and Riverine communities in Amuwo-Odofin as well as along the state boundaries at Alagbado, Ifako-Ijaiye and Ojokoro LCDAs.
The Centre for Rural Development also continued to research into indigenous plant with a Herbarium to maintain the established twenty Beehives for honey production and the vitamin A fortified cassava multiplication at Igbodu, Epe.
Also, the valuation office of the ministry carried out valuation of the disposables of unserviceable motor vehicles/equipment and the items in the four MDAS to bring the total service vehicles to ten, while efforts were made to document the assets of all local government in the state.
Various other projects were also successfully undertaken and completed like the completion of three community hall at Itaopo, Epe; Ibeju-Agbe in Ibeju-Lekki local government area, and Ajara Dokoh in Badagry local government Area; approval of the appointment, upgrading and recognition of forty-seven Obas and Chiefs, which is unprecedented in the history of the state and initiating welfare and capacity building for existing Obas and Chiefs; handing over of twenty-eight micro water schemes to community Development Associations.
The aim was to indigenize continuous supply of free portable water to their rural communities, which has provided permanent employment to a minimum of five Artisans per site within the benefitting communities. The government has also provided alternative feeding methods to cattle to minimize farmers pastoralists’ conflicts. This was meant to diversify rural communities’ income and provide employment for one hundred and forty five youths on its demonstration and pilot farms at Ketu, Epe Ojodu Berger and Ilogbo among others.
In the area of Home Affairs, the state government approved the renovation of the Chapel of Christ the Light Church including the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, both at Alausa, Ikeja after more than a decade of any form of renovation works on them.
Other prorammes were the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving service for 2016, which was successfully hosted on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the pavilion ground of Lagos House, Ikeja in conjunction with His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State and the First Lady of Lagos State, who were the Chief Hosts.
Armed Forces Remembrance week celebrations was successfully hosted with a Jumat service at the Alausa Central Mosque on Friday, January 8, 2016 and a church service at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja on Sunday January 10, 2016. The high point of the week-long celebrations was the wreath-laying ceremony, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa Square with the Governor of Lagos State in attendance.
Further score card for the administration of Governor Ambode has to do with Employment Generation. His government created the ministry of Wealth creation and Employment; established Employment Trust Fund, collaborated with corporate bodies such as Japan International Cooperation Agency, Bank of Industry, etc. towards employment generation in the state. The government also employed one thousand three hundred (1,300) primary school teachers, one thousand (1000) LASTMA officers and a good number of medical personnel.
Achievements recorded within the short period of time by the information and Strategy arm of government include, creation of the Information Communication Technology/Social Media and (ICT/Social Media) Directorate; re-designation of Information Officers as Public Affairs Officers in line with International Standards with a view to bridging information and communication gap between the state and development partners; strengthening of Divisional Information officers as the frame work for rural information service through system upgrading and manpower development/deployment.
INFORMATION AND STRATEGY arm also re-launched the Lagos Weekend Television (LWT) for fifty hours of weekend entertainment from 6:30p.m on Fridays to 6:30a.m on Mondays on LWT Uhf 35, DSTV 256, Star Times 113, and Consat 860. Events can also be followed on Twitter@lagostelevision, and facebook or log onto: www.lagostelevision.com.
Here are other various programmes undertaken by the Information and Strategy arm. They include, organizing maiden retreat for over sixty top management officers of the ministry with the theme: “Effective leadership style in the present day workplace,” organized maiden retreat for over one hundred and sixty five Public Affairs Officers with the theme: “Public Sector Information Management in Challenging Times”, engaged in enlightenment/advocacy campaigns across the state in conjunction with several MDAs.
The campaigns were based on sensitization on domestic violence in collaboration with WAPA; sensitization campaign at Abete Community, Ijora Badia, Apapa, Iganmu LCDA in collaboration with Ministry of the Environment; campaign on measles in Otorogbeme community, Ikota, Eti-Osa LGA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health; sensitization on pensioners verification exercise in collaboration with civil service pensions office.
Included also were, Tricycle Riders and Owners Association of Nigeria (TROAN) Cele branch; sensitization of Lagos State Council of Tradesman and Artisans (Epe local Government Zone) on environmental degradations, special offences, mobile court, registration of trade associations and payment of taxes; sensitization on LASSA fever with market men and women of Nigeria, National headquarter, Ikeja and National Automobile Technicians Association, Epe branch, CDC and CDA in Bariga.
The State government’s Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations in its proactive stance through this ministry, IGR and its Agencies is very much alive to its responsibility in the areas of rescue operations during emergencies; intervention in the issues of unfortunate incident; saving lives in periods of disasters and calamities, and rehabilitation of survivors.
In line with this policy, the ministry and its Agencies performed security and life-saving functions, among which were the issuance of sixty four abatement notices and prohibition (stop work), notice to companies due to non-compliance with safety standards and regulations. About twenty seven enforcement operations were carried out at different manufacturing and construction companies in the state in the area of oil and gas, construction, steel, etc,
The ministry beamed its search light and performed well in other aspects of their functions like the hosting of stake-holders meeting with the Association of Private School Owners with special emphasis on school transport safety; meeting with the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria on sensitization for safer trips on our Waterways.
The Ministry also engaged in premises inspection to a number of institutions, Tourism establishments, Banks, hospitals and industries factories, sawmills, cold rooms and filling stations through the Directorate of Fire Services to further ensure safety of lives and properties.
Other accomplishments within the stated period were the search and rescue of Bristow Helicopter (marked NSBOJ), which crash landed on the high seas on Wednesday, 3rd January 2016. It was rescued by LASEMA in conjunction with other emergency Agencies like RRS.
The State Government also donated a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the NYSC, Lagos State secretariat, to enhance movement and Monitoring of Corpers and the sustenance of relationship with DAWN commission by the department of Intergovernmental Relations/Regional Integration and Development.
SPORTS & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Also focusing attention on Sports Commission, the state government organized and successfully hosted the first International Lagos City Marathon on February 6, 2016. It was on record too that the Lagos state government received the Management team of Barcelona Football club of Spain on February 22, 2016 at the Lagos House and conducted the team on an inspection Tour of Stadia in the state towards partnering with the club to establish its first football Academy in Sub-Saharan Africa in Lagos in synchronization with the administrations philosophy on Sports development.
The Sports Commission organized the Lagos Squash Association closed satellite (LSSA) championships at the squash court of Teslim Balogun Stadium between March 16 and 19, 2016 while the Lagos State Basket Association organized the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball preliminaries championships to select students to represent Lagos State in the Milo Secondary School Basketball Finals between February 29 and March 3, 2016, and it partnered with the Africa Basketball league, a new initiative. The commission also organized a 3 – day stakeholder’ retreat ahead of the National Disability Games festival to work out a framework and the modalities for the successful hosting of the games by the state government.
In diverse ways, the commission tried to uplift sports in Lagos State. For instance, it organized a three day clinic for scorers, coaches and umpires for all secondary school games masters/mistresses, it sponsored delegates to attend the year 2016 basketball National Stakeholder’s Consultative Forum (General Assembly) pre-season seminar for Technical Officers in Abuja.
A state coach and a Gymnast were sponsored to the Gymnastics Exchange Programme in Japan From February 14 to 24, 2016. The commission participated at the extra-ordinary National Council of Sports Meeting from February 11 to 15, 2016 to set the agenda for the 19 National sports festival holding later in the year.
The Sports Commission also sponsored three members to undergo training in sign language communication at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo state from February 23 to 25, 2016 while the Nigerian premier league took the responsibility of handling two club sides in the premiership for the first time in over twenty years. Both clubs were supported in various ways by the Lagos State Sports Commission.
For more exposure and development of other sports, the Lagos State scrabble Association attended the South-South Scrabble National Open Championship from March 11 -14, 2016, while the State Handball Association attended the Olusegun Obasanjo under 21 championship from 29 February to March 5, 2016, where it exposed its latest graduates in the under 21age category.
The Badminton Association collaborated with Zion Sports Consult for the Zion under 12 and 15 Easter Badminton championship from March 21 to 23, 2016. Collaboration was also effected between the state cricket Association and the Club Cricket Committee to organize the finals of the Super 4 Cricket league at the Tafawa Balewa Square on March 27, 2016.
A one day in house seminar on Basic Sign Language and Deaf Culture was also held for staff of the Sports Commission on Friday, April 1, 2016, which had in attendance, a representative of the Swedish Deaf Association, Ms Luireus Irene Sointu.
In terms of Revenue Generation, the Ambode administration, through the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), announced various initiatives aimed at achieving efficient tax administration, which include, the introduction of a new two page tax form to replace the old six page form, which is to be used for direct self-assessments, and the forms are translated to pidgin, English and Yoruba for ease of completion and wider reach.
The administration also introduced the resubmission (online submission of Annual Reforms) to complement the physical filling in order to ease compliance; introduction of customer care desk in all the tax stations to deal promptly with all issues that may be brought up by tax payers; launching of the Lagos State Internal Revenue (LIRS) Hotline that would provide 24/7 customer care service in English, Yoruba and pidgin, ensuring that a maximum response time of 72 hours to all Electronic Tax clearance certificate (e-TCC) requisitions are met; replacement of the cumbersome requirements for replacement of lost e-TCC (such as police report, sworn affidavit) with the presentation of LASRRA card while the cost of replacement is reduced from N2,500 to N1000; overhauling of the informal sector operations with the aim of easing voluntary compliance by tax payers, with the sector categorized into three, which include: Market Men/Women and Artisans, Micro, Small and, Medium Scale Enterprises (including professionals) and Household Domestic Staff (HDS).
In showing up the revenue generation capacity of the state, the administration has focused on other revenue sources such as competition tax from hotel occupancy, withholding tax on contracts, rent and royalties and the establishment of a Rapid Tax Prosecution Union to aid the Lagos State Internal Revenue (LIRS) in its drive to collect taxes. The unit is to be complimented by Revenue courts.