Ambode Highlights Benefit Of Oshodi Interchange,Airport Road

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said the Oshodi Transport Interchange and Airport Road currently under constructions were conceived and being implemented to create massive jobs for the people and also transform the face of Lagos forever.
Speaking at the second edition of Lagos Corporate Assembly tagged ‘A+ Meets Business’, a forum organised by the State Government to interact with members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as well as Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, held at Lagos House in Ikeja, the governor said in a bid to scale up infrastructure, a summit on Infrastructure Financing would hold early next year, while the State Government is also willing and ready to partner with any investor interested in investing in provision of critical infrastructures.
While identifying seamless port operations as a condition that will enable permanent resolution of the Apapa gridlock, the Governor said while the move to repair the major roads in Apapa was laudable, concerted efforts must equally be put in place to address the issues that gave rise to the crisis which were more about port management.
Responding to concerns raised by the business community on the negative effects the chaotic situation in Apapa was having on their business, the Governor said call-up system for tankers and containerized trucks must be structured to eliminate the present chaos, while issuance of licenses for more tank farms in the axis must be put on hold.
He said: “Beyond the roads, the fundamental issues have more to do about the concession and also the fact that the basic capacities of the Ports not meeting what is presently going on there and then maybe in the loading bay inside the ports you only have capacity to accommodate maybe about 50 trucks and then there is no organised exit and entrance system.
“So, someone who does not have any permit drives all the way from other states without any focus and then park on the bridge; he does not even have any business inside the ports, the ports maybe can only take 50 trucks and then you have almost like 500 trucks so everything is just totally disorganized and because Lagos is a sub-national, there are limitations of political power play and the conflict of personalities and so those things affect your organizational drive. So, sometimes, Governors sometimes get frustrated and out of frustration you keep quiet.
“The truth is that those issues are more germane than the roads. So, if Akin Ambode goes and repair the roads but the planning process and logistics to enter the ports are not in my hand and should I now go to the long bridge at the toll gate and stop those trucks, they will say I am being sectional and so I must allow free movement as a cosmopolitan state and so people come in and go out and we are just in a fix.
“On other part of repairing the roads, the Federal Government has taken charge but one thing is to say what you want to do, the other thing is to quickly go and do it. So in the process of planning, speaking and delivery, it could take years but within our own limit as a State Government, we have set up a Joint Task Force of all the security agencies to ensure that at least there is still free movement within the structured chaos that we have in Apapa,” he said.
While expressing optimism that the intervention of Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo would go a long way in addressing the crisis, the Governor also condemned the recent granting of approval for another tank farm to be situated in Apapa, saying such would only aggravate the chaotic situation already on hand.
On international trade fair complex, the Governor said while awaiting the process to issue out another concession by the Federal Government and development which may take years, the State Government, in the medium term, would look into the possibility of getting an investor to build a large convention/exhibition centre in the State.
On efforts made so far to enhance the ease of doing business, the Governor said an industrial park had been approved for location in Imota, while another industrial development centre was approved, aside the fact that over N10 billion had been released to the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) to grant loans to members of the informal sector.
Governor Ambode said the State Government also approved business clinic for the Micro and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), while the Public Private Partnership Office had also been reactivated, in addition to harmonization of inspection of work places.
Earlier, President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Nike Akande; Chairman, Ikeja Branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye; and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Lagos State Chapter, Dr Solomon Aderoju commended Governor Ambode for the various laudable initiatives such as massive infrastructural renewal, rail infrastructure, investment in security, traffic management, power sector development, Light Up Lagos project, the N25billion ETF, among others/
They said the projects were important enablers to the private sector.
They also commended the Governor for addressing all the complaints raised by them at the last year edition of the meeting.

Lagos kicks off Street Carnival December 3

 

The Lagos State government on Thursday said it is set to usher in this year’s Yuletide with the Lagos Street Carnival, with the overall aim of boosting the economy of the state.
The government assured that arrangements were in place to ensure maximum security and traffic control for the event holding on December 3, 2017.
Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola,  disclosed that over 700 revelers were expected to attend the carnival in colourful costumes, design and animation in a controlled procession.
Speaking at a news conference alongside the State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Steve Ayorinde in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Akinsola said that the event, which had transformed from “Lagos Street Party, would be staged on the whole stretch of Oba Akran Road in Ikeja for 12 hours, commencing from noon to midnight.
She assured that arrangements were in place to ensure maximum security and traffic control adding that alternative routes would be provided to motorists so that they do not experience pains due to road closure.
Speaking further, Akinsola added that there was also provision for virtually all categories of people from kids, adults to the aged, saying that the carnival would be used to showcase the display of abundant indigenous culture, food and lifestyle of Lagos.
She said the carnival would offer upcoming artistes and tradesmen the opportunity to exhibit their skills and market their products.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ayorinde said the objective of the carnival was to make Lagosians unwind, relax and allow small scale entrepreneurs to make brisk businesses.
According to him, the Lagos Street Carnival would in addition showcase the diversity of Lagos culture, the veteran and new artistes in the music industry as well as the comedians.

Lagos State To Banire: You Lied, No 48-hour Demolition Notice Served Property

The attention of Lagos State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr. Muiz Banire over a routine contravention notice served on a property sited at No. 24A, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja GRA, in which Mr. Banire alleged a deliberate target on his newly acquired property.
The State Government wishes to state without equivocation that not only is Mr. Banire trying to be clever by half, but is being childish in whipping up sentiments that his dear aged mother is the target of the said demand for development permit and that the said property might be demolished in 48hours.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Anifowose Wasiu Abiola, the Government said neither allegation is a sincere reading of the notice served on the property.
The Commissioner clarified that the contravention notices that went out on Wednesday November 15, 2017 were a routine exercise served on properties identified by the state agents as operating without due permits. He said 27 properties were indeed served on that same day, 13 out of which are located on the same Remi Fani-Kayode Street in GRA, Ikeja, where Banire admitted his property was located.
“There is no way Lagos State would have had a pre-knowledge of the owners of the properties in question let alone targeted the one that Banire has identified to be his own”, Anifowose said. He added that aside the 13 houses affected on Fani-Kayode Street, there were a few others in Ikeja GRA and the rest in Ikoyi and Yaba. “The 27 properties served across the state are just the first set of an ongoing exercise embarked upon by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to validate the records and permits of properties that have undergone ownership transfer processes. This is a routine and lawful exercise that ought not to be confusing to a supposedly learned gentleman who has had the privilege of serving in the Lagos State Cabinet for a dozen years”..
The statement said by his admission, Banire agrees that a transfer of ownership on the property he has acquired is indeed taking place and what the Lagos State law demands is a validation of this claim so that the requisite permit on the existing property; an alteration to it or a new construction, as the case may be, may be sought and obtained.
“To suggest that because the transfer of ownership from the federal government to Mr. Banire is yet to be finalized makes him a mere tenant on the property he has acquired is not only disingenuous but is an attempt that is subtly fraudulent. While it is true that every government property sold to individuals or corporate entities is released to the owner on a 99-year lease, no new owner who has bought a property from government deceives the public that he is a mere tenant to the government on an acquired property. Or is Mr. Banire a tenant to the government on the other properties in Ikeja GRA he owns in the state?”
Anifowose also described as deliberate mischief, Banire’s claim that the said property would be demolished within 24hours if the permit was not produced.
The Commissioner said according to the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, what a contravention notice demands is evidence of planning permit on the existing structure in order to avoid demolition of what would be deemed a contravention if such a permit is not produced within the stipulated time as required by law..
“The law indeed demands that the property owner in question produces all documents in support of his/her case within 24 hours of the service of the Notice after which any contravention is expected to be removed by the owner within 48hours”
Anifowose clarified that if the owner still refuses to honour such notices; a quit notice will then be issued to the owners of any of such property identified to have contravened Lagos State building plans or failed to provide the necessary documents to back his claims. He added that even after the expiration of the seven-day quit notice, no demolition of such properties can happen till the Governor grants approval. “So, it is patently false that any house has been marked for demolition within 48hours. This is the law that has been in existence since 2010 when Mr. Banire was still a cabinet member in the Lagos State government.”The statement added that while it was within Banire’s right to identify with any set of cohorts that may be struggling with wanning influence and political relevance, it is a pathetic case of scaremongering to equate his untidy record keeping with political witch-hunting. It is not a sign of maturity to be crying wolf where there is none. Lagos is working excellently well for others to copy because it has stayed faithful to governance guided by the rule of law. Mr. Banire should comply with the rules and not create cheap distractions that are unhelpful”, he stated.

UBA Bags More Laurels as Group head of Marketing Wins Top Marketing Professional Award

Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa Plc has continued to make waves on the continent adding more laurels to its ever-increasing list of achievements. The Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Bola Atta was recognized as the Top Marketing Professional in West Africa at the 7^th Marketing World Awards (MWA) & Marketing 360 Summit.

The prestigious award was presented at the event which was held in Accra over the weekend.

Speaking on the rationale behind the award, the Chief Executive Officer/Group Executive Publisher, Instinct Wave, Mr. Akin Naphtal, noted that the top professional award was given to Atta to celebrate her outstanding achievements and contributions that have helped shape the marketing landscape and influenced brilliance in many individuals, especially young fliers. ‘Through the years, Bola Atta has pushed professional ethics and made excellent contributions to the industry.’

UBA was also nominated in the category of the Financial brand of the year for its activities aimed at improving customers’ interactions as they provide excellent services.

Commenting on the award, Bola Atta stated: ’I am very honoured to be recognised for this award. I am also really happy to be representing the United Bank for Africa, a brand that is dominating the financial landscape on the continent’. ‘Hard work definitely pays off’ she said.

The MWA recognises and celebrates top individuals that continue to deliver superior product values to the market and exhibit excellence in upholding concrete marketing strategies while standing out from competition.

Customs Exposes Contraband Products In Lagos

Mohammed Uba is the comptroller of Federal Operating Unit ‘A’of Customs briefed the press on the operation, exploits and determination to wage war against smuggling within its jurisdiction of Southwest and the effort of the Unit intercepted the various contraband

products between October1 and 31  held at the Custom’s office in Ikeja, Lagos.

Muhammed while addressing the news men in his words said: "It has been brought to our notice various tactics been use by the smugglers in smuggling various contraband products or material into the country most especially Rice".

"Let me remind you that since January 1^, 2017, importation of foreign parboil rice has been banned by the federal government except through Ports, therefore, from October 1 till 31 of the same month, 

we have been able to seized 6,206 bags of 50kg foreign parboil rice, which is more than 10 trailers, 67 bales of second hand clothing, 600 cartons of foreign poultry products, 13 parcels of Indian hemp, 405 pieces of used tyres and 54 kegs of foreign vegetable oil.

Some of the trailers pretended to be fully loaded with Dangote cement, but through thorough search and intelligent information , we discovered was carrying foreign parboiled Rice.

  Similarly, two containers were also seized for contravening Custom’s law while one of container carried used fridges, 270 cartons of refined Sun flower oil. 55 pieces of used gas compressor, 18 packs of juice and other assorted items of cooking gas.

 Meanwhile, based on intelligent.information at our disposal, our operative trailed and evacuated 59 assorted vehicles from car mart in Ikoyi among which over 40 are 2017

models ranging from Toyota Prado Jeep, Lexus Jeeps, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Camry. 

Some  are awaiting relevant documentation from dealers within a grace of one month, even Bullet proof which requires End User Certificate from the office of National Security Adviser (NSA), are among the seized vehicles, investigation is on-going to reveal if any of our officers has conspired with the smugglers, if their any found culpable would face the wrath of law, the vehicles alone has a duty value of One Billion, Seventy Six million,  Eight hundred and Ninety five thousand, Seven hundred and Seventy two kobo (1,076,895,727.2) only.

These suspect have been arrested relating to the 120 seizures. The Indian hemp would be handed over to NDLEA further action. 

Fidelity Bank To Reward Loyal Customers At Lagos Fair

                                       

 Fidelity Bank Plc is set to reward loyal customers at the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

As part of the financial institution’s ongoing loyalty scheme for its teeming retail customers, 10 lucky beneficiaries – 5 FPSS account holders and 5 SWEETA account holders – will be presented with cheques of N500, 000 extra income and N150, 000 school fees support respectively.

The amount totaling N3, 250, 000, according to a statement from the lender, will be given out on the Fidelity Special Day at the fair, taking place today.

“There is always a reward for banking with Fidelity”, said Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc.

He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the Bank’s customer loyalty and rewards system, which ensures that customers benefit immensely.

In addition to giving out monies in its customer loyalty and rewards system, Fidelity Bank is providing free business and financial advisory services to SME operators at the fair in demonstration of its long-standing commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, “ the MD added,

The Fidelity SME Advisory clinic at the Fair is anchored by a crop of qualified SME Business Advisors whose mandate is to help SMEs address challenges associated with setting up and running a growing business in Nigeria” he stated.

The clinic, he revealed, will provide all-round capacity building support services in the following areas:  Free Tailored Business Management Capacity Building, Market Access, Tailored Financing, MSME-focused Liability Products and Non-Oil Exports.

Apart from deploying an array of a robust electronic banking solutions and services for customers and members of the banking public, the Bank is also showcasing its on-going savings promo where customers are expected to win millions of naira by participating.

“A total of N110 million and over 200 consolation prizes such as fridges, generators and Television (TV) sets, would be giving away in the savings promo. Cash prizes ranging from N1m to N10 million,” said Mr. Richard Madiebo, Divisional Head, Retail Banking.

“All you need to participate in the promo is to visit our stand at the fair and open an account. You get an instant gift in addition to having your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card issued instantly.”

He stated that six variants of savings products that cater to the needs of various market segments are available at the fair.

All Set As Annual Congress Holds This Weekend

The General Overseer of The Church of Evangelism,Ajah, Lagos State, Rev. Edith Okubanjo has concluded all arrangements to hold her annual renewal congress, with the theme: '2018 My Year Of Amazing Grace' this weekend in Lagos.  
Activities to mark this year congress, had kicked off  on Tuesday, November 7   and Thursday 9, with Revival Service. The event continued on Friday,November 10 with a Thehila Night of Praise before thanksgiving service climax the week long event on Sunday, November 12. 

 The Thanksgiving service would be mixed with ministration and fun as top gospel artistes such as Obanla Yetunde a.k.a Oyibiri, Dynamic Circle Group , Bata Jesu, The C.O.E, Gospel Choir Band and Cross Drama Group have been lined for the day. 

Leading the ministration includes Rev Edith Okubanjo, Elder Pastor Thomas Imohkhai, Evangelist Debbie Ajayi, Pastor Oluade Adeniran and others are among the guest ministers set aside to handle the ministration of this year edition. 

The congress, according to the General Overseer of the church, Okunbanjo, “is aimed at winning souls and to glorify the name of Jesus through healing of those who were oppressed of the devil. 

“It is a platform by which God’s blessing will be poured out in his people.” Okubanjo revealed that annual congress is a special instruction from God in place of the annual conference. 

She said this in a statement, emphasizing that Nigerians should not give up for God will do a new thing in Nigeria, “just as Nigerians must be prepared to get God’s grace”. 

She stressed the need for people to enjoy God ‘s glory and that believers must endeavor to embrace righteousness in all their acts and deeds.  

Rev. Okubanjo is the adorable wife of late industrialist and Founder/Past Chairman, Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Chief Oladotun Okubanjo. 

As a woman of God, she shares diligently in the ministry her vision of liberating mankind from all affliction of the devil through the teachings of prosperity, healing, deliverance and all that pertains to life.

Mummy, as she is generally called, is recognized for her courage, agility and unique ability to prepare men and women for leadership, making them realize their potentials and their purpose of existence