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WE’LL RESTORE LOST GLORY OF LAGOS ISLAND- AMBODE …Performs Ground-Breaking Ceremony Of J.K Randle Centre For Yoruba Culture And History …Commissions Multi-Agency Safety Arena In Oshodi, New Model College In Ikorodu

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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said his administration was making strategic efforts to transform Onikan-Marina axis to a world class tourism hub that would go a long way to restore the lost glory of Lagos Island.

The Governor, who spoke at the foundation laying ceremony of the J.K Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos, said the Centre was part of a grand plan by his administration to turn the Onikan axis into a critical tourist hub, not just in the country but in the continent.

He said the Centre, originally built in 1928, was one of the centres that provided avenues for recreation and entertainment, but that the State Government has embarked on projects to regenerate, redesign and reactivate special cultural and tourist infrastructure in the State and convert them to centres of recreation, tourism and entertainment.

“In recent times, the centre has become redundant serving uses other than those for which it was built before falling to great neglect and disrepair. As a result, the Lagos State Government decided to redevelop the Centre and we are here for the ground-breaking ceremony of the new J. K. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. In the past, the Centre provided recreational services to the Lagos populace but the new J. K. Randle Centre will do a lot more,” the Governor said.

According to him, the new Centre, among other things, consists of an Exhibition Centre, a Library, a Multi-Purpose Hall, Learning Spaces, Restaurant and Lounges, while the Centre will also retain its swimming pool and sports facilities as well as a pavilion for stage performances.

Governor Ambode said aside the J.K Randle redevelopment, his administration has also embarked on the development of the Eko Park which will comprise of the Lagos Heritage Centre for Leadership at the former Presidential Lodge Marina, the Lagos History Center at the former State House Marina and a Lagos Museum as well as the erection of a 55-feet Eyo Statue at the Lagos History Centre.

Besides, the Governor listed the ongoing upgrading of the Onikan Stadium to a standard sports arena, regeneration of CMS Marina and Multi-Layer Car Parks around Onikan as other developments coming to the Onikan-Marina axis.

“All these will serve as a catalyst for the rest of the regeneration of Lagos Island, restoring it to its former glory, while reinforcing the position of Lagos State as one of the world’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan and exciting places to experience,” he said.

While noting that the State Government decided to retain the name J. K. Randle in recognition of the exploits of the late Lagos socialite, Governor Ambode thanked the present Board of Trustees comprising Chief Femi Majekodunmi, Mr. Femi Adeniyi-Williams and Bashorun J. K. Randle for their support and cooperation towards the redevelopment initiative.

He said the in course of the project, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund would collaborate with Construction Kaiser to use the construction site as a training ground for over 200 Artisans and construction Entrepreneurs’ under the Lagos State Employability Support Project.

In his goodwill message, one of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Centre, Dr Femi Majekodunmi, thanked Governor Ambode for redevelopment of J.K. Randle Centre as envisioned by the late J.K Randle, who was a close friend of his father.

“There are two performing two Governors that I know that have made up of their pledge, you are one of them, the other, I’ll keep the other 35 guessing”, Majekodunmi said.

He recalled his time as a resident in Lagos Island and had his primary and secondary education within the area, saying that he would pass the Centre every morning on his way to school and back.

“Every day, I walk pass there and in the afternoon, I swim over there.  We use to know how it was then till the time it was demolished.

“But after his death, his very good friends and committed Lagosians, which included my father, Dr M.A. Majekodunmi, Chief Alhaji I.S. Adewale and other trustees decided to immortalise this illustrious son of Lagos, J.K Randle. But with this what you have done, you have beat us to it,” Majekodunmi said.

Earlier, Governor Ambode while commissioning the Safety Arena in Bolade Oshodi, housing over 12 departments and agencies responsible for safety and emergency management in the State, said it would engender better synergy among them and a significant improvement in the response time to most safety and emergency issues.

“By providing ‘The Safety Arena’, we are not only institutionalizing inter-agency co-operation and collaboration but we are moving our emergency response mechanism to a new level with a more robust approach to emergency rescue through improved coordination and faster response time.

“Let me assure you that we are not only determined to institutionalize inter-agency collaboration but we are equally desirous of improving the inter-sectorial cooperation and synergy for Emergency Responders required for an effective Incident Management System,” the Governor said.

While charging management and staff to sustain the existing synergy among the various safety and emergency agencies, Governor Ambode urged them to desist from treating residents inhumanly, warning that professional misconduct would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, speaking in Ikorodu where he commissioned the Lagos State Girls’ Junior Model College, Agunfoye, Igbogbo and newly constructed block of 20 classrooms with state-of-the-art facilities at Anglican Primary School, Isawo, Governor Ambode said the resolve of his administration was to make qualitative education available and accessible to every child of school age in the State.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the opportunity being provided for children at the foundational stage with massive investment in education in the State, was crucial to the development of the country and as well designed to mould them into better individuals.

Governor Ambode said it was gratifying that the huge investment in education by his administration was already yielding positive results as evidenced by the improved students’ performance in examinations, national/international competitions, as well as improved morals and confidence in public speaking.

Besides, the Governor said the unveiling of the new Model College was another statement of his intention to take the education sector to a higher level and expand opportunities for girl child education.

The new college, which increased the number of Model Colleges in the State to 31, is equipped with 9 ultra-modern classrooms, library, laboratory, computer room, toilets and conducive offices for teachers, among others.

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

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Wike’s Loyalist Nwanosike Leads Thugs To Disrupt PDP NEC Meeting

 

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Samuel Nwanosike, the chairperson of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Thursday, reportedly led thugs to disrupt the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja.

Nwanosike, who is the chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, is a loyalist of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Among many other things, a potential sanction for Wike was expected to take the front burner at the party’s NEC meeting over allegations of anti-party activities.

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However, Nwanosike reportedly tried to force his way into the venue and came along with hoodlums. His intent, it was gathered, was to create chaos and halt resolutions by the NEC.

 

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup …recommends full investigation

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APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup ...recommends full investigation

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
…recommends full investigation

 

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A political interest group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the purported sacking of the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Ganduje.

The group under the umbrella of APC National Vanguard described the sacking as a political coup orchestrated by desperate individuals outside the party who are envious, and felt threatened by Ganduje’s rising profile.

It said that the attempt to sack Ganduje as the National Chairman of the APC is a direct assault on the democratic principles and what the party stands for.

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The group said: “We understand that such calls and attempt to illegally sack the chairman can only be contemplated by anti-democratic forces and those who seek the fall of the APC party.

“It is most unfortunate that they are hiding behind the façade of being democrats when in reality they abhor the very tenets of democracy, which is why they are keen on using crude tactics to cause disarray, and unsettlement within our prestigious party.

“We warn those outside the APC party who desperately want to rejoin the party to do so in the most honorable and civilized manner. Resorting to devilish, demonic, and dubious means to achieve their goals is not only unacceptable but also undermines the principles of democracy and fair play.

“It Is a clear violation of our party’s constitution and an affront to the democratic principles upon which our great nation is built. We stand firmly behind Alhaji Ganduje and affirm our unwavering support for his leadership.

“His dedication, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in our party’s success and growth. His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, has been an exemplary leader within the All Progressives Congress.

“Under his leadership, the party has made significant strides in advancing its agenda, promoting good governance, and delivering on its promises to the Nigerian people. His rising profile is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the party’s ideals.”

The group called on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to call his dogs to order. It said: For those that have hired themselves out as mercenaries to threaten Nigeria’s democracy and causing strife within our noble party, you should be ready to face the sword of justice soonest.

“The governor needs to understand that oppression of the weak is the bane of Justice and Democracy in any country. We implore him to step down if he has nothing in his head other than witch-hunting, and playing divisive politics in Kano State.

“He should hand over government to a competent hands if he’s not ready to embrace following due process of justice, other than using rascality, impersonation, and manipulative tactics to fight opposition.

“We call on all members of the APC, at all levels, to rally together in support of Alhaji Umar Ganduje and to condemn this act of political sabotage.

“Our unity and solidarity are paramount in these challenging times. It is only by standing together, hand in hand, that we can overcome any attempts to divide and weaken us.

“In conclusion, we reiterate our condemnation of the purported sack of His Excellency, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the APC. We expose the legal loophole in the alleged suspension, highlighting the fact that those who addressed the press conference are not card-carrying members of our party.

“Which in regards of this revelation makes the purported suspension null and void, and would have no any effect on the National Chairman.

“We further express our happiness at the good news that, the Ward and Local Government Executives having identified the persons involved in this unfortunate situation, have already prepared to charge them to court for impersonation and calculated attempt to embarrass and dent the image of the Party and that of the National Chairman.

“We also issue a stern warning to those outside the APC who seek to rejoin the party, urging them to do so in a manner that upholds honor, civility, and the democratic values we hold dear.”

 

APC Vanguard condemns purported sacking of Ganduje as attempted civilian coup
...recommends full investigation

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara ...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda – Governor Fubara
…As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

 

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The Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says Rivers State will fully support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

 

 

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We are thinking in the same line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing Agenda - Governor Fubara
...As Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority,Hon Oyetunde Ojo visits Rivers State.

He disclosed this on Wednesday, 10th April, 2024 when the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Federal Housing Authority, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo paid him a visit in continuation of the agency’s consultation with State Governors towards the Renewed Hope Agenda programme of President Tinubu.

Hon. Ojo, in his address to the governor, commended him for the great sense of focus he has displayed in governance within the short period he assumed office.

The FHA Chief Executive listed out the Governor’s infrastructural development, timely payment of pensioners, and enhanced security in the state, among other things, as the areas he has made instant marks in the state.

The MD informed Governor Fubara that the main reason for the visit was to bring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda message on Housing to Rivers State, which is all about providing affordable houses to Nigerians, pointed out that the state is the thirteenth he is visiting with his team in under one month.

Hon. Ojo reiterated Mr. President’s determination not only to tackle the nation’s housing deficit, but giving Nigerians affordable and livable houses. According to him, “We bring you Mr President’s mandate of Renewed Hope, which is affordable housing. Right now, in Nigeria, we lack adequate shelter, which is why the President has chosen us to help tackle the issue.”

The FHA boss pointed out the strategic importance of Rivers State with its peculiar terrain to the economic life of the country and noted the need for affordable houses in the state for the good of the citizens.

The MD therefore told His Excellency, Governor Fubara, that the Authority has come to ask for land from Rivers State for the purpose of delivering the Renewed Hope Housing project.

Hon. Ojo explained to the Governor the new developmental inclusiveness policy of the FHA, where the Authority consults with the State Governments for inputs in designs before any project is sited. He said that the Authority would does not wish to stay in Abuja and design what they like for the people of Rivers.

In his words, the MD told the governor, “One of the reasons why we are here today is to solicit for land. We do not want you to just give us land. We want, like I said, to sit with your management team to come up with the right designs that will be tailored towards what the Rivers people need”.

Hon. Ojo also informed the Governor of the Authority’s Diaspora City initiative, where a certain percentage of the land given for projects would be dedicated to building for our diasporians and other privileged Nigerians. This, he said, would benefit our people in diaspora, some of whom have fallen into the hands of fraudsters in their quest to have befitting accommodation back home.

FHA, the MD told Mr Governor, is in advanced discussion with the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission and the Federal Ministry of Tourism towards this. He noted that with the Authority’s digitization, the Diasporians would have seamless transaction with FHA from the comfort of their respective locations and also be able to monitor and track their investments.

Hon. Ojo also told Governor Fubara that FHA wants to capitalise on the value chain of construction to help fight inflation in the country. He noted that by the time these sporadic massive constructions would start across the country, numerous direct and indirect jobs would be created.

The Managing Director equally informed the Governor that most of the contracts would be given to contactors from Rivers State. This, he said, apart from helping boost the state’s economy, would create a sense of ownership of the project, and the people would also know those to hold accountable.

The MD also emphasized the apolitical stand of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this project. Mr. President, he noted, sees this as a critical Nigerian project devoid of political colouration. He noted further that the FHA team has visited 13 states that are APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party controlled, pointing to the non-partisan nature of the Renewed Hope Agenda programme.

On the designs and models of delivery, Hon. Ojo told the governor that the Authority remains resolute in the decision to consider Nigerians in the lower rung of the economy by building Studio, One Bedroom apartments, and carcass. He maintained that expensive finishing would not be imposed on Nigerians. FHA would do a prototype exterior, plumbing, and electricals, while respective allottees would do the finishing according to their individual tastes and resources.

Finally, the MD informed His Excellency that the Authority has ready off – takers for the project and would also like the collaboration of the State in profiling off-takers . “We will make you proud. We will come back to sit with you once you give us land. We will call you for the ground breaking, and President Tinubu will surely be your guest”. The MD concluded.

The governor, in his response, thanked the FHA team for coming to the state to discuss such an important issue of nation building. He thanked the President for the Renewed Hope initiative and expressed great concern over the issue of housing challenges in the country. In the Governor’s words, “I am really happy this evening not minding the timing, to discuss such an important issue of nation building”.

Governor Fubara noted that the issue of housing is becoming more challenging in the country due to high cost of living, and as such, all levels of government need to come down to tackle. “In our country today, because of the high cost of living, housing has become an issue, the medium income earner can not even afford them. All levels of government need to come down to tackle it.” He opined.

The Governor noted that his government is thinking along the same line with Mr President. He said that they are thinking of making provision for all segments of the populace, including the civil servants, traders, taxi drivers etc. He said that “…receiving a delegation from FHA is cheering to us. I want to assure you that we will be part of this project.” He noted.

The Governor expressed happiness for the proactive and business oriented disposition of the Authority’s presentation, and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to work with FHA. In his words, “your demands are very simple. We are dealing with a team that is very serious to develop. They want the contractors to come from us. They want to partner us for off- takers. I want to assure you that we will work with you.”

Governor Fubara was also pleased with the Authority’s proposal to sit with the state for input in designs. He said it shows the seriousness FHA’s Management, that has great interest in its end product meeting the desires of those it is building for.

Finally, the Governor said, “I assure you of all the support you would need. Our message to the President is that we will support the project to be a successful legacy of his administration. ” He concluded.

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