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Address Delivered At The Agenda Setting Workshop On Building A More Resilient City Held On Tuesday 7th February, 2017 At Renaissance Hotel GRA, Ikeja

http://akinwunmiambode.com/address-delivered-at-the-agenda-setting-workshop-on-building-a-more-resilient-city-held-on-tuesday-7th-february-2017-at-renaissance-hotel-gra-ikeja/

On Wednesday 25th May, 2016 the Lagos State Government received the news of our selection to join the group of 100 Resilient Cities network, a cause pioneered by the highly esteemed Rockefeller foundation.This news was a proud moment for our State and a confirmation that our efforts to build a globally competitive State have received international recognition.

I am happy to welcome Mr. Michael Berkowitz,the President of the 100 Resilient Cities and his very resourceful team to Lagos State, the State of aquatic splendor and the Centre of Excellence.


Resilience dictates that,rather than dwell on our challenges or shortcomings, we capitalize and exploit the massive opportunities that exist therein.

We acknowledge these challenges and needs;and now as a member of the 100 resilient Cities of the World, we have a platform to compare notes with cities who have similar experiences and create innovative and mitigating strategies.

Lagos is currently home to about 23 million inhabitants with an estimated 86 people moving into Lagos every hour. This creates challenges of managing a daily increase in human and vehicular movement.Apart from transportation, our State is faced with other challenges including security,ocean surge, flooding, high unemployment rate, pressure on physical and social infrastructure, growth of slums and a huge housing deficit. Yet Lagos remains resilient and ever-progressive.


Resilience has always been part of the Lagos story. We are the smallest state in Nigeria by geographical size but the largest by population and economic power. Many would recall the manner with which Lagos contained the outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2015 and secured our residents from a terrible epidemic that was thrust upon us.

You may want to ask how wehave coped in the face of these challenges.The answer is simple; innovation, determination and resilience. To tackle the housing deficit, our administration recently introduced the Rent – To – Own housing scheme, a micro finance housing scheme where allotees pay a small initial deposit, spread the balance in monthly instalmentsover a period of years and ownership transferred to the beneficiary.In addition, our government is currently in partnership with the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) to upgrade 2 blighted settlements in Bariga and Amukoko.


We have initiated many interventions all over the State to shorten road travel time and we are in talks with the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) to introduce rail transportation in the Ikoyi-Lekki corridor. We have also engaged in massive road construction and opening-up of our rural communities, continuous clearance of drainages and the upgrade and construction of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs). Our objective is to make every community in Lags economically liveable and stem rural-urban flight.

In response to the high unemployment figures, we created the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to provide cheap source of funding to our young entrepreneurs and SME’s. The Fund started disbursement to beneficiaries in December 2016 and more funds will be made available to in the coming months to stimulate economic activity and get more of our young people employed.

The ocean surge is a huge challenge and the Lagos State Government in partnership with notable investors have invested in the development of Eko Atlantic City to not only contain the ocean surge but to deliver a new city which will be a future financial, commercial and tourism centre.

Being a part of the network of 100 Resilient Cities comes at a good time when our State is looking to join the leading city-states of the world. We are open to new ideas, new technology and new methods.

It is our belief that membership of this network will be beneficial to our State and would offer us more opportunities to access investment and partnerships that will foster massive infrastructural development over the next couple of years.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you deliberate on setting an agenda for a resilient Lagos, I urge you to look beyond the challenges I have already highlighted and draw a road map for a resilient Lagos.

I wish you fruitful deliberations and I look forward to receiving your report.

Thank you.

ItesiwajuIpinleEko lo je walogun

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday received the Certificate of Admission of the State as one of the 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) in the world pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, saying that it was a starting point and a positive partnership that would help the State address the challenges of urban planning, transport gridlock, environment and modern infrastructure.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the presentation of the certificate held at the Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, said the development was not only historic in the annals of the State but a confirmation that the efforts to build a globally competitive State had received international recognition.

The Governor said it was gratifying to note that despite the challenges faced by the State in many areas including transportation, security, ocean surge, flooding, high unemployment rate, pressure on physical and social infrastructure, growth of slums and a huge housing deficit, Lagos remained resilient and ever progressive.

While alluding to the objective of his administration to make every community in Lagos economically liveable and stem rural-urban flight, the Governor said deliberate initiatives have been put in place to address the housing deficit, transport challenges and economic development, among others.

He said: “We acknowledge these challenges and needs; and now as a member of the 100 resilient Cities of the World, we have a platform to compare notes with cities who have similar experiences and create innovative and mitigating strategies.

“Lagos is currently home to about 23 million inhabitants with an estimated 86 people moving into Lagos every hour. This creates challenges of managing a daily increase in human and vehicular movement,” he said.

The Governor, who said that resilience had always been part of the Lagos story, said despite the fact that the State remained the smallest state in Nigeria by geographical size, it is the largest by population and economic power.

He particularly recalled the manner with which Lagos contained the outbreak of the Ebola virus in 2015 and secured residents from a terrible epidemic.

While speaking on the plans for the State, Governor Ambode said his administration was currently in partnership with the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) to upgrade 2 blighted settlements in Bariga and Amukoko.

“We have initiated many interventions all over the State to shorten road travel time and we are in talks with the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) to introduce rail transportation in the Ikoyi-Lekki corridor. We have also engaged in massive road construction and opening-up of our rural communities, continuous clearance of drainages and the upgrade and construction of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs). Our objective is to make every community in Lags economically liveable and stem rural-urban flight.

“In response to the high unemployment figures, we created the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to provide cheap source of funding to our young entrepreneurs and SME’s. The Fund started disbursement to beneficiaries in December 2016 and more funds will be made available to in the coming months to stimulate economic activity and get more of our young people employed.

“The ocean surge is a huge challenge and the Lagos State Government in partnership with notable investors have invested in the development of Eko Atlantic City to not only contain the ocean surge but to deliver a new city which will be a future financial, commercial and tourism centre,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Akinyemi Ashade said the selection of Lagos among the 100 Resilient Cities was sign post of a new dawn for the State in terms of ability to adapt to some of the risks and shocks it may be exposed to and how to effectively treat and overcome them.

He recalled how Governor Ambode issued a directive in August 2016 for commencement of process for Lagos to be selected, adding that the feat, apart from taking the delivery of electoral promises a notch higher in terms of concrete and measurable deliverables to the citizenry, would also compliment the vision of the present administration to make Lagos Africa’s model mega city of choice.

Earlier, President of 100 Resilient Cities, Mr Michael Berkowitz said out of the over 1,000 applications received and three rounds of selection process, Lagos was chosen for its innovative leadership, infrastructural strides and influential status not just in Africa but in the world.

He said the organization, by the initiative, was hoping to help cities change the way they think about their resilient opportunities and to see an integration between challenges.

“Sometimes cities think about transport, just about moving people; housing, just about housing people; economic development, just about creating jobs but cities get better when they think about those things in an inter-related way.

“We are trying to inspire a movement across the world to change the way cities approach their risks and opportunities and so Lagos is not just the most influential city in West Africa or the continent but around the world and that was very appealing to us,” Berkowitz said.

The Governor later signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mayor of Paynesville, Liberia, Mrs Cyvette Gibson, which would facilitate information sharing around resilience in the two cities with the view to bring about economic development.

http://akinwunmiambode.com/lagos-state-government-receives-certificate-admitting-lagos-into-worlds-100-resilient-cities/

Please no one should be surprised. APC Lagos under Ambode has done so well so the defection is something I would have expected to come earlier.

AshiwajuFoward:
With its own state-controlled airport and seaports, you can imagine the kind of revenues the state would be generating.

Seriously I was mulling on the idea of Lagos taking over the ownership of all the seaports, airports and federal infrastructure that generates revenue for the FG, the kind of money Lagos would start making. Ambode wants to the state to be the 3rd largest economy in Africa by 2020. And with Lagos contributing 30% of Nigeria's GDP and 60% of Nigeria's non oil revenue, take away what Nigeria earns from Lagos and give to Lagos and everyone would see that Nigeria depends on Lagos economy and with time Lagos economy could surpass Nigeria

Sibrah:
You mean people use Lagos instead of Port novo and cotonou, Benin republic?

Yup. It's not as if those other ports aren't used but the main choice of importers into west Africa is Lagos ports and that's what informed the LASG to make plans in building two new seaports at Lekki and Badagry in other to be the number one destination because the existing ports are already choked up.

Sibrah:
Are you saying federal allocation equals Nigeria's economy? Stop being ignorant.
If Nigeria stops importing rice, flour, petrol today Lagos losses half its import duty revenue. Lagos is dependent on Nigeria.

Bro Lagos ports dont serve only Nigeria but the entire west Africa countries. Go read up if you don't believe me.

Doctor0071:
you forgot to put $30bn make you no think of Nalra

$30bn to Naira is #9427500000000.

kjhova:
I don't know what projects have been prioritised in the government's US$30B plan but I know the five key infrastructure I feel Lagos needs urgently to earn the mega city claim.

1) Robust mass transit rail system.

2) Statewide portable water system.

3) 10,000MW dedicated electric power grid.

4) Statewide pipe-to-home cooking gas system.

5) Local council estates (with statewide capacity of 1,000,000 flats).

1. Transportation: Light rail, new BRT corridors and new buses to replace danfo

2. 4th mainland bridge

3. Lagos smart city project

4. Lekki airport / seaport and badagry seaport

5. New mini stadia across the state

6. Lagos forensic unit

7. Lagos medical park

8. World class conference centre

These are some of the projects I know that the government wants to commence or fund.

As we may all be aware, Lagos City-State as one of the fastest growing cities in the world has a vision of becoming Africa’s model Mega City and global, economic and financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and productive. To achieve this vision, we are guided by the 2012 – 2025 Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP).

The transition from Vision to Strategy is expressed in four Development Pillars:
•Economic Development
•Infrastructural Development
•Social Development & Security; and
•Sustainable Development

However, underpinning these strategic pillars are the platforms of Finance and Governance. How do we attain the massive needs of our people especially in the face of strong ‘economic ‘head winds’? I am therefore very pleased that the set up and inauguration of this Economic team would go a long way in solidifying this platform.

As with most developing major city States, we are confronted with challenges in the areas of infrastructure, security, health, wealth creation, education and attracting investments and creating enabling environment to do business to mention a few. The modest gains achieved in addressing these over the past 20 months have been due mainly to prudent managing of the limited resources.

Let me crave your indulgence to present a picture of what we are confronted with. Our 2017 budget has earmarked about N500 billion (about US$1.6 billion) as capital spend. Whereas our recent Infrastructure needs analysis shows that over $30 billion would be required to achieve the 30 most impactful projects for the State over the next 5 years (an average of US$6 billion per annum).

It is evident that Government cannot address this from current resources. A key task of this Committee is therefore to provide specific advice on the overall finance strategy to bridge the massive infrastructure gap. I am therefore glad and privileged that 9 competent and well respected Lagosians have accepted our request to serve in the Committee. My sincere thanks and appreciation to each of you.



Whilst the Committee is independent and largely constituted by members from the private sector, the need for integration and collaboration to ensure that the views are taken on board has resulted in having three members of the State Executive, led by the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, in the team.

A key agenda of this Government has been to have an ‘all inclusive’ governance arrangement. My quarterly town hall meetings and regular meetings with business leaders emphasize the need to have the public and private sector views as we take major decisions. This private sector led Economic team achieves the key objective of getting independent views on economic and business issues in delivering the mandate to the people.

The Committee would be a sounding board over policies that will improve the business environment and the economic development of the State. Other roles include:
•Advise the Government on policies that should be considered for the purposes of fostering and advancing economic and business opportunities;
•Provide an effective mechanism for engaging the private sector on matters relating to economic development of the State;
•Provide advice and strategic direction along the lines of the Lagos State Development Plan, and or in relation to modifications if considered necessary;
•Analysing any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the Governor;
•Act as ambassadors/champions for certain new initiatives;
•Advise on competitiveness issues, policy and programs;
•Provide advisory input according to their particular areas of expertise as appropriate and relevant in guiding and shaping the Governor’s vision and implementation strategy and process;
•Assist and provide support to the Governor on projects, issues and other matters as they arise.

Please note that this appointment is for an initial period of two years. In true spirit of recognizing the Committee’s independence, I leave it to you to determine the frequency of your meetings and the extent of your interactions with other stake holders.

On this note, the State Economic Advisory Team is hereby inaugurated. Congratulations.

Thanks again and God bless you.

Akinwunmi Ambode

fergie001:
Ambode,the way u call money these days,I am a bit uncomfortable. million this,billion this,trillion that,I have even forgotten that billion is even 9zeros?
Mtchew,poverty?o ga diri gi nma

Nwannem, you can make it in Lagos if you believe. Eliminate poverty!

…Inaugurates 12-Member Economic Advisory Committee

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said that the State would require at least $30billion dollars to adequately deliver 30 most impactful infrastructural projects over the next five years.

The Governor, who spoke shortly before inaugurating a 12-member Economic Advisory Committee at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the projected figure represents about $6billion per annum, whereas the provision for capital projects in the 2017 budget is pegged at N500billion (about $1.6billion).

Alluding to the fact that the projection clearly shows that government alone cannot address the infrastructure deficit, he said the inauguration of the Economic Advisory Committee was therefore a step in the right direction.

“If Lagos was a country and we are the fifth largest economy in Africa, then we have to start thinking about the number five. In that regard, you must not think taxes of Lagos state citizens or IGR, you must create some kind of platform that would allow some other people who are outside to tell us how to run a country in a State.

“Let me crave your indulgence to present a picture of what we are confronted with. Our 2017 budget has earmarked about N500 billion (about US$1.6 billion) as capital spend. Whereas our recent Infrastructure needs analysis shows that over $30 billion would be required to achieve the 30 most impactful projects for the State over the next five years (an average of US$6 billion per annum).

“It is evident that Government cannot address this from current resources. A key task of this Committee is therefore to provide specific advice on the overall finance strategy to bridge the massive infrastructure gap. I am therefore glad and privileged that nine competent and well respected Lagosians have accepted our request to serve in the Committee,” he said.

Highlighting some of the key functions expected of the Economic Advisory Team, Governor Ambode said they would be expected to bring an independent perspective on economic and business issues with a primary role of offering advice to his administration under the four strategic 2012-2025 Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) pillars of Economic Development; Infrastructural Development; Social Development and Security as well as Sustainable Development.

Governor Ambode said that whilst the Committee is independent and largely constituted by members from the private sector, the need for integration and collaboration to ensure that the views are taken on board necessitated in having three members of the State Executive Council, led by the Commissioner for Finance in the team.

He expressed optimism that the Economic team would further expand his administration’s all inclusive governance mantra and achieve the key objective of getting independent views on economic and business issues in delivering the mandate to the people.

Governor Ambode later inaugurated renowned economist and Founder of Agusto & Co, Mr. Olabode Agusto as the Chairman, while Commissioners for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Energy And Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo and Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye are members of the Committee.

Other members include former Managing Director, Skye Bank, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Former Country Senior Partner, PwC, Mr. Kenneth Igbokwe; Founder/CEO Bestman Games Ltd, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe; Managing Partner, Dalmeida, Ogunlana & Co, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlana; Managing Director, Vetiva Capital, Dr. Laolu Mudashiru; former Minister of Science & Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Deputy Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Moruf Oseni and Mrs Yetunde Akinloye who doubles as Secretary of the Committee.

Responding on behalf of other members of the Committee, Agusto assured that they would work diligently and focus on the priorities of the State Government aimed at making life more comfortable for Lagosians.

He noted that one of the major reasons why Lagos is making steady progress was the fact that businesses are thriving, adding that the Committee would take into cognizance the important role the private sector plays in that regard.

http://akinwunmiambode.com/lagos-needs-30bn-to-execute-30-capital-projects-in-five-years/

On power, Governor Ambode said the major issue had always been with transmission and advocated an embedded power initiative that would allow clusters of Independent Power Projects (IPP) to run the cities.



He and Fash need to sit down and discuss on this extensively. I hope they've settled their differences doe.

aloziedaya:
And replace danfo with what? Employment for drivers and conductors nko?

These APC government and their zombies are like NEPA and blackout

You obviously didn't read the article.

I wish there is a source to this

But then if it true, I disagree with him.

He can instead replace the yellow buses with new yellow ones.

They should just be yellow. It is Lagos identity and shouldn't be thrown away.

Ningi2020:
The protesters re just bunch of idiots dat needs d attention of d military men...

Dont you think they have the right to protest to the government?

Let him go and address the protesters at Aso rock gate

Funjosh:
Who is that Asian man among the paramedics so

If we can leave our country to a white man's country to look for job and work, a white man can do same too and come to our country to look for job and work!

KINGwax007:
How do you want to achieve this with the schools in Lagos state? U want to start breaking down houses around the schools?

I think this model would only be for new schools that would be built and would only be sited in areas with a large space that can accommodate what they intend to build.

Houses might be demolished but there'll be compensation as well.

deomelo:
Hatred, bad bele and shortsightedness wont let them reason beyond their nose.

deomelo:
It's their usual hatred, bigotry, bad bele and insecurities.

Lol. And the irony of it all is that I can say for my area in Lagos, the two public schools there are dominated by my Igbo brothers.

If this kind of structure is erected in such area, is it not his people that'll be of benefit?

oduastates:
Lagos will need 2000 of those

Remember LASG runs a free public school system. Can this model be sustained, because it looks really expensive to me! and to have 2000 of those, hmmm

Bitterleafsoup:
Oh Lord they have started again where is the $ 90 million, billions of naira Fashola got from the World Bank to build the schools? We never forget!

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/06/spent-90m-world-bank-education-loan-fashola/

Okay.

If Fashola built schools, does that mean that successive government after his shouldn't build theirs or come up with their own model?

Because I don't understand the intent of your post sir.

IrradiatoR:
Good

but where will they get the "size" of land to accommodate this everywhere in the state

Lol. They are the government. They could compensate some people if they intend to site it in a place where there are other occupants.

Going forward when building a new school, the location and size would be considered in other to accommodate what's in the building plan.

Though I'll love to see such school in a place like Alimosho, Mushin etc.

1. I can see a football field and track field around it

2. A basketball court

3. A perimeter fencing (This is because of the high spate of kidnapped students in Lagos schools of late)

4. A wide car park

5. The school block

6. Green landscape for beautification

7. [s]The 4 blue rectangular spots on the design looks to me like a swimming pool? Or what?[/s] Lawn tennis courts

I really love this. Lagos public schools should be given a face lift and this is a step in the right direction.

Eko o ni baje ooo.

Source https://m.facebook.com/followlasg/

I found these design pictures of what Ambode's new look for Public schools in Lagos would look like.

What do you think of it?

This is really a beautiful concept.

----

Updated :::

Ambode awards contracts for renovation of 174 classrooms, 8 new blocks

…lays foundation of new model school in Ojo

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration has awarded contract for the construction of eight new blocks of classrooms as well as the renovation of 174 existing blocks of classrooms and the construction of perimeter fence in various schools to enhance security.

The Governor, who spoke at the Foundation Laying ceremony of the New Model School in Awori College, Ojo, said the government has also commenced the supply of over 40,000 students’ furnitures on a quarterly basis to clear the identified shortfall of 160,000.

Governor Ambode, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule expressed optimism that the sustained efforts of his administration to improve on the quality of teaching and learning environment would positively impact on the performance of students.

He noted that performance of students in the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) conducted examination was most assuring and an indication that the State was moving in the right direction.

The Governor said, “Today we are introducing a new model of block of classrooms in our public secondary schools. This edifice, apart from aiding teaching and learning, will compare favourably with high school structures in leading countries of the world.

“Apart from the aesthetics value, the new structure is capable of enhancing security of students, staff and schools materials in the face of the recent security breaches in our schools. It would comprise 36 classrooms, library, staff rooms, multipurpose hall, laboratories, principal/Vice Principal’s offices and modern toilet facilities for both junior and senior schools.”

He assured students in the State that his administration was committed to building a future of great opportunities, possibilities and prosperity through the provision of qualitative education that is consistent with the demands of the 21stcentury.

He enjoined the students to embrace the opportunities being provided by showing serious commitment to their studies and shun all negative values that could hinder their dreams.

“Let me assure all parents that we will continue to do our very best to ensure that our schools are safe from intruders. We have put in place measures to secure our pupils, students, teaching and non teaching staff. Our standards are high and we will continue to make them better,” the Governor said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, said that the words and actions of Governor Ambode about education has spoken loud and in unequivocal terms about his passion to ensure the provision of high quality education that is accessible to all learners through effective and efficient management of resources for the attainment of self reliance and socio- economic development.

Also, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi, urged residents to appreciate the government’s prompt response to anything that has to do with education and future development of youths in the State, adding that the priority being accorded education in the state, particularly by the Ambode-led administration cannot but be applauded.

He said though other states of the federation find it difficult to pay teachers’ salary, the reverse was the case in Lagos as Governor Ambode pays salaries of staff, teachers inclusive on the 22nd of every month.

“This present administration recently employed more that 1,300 teachers and is about employing another 1,000. All these and other achievements were made possible due to good managers and able lieutenants at the helm of affairs as far as education is concerned,” Ogunyemi said.

https://www.facebook.com/followlasg/posts/1351158764905386

VajanahDischaj:
is he not Old? mtcheww! why u dey reason like Old men sef?

What's his age Miss?

And I dont know how old men reason but i know as old age arrives, wisdom comes with it.

Fed Ministry of PWH Fed Ministry of PWH
@FMPWHng


He will then complete the tour by inspecting the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge #FasholaSETour


Later today, the Hon Minister will pay a courtesy call on the executive governor of Anambra state H.E Willie Obaino #FasholaSETour



the Hon Minister will also inspect the 2nd part of the of outstanding section Enugu-Onitsha dual Carriageway (Umana-Ndiagwu) #FasholaSETour



The Hon Minister will also inspect the Rehabilitation of Umana-Ndiagwu-Ebenebe-Amansi Awka Road in enugu state #FasholaSETour




In Enugu, the Hon Minister will inspect the 1st part of the of outstanding section of Enugu-Onitsha dual Carriageway #FasholaSETour

Hon Minister @TundeFashola reads riot to Contractor handling the Rehabilitation of Enugu - PH Dual Carriageway Section I #FasholaSETour

Hon Minister @TundeFashola promises completion of 800km Rehabilitation of Enugu - PH Dual Carriageway in 18-24months. #FasholaSETour

I always know BRF wont disappoint when it comes to infrastructure and works. What has really hindered his efforts is lack of funds. He had that in abundance while in Lagos and succeeded, but at the federal level, what he receives is far much lower than what he spends on infrastructure as the former governor of Lagos.

Y'all can follow https://twitter.com/FMPWHng for updates on what Fash is doing for his ministries.