Cleaner Lagos Initiative would cause expansion of business for PSP operators and lead to the creation of more jobs. This journey the Lagos State Government has embarked on will guarantee a clean society befitting of a mega-city like Lagos.
This will facilitate employment for thousands of people. All licensed waste management operators will service the commercial areas and ensure effective cleanliness.
There is surely better life coming for 27,500 Lagos State community sanitation workers with insurance benefits such as life, health, accident and injury cover. Also, the salaries of those who will get direct employment to work is going to be tax free.

Glo to storm 27 cities with mega music, comedy shows

Globacom, national telecommunications operator and Nigeria’s biggest corporate promoter of entertainment, has announced plans to commence the first-of-its-kind entertainment fiesta which will set several cities across the country agog for the next six months.

The twin mega shows, called the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour and the Glo Laffta Fest comedy show, will kick off on April 7 across 27 locations of the country.

Announcing the commencement of the 27-week shows in a statement over the weekend, Globacom explained that Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour is a music concert that will feature the best acts in Nigeria’s music industry, while Glo Laffta Fest is a comedy event which will parade the funniest humor merchants on the African continent. Each of the shows will be held in the selected 27 cities.

The company said Benin city would host the first Glo Mega Music Concert on Friday, April 7, at the Best Western Hotel, Etete, Benin City, while the first Glo Laffta Fest would be held on Sunday, April 9, at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In the statement, the leading telecommunications outfit disclosed that the two shows would run in the cities consecutively mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, with the Glo Mega Music Concert holding on Saturdays, while the Glo Laffta Fest show would hold on Sundays. Other locations where the shows will hold include:Ikeja, Ikorodu, FESTAC and Ajah all in Lagos; Awka; Owerri; Asaba; Calabar; Enugu; Aba; Port Harcourt; Suleja, Kubwa and FCT, all in Abuja; Ibadan; Ijebu Ode; Abeokuta; Ekpoma; Kaduna; Akure; Lokoja; and Ayingba.

According to the statement, "we are running the spectacular shows as a way of saying thank you to our teeming subscribers across the country for their loyalty, support and abiding faith in the Glo brand over the years."

"The A-list Nigerian musicians who will perform at the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour include Olamide, Flavour, Runtown, Omawumi, Yemi Alade, PSquare, Phyno, Timaya, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di'Ja and Kiss Daniel. As we proceed, we will further embellish the concert with another giant Nigerian musician. For the Glo Laffta Fest, we have such heavy weight comedians as Gordons, Basketmouth, Bovi, Salvador from Uganda, I Go Dye, Dan D Humorous, Bash, Seyi Law, Omobaba, Acapella, Senator, Helen Paul, Osama, Princewill, Mr Patrick, Frank D Don, MC Tagwaye, Kenny Blaq, Funky Mallam, Arinze Baba, 2CanTalk, Maleke, Still Ringing and AB Simple", the statement added.

“We are proud to say that never before has any corporate body assembled this array of stars for a six-month music and comedy shows like Globacom has done for the two shows. This makes the twin mega shows very unique,” Globacom said.

In addition to the array of stars listed to perform at the shows, Globacom also disclosed that the trio of Juliet Ibrahim, Joselyn Dumas and Mercy Johnson would act as anchors, while Kanayo O. Kanayo, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ebube Nwagbo, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, Sani Danja and other superstars would make guest appearances at the shows.

Globacom said "the shows are specially designed to celebrate and reward our teeming subscribers and to demonstrate to them that we will spare no efforts at delighting them at all times as they are the reason why we are in business. The icing on the cake is that all these array of mega stars will be entertaining our esteemed subscribers in all the locations free of charge".

To qualify to be part of the Glo Mega Music Tour, the company urged subscribers to use N3,000 one month before each show and text "Music" and their preferred location to a short code, 207. For instance, a subscriber who wants to attend the Abuja event should send by SMS, "Music Abuja" to 207. For Glo Laffta Fest comedy show, subscribers are advised to useN3,000 before the show and send "LOL" to a short code, 240. For instance, a subscriber who wants to attend the Benin show should send by SMS, “LOL Benin” to 240.‎

Glo to storm 27 cities with mega music, comedy shows

Globacom, national telecommunications operator and Nigeria’s biggest corporate promoter of entertainment, has announced plans to commence the first-of-its-kind entertainment fiesta which will set several cities across the country agog for the next six months.

The twin mega shows, called the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour and the Glo Laffta Fest comedy show, will kick off on April 7 across 27 locations of the country.

Announcing the commencement of the 27-week shows in a statement over the weekend, Globacom explained that Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour is a music concert that will feature the best acts in Nigeria’s music industry, while Glo Laffta Fest is a comedy event which will parade the funniest humour merchants on the African continent. Each of the shows will be held in the selected 27 cities.

The company said Benin city would host the first Glo Mega Music Concert on Friday, April 7, at the Best Western Hotel, Etete, Benin City, while the first Glo Laffta Fest would be held on Sunday, April 9, at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In the statement, the leading telecommunications outfit disclosed that the two shows would run in the cities consecutively mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, with the Glo Mega Music Concert holding on Saturdays, while the Glo Laffta Fest show would hold on Sundays. Other locations where the shows will hold include:Ikeja, Ikorodu, FESTAC and Ajah all in Lagos; Awka; Owerri; Asaba; Calabar; Enugu; Aba; Port Harcourt; Suleja, Kubwa and FCT, all in Abuja; Ibadan; Ijebu Ode; Abeokuta; Ekpoma; Kaduna; Akure; Lokoja; and Ayingba.

According to the statement, "we are running the spectacular shows as a way of saying thank you to our teeming subscribers across the country for their loyalty, support and abiding faith in the Glo brand over the years."

"The A-list Nigerian musicians who will perform at the Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour include Olamide, Flavour, Runtown, Omawumi, Yemi Alade, PSquare, Phyno, Timaya, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Di'Ja and Kiss Daniel. As we proceed, we will further embellish the concert with another giant Nigerian musician. For the Glo Laffta Fest, we have such heavy weight comedians as Gordons, Basketmouth, Bovi, Salvador from Uganda, I Go Dye, Dan D Humorous, Bash, Seyi Law, Omobaba, Acapella, Senator, Helen Paul, Osama, Princewill, Mr Patrick, Frank D Don, MC Tagwaye, Kenny Blaq, Funky Mallam, Arinze Baba, 2CanTalk, Maleke, Still Ringing and AB Simple", the statement added.

“We are proud to say that never before has any corporate body assembled this array of stars for a six-month music and comedy shows like Globacom has done for the two shows. This makes the twin mega shows very unique,” Globacom said.

In addition to the array of stars listed to perform at the shows, Globacom also disclosed that the trio of Juliet Ibrahim, Joselyn Dumas and Mercy Johnson would act as anchors, while Kanayo O. Kanayo, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ebube Nwagbo, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, Sani Danja and other superstars would make guest appearances at the shows.

Globacom said "the shows are specially designed to celebrate and reward our teeming subscribers and to demonstrate to them that we will spare no efforts at delighting them at all times as they are the reason why we are in business. The icing on the cake is that all these array of mega stars will be entertaining our esteemed subscribers in all the locations free of charge".

To qualify to be part of the Glo Mega Music Tour, the company urged subscribers to use N3,000 one month before each show and text "Music" and their preferred location to a short code, 207. For instance, a subscriber who wants to attend the Abuja event should send by SMS, "Music Abuja" to 207. For Glo Laffta Fest comedy show, subscribers are advised to useN3,000 before the show and send "LOL" to a short code, 240. For instance, a subscriber who wants to attend the Benin show should send by SMS, “LOL Benin” to 240.‎

1. The structure of new bridge gives no room for any form of untidiness or dirtiness which is capable of cauing harm in the state, such as traders displaying all manners of wares and human faeces littering the bridge. These are the main issues that discourage Lagosians from using bridges.
2. Pedestrians will no longer need to stay in long queues in other to cross the busy road. The effect of this will be a clean, orderly and aesthetically pleasing environment #CleanerLagos
3. There will be less traffic congestion which will lead to less pedestrian injuries along Ojota axis
#CleanerLagos #CLI #environment #lagos

Grand corollaries of Ambode, Fasolas reconciliation


Last Saturday (25th March 2017), the Minister for Power, Works & Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) paid a landmark courtesy visit to his successor and Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Following the contentious debate between the two leaders in the preceding week, it was most gratifying to see them pulling together and putting their differences of opinion aside in the best overall interest of Lagos State and Nigeria.

As the sitting Governor of Lagos State, Ambode has left no one in doubt about his intension and deep commitment to transform Lagos truly into a state of aquatic splendor. Nothing offers a state a golden opportunity to showcase its economic prosperity, political stability, serenity and grandeur more than its gateways. The biggest gateway not only into Lagos but Nigeria is the iconic but now derelict Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Even more disheartening is the road from the airport to Apapa-Osodi Expressway. To call it an eyesore is probably the vilest understatement of a lifetime. A stretch of dilapidated walls, miserable structures, a retinue of rickety buses, taxis, towing vehicles and petrol tankers littered the road in a manner that would make any conscionable Nigerian to convulse with trepidation.

This unfathomable scenario did not just happen yesterday or last year, it has been like that for decades. A former President of the country was once quoted as saying during his campaign visit to Lagos State that he wept when he saw the state of the road. Providence smiled at the President; he won his election, spent four more years and conveniently forgot to fix the same road which had made him to shed crocodile tears when he was scavenging for votes.

As Governor of Lagos State, one of the projects Fashola would have loved to execute was the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road. A beautiful design for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and beautification of the road was done but unfortunately, that initiative was sacrificed on the altar of politics. The Federal Government, then under a different political party, must have felt that if they collaborated with the Lagos Government and allowed the state government to fix the road, which undoubtedly fell under federal jurisdiction, all the glory would go to Lagos State and the party in power there. Sadly in Nigeria, it is not about the comfort of the people first. It is all about the ego of those in power.

Ambode must have felt that fixing the airport road now would be an easy ride because not only did his party control governments at both the state and federal level, his predecessor is the incumbent Minister of Works, Power and Housing. An aide of Governor Ambode had even said assuredly to me during a conversation that the Lagos State Government would perform the ground-breaking to fix the road latest by this March. This was not to be.

The realization that the grand effort to fix the all-important social and economic road might be jinxed again might have compelled Ambode to express his frustration in the court of public opinion.

It is therefore refreshing to see that both Ambode and Fashola are on the same page in addressing all the issues, which created friction between both leaders in the past. Beyond what they said in the public glare, instructively, what they did not say carried the bigger weight. Both came across as genuine in their intentions. Their countenances, body language and open display of affection came across as real and sincere. Ambode was matured and effusive in heaping tons of praises on his predecessors, dating it back to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and dovetailing it down to Fashola whom he credited for his phenomenal achievements in his 8 years in office.

In unifying, they have displayed exemplary leadership. By focusing on their commonalities -- their energetic and passionate will to make revolutionary impact in Lagos.

Governor Ambodes laser focus on his target of Lagos becoming the third largest economy in Africa by 2020 has been the driving force for finding common ground with his predecessor. He said, We are all strongly committed to increasing value in Lagos and maximizing the States enormous potential for growth to better the lives of all residents in Lagos. He went on to say What binds us all is our passion for Lagos and the people and we stand together on that. Ultimately, it is about a shared goal that we have all worked tirelessly to achieve for our people and we will get it done.

One of the Federal Controllers for Works who accompanied Fashola on the visit mentioned the airport road as one of the projects the Federal Ministry of Works is planning to execute. This is where both leaders have to do more work. The Federal Government is planning to do the road while the Lagos State Government has already set aside the fund to do the road in view of its importance. If the Federal Government already has the funds to fix the road, they should commence the process immediately in order to bring to an end the misery of long suffering Nigerians and international visitors plying that road once and for all.

If on the other hand, the Federal Government does not have the resources as yet, they should allow the Lagos State Government to fix the road immediately. Posterity, and indeed all well meaning Lagosians numbering over 22 million people, will NOT forgive anyone who has had a hand in frustrating that project.


David Fadimu, a media practitioner contributed this piece from Lagos State, Nigeria.

Grand corollaries of Ambode, Fasolas reconciliation.


Last Saturday (25th March), the Minister for Power, Works & Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) paid a landmark courtesy visit to his successor and Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Following the contentious debate between the two leaders in the preceding week, it was most gratifying to see them pulling together and putting their differences of opinion aside in the best overall interest of Lagos State and Nigeria.

As the sitting Governor of Lagos State, Ambode has left no one in doubt about his intension and deep commitment to transform Lagos truly into a state of aquatic splendor. Nothing offers a state a golden opportunity to showcase its economic prosperity, political stability, serenity and grandeur more than its gateways. The biggest gateway not only into Lagos but Nigeria is the iconic but now derelict Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Even more disheartening is the road from the airport to Apapa-Osodi Expressway. To call it an eyesore is probably the vilest understatement of a lifetime. A stretch of dilapidated walls, miserable structures, a retinue of rickety buses, taxis, towing vehicles and petrol tankers littered the road in a manner that would make any conscionable Nigerian to convulse with trepidation.

This unfathomable scenario did not just happen yesterday or last year, it has been like that for decades. A former President of the country was once quoted as saying during his campaign visit to Lagos State that he wept when he saw the state of the road. Providence smiled at the President; he won his election, spent four more years and conveniently forgot to fix the same road which had made him to shed crocodile tears when he was scavenging for votes.

As Governor of Lagos State, one of the projects Fashola would have loved to execute was the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road. A beautiful design for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and beautification of the road was done but unfortunately, that initiative was sacrificed on the altar of politics. The Federal Government, then under a different political party, must have felt that if they collaborated with the Lagos Government and allowed the state government to fix the road, which undoubtedly fell under federal jurisdiction, all the glory would go to Lagos State and the party in power there. Sadly in Nigeria, it is not about the comfort of the people first. It is all about the ego of those in power.

Ambode must have felt that fixing the airport road now would be an easy ride because not only did his party control governments at both the state and federal level, his predecessor is the incumbent Minister of Works, Power and Housing. An aide of Governor Ambode had even said assuredly to me during a conversation that the Lagos State Government would perform the ground-breaking to fix the road latest by this March. This was not to be.

The realization that the grand effort to fix the all-important social and economic road might be jinxed again might have compelled Ambode to express his frustration in the court of public opinion.

It is therefore refreshing to see that both Ambode and Fashola are on the same page in addressing all the issues, which created friction between both leaders in the past. Beyond what they said in the public glare, instructively, what they did not say carried the bigger weight. Both came across as genuine in their intentions. Their countenances, body language and open display of affection came across as real and sincere. Ambode was matured and effusive in heaping tons of praises on his predecessors, dating it back to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and dovetailing it down to Fashola whom he credited for his phenomenal achievements in his 8 years in office.

In unifying, they have displayed exemplary leadership. By focusing on their commonalities -- their energetic and passionate will to make revolutionary impact in Lagos.

Governor Ambodes laser focus on his target of Lagos becoming the third largest economy in Africa by 2020 has been the driving force for finding common ground with his predecessor. He said, We are all strongly committed to increasing value in Lagos and maximizing the States enormous potential for growth to better the lives of all residents in Lagos. He went on to say What binds us all is our passion for Lagos and the people and we stand together on that. Ultimately, it is about a shared goal that we have all worked tirelessly to achieve for our people and we will get it done.

One of the Federal Controllers for Works who accompanied Fashola on the visit mentioned the airport road as one of the projects the Federal Ministry of Works is planning to execute. This is where both leaders have to do more work. The Federal Government is planning to do the road while the Lagos State Government has already set aside the fund to do the road in view of its importance. If the Federal Government already has the funds to fix the road, they should commence the process immediately in order to bring to an end the misery of long suffering Nigerians and international visitors plying that road once and for all.

If on the other hand, the Federal Government does not have the resources as yet, they should allow the Lagos State Government to fix the road immediately. Posterity, and indeed all well meaning Lagosians numbering over 22 million people, will NOT forgive anyone who has had a hand in frustrating that project.


David Fadimu, a media practitioner contributed this piece from Lagos State, Nigeria.

A #CleanerLagos begins with us! The goal of the initiative is to rid Lagos of all its haphazardness and create more job opportunities. The initiative has made provisions for thousands of community sanitation workers with 27,500 jobs to be created with numerous insurance benefits including life, health, acciendt and injury cover. The salaries of those who will get direct employment to work as sanitation workers is going to be tax free, they will also enjoy pension scheme.

You can become a CSW (community Sanitation Worker). Follow this link to apply. http://www.cleanerlagos.org/career-opportunities/

A #CleanerLagos begins with us! The goal of the initiative is to rid Lagos of all its haphazardness and create more job opportunities. The initiative has made provisions for thousands of community sanitation workers with 27,500 jobs to be created with numerous insurance benefits including life, health, accident and injury cover. The salaries of those who will get direct employment to work as sanitation workers is going to be tax free, they will also enjoy pension scheme.
You can become a CSW (community Sanitation Worker). Follow this link to apply. http://www.cleanerlagos.org/career-opportunities/

27,500 NEW JOBS TO BE CREATED THROUGH THE CLEANER LAGOS INITIATIVE

The primary driver of the initiative that has been undertaken is not cosmetic but to save lives and create more jobs. Gov Ambode has assured all PSP operators that this initiative will lead to expansion of their business and creation of more jobs. The initiative therefore will facilitate employment for thousands of people. Better life coming for 27,500 Lagos state community sanitation workers with insurance benefits. The Lagos State Government has made it clear that the Cleaner Lagos Initiative has been put in place to keep the state 24/7, effectively manage waste disposal system and eliminate environmental challenge. All licensed waste management operators will service all commercial areas and ensure effective cleanliness. #CleanerLagos #CLI

27,500 NEW JOBS TO BE CREATED THROUGH THE CLEANER LAGOS INITIATIVE

The primary driver of the initiative that has been undertaken is not cosmetic but to save lives and create more jobs. Gov Ambode has assured all PSP operators that this initiative will lead to expansion of their business and creation of more jobs. The initiative therefore will facilitate employment for thousands of people. Better life coming for 27,500 Lagos state community sanitation workers with insurance benefits. The Lagos State Government has made it clear that the Cleaner Lagos Initiative has been put in place to keep the state 24/7, effectively manage waste disposal system and eliminate environmental challenge. All licensed waste management operators will service all commercial areas and ensure effective cleanliness. #CleanerLagos #CLI

YOUR BUSINESSES ARE WELL PROTECTED, AMBODE ASSURES PSP OPERATORS

Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode has assured the Private Sector Participants (PSP) that the new Cleaner Lagos initiative will not send them out of jobs, rather it would cause an expansion of their business and lead to the creation of more jobs. The sole aim of the initiative is to ensure that Lagos is clean and healthy for all its residents and will in this light, definitely facilitate employment for thousands of people. #CleanerLagos #CLI

COMMUNITY LEADERS, LAWMAKER, OTHERS BACK AMBODE ON CLEANER LAGOS INITIATIVE

The Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) of the Lagos State Government was on Thursday endorsed by a cross section of market leaders, community leaders and a federal lawmaker who lauded the initiative. They described it as a revolutionary move which would go a long way in ensuring proper waste management in accordance with international best practice in the State.

Speaking at separate interviews with our correspondent, the community leaders commended the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for coming up with the initiative, saying that it now behooves the residents of the State to embrace the initiative and support government in its quest to address the environmental challenges confronting the State frontally. Reacting to the development, a member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, Taofeek Adaranjo said there was no question at all about the good intention of government with the initiative, adding that it would help to checkmate the health challenges associated with filthy environment. Adaranijo, who was the Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said with the initiative, Governor Ambode has further demonstrated his genuine intention to transform the State and turn it into a mega city in the true sense of the word.
“Everybody must key into this initiative because it is a good one aimed at ensuring that we have a clean environment. I want to particularly urge the market men and women, those at the Local Government, the Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators and all the people to support government to achieve the purpose of coming up with this very laudable policy.
“It is better for us to key into it and ensure that we support government because at the end of the day, the policy is for our greater good,” the lawmaker said.
Also speaking, Vice Baba Oja of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Mr Abolaji Ambaliu (Alias Saudi) said the initiative was necessary to comprehensively address the myriad of issues associated with the environment.
Ambaliu, who is also the Baba Oja of Irepodun Market, said it was now visible to everyone that the environment was becoming too dirty, and government should not fold its arms, hence the laudable initiative.

COMMUNITY LEADERS, LAWMAKER, OTHERS BACK AMBODE ON CLEANER LAGOS INITIATIVE

Reacting to the development, a member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, Taofeek Adaranjo said there was no question at all about the good intention of government with the initiative, adding that it would help to checkmate the health challenges associated with filthy environment. Adaranijo, who was the Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said with the initiative, Governor Ambode has further demonstrated his genuine intention to transform the State and turn it into a mega city in the true sense of the word.
“Everybody must key into this initiative because it is a good one aimed at ensuring that we have a clean environment. I want to particularly urge the market men and women, those at the Local Government, the Private Sector Participants (PSP) operators and all the people to support government to achieve the purpose of coming up with this very laudable policy.
“It is better for us to key into it and ensure that we support government because at the end of the day, the policy is for our greater good,” the lawmaker said.
Also speaking, Vice Baba Oja of Igando-Ikotun LCDA, Mr Abolaji Ambaliu (Alias Saudi) said the initiative was necessary to comprehensively address the myriad of issues associated with the environment.
Ambaliu, who is also the Baba Oja of Irepodun Market, said it was now visible to everyone that the environment was becoming too dirty, and government should not fold its arms, hence the laudable initiative.

LAGOS WILL HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DIRT HENCEFORTH - AMBODE


The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured Lagosians that the Cleaner Lagos Initiative which reviewed the state's environmental laws would reduce rather than increase the hardship faced by the people with the imposition of stringent taxes.

Governor Ambode who stated this in a media chat described the initiative as a creative solution to the seemingly intractable refuse problem combating the state of aquatic splendor and a frontal attack to reduce public expenditure. He added that the initiative was borne out of his experience.

“Cleaner Lagos Initiative is borne out of my experience as a Lagosian. I have lived in Lagos for over fifty years. When you are coming into Lagos from Ibadan, the first thing you see on the right side is the dump site. Should I sit and continue to watch, the answer is no. Even for imagination sake, that thing can work, all I need is players and team members. The city is very dirty. It is not healthy and so our total wellbeing and health is defined by our health status and our productivity” Governor Ambode declared.

“I think by now people should know that I am a dreamer and I want people to dream along with me. This is like a vision. I sit down here as Governor. I have been given the opportunity to process something and improve on it and I don’t want to misuse it”, he revealed.

He said the initiative will give equal attention to all nooks and crannies of Lagos State from Ikoyi to Ayobo, adding that the consortium will divide refuse collection into layers and make the existing PSP operators bankable to carry out the job of commercial refuse collection while the consortium tackles collection of domestic refuse across the state. “We will make their business bankable and then push them to commercial refuse. So they can go to companies around and collect their monies directly. With that, the PSP operators that really do not have enough
capital will be able to employ more people and be bankable. They can go to the bank and say I have this quantum of business every month so give me a particular amount to buy new equipment”, he elucidated.

Governor Ambode said under the initiative, the people would need to pay their public utility levy once in a year and their refuse will be collected every day, adding “ the template we are using is that every ward will employ 100 street sweepers which translates to 27,500 people that will be kitted the same way all over the state. Lagos State will invest in equipment just like in London and have a zero tolerance for
dirt on our streets.”

ALL DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITHOUT APPROVAL WILL BE DEMOLISHED

The Cleaner Lagos initiative is here to stay! Its main goal is to rid Lagos of all its haphazardness. It is now made compulsory that all structures on sewage systems without approval from the office of the drainage services will be demolished. From the top to the bottom, this new law holds everyone accountable, no one is left out and there will be consequences of non-compliance.

LAGOS WILL HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DIRT HENCEFORTH - AMBODE


The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured Lagosians that the Cleaner Lagos Initiative which reviewed the state's environmental laws would reduce rather than increase the hardship faced by the people with the imposition of stringent taxes.

Governor Ambode who stated this in a media chat described the initiative as a creative solution to the seemingly intractable refuse problem combating the state of aquatic splendor and a frontal attack to reduce public expenditure. He added that the initiative was borne out of his experience.

“Cleaner Lagos Initiative is borne out of my experience as a Lagosian. I have lived in Lagos for over fifty years. When you are coming into Lagos from Ibadan, the first thing you see on the right side is the dump site. Should I sit and continue to watch, the answer is no. Even for imagination sake, that thing can work, all I need is players and team members. The city is very dirty. It is not healthy and so our total wellbeing and health is defined by our health status and our productivity” Governor Ambode declared.

“I think by now people should know that I am a dreamer and I want people to dream along with me. This is like a vision. I sit down here as Governor. I have been given the opportunity to process something and improve on it and I don’t want to misuse it”, he revealed.

He said the initiative will give equal attention to all nooks and crannies of Lagos State from Ikoyi to Ayobo, adding that the consortium will divide refuse collection into layers and make the existing PSP operators bankable to carry out the job of commercial refuse collection while the consortium tackles collection of domestic refuse across the state. “We will make their business bankable and then push them to commercial refuse. So they can go to companies around and collect their monies directly. With that, the PSP operators that really do not have enough
capital will be able to employ more people and be bankable. They can go to the bank and say I have this quantum of business every month so give me a particular amount to buy new equipment”, he elucidated.

Governor Ambode said under the initiative, the people would need to pay their public utility levy once in a year and their refuse will be collected every day, adding “ the template we are using is that every ward will employ 100 street sweepers which translates to 27,500 people that will be kitted the same way all over the state. Lagos State will invest in equipment just like in London and have a zero tolerance for
dirt on our streets.”

NEW ENVIRONMENTAL LAW WILL GUARANTEE LAGOSIANS' RIGHT TO CLEANER, SAFER ENVIRONMENT - DESMOND MAJEKODUNMI

A renowned environmentalist, Mr Desmond Majekodunmi has heaped encomiums on the Lagos State government for signing the new state environmental bill into law.

Majekodunmi, who lauded Governor Ambode’s vision of ensuring that every person living in Lagos has a right to clean, safe and healthy environments, said the new law is a consolidation of what started few years ago which is aimed at putting Lagos where it ought to be and make Lagosians to live in a normal, healthy environment.

The new environmental law makes it an offence for any person or group of persons to dump any toxic waste capable of causing harm in the state while all emissions from vehicles, plants and equipment including generating plants in residential, commercial and industrial areas within the State must now meet air emission standard

The new law further stipulates that no manufacturing of chemicals, lubricants, petroleum products, cement (except for use in construction), gases or quarry takes place in a residential premise. It posits that any manufacturers of such items will procure an insurance policy from an approved insurance company.

In the new law, every owner or occupier of a facility who uses, stores, keeps and maintains an underground storage tanks and surface storage tanks shall register such tanks with the enforcing authority while a facility monitoring and inspection exercise will be carried out on all sites with surface or underground tanks periodically to determine the integrity of the facility involved. Soil test of the immediate environment will also be carried out to validate the integrity of the soil

The Lagos State Government said violators of the laws will face stiff penalties which include heavy fines which ranges from N250,000 to N5,000,000 and/or imprisonment.

Also, under the new law, it is an offence to engage in street trading along the major highways and streets of Lagos and sell in an unapproved market in Lagos while every owner, tenant and occupier of any shop, kiosks, space or stall in any market within the State shall on regular basis ensure the cleanliness of his or her space

It is also mandatory for every commercial vehicle in the State to carry a litter bin for the use of passengers in order to prevent passengers from throwng waste onto the streets from commercial vehicle. The law stipulates that if a commercial driver fails to provide the litter bin, the driver will be penalized alongside the passenger or the occupier of the vehicle who commits the offence