Lagos Begins Operation ‘Submit Your Building Plan

Funmi Osifuye

In a bid to update the State’s Physical Development Database and uphold the law  for a sustainable, safe, secure, functional, business and tourism friendly environment, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) have commenced ‘Operation Submit Your Building Plan’ exercise throughout the State.

Speaking on the exercise, The General Manager, LASPPPA, Tpl. Funmi Osifuye disclosed that the two sister agencies embarked on the Joint Post Construction Audit of existing structures in the State in order to achieve a sustainable and well-planned environment.

The exercise would also ascertain the structural stability of the buildings to prevent collapse of structures in the State, he urged every owner/developer whose property is not covered by a Planning Permit/ Building Plan Approval to commence the process of regularisation in line with the recent publication by Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

He urged unregistered property owners to submit the building Plans, Drawing Designs to LASPPPA’s District Offices or online with the electronic format of drawings through Electronic Planning Permit (EPP)Platform www.lagosepp.com.ng.

Osifuye said the exercise would be a continuous exercise started on Monday, July 24, 2018 in line with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, adding that all  nooks and crannies will be reached as teams have been raised to conduct audit of buildings and issue notices for any contraventions discovered such as illegal conversion, non-compliance with approved permit, etc.

He appealed to Lagosians to avail themselves of the opportunity of the grace period by submitting their Building Plans for assessment, payment and processing of approval for a Planning Permit without penalty before the August 31 deadline.

PHOTO: Lagos Island East Chairman, Comrade Kamal Salau-Bashua honours local government retired workers

L-R: NULGE Branch Chairman Lagos Island East LCDA, Comrade Lasisi Shamsideen; the Council's Chairman, Comrade Kamal Salau-Bashua, presenting gift to one of the retirees, Mr. Kehinde Muyideen, at the event in honour of the local government retired workers. With them are other council staff, Mr. Olumide Okesanya and Mr. Fatai Bamidele.

UI Alumni honours Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya

His Royal highness, Emir of Kano, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi 

Presenting the Award to Chief Mrs. Sade Okoya

The wife of business tycoon, Alhaji Rasak Akanni Okoya, Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya was honoured at the 70th Anniversary Diaspora Dinner/Award night of the University of Ibadan at the Dorchester Hotel. Mayfair, London. The classic event was organised by University of Ibadan Global Network, Alumni in Diaspora, London wing. His Royal highness, Emir of Kano, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, presented the award of Inspiring Executive Woman of the Year Award to the elegant Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya.

Among those that graced the occasion were former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Carrington; Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido; Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje; Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Nigeria, Adesola Adeduntan; Nigeria Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Amb. George Oguntade; Nigeria Ambassador to Vatican, Amb. George Umo; Deputy Ambassador to Germany, Amb. Mobolaji  Ogundero; Senator Kabiru Gaya; Senator Barau Jibrin; Chief and Mrs Adebutu Kensington; former Director of Communication White House, Mrs. Janis Kearney; First Africa Climate Scientist, Prof  Jimmy Adegoke and others.

13 Senators Dump APC For PDP

Here are the full list of the senators that dump All progressive  Congress for People's Democratic Party

1..Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano-Central) Already displaced by his State Governor, Granduje. He hasn't stepped into Kano State for the past 2 years..

2. Dino Melaye (Kogi-West) Already displaced by his State Governor, Bello. He can't win any election in Kogi State.
3. Adesoji Akanbi (Oyo-South) Displaced by His Governor Ajimobi. He cannot get return ticket under APC.
4.Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo-Central) The same as No. 3 above.
5.Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara-South) Anywhere Saraki faces..So non issue.
6.Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna-North) Already displaced by his State Governor Elrufai. Can't get ticket under APC.
7. Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun-Central) Already replaced by his Governor Amosu. No chance of getting return ticket under APC.
8. Usman Nafada (Gombe) Displaced during APC state convention in Gombe State. He can't get return ticket under APC.
 9[b]. Ibrahim Dambaba (Sokoto)[/b] Wants to follow his Governor to PDP.
10.Mohammed Shittu (Jigawa) Displaced by his State Governor.
11.Isa Misau (Bauchi) Displaced by his state governor.
12.Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi) The same as No 10 Above.
13.Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara) Anywhere Saraki goes.
14. Barnabas Gemade (Benue).
Displaced by George Akume faction of APC. Can't get ticket under APC.
15.Senator Abdul-Azeez Murtala-Nyako (Adamawa) Displaced by the Governor, Bindow. Can't get ticket under APC.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi has banned police operatives in the state from operating in  mufti and commercial  vehicles such as the yellow buses popularly known as Danfo or other commercial buses. Unmarked vehicles will only be used occasionally for covert operations targeted at a specific individual or group based on credible intelligence.
The Command is not unaware that some unscrupulous individuals impersonate as SARS operatives. To this end, the CP urges members of the public to take note of the dress code for SARS operatives in the Command. The dress code is as follows:
1. A black jacket and a fez cap.
2. In the front of the jacket, the word police is written in white at the top right part.
3. At the bottom left part of the jacket, F-SARS  039 is written there.
4. At the back of the jacket are inscriptions "F-SARS LAGOS,"  "SCORPION" and a red  image of a Scorpion.
5. On the fez cap are inscriptions  "F-SARS" and "SCORPION."
The CP had, on assumption of office, set up a Citizen Complaint Hot Centre (CCHC) with the following telephone lines solely dedicated for lodging complaints against wrong actions of  policemen. They are:
1. 08067945296
2. 08063025274
3. 08063104759
4. 08113615350
5. 08113683077
6. 08096283148
7. 08096283173
8. 08089781657
9. 08126404930
10. 08081426895
Members of the public are enjoined to always make their complaints against erring policemen including those who violate the patrol guidelines and the dress code  by calling any of the lines above. The Command can also be reached on the social media platforms  (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) via @policenglagos. It will be recalled  that the Command as part of its disciplinary measures, recently  dismissed eight policemen for various offences against discipline.

One hundred and eighty five ward chairmen of All Progressives Congress, APC from all the wards in Lagos West Senatorial District has endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola  aka Yayi for second term as senator.

The endorsement came during a meeting Senator Adeola held with the ward chairmen to inform them of his intention to contest for second term in the largest senatorial district in Nigeria.

Addressing the grassroots party managers, Senator Adeola told them he has been a loyal party man since his join politics over twenty years ago stressing that as a senator he has effectively represented the district in the Senate in spite of huge challenges of the largest district in Nigeria and political subterfuges and intrigues at the national level.

“In the 8th Senate, I am one of the senators with the highest number of bills sponsorship and two of my bills were among the 23 Constitutional Amendment bills passed by the National Assembly. My voice is usually heard on the floor of the Senate on major issues of national importance. I have so far done two major empowerment programmes and another one is coming up in September” he told the ward chairmen.

Senator Adeola said his venture into Ogun state politics for possible contest for the governorship seat was not against party interest or for selfish end adding when party leaders stepped in for him to jettison the ambition he willingly obeyed.

“I have practiced all my politics in Lagos West from the days in the House of Assembly to House of Representatives and now Senate. I have not move outside Lagos West Senatorial district. The move to consult for the race in Ogun State was based on some strategic party considerations and now I am informing you as the grassroots party manager of the our party that I am re-contesting for the seat of Senate” he said.

Responding, Mr.Sola  Sobajo, the chairman of the Conference of APC Ward Chairmen in Lagos State, who is also from Lagos West Senatorial district said the turnout of all the chairmen shows their support for their performing senator adding that real party men will stand by a loyal party man in place of a betrayer.

He called for improved welfare for ward chairmen including exploring the possibility of putting ward chairmen on the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS adding that the senator gesture of donating a bus for the ward chairmen is the first of its kind in Lagos State.

Also speaking, the founder of the Conference and its first chairman who is now a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode, Alhaji Abdulkareem OlaSheu stated that Yayi is a loyal party man who has remain consistent in his follower-ship of APC National Leader,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu adding that his new sobriquet for his second term campaign that he is now endorsed with is “Omo West” indicating he is original son of Lagos West.

Methodist Girls High School celebrates

Students performing at the event 

Joy was mixed with fun at The Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, Lagos, during the annual Prize-giving Day ceremony of the institution held last weekend at the school’s quadrangle.

L-R: Dr. Ademola Idowu; principal, Methodist Girls High School, Mrs. Adenike Idowu; father of the day, Sir. H.A Agbebiyi; and guest speaker, Head, West Africa BBC, Toyosi Ogunseye

L-R: Representative of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Oluranti Fadipe; and president, Eagles Wings Development Centre, Mrs. Bunmi Oloyede

John Ogu’s Marriage Crashes As Court restrains wife from ‘fleeing’ with their daughter

John Ogu, Veronica and their daughter, Ivanna

 The Super Eagles player, John Ogu marriage to Veronica as hit the rock, the crisis started late last year, by May this year 2018 the crisis escalated as Vera moved to her parent house in Festac, Lagos. Both John and Vera have deleted photos of themselves on their personal Instagram pages and also unfollowed each other.
A Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has restrained Veronica Chiugo, wife of Super Eagles player, John Ogu, from taking their two-year-old daughter, Ivanna Adaeze Ogu, outside Lagos without his consent.

Justice Femi Adeniyi made the order on July 17, following a July 16 ex parte motion Ogu filed through his counsel Olumide Babalola seeking eight reliefs.

Justice Adeniyi also authorised Ogu to, among others, pay a monthly maintenance fee of N50,000 for the upkeep of his wife and Baby Ivanna Ogu.

The judge upheld all the footballer’s prayers, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, seeking the dissolution of the estranged couple’s marriage.

Veronica Chiugo Ugo is the sole respondent in the suit, marked LD/4760HD/18.

The applicant’s motion was supported by a July 16 affidavit, signed by “one Daniel John Daniel” of No. 49, Lawson Street, Lagos Island.

Justice Adeniyi held: “The applicant is mandated to be responsible for the welfare, feeding, education, health needs, clothing and all other necessary needs of the child of the marriage (Baby Ivanna Ogu).

The Couple, when the going was good

“The respondent is mandated to provide the applicant with the school/crèche’s account details of Baby Ivanna Ogu for the purpose of payment of tuition and all other fees which shall be wholly borne by the applicant.

“The applicant is mandated to promptly pay into the school/crèche’s account provided all tuition and necessary school/crèche payments as officially required by the school/crèche for the benefit of Baby Ivanna Ogu.

“The respondent is prohibited from changing Baby Ivanna Ogu’s school/crèche without the written consent of the Applicant.

“The respondent is mandated to obtain health insurance for Baby Ivanna Ogu at the applicant’s expense which monies shall be paid directly to the insurance company.

“The respondent is mandated to submit Ivanna’s American and Nigerian international passports to the registrar of this honourable court for safekeeping.

“The applicant is mandated to pay monthly maintenance of N50,000.

“The respondent is prohibited from moving Ivanna Ogu out of Lagos State without the written consent of the Applicant.”

He adjourned till July 24 for further hearing.

Lagos Assure Residence of safety, Says Maintenance Of Drainage Channels On Course

The Lagos State Government on Monday July 16th, 2018 as assure residents in Lagos State that the on-going flood abatement and ocean shore protection measures will keep them out of harm’s way during the rainy season.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, in a statement, said the Government had already commenced the maintenance of all primary, secondary and tertiary drainage channels under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative.

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration is mindful of the terrain and geographical location of Lagos State being very close to the coast which makes it relatively prone to flooding and as such has come up with the global best practices through the engagement of reputable and competent contractors for all year schedule maintenance of all primary, secondary and tertiary drainage channels in the five divisions of the State,” Bamigbetan said.

He listed the areas undergoing dredging and cleaning to include Adetokunbo Ademola collector drain; 1004 collector drain – 1004 – Bishop Aboyade Cole to IGI; Idejo collector drain – Idejo – Adeola Odeku to Ozumba Mbadiwe; Billy collector drain, Epe; Beecroft/Simpson collector drain Lagos Island; Jankara/Adeniji Adele/Dolphin Estate Channel, Lagos Island; Ashimowu/Bakere Channel, Mushin; Ladipo Trape Zoidal channel, Mushin; Kehinde/Eta-oko collector drain, satellite Town, Amuwo-Odofin and dredging of Ketu-Alapere channel.

Others, according to the Commissioner, are dredging of 3.50km long Ketu-Alapere Drainage Channel, Kosofe LGA; 2.07km long Lakowe Drainage Channel, Lakowe, Ibeju Lekki; NTA 7 Tejuosho/Alaka Channel, Surulere; Osapa/Maiyegun Channel, Eti-Osa; Abeokuta/Egbe/Idimu Channel, Alimosho LGA; Ogombo Channel, Eti-Osa; Aguda/Coker Channel, Surulere and 615m long Kokoro Abu/Adeniran Ogunsanya Drainage Channel, Sabo, Ikorodu.

He also listed areas being cleaned up under the exercise to include Akibo Savage Collector drain, Victoria Island; Church gate collector drain, Victoria Island; Agoro Odiyan collector drain Victoria Island; Old Ewu Road collector drain, Oshodi Isolo; 5.00km long Ladipo Collector Drain, Fatai Atere, Mushin LGA; 1.98km long Alafia Collector Drain, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA; 2.30km long 21 Road Collector Drain, Festac, Amuwo Odofin LGA; 820m long Amuto/Adeniji Adele Collector Drain, Lagos Island LGA; 235.0m long Thomas/Adeniji Adele Collector Drain, Lagos Island LGA; 850.00m long Oba Sefiu Adewale Drainage, Epe LGA and 950.0m long Billy Tertiary Drain, Epe LGA.

Noting that the administration’s efforts to protect the shores and the coastal communities led to the construction of 15 groins, Bamigbetan thanked environmental authorities for commending the Government’s efforts and recommending the construction of more groins from Lagos to Escravos to increase the protection.

 “In addition, the Lagos State Public works has also commenced the cleaning/clearing of some road drains and inlets capable of causing traffic during the heavy down pour such as the inlets along Odo-Iya Alaro Bridge,” he said.

Ambode Congratulates Fayemi

Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday July 15th, 2018 congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor-Elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for emerging victorious at the keenly contested governorship election held on Saturday July, 14th, 2018.

Fayemi was declared winner of the polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeating his closest rival, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 197,459 to 178,121 votes.

Governor Ambode in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna commended President Muhammadu Buhari, leadership and members of APC and its supporters for the hard-fought victory adding that it was a testament to the fact that the electoral value of the party has not waned.

The Governor specially praised and congratulated Fayemi for his hard fought victory and wished him well as he prepares to take the mantle of leadership of the State for a second time.

He also urged the Ekiti Governor-Elect to use his second coming to build on its previous achievements and forge ahead with the quest to unite the Yoruba nation, especially through regional integration and economic transformation of the South-West geo-political zone and justify the confidence the Ekiti electorate have reposed on him.

Governor Ambode also congratulated the Ekiti electorate for comporting themselves peacefully throughout the period of the election, while urging those aggrieved with the result to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters rather than resort to self help.

Dr. Fayemi

Access Bank Polo Event In London: Emir Sanusi, Dangote, Attends

The 11th edition of the Access Bank Polo Day celebrates 11 years of partnership between UNICEF and Access Bank on the Corporate Social Responsibility space in Nigeria.

The partnership has so far been responsible for the construction of several schools in the country.

And also grown to be the biggest charity polo tournament in Africa and generates interest and support from organisations and individuals across Africa for the UNICEF/Access initiative.

Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started in 2007 it has seen the rebuilding of two schools in Kaduna and more than 8,000 students sustained in continuous education, at the same time developing new school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment. The communities surrounding the schools are being supported with bore-holes for water, and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.

Last year, Access Bank PLC group managing director and chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, Herbert Wigwe explained the reasons behind the Bank’s continued support for initiative.

“We are conscious of our role as a change agent in Nigeria that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice and environmental considerations,” he said.

The Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II and Africa’s leading industrialist, Aliko Dangote, and Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, are expected to attend the 11th edition of the Access Bank Polo event in London tomorrow.

“In addition, we are continually seeking ways through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children. We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing.”

Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Engr Abdul Fatai Oyesanya planting a tree at Maidan Primary School, Mile 12,in commemoration of Year 2018 Tree Planting Exercise in Lagos State.Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri , Engr Abdul Fatai Oyesanya planting a tree

Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Engr Abdul Fatai Oyesanya planting a tree at Maidan Primary School, Mile 12,in commemoration of Year 2018 Tree Planting Exercise in Lagos State.

Police Arrest Member of Lagos House of Assembly, Dipo Olorunrinu

The police in Lagos on Saturday said they had arrested a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and two others over alleged unlawful possession of firearms.

Olorunrinu

The spokesman of the command, CSP Chike Oti, said that the suspects were undergoing interrogations.

“The first and second suspect, Wale Oye (37)  and Ganiyu Ajiboluwa (47),  were arrested on July 12,  at about 5.45 p.m. by a team of Inspector-General of Police  X-Squad operatives on patrol at Apple Junction, along Festac extension, Amuwo Odofin.

“A single barrel Mossverg pump action rifle with identification No. B/NO D512429, one Zirve Magnum pump action rifle with No. B/NO 45639 and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
“However, during interrogation, the suspects claimed the guns were given to them by one Mr Dipo Olorunrinu, 47 years, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Lagos State House of Assembly, to escort him to a political rally,” Oti said in a statement.

The spokesman said that the lawmaker was arrested and admitted ownership of the guns.

“To further prove that the weapons were his, he produced expired licences dated 2015 and 2016, respectively.

“He could not justify his refusal to surrender the guns during the window period offered in the last nationwide mop up of illegal firearms and ammunition exercise.

“Investigation is in progress and further findings on the matter will be communicated to the general public as usual,“he said 

Dolapo Badmos reacts to Viral Video of SARS Officers Beating Man with Iron Rod

The Nigeria Police Zone 2 Police Public Relation Officer,  Dolapo Badmos has reacted to the viral video of some Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) officers beating a man with an iron rod while trying to take him into custody.

The Video as caused the police another embarrassment in the last weeks Bamos reacted to the video on her instagram page:

I’m so pissed off right now!!! I just don’t want to think of it. You work so hard but some unscrupulous element…..,,arrrghhh! “THE STORY OF A SWEATY FOWL” 👋 bye people, good night!

Sincerely my heart is with that young man in the trending video! That iron rod…. arrrrgh! That was uncalled for! Anyone with useful information about the young man should tell him to DM, text or call on 09071555555….we need to identify the men for proper action.

Osinbajo, wife Honour's Pastor Folu Adeboye's At 70

The wife of General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye celebrated her 70th Birthday in Style recently, among those the witnessed the classic event were Nigeria Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo his wife, Mrs. Obasanjo and host of other personalities   

Celebrator, Pastor Folu Adeboye cutting the Birthday Cake

Celebrator, Pastor Folu Adeboye and Dolapo Osinbajo

L-R: Mrs. Obasanjo, Vice-President, Pro. Yemi Osinbajo, General Overseers, RCCG, Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye,  Celebrator, Pastor Folu Adeboye and Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo.

GTBank To hold 8th Edition of Autism Conference in Lagos

Managing Director, GTB, Segun Agbaje

Guaranty Trust Bank plc, will hold the 8th edition of its Annual Autism Conference on Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday July 18, 2018 at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. Themed; “Raising a Child with Autism, the Role of Family and the Community” the two-day conference is part of the Bank’s Annual Autism Program, which brings together globally renowned medical specialists, parents, caregivers, health practitioners and concerned members of the public to share ideas on how to support children and adults living with Autism.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 160 children live with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) worldwide. In Nigeria, the condition is hardly diagnosed, rarely understood and children with ASD often suffer stigmatization. In response to these challenges, GTBank launched the Orange Ribbon Initiative to support children and adults living with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Through this initiative, the Bank has, over the last 7 years, offered more than 14,000 people training on how to manage ASD, provided free one-on-one consultation services to over 3,200 children and led a sustained campaign to tackle the stigma facing people living with Autism.

This year, the Bank’s Autism Programme will begin with the 2018 Autism Conference which is free to attend and open to the general public. The conference will also be streamed live on facebook.com/gtbank and people across all social media platforms can also join the conversation by using the hashtag #BeAVoice.

Following the Autism conference will be free one-on-one consultations for children with Autism and other developmental challenges as well as counselling of their parents and guardians. There will also be sessions for Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Behaviour Analysis, Audiology, Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychiatry, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy. These sessions will hold from Thursday July 19 to Monday July 23, 2018 at Digital Village, Alausa, Lagos.

Commenting on the 8th Annual Autism Awareness Conference, Mr Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “Like every other child, children with Autism have big dreams and amazing talents to contribute to our society, but they need all our support to rise above their present difficulties. As an institution that is passionate about helping young people achieve their dreams, we will continue to lead initiatives and create programmes that ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, has all the support they need to reach their full potential.”

Guaranty Trust Bank plc is a Nigerian financial institution that has maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception in 1990. The Bank actively supports numerous programmes across Africa that positively affect Infant and Maternal Healthcare, Education, the Art, Community Development and the Environment.

Lagos launch Lagos To The World (L2W)

The Lagos State Government has launched a global campaign to play up investment opportunity in the state with a vision to turn the state into investment hub for the world.

The State Government, made this known at the media launch of the campaign tagged ‘Lagos To The World (L2W) held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, at the weekend, also unveiled a deal book detailing investment opportunities in key sectors including health, transportation, oil and gas, among others.

Speaking at the event which was attended by members of diplomatic missions and the business community, Special Adviser, Lagos State Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global, Professor Ademola Abass, said the global campaign was an initiative of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration designed to better market and communicate investment opportunities in the State.

Abass said in the last three years, the State Government had invested massively in providing infrastructure as well as the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“Lagos To The World (L2W) is an initiative of Governor Ambode and what informed this is that we felt that all the government has been doing in recent times especially in terms of investment in the last three years should be made known to the world. We felt the world need to know how Lagos has been improving in terms of infrastructural development, in terms of security, roads, energy and so on.

“Most of these things are what attract investors but the story is not being told out there and so the whole effort of this is to tell people how Lagos Global has been working to project Lagos more forcefully in terms of investment opportunities in Lagos State,” Abass said.

While alluding to how his office had been enhancing ease of doing business and helping investors to set up businesses in the State seamlessly and quicker, Abass said very little was still known out there about the activities of the office, a development he said necessitated the need for the global campaign.

 “What we found out is that very little is known about Lagos State out there and we thought it is high time we began to more forcefully push Lagos narrative overseas. Today is about unpacking Lagos; it is about how to move Lagos forward; it is about marketing Lagos and communicating investment opportunities in Lagos to investors both in Nigeria and outside the country,” Abass said.

On her part Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye said by the launch of the campaign, Lagos was simply telling the world that it was ready for business, adding that a lot of incentives had been put in place to encourage investment.

 “By the launch of this initiative, we want to sell Lagos to the world; we are saying Lagos is ready for business and that we mean business; we are telling the world that doing business in Lagos is the best thing to do; we are telling the world that ease of doing business in Lagos is for us a hallmark; we are telling the world that we are ready for investment.

“This is the best destination. Lagos has a brand and that brand is investment friendly. We know in government that government has no business in business, we only need investors to promote business in Lagos State and when businesses are promoted, you can be sure that we would get more money; when businesses are promoted, people will get work to do; when businesses are promoted, our ranking on the ease of doing business will improve and then we can talk about index of doing business in the State,” she speaks further on the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki area of the State, aside the multi-billion dollar investment by the Dangote Group, a Deep Seaport, International Airport and Intermodal Transport Network for seamless movement of goods and services were being worked on, while the State Government was already developing enterprise zone, small scale industrial estate and light industrial parks across the State.

Also Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo said the State Government, in the last three years, had massively invested in security and safety of lives, adding that investors should be rest assured of safety and comfort in the State.

“The main thrust of any government is to ensure safety of lives and property and that is a selling point for Lagos State. Since the advent of the present administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, we have paid priority attention to issues bordering on safety and security.

 “A case in point is the rebranding of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command; what we have been able to do in area of emergency response that speaks for itself; capacity building and acquisition of equipment. All these are being deliberately put in place to give investors confidence to know that Lagos is definitely ready for business,” Oladejo said.

Tunji Bello hosts celeb as his daughter marries

All roads led to The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Victoria Island, Lagos where Temitope Olatunji-Bello, daughter of Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Tunji Bello, tied the knots with her heart-throb, Adeniyi Akinjogbin

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, his wife, Bolanle, top the dignitaries’ list.

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (3rd left ), Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (4th right); his wife, Bolanle (3rd right); Parents of the bride: Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello (2nd right) & Professor (Mrs) Ibiyemi (right); Parents of the Groom: Mr. Bukoye Akinjogbin (left) and Mrs Iyabode Akinjogbin (2nd left); the Groom, Mr Adeniyi Akinjogbin and the Bride & daughter of the SSG, Miss Temitope Olatunji-Bello

R-L: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and wife, Bolanle