The Lagos
State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday pledged to pay compensations to
owners of buildings demolished to facilitate construction.The
governor, who
spoke at the 10th Quarterly Town Hall meeting, said he would begin the payment
in the next four weeks.He added that henceforth, such displaced persons would
be relocated before construction begins.He disclosed that his government would
not embark on any development without carrying the people along.
While
promising to prioritise education and healthcare, he added that he would
stimulate the economy and create employment.He said: “Despite the harsh
economy, our state’s budget performed at 82 per cent. The total revenue
generated was N503.7billion, representing a performance of 78 per cent.
“The total
recurrent expenditure was N281.33billion, which is a performance of 92 per
cent. Also, the total capital expenditure stood at N387.60billion or 76 per
cent performance.
“With this,
we initiated and delivered many high impact projects and critical
infrastructure aimed at making life easier for the people. We disbursed funds
to small businesses and individuals to stimulate the economy.”Ambode commended
the people whose support enabled him to perform well last year.
On security,
he said the government has taken strategic steps to secure the residents,
adding that killer herdsmen would not have a space in the state.The governor
revealed that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund disbursed N4.5billion to
5,500 beneficiaries in 2017, who also received training on financial literacy
and business management. He said in fulfilling the promise to students in
tertiary institutions across the state, N635.5million was disbursed to 8,419
students across the state.
“Our
government acquired healthcare equipment worth N2.5 billion. The equipment
would strengthen the capacity of our health facilities to render improved
health services and also facilitate the smooth take off of the Lagos State
Health Scheme. “In order to meet the needs of the youth in the area of
technical and vocational development, we have approved the establishment of
three new technical colleges, bringing the numbers to eight,” he said.
Meanwhile,
the governor yesterday sacked three of his commissioners, and appointed five
new ones.In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji
Bello, the three affected cabinet members are Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, Mr. Femi
Odubiyi and Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola.The newly appointed commissioners are Mr.
Hakeem Fahm (Ministry of Science and Technology), Mr. Ladi Lawanson (Ministry
of Transportation), Mr. Segun Banjo (Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget),
Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (Ministry of Commerce and Industry), and Mr. Hakeem
Sulaiman (Communities and Communications).
Among those
redeployed were Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, from Commerce and Industry to Physical
Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, from the Ministry of
Information and Strategy to Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr. Kehinde
Bamigbetan, from Communities and Communication to Information and Strategy.
Others were
Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi Etti, from the Ministry of Wealth Creation to the
Environment, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf from Youth and Social Development to
Wealth Creation and Mr. Agboola Dabiri, from Central Business District to Youth
and Social Development.
Also
redeployed were Dr. Samuel Adejare from the Ministry of the Environment to
Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, from Waterfront
Infrastructure Development to Works and Infrastructure.
The
statement added that Mr. Benjamin Olabinjo was moved as Special Adviser,
Commerce and Industry to Civic Engagement, while Mr. Kehinde Joseph was
redeployed from Special Adviser, Civic Engagement to Housing.
Mr. Deji
Tinubu, Special Adviser Sports has been redeployed as Special Adviser to the Governor
on Commerce and Industry, while Mr. Anofiu Elegushi was moved as Special
Adviser, Transport to become Special Adviser, Central Business District.
0 Comments