Ambode pledges support for private sector

Appoints new head for LASEMA

THE state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has given assurance of his government’s readiness to maintain a strong link with private sector through providing the conducive atmosphere for business growth and expansion as well as attracting foreign direct investment to the state.

This was disclosed at the business luncheon held recently by the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja branch.

The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegbuji-Onikoyi, further said that it was the readiness for the desired partnership that the government commenced the restructuring of the public service to make it more responsive, effective and efficient in the discharge of quality service to the people, including the corporate citizens.

“In furtherance of our commitment to a private sector led development, we will as much as possible avail you the opportunity of giving your ideas and opinions on issues before final decisions are taken by the government. This is in line with my pledge to run an all inclusive government in which all opinions will court,“ the governor said.

The chairman of Ikeja branch of MAN, Prince F. Oba Okojie, in his speech at the occasion, said the luncheon which was seventh that the branch has held, was meant for managing directors and chief executive officers of organisations to interact in a more informal atmosphere and to address some issues that are considered germane to the development of the country and the economy.

He noted that the political transition that took place in the country recently was the most successful and rancour free experience that the nation recorded for a long time, as it was also adjudged worldwide as free and fair.

On the state of infrastructure, he asked: “How is the power (electricity) situation in your area? Adding that, no matter the situation, there was bright future ahead though the task of fixing Nigeria may be daunting.

While explaining the reason for the business luncheon theme titled: “Nigeria, the sensible road to economic prosperity,” Okojie said the paper that would be presented the invited guest would explain the fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s monetary framework that would usher in single digit lending rates, increase employment opportunities, lower single digit rate on inflation and a market determined by low exchange rates mechanism in favour of the naira amongst others..

Meanwhie, Ambode has appointed Michael Kolawole Akindele and Peter Nkedishuka Okonji as new heads for Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and Lagos Electricity Board respectively.

Akindele replaces the former General Manager, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, who had occupied the office since it’s creation in February 2007.

Akindele, who was a former Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, later became Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Health between 2004-2007.

He also served as Senior Special assistant on LASEMA between 2007-2011. And most recently, between 2011-2015, he served as Senior Special Assistant on Housing to the state governor. Akindele has experience in Health and Public Administration.

It was gathered that Osanyintolu has been redeployed to the Ministry of Health.