Akinwunmi-Ambode lagos Governor
Gov
Akinwunmi-Ambode lagos Governor
Gov Ambode Bids Lagosians Farewell
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said all
the decisions, plans, programmes and policies of his administration
in the last four years were taken with the best interest of Lagos
in mind and for common good of all residents of the State.
Governor Ambode, in a farewell State broadcast to officially
mark the end of his administration, said the driving force with
respect to programmes executed was to lift more people out of
poverty and make every part of the State economically viable and
livable.
“For this administration, policies, programmes and projects
aimed at lifting more of our people out of poverty and making every
part of the State safe, accessible and economically viable were
always the priority; the driving force behind all our decisions and
plans.
“A few of our policies might have been unpopular but these were
decisions taken with the best interest of our State in mind. With
the benefit of hindsight, maybe we could have done some things
differently but our intention was always clear, for the good of
Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.
He particularly commended the people for the constructive
feedback to some of the policies of his administration which,
according to him, helped to surmount challenges, saying it had been
a remarkable journey to serve the State.
“With a heart full of gratitude, I address you today for the
last time as your governor. It has been an honour and a privilege
of a lifetime to serve you for the last four years.
“It has been a remarkable journey which has had a lasting impact
in my life and I want to thank all Lagosians for the experience of
these last four years.
“As in the beginning when we visited every single corner of this
state listening to you and asking for your votes, I have felt the
power of your support, your collective energy and the endless
goodwill that has propelled us to achieve many things,” he
said.
Describing Lagos as a place where dreams come true and a home
for everyone, Governor Ambode said it was the duty of all residents
to continue to ensure that the State remained the true centre of
opportunities and growth for all.
“From being just a commercial centre, our State has now become a
prime destination for tourism, sports, entertainment and culture.
And the future is even brighter with more exciting prospects and
possibilities. In the near future, with God on our side, Lagos will
take its rightful place in the comity of major city-States of the
world.
“Fellow Lagosians, it has been a remarkable journey. One in
which we have pushed boundaries and moved our State to another
level. A journey in which we have transformed many aspects of our
State and set the ball rolling in other sectors. But there is still
a lot more to be done.
“But it is a job not for only the government; it is a
responsibility for us all. In Lagos everyone counts and we all have
a part to play,” he said.
While appreciating the people for the support given to
successive administrations in the State, Governor Ambode also urged
all stakeholders to support the incoming administration of Mr
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying such would be in the best interest of
all.
“By tomorrow, there will be a change of guard in our State. I
will be stepping down and a new Governor will be sworn in. We will
have a new Governor and a new administration with the same
objective; achieving a better Lagos.
“Those who have had the privilege of serving our dear State in
different capacities especially as Governors owe their successes to
your prayers, understanding and support. The same courtesy and
cooperation that you gave to my predecessors from the first elected
Governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande to our national
leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola
(SAN) to my humble self, I urge you to extend same to the next
administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and ensure that he
succeeds. It is in our best interest to do so,” he said.
Besides, Governor Ambode thanked President Muhammadu Buhari,
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the executive, the legislature, the
judiciary; leadership, elders and members of All Progressives
Congress (APC); Local Government Councils and community leaders,
all our security agencies, civil society groups and religious
leaders, among others for their immense support throughout the
tenure of his administration.
“To my wife, Bolanle and the children, who have had to endure
many days and nights without me; I thank you for your love and
steadfastness. You will continue to be my pillar of strength.
“To all Lagosians; for your love, compassion, cooperation and
support, I am eternally grateful. My love always,” Governor Ambode
concluded.
SIGNED
HABIB ARUNA
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY