Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has handed over the reins of
government in Lagos State to Babajide Sanwoolu.
According to Ambode, 'its been a rewarding 4-year
experience. This would not have been possible without the support, cooperation
and prayers of all Lagosians. I remain eternally grateful to you all. God bless
you all. And to God be all the Glory'.
See his full speech below...
My fellow Lagosians.
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 on 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.
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.
Even in those tough times, your constructive feedback and
patience helped us surmount the challenges and enabled us grow stronger.
As a little boy growing up in Lagos, all I wanted was to be
an accountant. This State gave me that and so much more. Our State is a land of
opportunities, a home for everyone and a place where dreams come true. It is
our duty and responsibility to ensure that we remain a centre of opportunities
and growth for everyone; a place where people can achieve their dreams and
aspirations.
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.
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.
I am immensely grateful to the three arms of Government, the
Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary for their immense support
throughout the tenure of our administration.
I also reserve special thanks for the leadership, elders and
members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, the Local Government
Councils and community leaders, all our Security agencies, civil society groups
and our religious leaders.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to the President, Muhammadu Buhari,
and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo (SAN) for their support in the
last four years.
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.
God bless you.
God bless Lagos State, and
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Itesiwaju ipinle eko lo je wa logun!
