The outgoing Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode,
on Tuesday said all the decisions, plans, programmes and policies of his
administration were taken in the best interest of the state and for the common
good of all residents.
Ambode in a farewell 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 also to 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, were always the priority
and the driving force behind all our plans.
“A few of our policies may have been unpopular but these
were decisions taken in 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,”
he said.
Ambode commended the residents for their constructive
feedbacks to some of the policies of his administration, saying they helped to
surmount challenges.
“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 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.
He described Lagos as a place where dreams come true and a
home for everyone.
The governor 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, 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.
Ambode urged 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 the 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.
Ambode also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari,
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Executive, the Legislature, the Judiciary;
leadership, elders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also appreciated the Local Government Councils and
community leaders, security agencies, civil society groups, 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,” Ambode said.
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