Akinwunmi Ambode,
the new governor of Lagos State, would not be reinventing the wheel.
The erstwhile accountant-general of Nigeria’s richest state who resigned
from that post in 2012 ahead the 2015 general elections, would be
running with already established template by the Babatunde Fashola
administration.
Ambode gave an indication after being
sworn in by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke
Atilade, at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) venue of the handing over
ceremony Friday. He stated commitment to follow the path established by
Fashola for infrastructural, economic and social development as well as
security.
Having served in the state public service
all his life and worked closely with Fashola for six years, the new
governor believed he should have no difficulty navigating the thorny
paths to further develop Lagos.
“I am committed to the State Development
Plan (2012-2025). The plan is structured under four pillars: social
development and security; infrastructural development; economic
development and sustainable environment,” said Ambode.
With some measure of confidence, the new
governor said: “The challenges we face today as a state, are good enough
ingredients to bring out the best of all of us. Together, we shall push
forward and not look back, with our hands firmly on the plough. We
would work hard to tackle poverty, ignorance and social decadence in our
state.”
Signaling readiness to toe the path of
public sector reforms which Fashola started, Ambode said: “The best
practices of yesterday may not be good enough for the products of today.
He gave the indication that the new government would have the people at
the centre of its policies.
“I am determined to demonstrate that the
government belongs to the citizens. You have put us here as servants to
serve you and not you serving us. Today, we are committed to that creed.
The civil service will be strengthened and made to respond to the needs
of all citizens in the same manner, quality services are rendered in
the private sector,” he said.
For the business community, the governor has a word: “I
want to assure the business community and corporate Lagos that the ease
of doing business in Lagos will be improved upon earnestly. Lagos is
open for greater business. To this end, a new office of Overseas Affairs
and Investment (LAGOS GLOBAL) shall be created under the Governor’s
Office. We want you to fly into Lagos, start your business, find your
way; live, work and enjoy in Lagos.”
In what will impact positively on the
welfare of the citizens, Ambode said a new ministry with the task of
wealth creation and employment will be established. “This
would specifically address the promise I made during the campaign on
employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship. This goal,
we shall pursue vigorously.”
He boasted of political will to drive
tourism and entertainment in what should create wealth and prosperity
for investors and the state economy. “I
have the political will to engage investors and stakeholders in
creating the enabling environment for tourism, entertainment and arts;
and iconic infrastructure for the benefit of all,” the governor said.
JOSHUA BASSEY
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