National Leader of All Progressives Congress
(APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday poured accolades on the Governor
of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode over his sterling performance in the last
22 months, saying that the Governor has made him proud.
Speaking while commissioning network of roads,
link bridge and health centre in Alimosho area of the State as part of
activities to mark his 65th birthday, Tinubu said the achievements of Ambode in
office was a reflection of a Governor who is not only a thinker but a doer, and
expressed satisfaction that he was delivering on the promises to the people.
He said: "Akinwunmi Ambode has reflected that
clearly here today. I want to say thank you because experience is a great
teacher and I am experienced. I am on the spot and I have watched things in
Lagos since my tenure ended.
"I was worried hell when you (Ambode) took
over, not about your credibility, character or capacity, but because however
wise or smart a man is, if there is no resources to back the ideas, production
would be zero, progress would be zero.
"When you (Ambode) took over, I know you
inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high, I was wondering
how you will reengineer and face the challenges to make progress.
"Today, I can see your report card, you have
scored well, and you have shown prudency especially in the judicious use of
resources of the State.
"You didn't disappoint us. Ambode is
silently achieving, meticulously planning, religiously executing and
brilliantly giving results for Lagos State,” the former Lagos governor said.
Tinubu said all over Lagos, the results of good
governance was being felt by the people, and wished Ambode sound health and
wisdom to continue to lead the State.
"All over Lagos, we are seeing the results.
At Oshodi, on our way down here, you can see what is happening there, that
place is a construction site. It used to be a den of robbers but what is going
on there now is developmental activities for the benefit of the entire country.
"Ambode is very quiet, very peaceful, not a
noise maker, but he is delivering on the job.
"Today, you (Ambode) have given me a good
birthday present. This is a great opportunity for me to be very proud again.
Therefore, if we can continue in this direction of infrastructural development
in the manner Governor Ambode is moving, Lagos will soon match international
states or country anywhere in the world" Tinubu said.
In his remarks, Governor Ambode described the
event as a historic day in the life of the people of Alimosho and the State in
general.
He recalled his visit to the Aboru area in March
2016, saying that aside the state of the road which was totally unacceptable,
there were reports of series of deaths and fatal accidents caused by the
presence of a valley, adding that he immediately directed that work should
commence in the area.
“Exactly one year after, we are here to keep our
promise to the good people of Aboru, Abesan and other communities and reaffirm
our commitment that no community or area will be left behind. Every Lagosian
counts. We are a government of inclusion,” the Governor said.
He said the 480 metres bridge linking Aboru to
Abesan, both in the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council of Alimosho Local Government
Area would significantly ease the burden of travel between the two communities
by reducing travel time and eliminating the risks associated with its
non-existence.
Governor Ambode said aside the Bridge, additional
adjoining inner roads to create an efficient road network that will aid
connectivity permanently were also constructed.
He listed the roads to include Church Street, Giwa
Street, Victor Fagbemi Road, Ogunfayo Road, Ogundare Street, Salami Kazeem, all
totalling 5.5km with drainage, walkways and street lights adding that the road
network would ease the pressure on the Abeokuta Expressway and links residents
with Iyana Ipaja, LASU-Iba Expressway.
Governor Ambode also flagged off the commissioning
the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun
States, saying that it was in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he
described as the brain behind the 21st century
Lagos.
He expressed optimism that the roads which have
been identified for immediate construction and rehabilitation would complete
the new face of Alimosho constituency, saying that work would commence next
week.
He listed the roads to include Ikola Road with Odo
Obasanjo Bridge – 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road –
1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);Oko Filling Road – 1.5km (from AIT to
Ilo River); Osenatu Ilo road – 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle
road – 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road – 1.9km (from AIT to
Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge– 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road
intersection to Ilo River).
He however appealed to the residents of the
communities to cooperate with the contractors so as to enable them deliver the
network of roads not later than the scheduled completion date.
Also, State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf
Aregbesola and Senator representing Lagos West at the Senate, Solomon
Olamilekan Adeola said it was obvious that Governor Ambode started well and is
doing well, and solicited the cooperation of the people to engender further
dividends of democracy and good governance.
Tags
Politics