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.
