Ambode sworn-in as Lagos State governor

Ambode 2

L-R" Akinwumni Ambode receives Handover Notes from Governor Babatunde Fashola

Kazeem Ugbodaga

L-R" Akinwumni Ambode receives Handover Notes from Governor Babatunde Fashola
L-R” Akinwumni Ambode receives Handover Notes from Governor Babatunde Fashola

At a grand ceremony at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode was sworn in today as the 14th Governor of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.

Ambode was sworn in after his deputy, Dr Oluranti Adebule was sworn in earlier by the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade.

Ambode’s inauguration was witnessed by thousands of well wishers, among whom are his predecessor, former Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Abimbola; former Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former deputy governor, Femi Pedro; former deputy governor of Lagos, Sarah Sosan; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries.

Ambode arrived the TBS with his wife to a tumultuous reception around 10:10am. He was decked in white attire with a red cap to match.

In his valedictory speech, Fashola described the today as historic and thanked Lagosians for giving him the privilege to serve the state.

He thanked his wife for standing with him and sacrificing all to hold the home while he served the state.

He urged Lagosians to stand firmly by Ambode as he begins the historic journey of moving Lagos forward to greater heights in the next four years.

At about 11:25am, Adebule was sworn in as deputy governor by the Chief Judge.

Adebule who was decked in gold attire was accompanied to the podium by her husband, Saheed Adebule.

Decked in pure white ‘agbada’ and red cap to match, Ambode was next to be sworn in as the 14th Governor of Lagos State after taking the oath of allegiance and secrecy.

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He was accompanied to the podium by his wife amidst jubilation from the crowd.

He was sworn in by the Chief Judge around 11:36am.

In his inaugural speech, the new governor said his being sworn in was an act of God and he was grateful to all Lagosians.

He said the lessons learnt from the last election was for politicians never to take the people for granted and promised to carry the people along in governance.

Ambode assured that his government would nurture the traditional institution during his administration as they stood by him during the electioneering campaign.

According to the governor, “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognize our strength in diversity. A common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.

“Lagosians are hardworking people. Lagos is thriving because of its undying entrepreneurial spirit. However we must realise that there are no short-cuts to success. To our youths, we must nurture good family values to succeed in any endeavour. I want our younger ones and children to draw some lessons from my story.

Anyone of you can rise up to be the best you want to be. Your background and circumstances cannot be an obstacle to your dreams. In our country, particularly in Lagos, you can always succeed. This is the Nigerian dream where hard-work, courage, perseverance, persistence, merit and rewards pay.”

Ambode urged all to embrace new thinking and be determined to succeed at all times as he was ready to encourage and nurture that dream in the children, youths and every hard-working Lagosian.

” We would reward merit, hard-work and loyalty to the state. The future is for those who dare to dream and find courage to pursue their dreams,” he said.

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