Independence: Let’s return Nigeria to glorious past – Ambode  

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Thursday, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 55th Independence anniversary, called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of the country as a way of bringing back the glorious past.

Ambode also sought the cooperation of the citizens with the government at all levels, assuring that the leadership at federal and state levels was jointly determined to take the country to new heights in infrastructural development, economic prosperity and security of lives and properties.

Represented by his deputy, Oluranti Adebule, at the event that featured march past parades by the police, para-military organisations and students at the Police College, Ikeja, he said the call for change by Nigerians had brought in the new administration, and for the change to translate into good governance, citizens must support the government by living in peace and harmony, reporting bad elements within their neighbourhoods and obeying the laws of the land.

He restated the commitment of his administration to deliver on its set goals towards making life more comfortable for Lagosians and visitors, pledging that his government would consolidate on the efforts of past administration in the state and work round the clock towards making the dream of a better and prosperous Lagos a reality.

“The spirit of excellence that makes us Lagosians will propel us as we move to consolidate on the gains of development made by previous administrations to forge ahead and build a more prosperous city state that will be the pride of every African man,” he said.

He said his administration was focussed on the implementation of programmes and policies that would give opportunity to all residents of the state to develop their abilities and grow their entrepreneurial vision in the friendliest and conducive environment that would facilitate quick returns on investments with adequate security guaranteed.

He therefore called on investors coming into the country to tap from the business opportunities that abound in the state, noting that Lagos had moved from a mere regional business hub it was at independence to becoming the biggest economy within the West African sub-region and the preferred destination for direct foreign and local investors.

He said enormous potentials for business abound in various sectors such as agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, transportation, tourism and hospitality as well as property development.