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Out-going governor of Lagos state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday in a brief private ceremony at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja handed over the reigns of government to the incoming governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat ahead of the official handing-over on Wednesday.
Answering questions from the governor’s press crew after the brief ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said: “We had a very private handling over ceremony with the governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, and we are happy with what he told us.
“We are excited about the conversation and thought we had with him. We are looking forward to the inauguration ceremony tomorrow.
“I am using this opportunity to invite you all to the event. We need the media to be part of the journey we are about to embark upon tomorrow. We need you to be part of the conversation centered on taking Lagos to a greater height. And from the inception, we want you all to be part of that story. After the inauguration, the governance of the state starts immediately.”
According to him, the conversation with the governor was centered on more advice and how his thoughts were and what “we should also be concerned with. And whatever he has to offer. What we needed to work with are documents. And we have the right documents to work with and we will take it up from there.
Also addressing the press crew, Head of Service, HOS, Mr. Hansen Muri-Okunola, who accompanied Sanwo-Olu, said: “Behind closed door few minutes ago, the governor did a private handover ceremony in his office to the governor-elect.
“He has also handed over a load of documents that symbolise the tenure of his administration. He has also handed over a document containing activities of the previous administration spanning 12 years.
Ambode said all the decisions, plans, programmes and policies of his administration in the last four years were taken with the best interest of Lagos in mind and for common good of all residents of the State.
Adding that the driving force behind programmes executed was to lift more people out of poverty and make every part of the State economically viable and livable.
Read Also: Full text: Ambode’s farewell message
“For this administration, policies, programmes and projects aimed at lifting more of our people out of poverty and making every part of the State safe, accessible and economically viable were always the priority; the driving force behind all our decisions and plans.
“A few of our policies might have been unpopular but these were decisions taken with the best interest of our State in mind. With the benefit of hindsight, maybe we could have done some things differently but our intention was always clear, for the good of Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.
He particularly commended the people for the constructive feedback to some of the policies of his administration which, according to him, helped to surmount challenges, saying it had been a remarkable journey to serve the State.
“With a heart full of gratitude, I address you today for the last time as your governor. It has been an honour and a privilege of a lifetime to serve you for the last four years.
“It has been a remarkable journey which has had a lasting impact in my life and I want to thank all Lagosians for the experience of these last four years.
“As in the beginning when we visited every single corner of this state listening to you and asking for your votes, I have felt the power of your support, your collective energy and the endless goodwill that has propelled us to achieve many things,” he said.
Describing Lagos as a place where dreams come true and a home for everyone, Ambode said it was the duty of all residents to continue to ensure that the State remained the true centre of opportunities and growth for all.
“From being just a commercial centre, our State has now become a prime destination for tourism, sports, entertainment and culture.
“And the future is even brighter with more exciting prospects and possibilities. In the near future, with God on our side, Lagos will take its rightful place in the comity of major city-States of the world.
“Fellow Lagosians, it has been a remarkable journey. One in which we have pushed boundaries and moved our State to another level.
“A journey in which we have transformed many aspects of our State and set the ball rolling in other sectors. But there is still a lot more to be done.
“But it is a job not for only the government; it is a responsibility for us all. In Lagos everyone counts and we all have a part to play,” he said.
While appreciating the people for the support given to successive administrations in the State, Governor Ambode also urged all stakeholders to support the incoming administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying such would be in the best interest of all.
“By tomorrow, there will be a change of guard in our State. I will be stepping down and a new Governor will be sworn in. We will have a new Governor and a new administration with the same objective; achieving a better Lagos.
“Those who have had the privilege of serving our dear State in different capacities especially as Governors owe their successes to your prayers, understanding and support. The same courtesy and cooperation that you gave to my predecessors from the first elected Governor of the State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande to our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) to my humble self, I urge you to extend same to the next administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and ensure that he succeeds. It is in our best interest to do so,” he said.
