Lagos can make Nigeria more prosperous- Osinbajo

Nigeria’s Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo says the quest to evolve a greater and more prosperous Nigeria lies in the prosperity of Lagos State.

During the Lagos@50 Anniversary Gala Nite at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Professor Osinbajo described Lagos as the foremost migrant community in Nigeria aggregating talents from everywhere and the undisputable commercial capital accounting for over 70 percent of businesses in the country.

The Acting President alluded to recent statistics released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to the effect that Lagos accounts for 912 out of 914 individual businessmen who pay self-assessed tax of over 10 million naira, saying that the strategic contribution of the State to the country’s economy could not be over-emphasised.

“This Lagos is going to be a leader; it would be a leader in expressing the world’s view that the black man is capable of governing not just himself but in leading the world,” Osinbajo said.

Governor Ambode on his part, said his administration remained committed to taking huge responsibilities to make the next 50 years even more productive and memorable, worthy of bigger celebrations by the next generation.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow ‘Lagosians,’ the vision for the future is clear, we foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation as well as sustainable environmental practices are the norms rather than the exception,” he said.

Describing the celebration as historic, Governor Ambode saluted the contributions of the founding fathers as well as the 13 former Governors of the State, saying that their selfless service has placed the State on a pedestal of greatness.

Governor Ambode alluded to a paragraph of the inaugural speech of the first governor of the State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, on the undoubted talents and rich cultural heritage of the Lagos people, saying it was apparent of where the Lagos success story took flight.

It is with the greatest pride that I stand here before you on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our dear State, I was only 4 years old when the State was created and little did I know that I would be standing, fifty years later, as Governor of God’s greatest gift to Nigeria and Africa.”

The gala nite was attended by dignitaries including Governors of Ogun, Oyo, Gombe, Ekiti, Imo, Edo; first civilian Governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Military Governors of Lagos State – Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; Brigadier General Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Brigadier General Buba Marwa; Rear-Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu; Nigeria and Africa’s richest man- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive Officer of Forte Oil, Mr Femi Otedola among others.

 

Peaceful co-existence

In another development, Governor Ambode has attributed the stability in Lagos to the harmonious relationship and peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the State.

The Governor stated this at a special thanksgiving service, to round-off the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the State as well as the second-year anniversary of his administration.

He added that the State had been blessed with visionary leaders who worked hard to chart the path for growth and development.

 “Lagos has enjoyed peace and stability as a result of the harmonious relationship and peaceful co-existence of diverse ethnic and religious groups across the State. Most importantly, it has been blessed with great visionary leaders, who worked so hard to chart the path for the growth and development of our State from its creation till date,” Governor Ambode stressed.

Tasks ahead

The Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, Matthew Ashimolowo in his sermon, said that “for the Lagos to occupy its pride of place and accelerate development in the coming years, the leadership of the State must work hard and aim high.”

Speaking on the theme- “Pressing Unto Greater Heights,” Pastor Ashimolowo said for the State to move forward and attain excellence in all ramifications, achievements of the past must be put behind, while greater efforts are made to focus on breaking new grounds.

The clergyman who picked his text from Philippians 3:14, said efforts must be geared towards forging ahead especially in doing things that others thought would not be possible so as to finish strong.

Among the men of God who graced the service are the National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Joseph Obayemi; wife of the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Folu Adeboye, Chairman, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Southwest, Reverend Magnus Adeyemi Atilade as well as the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria Lagos State, Apostle Alex Bamgbola.

Nnenna.O