Akinwunmi Ambode Sworn In As Lagos Governor

 

 Ambode being sworn in as governor of Lagos State 

 

THE inauguration of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor of Lagos State and Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule as the Deputy Governor took place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan on Friday May 29, 2015.

The eventattracted dignitaries including the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Chief Judge of State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade; Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Akinola; former Deputy Governors Mrs. Serah Adebisi Sosan and Femi Pedro; Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, among others.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (middle)taking a salute during the formal swearing-in of the 14th Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos on Friday, May 29,

Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (middle) and the mother of the Governor-Elect, Madam Christiana Ambode (left) during the formal swearing-in of the 14th Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos on Friday, May 29, 2015

Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (middle) and his wife, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola (left) during the formal swearing-in of the 14th Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos on Friday, May 29, 2015.

Lagos State Governor-Elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (2nd left), his wife, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola (3rd left), Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Hon. (Mrs.) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (2nd right) and her husband, Mr. Abiodun Adefulire (right) during the formal swearing-in of the 14th Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos on Friday, May 29, 2015

Ambode, in his inaugural speech, praised his predecessors, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, for laying the foundation for him to excel as the number citizen of the state.
He said: “The state is blessed that the foundation of its financial autonomy was designed and implemented by that visioner and our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Thus, the state has been partially shielded from the negative trend flowing from the federal level.
“For us to sustain the progressive and radical transformation on-going in the state, we have to redouble our efforts on all fronts for our commitment to excellence.
“While we must be creative and innovative; we are not citizens until we become responsible tax payers.
“I want to assure all of us that I will make your taxes work for you. You will surely get a transparent and incorruptible government that will give you good value for your taxes paid.
“Creativity is the most valuable asset in any public institution.  Progressive governments must reward contributors of good ideas.
“Therefore, wherever practicable, we shall practice government by incentives and not government by enforcement.
“We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce the cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people.
“I, therefore, invite you all, to join hands with me, to offer new ideas that will pull more resources to cater for the poor and needy amongst us.  This will be a compassionate government”.
Ambode also said that in the spirit of continuity, he would continue the Lagos State Development Plan (2012 – 2025)  started by the Fashola’s administration.
The plan is structured under four pillars:
•Social Development and Security
•Infrastructural Development
•Economic Development
•Sustainable Environment.