…Vows To Pursue Greater Opportunities For Youths
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday assured residents that his administration will go all out to ensure that the state witness a quantum leap in the areas of infrastructural development, job creation and improved security.
The Governor, who gave the assurance in his first New Year broadcast to Lagosians, said he was optimistic that 2016 will be a ground breaking year for the good people of the state.
While acknowledging the challenges that besieged the last seven months, Governor Ambode said his administration has been able to hit the ground running to deliver the dividends he promised the people during the electioneering campaign.
“The last seven months have been challenging, but with your patience, support and positive criticism, we have begun to display a positive outlook on innovation and inclusion we promised during our campaign”.
“Lagos has always been a cosmopolitan potpourri of vibrant people that have driven the greatest growing economy in Africa. We however need the continued support of our citizens through regular payment of their taxes and strict adherence to their civic responsibilities.
“Under my administration, the year 2016 holds great promise for all Lagosians through improved security, creation of job opportunities and greater attention to positive infrastructure development”, he said.
He thanked the people for their support and love that his administration has received so far, just as he assured that it would spur him to redouble his efforts to deliver a more prosperous Lagos for all, despite the national economic downturn.
“I am aware that 2016 will also bring economic challenges due to pressures of dwindling revenue from the centre, but Lagos has always been resilient and must consolidate on its self-reliance to ensure it survives any inclement economic weather”, he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Ambode has assured that his administration will pursue greater channels to engage the youths in the State in 2016, just as he urged Lagosians to work with him to make Lagos clean, safe and secured for all.
The Governor, who spoke at the Bar Beach while addressing thousands of fun seekers at the grand finale of the One Lagos Fiesta, a countdown event to usher in the New Year, said the N25billion Employment Trust Fund, an initiative of his administration, would take off this year, expressing optimism that it would help the youths to set up their businesses.
“Our pledge is to make Lagos clean, safe and secured. We will witness a remarkable boost this year. We commit to work as hard as possible to create more jobs for our youths. The Employment Trust Fund is designed to help our youths to set up their businesses and it will commence this year”.
“Our massive investment in education, health, entertainment, sport and tourism to effectively develop and engage our youths will start in this year 2016”.
“We will pursue greater channels to better engage our youths just as we have developed many programs toward the welfare and better involvement of our senior citizens,” Governor Ambode said.
He said: “With your support, we have demonstrated that good governance is what you will get. We promised to take government back to you the people; we pledged to bring government back to the community; in the last seven months, we have earnestly pursued this goal. Nothing better demonstrate this commitment than the One Lagos Fiesta, the grand finale of which we are all witnessing now.”
“For the very first time in the history of Lagos State, Lagosians can now celebrate the crossover night and the New Year day wherever they live in the State. Whether you are in Victoria Island, Ikorodu, Epe, in Agege or Badagry, you now have the opportunity to celebrate the countdown in your localities simultaneously.”
“We encourage you all to work with your government; please bring your ideas to us, we want to hear from you. This is your government and we as your servants always want to know your views about our performance.”
“This is an open government. As we all commence the New Year, we pray for greater successes and good health. We pray for abundant resources individually and collectively and for God to protect Lagos and all Lagosians. Let us make Lagos great,” Governor Ambode said.