Today is another very important day in celebrating 50 years of excellence, since the creation of Lagos State. In a democracy, particularly a federal system of government which we operate, modern government is placed on a tripod comprising of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Each arm has its distinct role as prescribed by the Constitution. These roles are complementary and also serve as checks and balances to ensure that no single arm of government is vested with overriding powers over the others.

Lagos State, since creation, has been a shining example and critical hub of socioeconomic and political development. The harmonious relationship between the three arms of government in Nigeria which is reflective in the governance model of Lagos State promotes the interest and welfare of the people.

Today, we are celebrating the contributions of the Lagos State House of Assembly, particularly the 8^th Assembly in the last two years, to the true principles of democratic governance through passage of Bills that advance the principle of governance and promotion of social welfare of the people within the ambits of the Law.

It is on record that military incursion into governance has always made the legislature its first victim by suspending the Constitution with all powers against the wishes of our people. Therefore, the Legislature can be said to be the most exposed in governance model in the current democratic dispensation, if we have to give its true meaning and relevance in a representative government.

Inspite of this chequered history, the 1^st to 8^th Assemblies of the Lagos State House of Assembly have been the benchmark for assessing legislative business in governance of the Nigerian State. The 8^th Assembly, in particular has been highly responsive and innovative in fulfilling its constitutional obligations and meeting the aspirations of our people for the dividends of democracy.

The superlative performance of the 8^th Assembly, including previous Assemblies, can be attributed to the quality of leadership that has been produced through a matured and democratic process with the purpose of providing a democratic process that would benefit our people.

Over the years, the Legislative arm of government in Lagos State has been a shining beacon of democratic independence and responsiveness. It has never shirked its assigned role or responsibility even in the face of provocation. It has continuously engaged the electorate in the process of making laws through interactive engagements and contributions to the making of Laws.

The synergy between the three arms of government, particularly the Executive and Legislature has become the benchmark of the democratic process in Nigeria. As we celebrate the last fifty years of the creation of Lagos State, we have laid the building blocks for the next fifty years and I have no doubt that the 8th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly will continue to be relevant by raising the standard of legislative performance in a knowledge driven era.

I congratulate the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Principal Officers and Honourable Members of the 8^th Assembly and by extension past leadership and membership of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the auspicious occasion of golden anniversary of Lagos State and the 2^nd anniversary of the 8^th Assembly.

I thank you and God bless you all.

Itesiwaju  Ipinle Eko Lo Je Wa L’Ogun!!!