The All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, today commissioned the Akinwunmi Ambode/Ndigbo Campaign Office in Festac Town. The campaign office which is located on at House 60, Second Avenue was set up in conjunction with the Igbo Coalition group of the APC.
The chants of “Ambode Ebe-Ano 2015!!!” filled the air at the commissioning and in a show of total solidarityand support, the Ndigbo of Lagos gathered there en-masse from all the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs to cheer the event.
Akinwunmi Ambode who looked lively in traditional Igbo attire, thanked everybody at the gathering for their support. He said that the set-up of the building confirms that he and the APC stands for the welfare of all Lagosians. “I am happy to be here, and the message we brought is the same message of welfare that is general for all Lagosians.”, he said. He described himself as a complete Nigerian who is well-positioned to govern a united and business-friendly Lagos, having gotten the privilege to understand the diversity and unity in all Nigerian tribes since he was aged 11years. “I Akinwunmi Ambode will stand for the Igbo community, and for your businesses, and we will remain united. We don’t want any fighting, because Lagos belongs to all of you.”
Mr. Ambode urged them to ensure that they all got their Permanent Voters’ Cards in order to be genuine change agents who will vote rightly for excellence in the 2015 elections. He donated a bus and money to be used for the running and activities of the campaign office.
The event was convened by the Igbo coalition in APC, and their leader, Chief Chris Ekwilo, thanked Mr. Ambode for showing much readiness to elevate the stance of the Igbos in Lagos. He pledged that the total support of his candidacy with the entire votes of the Igbo community. A key stakeholder of the Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Azubuike Ekwerekwu (Obosi) also buttressed the endorsement by describing Mr. Ambode as the “right man for the job”.
The high point of the event came when Akinwunmi Ambode commissioned the campaign office to the glory of God, the use and wellness of the Ndigbo General, and to the success of every Lagosian.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, represented by three of his high Chiefs, together with other Obas from all parts Lagos state, were present in solidarity at the event. A former Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Giasudeen Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, a Special Adviser to the Lagos state Governor on Politics and Legislative Matters, Hon. Musiliu Folami, the immediate past Chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, and other top government and APC officials, all graced the event.
Also present were the leaders of other ethnic groups in Lagos, including the Hausa, Nupe, North-central and the Arewa community.