Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday took his oath of office as the 14th Governor of Lagos State, promising to run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. The new Governor who spoke at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, after
being administered with the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, said‎
that no matter the age, sex, tribe or any other Status of the average resident, the new administration will make Lagos work for them.

“As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognize our strength in diversity. A common
national identity where everybody counts”, he said. The Governor who noted that the best practices of yesterday may not be good enough for the products of today, indicated that his administration shall embark on continuous reforms in the public service.

He expressed determination to demonstrate that the government belongs to the citizens, adding that the Civil Service will be strengthened and made to respond to the needs of all citizens in the same manner, quality services are rendered in the private sector.
Ambode assured the business community and Corporate Lagos that the ease of doing business in Lagos will be improved upon earnestly and
that Lagos is open for greater business; He added that towards this end, a new office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (LAGOS GLOBAL) shall be created under the Governor’s Office saying: “We want you to fly into Lagos, start your business, find your way; live, work and enjoy in Lagos”.

He also announced the creation of a new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment that would specifically address the promise he made
during the campaign on employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship, maintaining that he would pursue the goal vigorously.

The new Governor also announced the establishment of the Office of Civic Engagement under the Deputy Governor’s Office to strengthen and enhance the new administration’s promise on government of inclusion, emphasising that everyone must have a voice in his administration. He reiterated that for the new administration to sustain the progressive and radical transformation that is on-going in the state, efforts must be redoubled on all fronts for a commitment to excellence.

He added that while everybody must be creative and innovative, they are not citizens they become responsible tax payers assuring everyone that he would make their taxes work for them. 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. He said wherever it is practicable, the Ambode administration would practise government by incentives and not government by enforcement and would implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce the cost of running government and ideas that make life simpler and happier for the people.

He affirmed that he possesses the political will to engage investors and stakeholders in creating the enabling environment for tourism,
entertainment and arts; and iconic infrastructure for the benefit of all. While thanking the good people of Lagos for the confidence reposed in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the national and State levels, Governor Ambode promised that they would not disappoint the people.

Mr Ambode singled out for commendation the former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who had laid an enduring foundation for what other administrations are now building on today describing him as a focused, dogged, hard-working, a visioner par excellence and a bridge-builder. He was also appreciative of efforts former First Lady and distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the outgoing Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, whom he said has fought a good fight.

Governor Ambode also expressed his appreciation for the sacrifice of his wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, his mother, family, the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule and the support of the young, elderly, widows, physically-challenged; girls and boys, all the voters, religious leaders, traditional rulers, leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress and all elected representatives of the party. Earlier in his address, the former Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN thanked the people of Lagos for the opportunity to serve, saying it was a humbling experience that he would never forget.

He also expressed his appreciation to his wife, Dame Emmanuella Fashola, his deputy, Hon Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, the members of
the State Executive Council, members of the Legislature, the Judiciary and the public servants, urging all residents of the State to stand resolutely behind the new Governor. Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mrs Sade Jaji congratulated the new Governor and his Deputy for their success at the 2015 Governorship polls, praying that they would surpass the
achievement of the outgoing administration.

The Governor also inspected a Parade of Honour mounted by a detachment of the Nigeria Police and other para- military forces after being administered with the oath of office. Prominent among those who attended the event were the former Deputy Governor, Hon Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, former Governors, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, R Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, former members of the Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps and guests from all walks of life.