The government and people of Lagos State are delighted to join fellow compatriots across the nation in celebrating our nation’s 56th independence anniversary today.
Reflecting on our journey in the last 56 years as a nation, there is every reason to give thanks and praises to the Almighty God who, in His infinite mercy, has kept us together inspite of our challenges.
No doubt, we are a blessed nation with great potentials to rank among the most prosperous countries in the world.
Our resilience, resourcefulness and determination to succeed in all spheres of human endeavor is widely recognized and acknowledged across the world.
I wish to use this opportunity to make a passionate appeal, more than ever before, that we must renew our belief in the Nigeria Project and play our parts diligently. At this trying and challenging time, we must aggregate our strength and be united in focus to rescue our economy from the stranglehold of recession.
We all need one another to survive as no part of Nigeria can do it all alone and still wield or command the kind of influence that Nigeria currently enjoys in the comity of Nations.
This is not a time to despair. It is a time to review our patriotic zeal and stand firm with our leaders at all levels in our collective efforts to make Nigeria work for all.
Our deal with all Lagosians to run an all-inclusive government and make lives more comfortable for everyone is not just a slogan. We have demonstrated through our actions that it is a clear statement of commitment; we are determined to actualize within the shortest time possible.
As we celebrate today, I enjoin all Lagosians to remain steadfast and hopeful for a better tomorrow. The future of our State is certainly brighter than anyone can imagine. Let us therefore forge a common front to defend our hard earned freedom by being purposeful, focused and disciplined.
May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain.
Happy 56th National Independence Day!
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!
God bless Lagos State!!
Thank you all.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo je wa l’ogun!!!
Akinwunmi Ambode
Governor of Lagos State,
Alausa.
1st October, 2016.