The All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has urged Lagosians to count on him and ensure continuity of excellence in the state. He stated this today the 2015 Gubernatorial Debate organized by the Diocese of Lagos West of the Anglican Communion in collaboration with the dioceses of Badagry and Lagos Mainland. The debate was held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja.
Ambode described himself as a competent and consummate administrator who has meritoriously served the state in varying capacities, and with the needed experience to take the state to a next level. He hinged is intention on the art of selfless service, a desire to continue to serve Lagos and keep up with the tradition of excellence the state is known for.
“My vision is to achieve a safe, secure, clean and more prosperous Lagos that is driven by qualitative service, equity and justice”. “My message remains LAGOS; that is Leadership, Accountability, Good Governance, Opportunities and Selfless Service.”.
He was joined at the debate by 8 other candidates of the other political parties in the state, notably Jimi Agbaje of the People Democratic Party. The Labour Party, National Conscience Party, Alliance for Democracy and the Mega Political Party also had their candidates in attendance. Akinwunmi Ambode answered the questions raised by the panelists and the audience in an articulate manner, giving thorough specifics of his plans. This delighted the audience in no small way.
About housing, Ambode promised to consolidate on the success that has been achieved by the present government. “We will expand the Lagos Homes Project and focus on providing studio apartments for our young people who cannot afford flats”, he added. On job creation and productive engagement of the youths, Ambode said “We will emphasize on vocational and technical education. That is the future of job creation”.
He added, “Our government will set up an Employment Trust Fund of 25 Billion Naira in partnership with the Private sector, to give our young people access to finance to establish their own businesses and employ others”. On his plans to maintain a united Lagos, “I grew up a Nigerian. I have lived all my life in a cosmopolitan Lagos. I cannot afford to denigrate anyone by the lines of ethnicity or tribe”. Mr. Ambode presented similarly impressive and well-thought plans in his programmes for all other sector on which questions were raised, all with the intention of making Lagos continually excellent and enviable.
He moved on to say, “Lagos needs experience not trial and error. I have the relevant and cognate experience to keep up with the tradition of excellence in Lagos. I assure you that a vote for me, a vote for the APC, is a vote for a prosperous Lagos”.