Akinwunmi Ambode has been hailed for the extraordinary leadership qualities and uncanny professionalism that stands him out as an excellent public and private sector administrator, the qualities that make him best fit to steer the ship of Lagos into further excellence.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate was the Special Guest of Honour at a lecture organized by the Ikeja District of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (IDSICAN) today, at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.
Ambode was the focal point of an academic research titled “The Effects of Leadership Quality On Public Expenditure Management: Evidence From Lagos State Treasury Under Akinwunmi Ambode As Accountant General”, which was performed to decipher the skill-sets with which he succeeded at shouldering the financial responsibility of the nation’s largest economy for a period of six years.
According to Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, who presented the research paper at the forum, Ambode proved to be a exemplary leader who has mastered the art of exercising the principles of leadership along the lines of accountability, transparency and prudence.
“This study aims to explore the potentials of quality leadership on public expenditure management (PEM) towards a better life for the citizenry. It specifically examines the effects of leadership quality on PEM performance, using the 6-year tenure of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Accountant General (AG) of Lagos State as the focal point”.
“In the comity of states in the Nigerian federation, Lagos state has distinguished herself as a state with distinct PEM credentials in the six-year leadership of Akinwunmi Ambode as AG”.
It is, therefore, important to examine the underlying leadership qualities of the AG of Lagos state for the period under review (2007-2012) and to highlight the lessons which can be replicated elsewhere”, Professor Dandago.
He therefore recommended that, “Lagosians should strive to exercise their right to vote a professional that has exhibited concern and care for them, long before showing interest in serving as their chief accounting officer and chief security officer. A vote for Mr. Ambode is clearly a vote for improving the lives of the present generation of Lagosians and for laying solid foundation for sustainable human well-being in Lagos state and beyond”.
On the overall, the results reveal that Mr. Ambode’s leadership quality scores are excellent, especially in his ability to break new grounds, and his listening and resilience in solving problems. He has a strong sense of fairness and sense of judgment.
The ICAN President, Mr. Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu, further commended Ambode and the results presented by the study.
“With 19 qualities of Leadership and 16 signs of professionalism acumen that this study makes us see in Akinwunmi Ambode, it has proven beyond doubt that accountants make the best leaders in the world. Lagos is blessed to have him”‘ Ajaegbu said.
Visibly humbled by the outcome and intent of the research, a grateful Ambode expressed his commitment at using his experience and skills to make Lagos even greater, enumerating his plans to create jobs, explore and expand the economy, consolidate on security and cleanliness.
“Accuracy and Integrity remain my all-time motto, and God helping me, I intend to employ my experience to make Lagos state the envy of all. I will make this institute proud”.
He reminded them of the limitless possibilities that an APC government at the centre presents to Lagos state, saying that, “What General Muhammadu Buhari brings to the table is moral leadership, and with a commitment to deliver on our promises here in Lagos, we are set for accelerated growth and development”.
Alhaji Aderemi Ismaila Bello, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also shared in Ambode’s optimism in the great advantage posed by an APC Federal presence, but then stressed that Lagosians must vote for the Ambode and the APC candidates to make that vision achievable.