” (Initially) I was sympathetic to the course of those craving for a Lagos for only its indigene, but it was now evident that the momentum of history could no longer hold down the elemental force of the State.”
Nigeria’s Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said the prominent roles played by Lagos State and its people since its creation 50 years ago has demonstrated how black men, especially from Africa can effective rule the world.
Osinbajo who spoke at the Lagos@50 Anniversary Gala Nite held at the Lagos House, Ikeja said the quest to evolve a greater and more prosperous Nigeria lies in the prosperity of Lagos State, describing the State as the foremost migrant community in Nigeria aggregating talents from everywhere and the undisputable commercial capital accounting for over 70 per cent of business in the country.
His words:”This Lagos is going to be a leader; it would be a leader in expressing the world’s view that the black man is capable of governing not just himself but in leading the world.”
Osinbajo said, according to a recent statistic released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Lagos accounts for 912 out of 914 individual businessmen who pay self-assessed tax of over N10million. The Acting President pointed out that, the strategic contribution of the State to the country’s economy could not be overemphasised.
Besides, the Acting President commended Ambode for his giant strides in the State, saying that the new vistas being opened in the State by the Governor were capable of making Nigeria great.
“And every day that we see the giant strides that Akinwunmi Ambode is making here in Lagos; everyday that we watch television and see the new vistas that he is opening up, it is evident of the fact that surely in this Lagos State lies the seed of the great Nigeria of our dreams,” Osinbajo said.
Ambode in his address, said his administration was fully committed to take on the huge responsibility to make the next 50 years even more productive and memorable, worthy of bigger celebrations by the next generation.
“The vision for the future is clear. We foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation as well as sustainable environmental practices are the norm rather than the exception,” he said.
Describing the celebration as historic, Governor Ambode saluted the contributions of the founding fathers of the as well as the 13 former Governors of the State, saying that their selfless service has placed the State on a pedestal of greatness.
Ambode alluded to a paragraph of the inaugural speech of the first governor of the State, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson, on the undoubted talents and rich cultural heritage of the Lagos people, saying it was apparent of where the Lagos success story took flight.
“That entitlement and devotion to use our God-given talents and heritage to develop Lagos is the main reason for our success story. Fifty years after, we look back with gratitude to all our founding fathers and mothers; both living and past heroes and we all say a big thank you to all of you. God bless you always,” he said.
Ambode while noting that he was humbled to be at the helm of affairs at a historic threshold for the State, thanked General Yakubu Gowon, the then Head of State, who signed the decree that established Lagos State as part of the Twelve States created from the regions and Lagos Colony.
