The new Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, says he will never take the people of the state for granted.
The governor explained that such is one of the lessons he learnt during the general elections.
Ambode spoke on Friday shortly after he was sworn in as the 14th governor of the state at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island.
Ambode was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, at about 11.25am in front of crowd made up of dignitaries, political leaders, the All Progressives Congress supporters and traditional rulers, among others.
Before Ambode was sworn in, his deputy, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, had been sworn in around 11.19am by Atilade.
The governor said, “One of the instructive lessons from this last political campaign and election is for all politicians never to take our people for granted again. I would, more than ever before, take you, the good people of Lagos, along with me in this journey of renewed hope and prosperity at all times.”
Ambode, who commended students, civil servants, traditional rulers, the APC members, his family members, former governors of the state — Bola Tinubu and Raji Fashola — and other Lagosains for his victory at the poll, said he would run an open government for the progress of the state.
The governor added, “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognise our strength in diversity. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.”
He said his administration would reward contributors of good ideas and practise government by incentives.
“We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce the cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people,” Ambode said.
The governor urged residents of the state to sustain the ongoing “radical transformation in the state” by paying their taxes.
He said he would continue the state development plan — 2012 – 2025 — drawn by the past government.
Ambode said, “The plan is structured under four pillars: Social Development and Security, Infrastructural Development, Economic Development and Sustainable Environment.
“The challenges we face today as a state are good enough ingredients to bring out the best out of all of us. Together, we shall push forward and not look back, with our hands firmly on the plough. We would work hard to tackle poverty, ignorance and social decadence in our state.”
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