All Progressives Party (APC) chieftain, Chief Bola Tinubu, says he had some worries when Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office in Lagos State, but is happy the governor has been an achiever in the face of challenges.
Tinubu spoke at the inauguration of some road networks in Alimosho area of Lagos by Ambode, as he (Tinubu) turned 65.
He said: “I was worried hell when you took over, not about your credibility, character or capacity, but because, however wise or smart a man is, if there are no resources to back the ideas, production would be zero, progress would be zero.
“When you (Ambode) took over, I know you inherited a burden of debt. The debt profile of Lagos was high, I was wondering how you will reengineer and face the challenges to make progress.
“Today, I can see your report card; you have scored well, you have shown prudence especially in the use of resources of the state.
“You didn’t disappoint us. Ambode is silently achieving, religiously executing and brilliantly giving results for Lagos State.”
According to him, all that Ambode has achieved so far, is a reflection of a very good governor who is a thinker and a doer.
“When you combine the two qualities, there is no way you will not have development and progress for the people and for yourself.
“Akinwunmi Ambode has reflected that clearly here today. I want to say thank you because experience is a great teacher and I am experienced. I am on the spot and I have watched things in Lagos since my tenure ended,’’ he said.
Tinubu said that all over Lagos, everyone could see the results.
He said everyone could see what was happening at Oshodi, stating that the place had become more of a construction site.
The APC chieftain said he was glad that what used to be a den of robbers was wearing a new look with what was going on there now.
“Ambode is very quiet, very peaceful, not a noise maker, but he is delivering on the job.
“Today, you (Ambode) have given me a good birthday present. This is a great opportunity for me to be very proud again,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was honoured with the inauguration of a Primary Health Centre and the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun States by the state government.
Ambode said that he was elated that Lagos was celebrating Tinubu, a visionary leader, who he described as the brain behind the 21st century Lagos.
“We have decided to honour him by commissioning the construction of a network of roads within the boundaries of Lagos and Ogun States.
“The following roads have been identified for immediate construction and rehabilitation in order to complete the new face of Alimosho Constituency.
“Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge – 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road – 1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road); Oko Filling Road – 1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River); Osenatu Ilo Road – 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River).
“Amikanle road – 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi Road – 1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge – 1.4km (from New Market/Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).
“The Ilo River is the boundary of Lagos and Ogun State,” he said.
He used the opportunity to appeal for the cooperation of residents of the communities with the contractors so as to meet deadlines.==
NAN reports that Ambode inaugurated the Aboru-Abesan Link bridge and some adjoining roads in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.
Ambode said the road network would ease pressure on the Abeokuta Expressway, link residents with Iyana Ipaja and the LASU – Iba Expressway, and open up the economic potential of the area.
The governor said he was happy that the event was a fulfilment of the promise he made to the people a year ago.
“Today is a historic day in the life of the people of Alimosho and Lagos State. Exactly a year ago, in March 2016, I visited this axis.
“I emotionally bled when I saw the condition of this place. I received reports of series of deaths and fatal accidents caused by the presence of this valley.
“I immediately gave my commitment that our government would do something about that situation,” he said.
Ambode said that the 480-metre bridge linking Aboru to Abesan would significantly ease movement between both communities by reducing travel time and eliminating hitherto existing risks.
He also commissioned some newly constructed adjoining inner roads, which, according to him, would create an efficient road network to aid connectivity.
Ambode said that he was very grateful to the contractor, Mr Olalekan Adebiyi, who deemed it necessary to contribute to the healthcare of the community by donating a Primary Healthcare Centre to the Alimosho people.
“On our part, we have equipped the Health Centre and provided a new ambulance which will be stationed at this centre to respond to any emergency in the community.
“A certificate will be issued to the donor to enable him offset his tax obligations. We hope this will encourage other well-meaning Lagosians to take up Corporate Social Responsibility activities within their communities,” he said.(NAN)
FAA/SOA