Akinwumi Ambode has promised to retain Lagos State for the All Progressives Congress (APC), top up the achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola, and give Ikeja a face lift to be the symbol of a true megacity.
He also promised world class infrastructure and social amenities to make Nigeria’s most populous state more conducive for residents and visitors alike.
The governorship aspirant said, if elected, he will increase the ratio of women in top posts because “women are our mothers, we need to protect them and give them what they are due for.”
Ambode, former Accountant General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, spoke at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, where he met party leaders from Ikeja, Onigbongbo and Ojodu Councils, who joined members of Akin Ambode Campaign Organisation to express support for him.
Party leaders described him as a humble and pleasant technocrat bubbling with enthusiasm to raise the profile of the Centre of Excellence.
He said: “We can see the evidence of rapid development in Ikeja like every other part of Lagos. But, many people either forget so easily or are not aware that not only is Ikeja a first class city, it is actually the capital of this prosperous and very important state of ours.
“We need to let the glory of Ikeja show and blossom to every eye. And there is no better way to do this than by doing a lot more for the city in terms of infrastructural development.
“We must make the city attractive to businesses and business owners, while ensuring the safety of every residential and commercial area in the capital city.
“Ikeja should be the envy world-class capital cities of the world and I am committed to ensuring that this happens by the grace of God when the time comes.”
Ambode highlighted his qualifications as a thoroughbred professional and a grassroots mobiliser who spent the first 13 years of his career as an accountant and auditor in various councils.
He promised to follow the manifesto of the APC and the direction of its leadership, stressing the importance of loyalty, discipline, and wisdom.
“We cannot be tired of saying this. No individual is bigger than or more popular than the party. It is the party that chooses a candidate and equips him for the onerous job of governance. A good candidate cannot therefore get to position of power and start to implement his own vision.
“It must be the vision of the party and our great party, the APC, has the perfect manifesto that addresses every need of the citizens, from free education and health to rapid infrastructural development.”
APC Women Leader (South West), Kemi Nelson, a former Women Affairs Commissioner, applauded Ambode for his maturity, candour, and integrity. “Morning shows the day,” she said, urging him to forge ahead to succeed Fashola.
“More than any other person who has been here, you are exceptional because you have spoken as a loyal party member and expressed the desire to let party elders have a say in how elected candidates implement the programmes of the party,” she said.