•Ambode, Hamzat, Ogun First Lady, others attend Lagos Thanksgiving Service
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, said his administration is resolved to ensure the successful implementation of pivotal projects to foster the robust growth of the state and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this commitment while speaking during the state’s 24th Annual Thanksgiving Service with the First Family of Lagos State, themed, ‘The Righteous Shall Praise Your Name’ held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island.
He noted that the Year 2024 would be an important one for his administration in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that had been meticulously crafted to safeguard the lives and property of residents of the State, even as he declared that “without adherence to the Rule of Law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.”
This was just as the governor disclosed that he would sign into law this week the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by the Lagos State House of Assembly, assuring that the signing of the Budget would mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that his administration had promised the people of Lagos, this year.
The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi; the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and wife, Bolanle; Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by the Chairman of the House on Home Affairs, Hon. Jubril Abdulkareem.
Others are: the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; former deputy governors, religious and traditional leaders, public office holders and politicians, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, urged Nigerians and Lagos residents in particular to continue to pray for him and other public officeholders, who had been given the privilege to serve as leaders, in various capacities in government.
The governor, while making the call, said public officeholders needed divine wisdom and grace, as they make multitudes of decisions that would have an impact on the lives of the people.
“As a Government, we are resolutely committed to fostering the robust growth of our state and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. We are unwaveringly dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects.
“In every sector, we have major projects ongoing that will define the legacy of our administration, and positively transform the economy and the landscape of Lagos State.
“This week, by the special grace of God, I will sign into law the 2024 Lagos State Appropriation Bill, passed a few days ago by our hardworking and committed Lagos House of Assembly. The signing of that Budget will mark an important milestone in the delivery of all that we have promised you the people of Lagos, this year.
“Indeed, all Lagosians have so much to look forward to this year 2024, which is also the first full year of our second and final term in office. You are already familiar with our T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, which will guide and propel all that we do for the progress and development of Lagos State.
“This year will also be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the Rule of Law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.
“I, therefore, want to implore each and every one of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes to obeying traffic rules to disposing of our waste responsibly to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State.
“On our part, as Government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are all aimed at improving the commuting experience for all Lagosians, just as our Emergency Hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something!’
“In the same way, we have in place various reforms aimed at making it easier for you to pay your taxes, and generally making Lagos a more enabling place for business and investment. Together, we can all play our part in achieving a truly Greater Lagos,” he said.
On the significance of the Thanksgiving Service, Governor Sanwo-Olu said there was, indeed, so much to be grateful for, urging people as they raise their voices in praise, adoration and supplication, to commit Lagos State and Nigeria to God, for his guidance, and His mercies.
“As a people, we have every reason to praise God, most especially for the preservation of our lives to witness this year; for His mercies, protection, provisions, providence, love, grace, favour, compassion, deliverance and numerous blessings.
“We have every reason to give all the glory and thanks to the Almighty God because He has been faithful in the affairs of our dear State. He has granted us great achievements and testimonies; he has given us peace and security; and mightily blessed the work of our hands.
“He has granted us the privilege of seeing yet another edition of this annual Thanksgiving Service, organized in keeping with Lagos State’s tradition of starting every New Year in thanksgiving to God and in acknowledgement of the fact that in Him we live and move and have our being. This is the fifth one so far since I assumed office as Governor, and the first one since the start of our second term,” he said
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Revd Stephen Adegbite, in his remark, said there was a need to appreciate God who answers prayers for the election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during last year’s general elections.
The cleric observed that God is good to Lagos State, saying that the state would continue to hold the Annual Thanksgiving Service to appreciate God for the continuous peace, growth and development in the State.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Layode, in his opening remark, said the Thanksgiving Service was necessary to appreciate God for His mercy on Lagos State in the past year.
The commissioner said the state witnessed the commissioning of people-oriented and impactful projects by the Sanwo-Olu administration, assuring that the administration was leaving no stone unturned to make life easy for residents through more developmental projects in line with the THEMES+ Agenda.
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