Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, his
Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Mr.
Akinwunmi Ambode on
Thursday took turns to eulogise the National Leader of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocked 66.
In his welcome
address, Governor Ambode said Tinubu's era as Governor of Lagos from 1999
to 2007 showed the depth of his governance capacity, adding that he has over
the years sustained his relevance in the nation's polity.
"After his gubernatorial years, he has
continued to show pivotal leadership, particularly on the national stage.
It is not for nothing that he is acknowledged for his defining role in the
emergence of a progressive political party in Nigeria," the Governor
said.
He said there was no better birthday
present that his friends and well wishers could give to him as befitting as
what the theme of this year’s colloquium epitomized, saying that Tinubu’s
legacy was built around his capacity to invest in people.
“The theme of this year’s colloquium is
“Investing in People”. Whether it is called human capital development or people-centric
investment, the meaning is clear enough and its importance is undeniable.
For us on the political landscape, it may well be the greatest governance
challenge. Creating highly impactful programs and policies for our
people is my simple understanding of good governance. At the end of the
day, the level of investment on our people will determine our future sustenance
as a Nation always.
“Look around you, there are only a few
people that can match his (Tinubu) unquestionable thirst to invest in
people. It goes without any gainsaying that, I join numerous others
seated here or outside, that have gained in the investment Asiwaju has made on
people. I am grateful for that,” Governor Ambode said.
He said the colloquium was not just a talk
shop, but a veritable platform for the generation of ideas by all stakeholders
on the need to invest in people, adding that the ultimate objective and
expectation is for the forum to avail policy makers at all levels of government
new ideas and perspectives and to enrich the process of policy formulation,
design and implementation.
Besides, Governor Ambode thanked President
Buhari for the support to the State and gracing the occasion as part of his
activities to mark his two-day official visit to Lagos, just as he expressed
optimism that the historic visit would be more beneficial to the State on the
long run.
In his response, Tinubu thanked President
Buhari and the host of dignitaries including several Governors, members of the
National Assembly, Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, among other
stakeholders for finding time to grace the occasion, saying that he was highly
honoured by their presence.
Tinubu, particularly lauded the strides of
Governor Ambode, assuring him that he would continue to support his
administration as it continues to drive Lagos was on the right path of economic
development.
“You (Governor Ambode) have been
exceptionally committed to the progress and economic development of Lagos state
and I can only say thank you. The act of many good jobs is more work and after
beautiful challenges is more success. Work hard at it; we are in the booth
together,” Tinubu said.
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