Press Releases

Lagos Set To Play Major Role In New World Order - Fashola

May 29, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Friday evening assured all residents of Lagos that as a new world environmental and social order evolve from globalization, the present leadership has resolved that Lagos would be a major player in the new order.

According to Governor Fashola who spoke at a State Banquet held at the Expo Centre of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island to mark the second anniversary of his administration in office, the new world order clearly belongs to generations coming after.

Urging all concerned to think beyond an oil-powered economy, he explained that what most people have not pondered over is that the world is already looking at alternative sources of energy away from fossil fuel, thus driving home the point that oil may not be in demand in the not too distant future.

Governor Fashola averred that though the new unfolding order belongs to generations coming behind, the binding duty of the present crop of leaders is to deliver the promise of the future for that generation.

Governor Fashola said he and his colleagues in the State Executive Council took a useful lesson from the defeat of defending champions, Manchester United FC, his pet club in the Champions League final by Barcelona that getting to the top is not as difficult as staying there.

The Governor also reiterated that the State is not taxing churches or mosques but is only keen on ensuring that people in business that earn wages or generate revenue from churches or mosques must contribute into the commonwealth from which they are benefitting.

He said the progress made so far would not have been possible without the constant support of stakeholders in all fields, saying just as Lagos was so close about 30 years ago to build a light rail, the opportunity must not be lost again this time around.

The Governor said this would only be possible through the cooperation and sacrifice of everyone for the common good as well as contribution through the regular payment of taxes.

Governor Fashola added that all the credit for the successes of the administration must go to the wonderful people of Lagos for the support, adding that a lot of work still needs to be done as the reward for hardwork is more work.

Ghanaian Vice President, John Mahama, in a goodwill message he sent to the ceremony said Governor Fashola represents a new generation of credible African leaders as he has successfully built on the excellent achievement of his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Said he: “Africa is longer the basket place. There is indeed hope for Africa. The ‘Yes We Can’ spirit is manifested in Lagos State. We have an Obama in this place”.

The Ghanaian Vice President advised that all politicians must respect democracy both in words and indeed, saying the rule of law and the mandate of the people is the only thing that can give legitimacy in Africa.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Richard Powell who spoke on behalf of the other diplomats present at the occasion affirmed that under the leadership of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Lagos is becoming better, expressing the hope that this would continue until the vision of the administration is realized.

Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba who also spoke thanked the Governor for evoking nostalgic feelings about many by taking Lagos back to the glorious days of some fifty years ago.

He said Governor Fashola has done what he needed to do in four years in just two years, describing him as the only shining star that is keeping democracy alive in Nigeria.

Elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu commended the Governor for successfully clearing Lagos and making what seemed totally impossible very possible.

He urged him to always be wary of people who are only willing to tell him what he likes to listen to, but should rather listen to people with constructive criticisms, saying when this is hearkened to people would be able to look back and say he has done better than his predecessors.

Lagos State Chairman of the Action Congress (AC), Chief Henry Ajomale described the Governor as a politician per excellence who is committed to the manifesto of the party and faithfully implementing it.

He added: “We are behind you and pleased with your performance. We will continue to support you”.

Also speaking, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun urged the Governor not to look back but continue to move higher and higher as all eyes are on him.

Notable among those present were Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, First Lady, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, Speaker, RT Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, first military Governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson and his wife, Mrs Funmilayo Mobolaji Johnson, Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, party chieftains and a cross section of notables in the society.

The Governor later cut the second anniversary cake while being assisted by some of the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.