By Rotimi Ayoku-Owolawi
When our GGG mounted the saddle at the famous TBS last May 29th, a lot of hardcore Progressives and the ever conscious Conservatives became internal Wailers.
They heckled the GGG to no end. They branded him incompetent. They talked down on him because of his intonation and penchant for brevity which was a nouveau experience given the way his predecessor became a soap box impresario. They would have none of that.
Lago di Kuramo is too big for him, the bellowed! “The talent hunter got it wrong this time around,” they said without knowing that Akanbi meant well for his evolving mini Nigeria. Twelve months later, a brand new country has evolved before our very own eyes!
Don’t get me wrong, the early impatience paid off. It is the beauty of democracy. Though it didn’t influence the GGG’s hitting the ground sprinting like Mary Onyali, it helped him to fully understand the legendary idiosyncrasies of the inhabitants of King Ado’s Empire.
He has now, on every facet, within 12 months epitomised what governance should be. He is our very own God Given Governor (GGG for short).
Akinwunmi ‘Dapo Ambode, the Omobowale Oluomo of Lagos East, has shown that he would shatter all the records of his two famous predecessors who laid the solid foundation for Lagos as a megalopolis. And just as Akanbi Omo Iyaloja can pride himself of what triple cap wearing Minister of the Republic had done with our Lagos, it is envisaged with the early signs that the latter would be doing an encore in 2023!
It is a travesty of the highest order to put Lagos side by side with Kano population wise, but that is a function of the British heresy. What is patently criminal is for Kano to have 44 LGs as against Lagos’ 20 – a gross misnomer with the visible swarming population across the small lands surrounded by the ocean and the lagoon.
The time has come for the NASS to do justice in the matter of gazetting the 37 Development Areas as provided by the law books.
Today, it is time to roll out the gbedus. Too early? Nay!
We now have oil.
Two seaports are on the verge of being developed.
Government is now compact and more effective and efficient in service delivery.
IGR is booming.
More Lagos Federal Roads are being rehabilitated and upgraded.
The metro line, the blue line aspect will be delivered this year.
The Red line has been endorsed by Bayajidda, a feat the Ineffectual Buffoon couldn’t do for political bad belle.
Lagos East, yea! Our own Eastern Senatorial District is on the verge of prosperity to join up with its other Ibile kins for Greater Lagos.
BRT now run seamlessly and for 24/7 as in the 60s.
Light Up Lagos has engendered night markets once more, Reminiscences.
Communities are now the foundation of governance in Lagos – another first!
Security is now tip top with the unprecedented infusion of billion naira equipments in addition to support for cognate agencies.
Our waterways management is being rejigged as an alternative route for seamless commuting.
Lagos Television is now the toast of the high and mighty as well as the downtrodden.
13% derivation is now a reality in our own lifetime!
Lagos is now the first State to introduce true federalism with the Inter State MoU together with fast developing Kebbi on massive rice production for self sustainability.
114 roads are under construction and to be completed across 20LGs and 37LCDAs by June ending with some commissioned already!
Among other goodies!!
All these in 12 months where no worker or pensioner is owed a single pay.
Where all stakeholders are motivated to spur Lagos to greater heights.
A+ has defied all naysayers; he has wowed even his real and imaginary traducers. He has endeared himself to all and sundry with his cool mien.
Truly, the Olowo-Eko Baba Fouad has not backed a wrong horse. We pray for longevity on the throne of his forebears for his labour of love.
For Akanbi the quintessential leader?
We know you are still a pencil in the hands of the Almighty. You are still a work in progress and your work is still cut out for you. In your lifetime here, SW shall be fully integrated. Nigeria of your dream shall evolve and sustained. Most certainly the forces of retrogression shall not hold us captive any more in Nigeria!
As we approach May 29 and moving into the second year of the GGG administration, we can only pray for an encore with more prosperity for Lagos and for all inhabitants irrespective of creed or ethnicity.
Lagos, though a toast and the melting pot of the Yoruba eternally, it is home for all.
Never again will any loafer in public service call it a no man’s land for the sake of political gain.
May God bless our Lagos.
And bless the Federal Republic.
Happy Anniversary, A+!!!
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko
O je mi logun, o je wa logun!
