Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Gani Adams, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Lagos House in Alausa Ikeja to establish a relationship with the state government.
Adams, who said he came to pay homage as well as invite the governor to his installation scheduled for January 13, commended his host’s role in the political and economic integration of southwest Nigeria.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo said that there is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics. No matter anything that has happened I want to build a relationship with you, personally, with the Lagos State Government and with the people of Lagos,” Adams said.
The 47-year-old added that Ambode has taken the growth of the southwest region to heart since becoming governor on May 29, 2015.
“I want to thank you for your role in the southwest integration. I believe that Lagos is southwest even though it’s the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. In your own tenure, I have realised that you are more interested in the integration of the southwest and we are Yoruba no matter where we come from, thank you so much for that,” Adams said.
Adams also noted that it was during Ambode’s tenure that Lagos joined the Oodua Investment Group, an initiative tailored towards expanding the economic integration of the region.
Commending the developmental strides in Lagos, Adams said the governor in the last two and half years had succeeded in giving the state a major facelift, adding that appreciable level of progress has been recorded across the state.
Responding, Ambode said Lagos over the years has remained the heartbeat of the future of the Yoruba race, assuring that no stone would be left unturned to engender southwest integration as well as preserve its rich heritage and culture.
He said his administration remains firmly committed to the economic and political integration of the region and would continue to support initiatives towards its success.
Congratulating the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Ambode said the title was one of the most significant in the Yoruba culture, noting that the emergence of Adams clearly shows that the economic integration and political cohesion of the southwest region were on course.
