Kunle Adelabu
-Thanks residents for support at poll
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, has publicly acknowledged the impacts of Ikorodu in the last General Elections in the state, describing the division as the beacon and light for others in the state.
Sanwo – Olu, who got second highest votes from Ikorodu for his re – election, also thanked the people for recording the highest number of votes for the President – elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Presidential election.
The Governor gave the commendations during the commissioning of the 2.5km Sekumade road which connects the TOS Benson with Ogolonto/Ikorodu – Lagos Road, on Friday, March 31, 2023.
The road was commissioned alongside strategic sectional rehabilitation of the TOS Benson Avenue.
It has drainages and culverts, 30m length Deck – on – plie bridge, continuous reinforcement concrete pavement, streetlights and walkway/layby among other features.
The re – elected governor, who with his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, collected their Certificates of Returns from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, said that they decided to visit Ikorodu for the commissioning to show their appreciation and give further commitments.
“We are here to say a big thank you to everyone in Ikorodu, both indigenes and residents. We thank you all. Our thanks know no bounds. Ikorodu has indeed been good to all of us. It has continued to remain a place of reference, heritage and a community that always stands out”, Sanwo – Olu said.
“I came to thank you very well. You are the beacon and you are the light. Don’t worry, other divisions might want to compete with you, but we know where Ikorodu is. How much do we want to show it?
“Just yesterday, Mr Deputy and I received our Certificates of Returns as Deputy and the Governor – elected. What better place can we come and show and demonstrate that appreciation to the teeming population of Lagos, than to come to one of our heritages and roots in Ikorodu, Ipakodo, to come and show our sense of appreciation and to acknowledge all of the good things that we will continue to do together and also thank you”, an appreciative Governor Sanwo – Olu said.
“Ikorodu has demonstrated and shown that with or without, they are with us and I want to thank them, and that’s why I decided to come here first to show that we are partners in progress”.
While thanking residents further for the support given to his party at the poll, Sanwo – Olu also commended the Ikorodu people for their hospitality and accommodation, which he called the exhibition of the Spirit of Lagos.
“You have demonstrated it in our polls; in all the elections that we had. And, on behalf of Mr President – elect, he says that I should thank you specially, because when we look at the numbers, Ikorodu did very well. So, we want to thank you”, he said.
“Kabiyesi was just telling me that Ikorodu is the 3rd largest city in the Southwest. It is indeed, gratifying to know because Ikorodu is growing in leaps and bounds. I want to commend you for the spirit of accommodation, true Lagos that we have and for showing a real Omoluwabi and being accommodating to all of your visitors and everyone that has come into your community.
“You have continued to show that this is the real spirit of Lagos; of being Lagosian and I want to thank you and commend you for ensuring that your domain continues to remain peaceful, law – abiding and for continuing to remain a place for prosperity where businesses come in and thrive and do well”.
The Governor also commended the representatives from Ikorodu, both at the National and State Assemblies, for their representation and impacts.
“I also want to thank your representatives, from the Distinguished Senator. Most Distinguished Senator Tokunbo Abiru to your MHR, Hon. Jimi Benson to your two House of Assembly members – the Majority Leader, Hon. Agunbiade and Hon. Solaja, for demonstrating the real Ikorodu spirit in all their representations at the various legislative arms of government and of course, all of the cabinet members that are of Ikorodu Division”, he said.
“They know their worth and contributions to the dividends of democracy in the whole of Lagos, be it in Agriculture or Transportation, and in other areas where Ikorodu indigenes have shown that they are worthy sons and daughters of Ikorodu. I am indeed happy with all of them and truly excited that Ikorodu continues to give us their very best”.
He also acknowledged the contributions of sons and daughters of the Ikorodu Division to the development of the state and the country at large.
“You can see that Ikorodu is blessed. Many of its sons and daughters had served Lagos meritoriously in one huge capacity or the other. I want to thank you for several years of service to your state and to mankind”, Sanwo – Olu said.
