At Anglican Synod, Ambode canvasses support for Sanwo-Olu

• Olumakaiye, Ademowo eulogise, honour governor
• Clerics urge speedy completion of Lagos-Ibadan road, others

In the spirit of comradeship, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday canvassed the support of Lagos residents for the Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to take the state to higher heights.

Ambode made the call at the opening ceremony of the1st Session of the 34th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, also called the centenary Synod and themed: “The Unfailing Faith of our Fathers: Ever Sufficient.” The event took place at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Lagos.

At the Synod, the last he attended as governor, Ambode said: “Lagos State could be said to be on onward trajectory, and, therefore, it becomes imperative that the people should also continue with the spirit of cooperation and unity with the incoming government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu so that the peaceful co-existence and the achievement that the state has been enjoying would continue to subsist. It is on record that there was no single religious conflict in Lagos in the last four years.”

The governor, who described his attendance as very significant, thanked the church for supporting his administration since it came into office in 2015.

“To our fathers in the Lord and clergymen, I thank you for all you have done to move Lagos forward in the past four years of my administration. I am proud of the relationship and support that has yielded the atmosphere of love and brotherhood. For me, this is the strongest plank upon which the progress we have achieved rests.

“As our administration makes way for another, I ask for your continued support and prayers for the incoming government of the Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team. As we continue to exhibit our faith in God and support for the social and economic development of our state, God will continue to answer our prayers and grant the good desires of our hearts.”

The immediate past Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo and the incumbent, Rt. Rev Humphrey Olumakaiye described Ambode as a seasoned administrator with a patriotic drive, who, through hard work and grace, rose to become distinguished among his peers.

As a show of appreciation, the church presented a special episcopal award to Ambode for his achievements in the last four years.

Olumakaiye: “We are very proud of you (Ambode) for taking Lagos State much higher. You are a man of courage who believes in possibilities against all odds; a man of focus and dignity. We pray that God will grant your heart desires and take you to the next level of your political career. Today, we have decided to honour you in due recognition of your exceptional achievements as our governor.”

Ademowo said: “I congratulate our governor for a very successful tenure. Your name has been written in gold and I do hope that Abuja will do something.”

In his presidential address, Olumakaiye urged the Federal Government to ensure speedy completion of the Abuja – Kaduna railway, Lagos-Ibadan railway, Lagos-Ibadan expressway and also make hospitals and educational institutions well equipped and functional.

He also called on the economic team of this administration to ensure that the fragile nation’s economy does not slip back into recession