Ambode: Nigeria Needs Oshiomhole at this Troubled Time

•   Says Edo people will remember him for good

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, wednesday described his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, as an exemplary performer, saying Nigeria would need his service at this time of national crisis.

He, therefore, said the people of Edo State would remember Oshiomhole for good, citing pro-people projects and programmes his administration had been able to execute under his eight-year tenure.

Ambode made the remarks in a statement his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abib Haruna, issued yesterday about 24 hours to the end of Oshiomhole’s tenure as the Governor of Edo State.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Ambode had this week inaugurated different strategic projects to mark the end of Oshiomhole’s tenure.

As contained in the statement, Ambode said Oshiomhole had executed different pro-people projects and programmes, which he said had redefined the way people “now live across the state.

By these world-class projects executed under his administration, Ambode acknowledged that Nigeria “will truly need people like Oshiomhole especially at this critical time in our history.”
Ambode noted that Oshiomhole “has set high standards in Edo State. He has actually and visibly turn around the fortunes of Edo State. All Nigerians will remember him very favourably.”

He explained that the completion of the projects at a time when Nigeria was facing economic challenges was an eloquent display of astute, prudent and visionary leadership.

He described education as the bedrock of the society, noting that the commissioning of secondary school with modern facilities and top class university “underscore the importance which Oshiomhole attached to education.

“Oshiomhole understands leadership and the needs of his people. He understands the concept of inclusive governance and making sure nobody is left behind. The projects commissioned have demonstrated the government of inclusion which this administration has been running.

“This is very remarkable. It is very significant because this is one governor that actually started well and is ending very strong. Roads have been commissioned in areas that needed government attention and presence.

“We are very sure these roads will open up communities in the state and even joining three local governments together and also accelerate growth and development,” the governor explained.
Ambode congratulated the people of Edo State for electing Mr. Godwin Obaseki, saying the decision would further ensure that Edo remained on the path of progress.

He also announced full university scholarship to two best graduating students of Itohan Girls Grammar School, Sapele Road, Benin City.

Also in the statement, Oshiomhole said the idea of the University came out of the need to address educational tourism, and as well provide world class University education to both the rich and the poor.

Oshiomhole, who described Ambode as a financial guru and now rugged and dogged Governor, said Lagos and Edo had special traditional and political relationship.

He added that most innovations introduced in Edo State were copied from Lagos and that Ambode was invited to commission the school on account of the fact that he has been working assiduously to transform Lagos.