Former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode marked his 60th birthday last week on the 14th of June, 2023. This post shed light on some of the many achievements of his administration in spite of the strained relationship between him and political allies during his tenure.
Akinwunmi Ambode, a prominent Nigerian politician, served as the governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous initiatives and reforms aimed at transforming Lagos into a more sustainable, economically vibrant, and livable city. Ambode’s commitment to infrastructure development, innovation, and good governance has left a lasting impact on Lagos State.
Ambode @ 60. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s entry. pic.twitter.com/3leJDrzKTp
— AfricanRipplesMagzn (@African_ripples) June 21, 2023
Infrastructure Development and Urban Renewal
One of Ambode’s key focuses was improving the infrastructure of Lagos State. He initiated various projects to address the state’s long-standing issues of traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation. Ambode championed the construction of new roads, flyovers, and bridges to ease traffic flow and enhance connectivity across the state. Notably, the completion of the Abule Egba and Ajah flyovers and the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange have significantly alleviated traffic challenges in Lagos.
Ambode recognized the urgent need to address Lagos State’s infrastructure challenges. His administration embarked on an ambitious plan to upgrade and expand the state’s road network, construct new bridges, and rehabilitate existing ones. The completion of critical projects such as the Oshodi Transport Interchange, the Pen Cinema Bridge, and the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway have significantly improved transportation efficiency and reduced travel time for millions of Lagosians.
To enhance urban aesthetics and improve the quality of life, Ambode launched the “Lagos Light Up” initiative. This initiative aimed to illuminate major highways, streets, and public spaces, creating a safer environment and fostering a vibrant atmosphere conducive to economic activities and social interactions, even during night hours.
“Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode dedicated his young and adult life to the service of Lagos State, first as a civil servant and later as the 14th Governor of our dear Lagos State.
“As Council Treasurer, Auditor General for Local Government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General of Lagos State, he displayed a high level of integrity, dedication and professionalism to service in the public sector.
“He recorded same achievements as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and as the State’s Accountant General.
“He also made positive and significant impacts in some sectors during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, working for the continuous growth and development of our State.
“I wish former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode a happy birthday and pray that he witnesses many more fruitful years in good health.”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Lagos State Governor
Education and Skill Development
Ambode understood the vital role education plays in socio-economic development. During his tenure, he placed great emphasis on improving the quality of education in Lagos State. Ambode implemented reforms in the education sector, including the establishment of new schools, renovation of existing facilities, and the provision of necessary learning materials. He also initiated programs to enhance the skills of teachers and promote technical and vocational education to equip young people with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Photo Credit: Bode Kolawole, Mr.
Understanding that quality education is the bedrock of social and economic development, Ambode made significant strides in revamping the educational sector in Lagos State. He prioritized the training and retraining of teachers, provided modern teaching and learning facilities, and focused on improving the curriculum to align with the demands of the 21st-century workforce. Ambode also championed the establishment of vocational training centers across the state, equipping young people with relevant skills to thrive in a dynamic and competitive job market
Economic Empowerment and Investment Promotion
To boost economic growth and attract investments, Ambode focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He implemented policies aimed at simplifying the process of doing business, attracting foreign direct investments, and supporting local entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Ambode facilitated access to affordable finance and business support services, thereby promoting job creation and entrepreneurship.
Economic Diversification and Job Creation
Ambode was a firm believer in economic diversification and the need to create sustainable jobs for the growing population of Lagos. His administration pursued an aggressive agenda to attract both local and foreign investments. Through initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Graduate Internship Program (GIP), Ambode provided financial support and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs and facilitated job creation in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Environmental Sustainability
Recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability, Ambode prioritized initiatives aimed at transforming Lagos into a cleaner and greener city. He launched the “Clean Lagos Initiative,” which focused on waste management, sanitation, and beautification projects. Under this initiative, Ambode introduced waste-to-energy initiatives, improved waste collection and disposal systems, and embarked on extensive tree-planting campaigns to combat climate change and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city.
Security and Law Enforcement
Under Ambode’s leadership, Lagos experienced notable improvements in security and law enforcement. Recognizing the correlation between safety and economic development, he prioritized the strengthening of security agencies and implemented strategies to combat crime. Ambode equipped law enforcement agencies with modern technology and improved their coordination and intelligence gathering capabilities, resulting in a significant reduction in crime rates across the state.
Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure as the governor of Lagos State showcased his unwavering commitment to transforming the state into a model mega-city. His dedication to infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, education, and economic empowerment has had a lasting impact on the lives of Lagos residents
Ambode’s transformative initiatives have set a solid foundation for sustainable development and positioned Lagos as a model megacity in Africa. As Lagos continues to evolve, the impact of Ambode’s tenure will serve as a testament to effective governance and a catalyst for future leaders to build upon his accomplishments and further propel the state towards greater heights of prosperity.
Although his term ended acrimoniously in 2019, Ambode’s visionary leadership and transformative initiatives continue to shape the future trajectory of Lagos State, setting a precedent for future leaders to follow in their quest for progress and development.
In the words Bode Kolawole, his bosom “Till today, the masses still cherish him and they all knew they were denied good Governance of Ambode and we congratulate him in attaining sixty years and we pray that God in Heaven should continue to grant him mercy, good health and wisdom to overcome the future challenges and we should seize this medium to appreciate Asiwaju and also Congratulate him for his success at the poll and for being the first Progressive Democrat to be the President and Commander in Chief of Armed forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria. We pray that He finishes well. Amen.”
Gorvernor Sanwo-Olu with Ex-governor Ambode @ 60 pic.twitter.com/26LMYzhzMC
— AfricanRipplesMagzn (@African_ripples) June 21, 2023
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Speech at ex-governor Ambode’s 60th Anniversary’ pic.twitter.com/Ctsiskg0vV
— AfricanRipplesMagzn (@African_ripples) June 21, 2023
