Sanwo-Olu Says Ambode Is “A Seasoned Administrator”

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared former Governor Ambode “a seasoned administrator.”

The Governor made the declaration in a 60th birthday greetings to Ambode.

The birthday greetings signed by Sanwo-Olu’s media adviser, Gboyega Akosile stated the Governor “described Ambode as a seasoned administrator who contributed his knowledge and expertise to the growth of the public service in Lagos State.”

And also affirmed that “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. “

Ambode was limited to a single term in office on the heels of a testy intra-party contest that gave Sanwo-Olu his first term in office.

Accused of deviating from the “ideals of Project Lagos”, the political powers in charge of Lagos politics sidelined Ambode for Sanwo-Olu to become Governor in 2019.

The development kept Ambode outside the mainstream of Lagos and National politics since then.

Sanwo-Olu’s fine performance earned him a re-election earlier this year, making Ambode the only Governor that has served a single term since the political actors in charge of Lagos state took charge in 1999.

Unedited, the birthday message in honor of Ambode’s 60th birthday from Sanwo-Olu reads…

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with his predecessor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

Ambode clocks 60 on Wednesday, June 14. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message, issued on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Ambode as a seasoned administrator who contributed his knowledge and expertise to the growth of the public service in Lagos State.

He said Ambode had contributed immensely as a former Accountant-General as well as ex-Governor to the growth and development of Lagos State in different capacities, especially in the finance sector. 

He said: “On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, the government and good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends and political associates of my predecessor, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to congratulate him on his 60th birthday.

“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.”