Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, at the 2016 Annual Thanksgiving Service held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday, reiterated his commitment to improved service delivery and developmental governance. The governor reassured residents of the state of the determination of his administration to work assiduously towards achieving all-inclusive progress and prosperity in 2016.
Ambode stated that despite the bleak economic outlook predicted in many quarters across the country, Lagos State will grow in leaps and bounds and take its rightful place among the major cities and developmental states of the world. The governor promised of more employment opportunities, expanded entrepreneurship and investments. “Our youths will become gainfully employed. Our young girls and women will be protected and encouraged to give their best. Our entrepreneurs will experience a boom and our State will work for everyone. We are determined and God willing, we shall achieve all-inclusive progress and prosperity,” the Governor declared.
The Lagos State Governor also highlighted the landmarks of the 2015 General Elections. He observed that the outcome of the 2015 elections was an eloquent testimony of God’s love for Nigeria. The Governor emphasized that despite the predictions of anarchy and possible unrest, God showed His mighty hand upon Nigeria, adding that, “for the very first time, the country experienced a smooth and peaceful transition from one civilian government to another; the ruling party in government became the opposition and the opposition became the ruling party in government.
Furthermore, Ambode emphasized the essence of the Thanksgiving Service. According to him, “We are gathered this evening in thanksgiving to the Almighty for the grace to witness the beginning of 2016. This annual thanksgiving has become a tradition where we come together to sing the praise of God for the continuous peace and prosperity of our dear State. This service is an acknowledgment of the overriding power of God in the affairs of men and the need for us to trust in His grace and benevolence as a government and a people.”
The presiding Minister of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG), in his sermon emphasized the imperative of everyone connecting to the Almighty God in 2016. He highlighted that while everything on earth changes, God never changes but remains threw same, remains firm to his word and promises for His children. The Reverend Pastor declared, inter alia, that, “Despite the predictions for 2016 in the wake of the dwindling oil prices likely to result in loss of jobs, those connected to God can surmount these challenges.” He reiterated that those who seek to prosper in the New Year must take a stand to be closer to God; with the assurance that things will be better, particularly, for those who put their trusts in God.
Special prayers were offered at the service for the State and Nigeria by clergymen including Bishop Mike Okonkwo, His Eminence, Most Reverend Chukwuemaka Kalu Uche; Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Archbishop Adewale Martins, Most Reverend E.A Ademowo, among others.
Bible reading at the service were read by Governor’s Ambode’s wife, Bolanle; Lagos State. Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola. Akande, and Chairman of Conference of Executive Secretaries of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State, Hon. Alabi Kolade David.