SMART CITY: LAGOS SET TO PARTNER SOCIAL CLUBS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday stated that the State Government will forge a strategic partnership with social clubs in a collective effort to build a dream smart city for everyone.

 

The Governor, who spoke at the Lagos@50 Event – Celebrating Social Clubs – held at the Island Club, Lagos, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, said this explains why clubs were accorded pride of place in the scheme of things in the State.

 

He explained that the government will remain steadfast in making Lagos work for all through the implementation of policies that are people centred, adding that social clubs go beyond philanthropic gestures and socializing but are veritable channels meant for protecting, promoting and popularising government programmes for smooth growth and development of the State’s economy.

 

Ambode informed that in spite of the fact that Lagos is the smallest in size, it remains the most prosperous State among others in the Federation, stressing that it is currently ranked the fifth largest economy in Africa.

 

He averred that the Lagos@50 event was put together in recognition and appreciation of the contributions made by social clubs to the outstanding success the State has recorded since its creation.

 

The Governor added that there is a reason for the celebration of the achievements of the State which would have been impossible without the sacrifice and commitment of individuals and organization such as social clubs.

 

In his words, “Seated amongst us here today, are great men and women who have rendered selfless service in both public and private capacities to move Lagos State forward. Some have supported preceding administrations with great and lofty ideas that have assisted in developing solutions to our challenges in different sectors”.

 

The Governor, therefore, urged members of social clubs across the State not to lose focus on the future, even as the past achievements of the State are celebrated but they should reflect on the level of development they want the State to attain in the next 50 years.

 

He also used the occasion to express his appreciation for the immense support the administration has enjoyed in the last two years.

 

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Island Club, Mr. Banji Oladapo commended the giant strides made by Lagos in the last 50 years and thanked Governor Ambode for the infrastructural transformation of the State.