Among the many questions being asked by many Lagosians about the immediately past governor are; Is the former Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in Nigeria? If he is, what is he up to? City People can tell you for free that the former governor is back for good as he is now seen attending a number of social events in the last few weeks.
One of the social events where he stole the show and caught many people’s attention was veteran journalist and writer, Steve Ayorinde’s Book Launch which was held a few weeks ago in Ikoyi, Lagos. He was the Special Guests of Honour at the book launch while former Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi chaired the event. Recall that Steve Ayorinde served as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy under the former Governor’s administration.
A week later, the former governor held a classy birthday celebration for his beloved mother, Madam Christianah Oluleye Ambode who turned 90. The ceremony which was held in his Epe, country home began in the presence of God as a thanksgiving service was held at the St. Michael Anglican Church after which guests were hosted to a befitting and highly colourful reception party at a highly spacious venue.
With these among few other events, one can say Mr. Ambode is gradually returning to the social scene, still receiving his accolades till date after leaving the highly respected office of the no 1 citizen of the state of aquatic splendour. Mr. Ambode who is loved by many has indeed moved on for good. He is fully back looking very healthy; full of life and energy.
Little has been heard about the former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode since he left office in 2019 and since then he has been pretty quiet for some time. You can count on your fingers the number of social events and parties he had attended. Seeing him grace social events was good news that gladdened the hearts of the people. His appearance and carriage exude nothing but confidence which he is always known for. Ambode has now added weight, looking more handsome, and chubbier.
At Steve Ayorinde’s book launch, Ambode’s arrival got many people’s attention. He came into the hall with Dr. Kayode Fayode. Many people did not quickly recognise him. They were still doubting if it was him or not until his presence was announced by the Master of Ceremony of the occasion. He was dressed in the typical long kaftan native wear with a well starched cap fitted on his head.
Recall that former Governor Ambode’s administration in Lagos is one which had a lot of track record. He at a point in time almost turned Lagos to a construction site with several infrastructural projects going on in the nooks and crannies of the state. Many people still talk about those developmental oriented projects he championed which are but not limited to the iconic annual 5-Zone One Lagos Fiesta, his transport lay-bys and traffic control management model, the Bus reforms and terminals, the Aboru-Abesan bridge, Ajah-Jubilee Bridge, The Abule-Egba bridge, the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps model, pedestrian crossings, 576 completed world class roads, functional security architecture that he bestowed to Lagos, the infrastructural transformation of LASU, revamping of LASEMA rescue unit, the jetties and water ferries, healthcare model and Ayinke House Revamp, Airport road construction, the world class Oshodi terminal, the Epe re- development and Chalets, the DNA Forensic Laboratory, Oshodi Safety Arena, the Imota Rice Mill-The biggest in Africa , Lake Rice, the iconic transformation of Alimosho roads leading to Ota in Ogun State, the 5 Lagos theatres, the Pen Cinema bridge, his Lagos Marathon, the Ojodu-Berger transformation, the artistic monuments that he dotted around Lagos, the over 6,000 Housing units, his Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, transport buses, light- up Lagos initiative, the Onikan Arena, The J.K Randle Centre and a lot more.
He, no doubt, stands out and would always remain a reference point among those who have administered Lagos. He is also a model for those who will administer it in years to come.
The 59 years old administrator par excellence who would turn 60 in less than 2 weeks has left his mark on the sands of time. Despite being denied the opportunity to run for a second term, Ambode never jumped ship for once. He is still very much with the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party till date.
-Jamiu Abubakar
08085185886
