Ambode demands ‘absolute loyalty’ from cabinet members

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, has urged members of his cabinet to leave a lasting legacy that will speak for them long when his tenure is over.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of his officials at Alausa, Ikeja, the governor charged them to get to work immediately and justify the trust that had been placed in them.

He also urged them to give absolute loyalty to the government.

“My fellow colleagues in the cabinet, Lagos is at the brink of greatness and you have all been given this platform to write your names in gold,” he said.

“You must work to leave a legacy that will be spoken of in glowing terms in years to come. Your work must reflect what Lagos stands for, that is, Leadership, Accountability, Good Governance, Opportunities and Service.

“You are today being handed the reins to the government of Lagos State and together, we must fulfill the massive potentials of our state.”

He said the state is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation and required hard thinking solutions to develop befitting infrastructure to cater for the increasing population.

“You are to implement decisions that will combat crimes and secure our people,” he said.

“Lagosians call on you to create job opportunities for our youths and attract investments into the state.”

Ambode said that in the last four months, his administration had worked hard to lay a solid foundation to drive effective governance.

The commissioners and their portfolios are Steve Ayorinde (information and strategy), Gbolahan Lawal (housing), Jide Idris (health), Folarin Coker (tourism, arts and culture), Seye Oladejo (special duties and intergovernmental relations) and Ganiyu Johnson, (works and infrastructure).

Others are Oluwatoyin Suarau (agriculture), Rotimi Ogunleye (commerce, industry and cooperatives), Akinyemi Ashade commissioner for (economic planning and budget), Babatunde Adejare (environment), Olawale Oluwo (energy and mineral resources) and Benson Akintola, (establishment, training and pensions).

Also, Mustapha Akinkunmi was named commissioner for finance; Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, commissioner for home affairs; and Adeniji Kazeem, commissioner for Justice.

Musiliu Folami (local government and community affairs), Wasiu Anifowoshe (physical planning and urban development), Olufemi Odubiyi (science and technology), Ekundayo Mobereola, (commissioner for transportation), Adebowale Akinsanya (waterfront infrastructure development), Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti (wealth creation and employment), Lola Akande (women affairs and poverty alleviation), Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (youth and social development).

Oluranti Adebule, the deputy governor, was assigned to oversee the ministry of education.

The special advisers and their portfolios are Ayodeji Tinubu, special adviser, sports and chairman Lagos state sports council; Ganiu Okanlomo-Sanni, special adviser, food security; and Yetunde Onabolu, special adviser, urban development.

Aramide Giwanson was also named special adviser, housing; Kehinde Bamigbetan, community and communications, and Agboola Dabiri, special adviser, central business district.