Ambode’s deputy: I never knew I’ll occupy this office

Idiat Adebule, deputy governor of Lagos state, says she never expected that she would be considered for the office.

Adebule spoke on Thursday during the farewell ceremony organised for her by the state ministry of education at Alausa, Ikeja.

According to her, it was rumoured that a man would be selected as the deputy governor but she emerged victorious.

She expressed gratitude to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the ruling party.

Adebule will be succeeded by Obafemi Hamzat, running mate to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor-elect, on May 29.

“I am just grateful, because it is not by my pedigree, my qualifications or any of my making, but by God’s favour and grace,” Abdebule said.

“I thank my party, the All Progressives Congress Party (APC) and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for finding me worthy, because it was even rumoured at that time that a man would emerge as running mate.

“I had never, in my wildest dreams or imaginations, thought that I would be considered for the position of the deputy governor. I will always treasure the privilege.”

Adebule, who also superintends the state’s education ministry, said some of the achievements recorded during her tenure were as a result of the constant support of the ministry’s staff.

“I did not achieve a smooth tenure as a deputy governor and the commissioner for education, the permanent secretaries, Tutor Generals and the education families were my partners in progress,” she said.

“I’m proud of the ministry of education I will be leaving behind. We are not where we are supposed to be, but with improved policies, our education system will be better.

“I urge the education ministry to carry on the positive legacies and continue to improve on the education system of the state.”