Newly inaugurated governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday noted that the lessons learnt from the last general elections was for politicians never to take the people for granted.

While promising to carry the people along in governance, he assured that his government would nurture the traditional institution in the state as they stood by him during the electioneering campaign.

The new governor, who was sworn in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, around 11:36am, asserted that his emergence as governor was an act of God and expressed gratitude to all Lagosians for making it possible.

According to Ambode, “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognize our strength in diversity. A common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run an open government of inclusion that will not leave anyone behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.

“Lagosians are hardworking people. Lagos is thriving because of its undying entrepreneurial spirit. However we must realise that there are no short-cuts to success. To our youths, we must nurture good family values to succeed in any endeavour. I want our younger ones and children to draw some lessons from my story.

“Anyone of you can rise up to be the best you want to be. Your background and circumstances cannot be an obstacle to your dreams. In our country, particularly in Lagos, you can always succeed. This is the Nigerian dream where hard-work, courage, perseverance, persistence, merit and rewards pay,” he
said.

The Governor called on every resident of Lagos to embrace renewed thinking and be determined to succeed at all”times as he was ready to encourage and nurture the dream in children, youths and every hard-working Lagosian.

“We would reward merit, hard-work and loyalty to the state. The future is for those who dare to dream and find courage to pursue their dreams,” he said.

The inauguration was witnessed by thousands of well wishers, among whom are his predecessor, former Governor
Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Abimbola; former Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former deputy governor, Femi Pedro;former deputy governor of Lagos, Sarah Sosan; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries.