Encomium
WHEN Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly declared his intention to be the next governor of Lagos State on Sunday, October 26, 2014, he did it with panache.
Aside the fact that he came with his wife and daughter, he was the only governorship aspirant among those that have declared so far that came with a well thought out agenda of what he would do if elected governor.
Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, who did his declaration at Blue Roof, LTV 8, on Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, amidst party leaders, members of the Lagos House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress members, reeled out what he called his 10-point cardinal programme.
According to him, his 10-point cardinal programme when implemented will consolidate the gains of the past, as well as help us to build a new future that will make Lagos a global city.
His words, “My 10-point cardinal programme connects all the critical areas of the political, economic, social lives and provides a synergy among these different sectors.
“This 10-point cardinal programme is produced by many months of hard work and exchange of ideas with some of the finest brains that our Lagos can boast of.”
He went further to say that in the area of job creation and poverty alleviation, full and gainful employment would be approached as an indispensable tool of ensuring good life for the people of Lagos.
He maintained that his core vision was to consolidate and enlarge the enviable legacy of good governance that Lagos had come to be known for.
The three time Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly stated that he would work hard to make Lagos the best African economy.
“Lagos will constitute the heart beat of the continent in the 21st century and I believe that our state has all that it takes to play this role.”
The Speaker, earlier in his opening speech, said he is by the grace of God the longest serving Speaker not in Lagos, but in Nigeria’s history.
“My dear people of Lagos, I believe that the time has come for us to consolidate the gains of good governance.”
He said he intends to build on the achievements of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to make Lagos a truly global city.
Before the Speaker spoke, his wife, Pastor Mayowa Ikuforiji had spoken. The wife’s speech was captivating that not a few among the huge crowd were moved. In fact, if that speech had been made on the day of the governorship election, many among the electorates would have been moved to vote for her husband because of it.
She told the crowd that aside the experience her husband has garnered as the longest serving Speaker since the return of democracy in 1999, he has a clear vision on how to steer Lagos to a greater height.
Her words, “Adeyemi’s (her husband) vision for tomorrow is as clear as the day. His mission for people’s good is as plane as the nose on our faces.”
The pretty woman whose look and figure belie her 51 years of age took the crowd down memory lane of how she met her husband 30 years ago.
“We met exactly 30 years ago in November 1984. God has blessed us with wonderful children for whom I also speak on behalf of today – Olusola, Dr. Olaomopo, Ayotelemi and Adeyooye.
“I have the best husband a wife could possibly have and he is the best father my children could have.
“By the grace of God and with your support, he will bring these personal and family qualities to bear as Lagos State governor.
“I am standing before you today and in the presence of our Maker and as the closest person to him on planet earth, that you have in him a man who will work for you.
“He has been close to you in the past years as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He has been feeling your pulse from that platform. He has been hearing your yearnings, your aspirations and your perspirations.
“He understands where you are coming from, where you are now and where you want to be. Your concerns worry him even more than my concerns.
“I am confident that Adeyemi, my husband, my darling, my sweetheart, my heartthrob will deliver because I have heard his bedroom cries on what to do in education sector.
“Adeyemi is concerned about evolving a knowledge based economy and entrepreneurship, founded on promoting local industries, engaging diasporic talents and stimulating the Lagos economy. I believe on his words and I ask you also to believe in them because, I trust he will not disappoint you, just as he has never disappointed me.
“Before the Almighty God therefore, and with all my heart, I am presenting all I have to you. I am presenting Adeyemi, a real man of the people to you this day. I am giving you my heartthrob, my sweetheart and my mentor to be your servant. He has seen a lot and he is well prepared for the task.
“He has been active at home and abroad and I am convinced that he is another change agent. Support him. Take him. Get him there and he will serve you. He is an experience you cannot regret.”
– TOLANI ABATTI
