TRUST AS A COEFFICIENT OF LEADERSHIP
Pays tribute to Lagos Sate governor, AkinwunmiAmbode, at age 55
office as an astute financial manager in a time of recession and whether you hate him or like him he has been able to keep this state going with prompt payment of salaries, regular pensions, innovative and balanced infrastructure development, security of lives and property, employment opportunities, etc., in the face of bleak prospects and dodgy performance in other parts of the nation. I strongly believe he has not betrayed the trust of the people that voted him into power. In his quiet moments he would tell you that he has traversed the entire fabric of this state for over 30 years both as a civil servant and now as governor and he is simply content in knowing that he can improve the quality of the lives of Lagosians with the special knowledge he has developed over time.
Sadly most citizens don’t trust politicians as they believe they are full of promises and short on delivery. Posterity will surely judge whetherAmbode has fully delivered on his promises across the state. One thing that is however certain is that no one that has come across the man called AkinwunmiAmbode can doubt his passion and honesty to deliver the dividends to the people of the state. His virtuoso presentation from the heart at the recent 2018 “Lagos means business”Forum clearly demonstrated his passion for the development of this state despite any odds.
On his 52nd birthday in 2015 after his assumption of office I sent him a message and it read thus:
“...Indeed by that collective will together with God’s grace you have become the 14th Governor of Lagos State. It appears surreal but it is real and we are relishing the fact that many are going to be shocked to find how successful your government is going to be.
But enough of that. I know things will never be the same again because you now belong to the over 20 million people in Lagos State. They are your constituency and children. They will be greedy, naughty,supportive and sometimes disloyal but you must never lose your patience because they are your greatest path to immortality.
When you succeed with Lagosians you don’t need the books or films to record your legacy because it is the people that will record your legacies in their hearts and minds, it is they that will exalt you to high heavens and it is they that will build monuments in your honour.
You have fought for us and loved us in so many ways you can imagine. You have also been a great leader to many of us and that is why we must particularly ensure you succeed in this new quest you have embarked on. I therefore join all your supporters, friends and well wishers to wish you one of the best birthdays you will ever have on this planet. I wish you continued God’s protection, love of family and friends and the continued admiration of your friends and foes alike....”
Three years after, my thoughts of and trust in this great leader have remained unchanged, and as he marks his 55th birthday he has shown that he is still a mere mortal but he is certainly heading for immortality.
Happy birthday and my very best wishes.