Lagosians were assured yesterday by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that the state will grow in leaps and bounds despite the bleak economic outlook.
“Despite the bleak economic outlook predicted in many quarters for this year, Lagos State will grow in leaps and bounds.
“We are determined and, God willing, we shall achieve all-inclusive progress and prosperity,” he said.
Ambode spoke at the 2016 annual thanksgiving service organised by the state government at the Lagos House in Alausa.
The annual thanksgiving, usually held on the first Sunday of January, was initiated by the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. It was held throughout administration of his successor Babatunde Fashola.
Like in previous instances, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, presided and delivered the sermon.
Top clerics, including Bishop Mike Okonkwo, His Eminence, the Most Rev. Chukwuemaka Kalu Uche; Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Archbishop Adewale Martins, the Most Rev. E.A Ademowo, among others, also prayed for the state.
Some former governors, including Second Republic Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, attended the service. So did top government officials including Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule.
Bible passages were read by Ambode’s wife, Bolanle; Head of Service Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Chief Judge Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Lola. Akande, and Chairman of the Conference of Executive Secretaries of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, Mr. Alabi Kolade David.
Ambode said: “Our youths will become gainfully employed. Our young girls and women will be protected and encouraged to give their best.
“Our entrepreneurs will experience a boom and our state will work for everyone. We are determined and, God willing, we shall achieve all-inclusive progress and prosperity.”
Giving the essence of the thanksgiving service, Ambode said: “We are gathered this evening in thanksgiving to the Almighty for the grace to witness the beginning of 2016. This annual thanksgiving has become a tradition where we come together to sing the praise of God for the continuous peace and prosperity of our dear state.
“This service is an acknowledgment of the overriding power of God in the affairs of men and the need for us to trust in His grace and benevolence as a government and a people.”
He went on: “The fact that we are gathered here is enough proof that we are covered under the banner of the Lord’s grace and that He surely answers prayers when He is called upon. It is with this abiding faith that we call on Him as we commence another journey in 2016.”
The governor acknowledged the religious and spiritual leaders in the state for their ceaseless prayers and intercessions for the people and government.
He specially appreciated Pastor Adeboye and his wife for their commitment to the service of the Lord through persistent exhortations and prayers.
Pastor Adeboye said despite the predictions for 2016 in the wake of the dwindling oil prices likely to result in loss of jobs, those connected to God can surmount the challenges.
He said those who seek to prosper in the New Year must take a stand to be closer to God.
