Lagos 2015: Ikuforiji reels out 10-point agenda

 The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
(LAHA), Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, a governorship aspirant under
the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday presented
his 10-point agenda to residents of Lagos State.
Ikuforiji presented the agenda while declaring his
governorship ambition to party members at the Lagos
Television (LTV) Blue Roof in Ikeja.
“A few weeks ago, I told my friends and staff in the Lagos
State House of Assembly that I will be running for governor.
“I am, by the grace of God, the longest-serving speaker, not
just 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.
“The time has come for us to re-articulate the vision of the
founding fathers of Lagos, and re-energise the people of this
great city.
“I intend to build on the achievements of Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu and Gov. Babatunde Fashola, to make Lagos a truly
global city.
“I am also presenting my agenda for the transformation of
Lagos – My 10-point Cardinal Programme.
“I believe, when implemented, this will consolidate the
gains of the past, as well as help us to build a new future
that will make Lagos as global city.
“My 10-point Cardinal Programme connects all the critical
areas of the political, economic and social lives, and
provides a synergy between 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,” the speaker
said.
Ikuforiji said that in the areas 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 said that his core vision was to consolidate and enlarge
the enviable legacy of good governance that Lagos had
come to be known for.
The speaker said that he would work hard to make Lagos
the African Alpha City, one that would link the African
economy to the world economy.
“Lagos will constitute the heartbeat of the continent in the
21st Century and I believe that our state has all that it takes
to play this role.
“I am convinced that we can make it happen for Lagos,
under my leadership.
“As a technocrat and a widely-travelled politician, I will
contribute my quota to the charting of a new trajectory for
Lagos by ensuring that our politics is devoid of rancour.
“I will ensure that even to the most politically aloof Lagos
resident, politics will be attractive and would no longer
perceived as a dirty game characterized by nepotism,’’
Ikuforiji said.
He said that his administration would “combine the populist
approach of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the financial ingenuity of
Asiwaju Tinubu and the vigour of Fashola’’.
The speaker said that within the first 18 months of his
government, hospitals in Lagos would be upgraded to world
standard.
He added that government officials would be mandated to
undergo medical check-ups in the state, instead of going
abroad.
“Our schools in Lagos will be restored to their former glory
and I will not rest until LASU is one of the top 500
universities in the world.
“I am in this race to make a difference; my conscience tells
me this is the best time to do the will of God for Lagos.
“I am well placed to lead this new phase in the history of
Lagos and with the strength of character that I have shown,
particularly since I was elected in 2003 as a member of the
house and Speaker since 2005.
“This recommends me for the governorship,’’ he added.
(NAN)