The outgoing Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday officially handed over to the Governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ahead of his inauguration on Wednesday.
Sanwo-Olu’s emergence followed the decision of the ruling All Progressives Congress party in the state not to field Ambode as its governorship candidate in the general elections.
In his farewell speech, Ambode thanked Lagosians for a remarkable journey over the past four years.
Describing his position as "privilege of a lifetime", he said he took every decision with the best interest of the people at heart.
"A few of our policies might have been unpopular but these were decisions taken with the best interest of our State in mind. With the benefit of hindsight, maybe we could have done some things differently but our intention was always clear, for the good of Lagos", he said.
Ambode described Lagos as a land of opportunities where all he wanted, as a little boy, was to be an accountant. He said it's the duty and responsibility of every Lagosian to ensure that the state remains the centre of opportunities and growth for everyone.
"Fellow Lagosians, it has been a remarkable journey. One in which we have pushed boundaries and moved our State to another level. A journey in which we have transformed many aspects of our State and set the ball rolling in other sectors. But there is still a lot more to be done.
"But it is a job not for only the government; it is a responsibility for us all. In Lagos, every one counts and we all have a part to play," he said.
The governor noted that the incoming administration will continue from where he stopped in the bid to always make the state a better place, as those who serve the state owe their successes to prayers, understanding and support.
He appealed to Lagosians to extend courtesy and cooperation to his successor, Sanwo-Olu, and ensure that he succeeds.
