Distinguished Honourable members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, guests in this hallowed chamber, the Management and Staff of the House, gentlemen of the press, fellow Lagosians,
I remain honoured to preside over today’s plenary session of this esteemed Assembly as the newly-elected Speaker. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence you have reposed in me, and I pledge to work tirelessly to uphold the principles of transparency, good governance, and other noble tenets that this noble House stands for.
Today, again, we are reminded of the sacred responsibilities that rest on our shoulders as representatives of our good people in Lagos State, elected to give voice to their fair and just hopes, dreams, aspirations, and concerns. We are the guardians of this collective trust, and we must strive to justify the faith they have placed in us.
Esteemed colleagues, as we begin this new chapter in the history of our Assembly, I want to assure you that our administration will focus on Working Together for a Better Lagos. We will work harmoniously with other arms of government to ensure a seamless delivery of dividends of democracy to Lagosians who are our core focus. Therefore, we will work to ensure that irrespective of gender, education, religious and ethnic backgrounds, every Lagos resident is proud to say: ‘I am a Lagosian.’
The synergy between us and the other arms of government is crucial in this regard for effective governance and democratic development.
To achieve this, we must commit to maintaining open lines of communication with the Executive ably led by Mr Governor, fostering a spirit of cooperation in laudable deeds, and mutual respect in our relations with one another. By doing so, we can and must ensure that our legislative actions align with the executive’s vision for a better state for the good people of the state, so that we all can leave the stage far better than we met it.
We will prioritise Leaving the Past Behind and Forging Ahead. We will not dwell on past controversies or disagreements, but instead, focus on the great and pressing task at hand, which is delivering better services to the people of Lagos. We will strive to create a more inclusive and participatory democracy, where every citizen feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Dear colleagues,
We have a lot to do to achieve this vision. There is no segregation among us. We are one, and that is where we derive the strength to take beautiful steps. The onus is, therefore, on us to focus on several key areas: Strengthening Legislative Independence: will be a top priority, ensuring that our institution remains robust and success-driven. We will *Promote Transparency and Accountability in governance, ensuring that our actions are guided by the principles of integrity, fairness, and justice.
As we begin this new chapter, let us be reminded that we are not just lawmakers but also leaders. We must lead by example, demonstrating the values of integrity, transparency, and accountability that we expect from others.
As Speaker, I commit to prioritising the needs of our constituents through you. We will work to ensure that their united voice are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their welfare is protected. Our goal is to create a more inclusive and participatory democracy where citizens are actively engaged in decision-making processes that impact their lives.
Rest assured that we all are going to work together in this sacred commitment to achieve our lofty and avowed vision for Lagos State. I am committed to listening to ideas, responding to concerns, and working collaboratively with everyone to address the challenges that we all face.
Together, let us work towards a brighter future for Lagos State; a future that is built on the principles of justice, equality, and opportunity for all. Let us show people that there is a lot of hope for a better society. THIS, we WILL achieve together.
Thank you.