Ambode, new Lagos Governor, creates new ministry, agencies

By The Citizen
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Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has created three totally new offices to project his development plan for the state at his inauguration.

Ambode made this known while giving his speech at the Tafawa Balewa Square, whete he announced the creation of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment and Office of Civic Engagement.

The governor said the initiative was in line with his campaign promises and would enable him to execute his planned employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship drive for Lagos residents.

He said the offices were to strengthen and enhance their promise on government of inclusion and promote international investment in the state.

Ambode thanked God, through the good people of Lagos, to have been born on June 14, 1963 and become the 14th governor of Lagos State.

'The best practices of yesterday might not be good enough for the products of today. I am determined to demonstrate that the government belongs to the citizens. You have put us here as servants to serve you and not you serving us. Today we are committed to that creed,” he stated.

Ambode also promised that he would reform the civil service to be more proactive and be able to respond to the needs of the citizens.

Immediately after his swearing in ceremony, Ambode announced the appointment of key officials of his new administration.

He named a renowned journalist, lawyer, Mr. Tunji Bello as Secretary to the State Government and Mr. Samuel Ojo as the Chief of Staff.

Others are Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye would be the Principal Private Secretary, while Mr. Habib Aruna would be the Chief Press Secretary.

The statement said that all the appointments  were with immediate effect.

Bello was the Commissioner for the Environment in the last administration in the state while Ojo is presently the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Aruna was the Editor of Sunday Independent, from where he resigned in November 2014, to set up Upshotreports, an online newspaper.