Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has hailed residents for the support extended to his administration in 2017.
He said this made achievements recorded in key sectors possible.
The governor assured them that more projects would be implemented to make life comfortable for them in 2018.
Ambode spoke yesterday at a special Christmas party organised by the government simultaneously in the 20 local government areas.
The governor said the Lagos Project was on, adding that his administration is gradually and steadily building a state that works for all.
He said: “I want to use this opportunity to once again express this administration’s profound gratitude to you all for your support, which is the cornerstone of the modest achievements we have recorded in the outgoing year. I want to assure you that our Lagos Project is on course and we are gradually and steadily moving towards actualising the dream of building a state that works for all.
“As a government, we are moving into the New Year with more vigour and determination to move our state to a higher level, particularly in the critical sectors, including transportation, sustainable and healthy environment, social and physical infrastructural development, power, housing, tourism, education, among others.
“Together we can and we will achieve more landmark successes in 2018. I look forward to your continued support in the performance of your civic obligations, obedience to rules and regulations and ensuring peace and harmony in all our communities.”
The governor said he was delighted to join the celebration of Christmas in a special way, being the first time it was held simultaneously in all 20 councils.
He added that the season brought to the fore the need to remind one another of the essence of love, kindness, tolerance, piety and humility, which Jesus Christ personifies.
Ambode said Christmas would be more meaningful only if the people imbibed such fine qualities and allowed them to manifest in their lives.
He said: “In the newness and rebirth that the season symbolises, let us remember our less privileged brothers and sisters and to gladly share our blessings and as well give with love and humility.
“As we merry, let us remember that this is a time for special supplications and sharing of love; a time to showcase our unity and a time to seek for more favour and mercies for our State and our nation.”
At one of the centres for the celebration at Epe, the governor’s wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, advised residents to embrace love and tolerance for peaceful co-existence.
Mrs. Ambode, who noted that the governor’s Christmas party was designed to bring Yuletide festivities closer to the grassroots, identified love and tolerance as the strongest basis for harmonious living, among people of different ethnic and religious affiliations.
She said: “The simple message of this season is love. When we love, we will share. When we love, we will not hurt the feelings and sensibilities of one another. When we love, we will help the weak and the vulnerable. When we love, we will put the interest of others first. When we love, we will live together in peace and harmony.”
