“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Would it? Really? Forget the wisdom of Juliet, that tragic heroine in late Williams Shakespeare literary classic, “Romeo and Juliet,” the worth in a name far outweighs her romantic insight. She would have to be a Nigerian to understand this.
According to Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, “When Pa Ambode named his son Akinwunmi It was an expression of the wish that he grows up to be a courageous, brave and bold individual.There is no doubt that the wish has come true. Akin in Yoruba nomenclature is used for a bold and courageous achiever.Governor General Ambode has not disappointed Pa Ambode nor has he disappointed Nigerians and the expert fisher of men, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.When Asiwaju identified Mr Akinwunmi Ambode as his choice for the governorship of Lagos State it was greeted with venomous criticism.True he has not held any political office,true he is not a politician.Yet Asiwaju Tinubu was able to see beyond this and transformed him from an Aspirant to the position of governor of Lagos state.
There is no point overflogging his achievement in the development of Lagos state since he assumed office.What is noteworthy is the courage and boldness he has demonstrated by taking decisions that any other person would avoid.He did not allow sentiments and blackmail to deter him from doing what he believes is in the best interest of Lagosians.His ability to read and interpret the political barometer of Lagos State underscores his responsiveness to the aspirations of Lagosians.The projects he has embarked on in the last two years are appropriate and judicious.
Ambode has shown that Lagosians can be provided with infrastrures that are comparable to what obtains in mordern cities of the western world.The aesthetic beauty of those structures is indicative of passion to renew Lagos.
What strikes observers like me is the quietness and humility he has exhibited.It seems that he has deliberately avoided advertising his achievement by himself.He has not allowed public adulation to detract him from his goals for Lagos state..
I was at the occasion where Ogbeni Aregbesola described him as Governor General. I strongly believe it is prophetic. He has recently put on the mantle of integration of Western Nigeria, an idea which seems to be beggin for actualization. The communique issued at the just concluded summit of Yoruba is exciting and Ambode immediate response is to pledge investing positively to the actualization of the Development Agenda For the Development of Western Nigeria ( DAWN)
I salute Governor Ambodes courage and determination to make Western Nigeria great again.I salute the foresight of the master fisher of talents that that gave Lagos state and Western Nigeria this rare gift of a transformer.With Ambode it is certain that Eko sese bere ni”.
