By Moses Adeniyi
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the continuous support of Lagosians is essential to keep projecting the vision of a “Greater Lagos” for sustainable development envisioned by his Administration.
Sanwo-Olu who spoke on Thursday at the 16th edition of the Lagos State Carol Service themed “Carol of Nine Lessons; A Stone of Grace”, said with the support of the residents of the State, the visions of “A Greater Lagos Rising” would become a reality.
Describing the running of his Administration “as a wonderful journey” in about three and half years, Sanwo-Olu said with Lagosians working with his government, the journey into a greater Lagos would be on a rising pedestal as envisioned for his second term.
Recall that the slogan for the Sanwo-Olu’s re-election campaign has been tagged “A Greater Lagos Rising.”
Charging the congregants at the Carol Service, he said, “I want to thank the kings, I want to thank the queens, I want to thank all of us, students, workers, daddies and mummies.
“I want to say, it’s indeed a wonderful time for us; it’s been a glorious time for us; it’s been a wonderful journey and we believe that with you working with us, the journey of a greater Lagos is just rising and it shall rise, rise and rise. With all of you on that journey, with all of you rising high with us, so shall it be today, tomorrow and forever.”
Speaking at the Service, the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said as a memorable season to celebrate the deliverance of mankind from the shackles of sin, the Lord Jesus remains precious, having come to demonstrate love by giving up himself to save the lost.
She charged the congregants not to lose sight of the message of Christmas to put smiles on the “vulnerable and the down trodden,” upholding “Peace, love, hope and joy.”
She charged citizens to take custody of their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and fully participate in the forth coming 2023 general elections, imploring them to take it “a point of churchy duty to be part of the electioneering process.”
She prayed Lagos will continue to record remarkable growth and success.
Speaking, the State’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofiu Elegushi, said the Christmas celebration coming at the end of the year calls for sober reflection.
According to him, it was worthy to offer thanksgiving and appreciation to God who despite challenges, has kept the State “still standing tall.”
He said bearing in mind the theme of the 16th Carol service tagged “Carol of Nine Lessons; A Stone of Grace” as products of God’s grace, it was important to extend hands of generosity and spread the gospel of love at all times beyond the yuletide season.
He called on all to emulate the nature and virtues of Christ, calling on citizens of the Country “to be their brother’s keeper” and uphold the Country In prayers.
Such prayers, he said, was important for citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy as the Country moves towards the 2023 general elections, for another point of power transition.
“We are indeed grateful to the Almighty for keeping us and helping our dear State to achieve the successes recorded so far with the readiness to bring more smiles to the faces of our people.
“We thank the Lord for His love and mercies over our families, friends, our dear Lagos State in particular and Nigeria in general. The Holy Bible in the Book of Lamentations 3 verse 22 says “it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not”.
“The end of the year is a period of sober reflection, a time to take stock of all activities from the beginning of the year in order to express our gratitude to the Most High for His divine intervention in Lagos State. Despite our challenges, we are still standing tall by His grace. I beseech us all to count our blessings and give thanks because He has indeed been faithful.