Shun Prophecies Of Anarchy, Violence During Polls—Sanwo-Olu … Celebrates Wife At 56

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has felicitated with his wife and First Lady of the State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 56th birthday.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, clocked 56 on Sunday, January 8.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described his wife as “a jewel of inestimable value, my partner, prayer warrior.” 

The Governor also described his wife as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support, noting that “Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu had touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially Lagosians first as a medical practitioner and currently as First Lady of the state.

“Today, on behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I celebrate a jewel of inestimable value, my partner, prayer warrior, mother of my children and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Claudiana  Ibikunle Sanwo-Olu.

“You have complimented the roles that God has given us now with all sense of dignity. You have put everything you learned into work and I can see the complementary role you bring on board. We are indeed very grateful for a time like this that we are here to serve Lagos State. 

“I thank you for your support, your time and contribution to the Greater Lagos agenda. I also commend your remarkable contributions to the family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity.

“Happy birthday my darling wife. Thank you for your strength and selflessness as we continue in the service and governance of Lagos State. I wish you all the very best in life,” Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed.

Meanwhile, as Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, Governor Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, prayed for a smooth and peaceful transition, urging people to disregard evil predictions of anarchy and violence usually thrown out during election season by fake prophets and enemies of the country.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also enjoined Lagosians to continue to keep faith with his administration, saying that his government has lived up to the excellent spirit associated with Lagos State in line with the THEMES developmental agenda.

He said his administration during his first term in office has delivered many laudable and iconic projects in all the six-pillars of his administration’s development agenda.

The Governor disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will be in Lagos in two weeks’ time to commission some of the iconic projects by his administration. Some of the projects are the First Phase of the Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2, Imota Rice Mill, First Phase of the Lekki-Epe Expressway and the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, as well as flag-off of Phase II of the Blue Line Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. 

“As we offer our deep and heartfelt gratitude to God, at this thanksgiving, I wish to enjoin all Lagosians to continue to keep faith with us, and rest assured that the Greater Lagos of our collective dream is within reach,” he assured.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at the 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Service tagged “Praising The Name of God,” organised by the First Family of Lagos State in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The Thanksgiving Service, which coincided with the 56th birthday of the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, was celebrated by thousands of Lagos residents who attended the event as she cut her birthday cake with her husband.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the Annual Thanksgiving Service, which usually took place at the Lagos House, Ikeja since its inception in 2000 was held in TBS this year to give the opportunity for a greater number of people to participate, in line with his administration’s policy of inclusion.

He said: “This year’s Thanksgiving is significant because this is a general election year for Nigeria. Part of our supplications to God today is for us to witness another smooth and peaceful transition of government; a transition that will defy the evil predictions of anarchy and violence peddled every election season by false prophets and enemies of our dear land.

“Even as we seek the face of the Lord regarding this transition season, I am certain that the good people of Lagos State will once again choose the team that has been able to fulfill the mandate entrusted to it.

“We have done everything we promised, by the Special Grace of God. We have kept the promises we made to you, this time four years ago, when we were seeking your mandate to administer the Center of Excellence.

“Indeed, we are well on our way to the Greater Lagos of our dreams, and even as we get to the end of our first term in office, our energy has not flagged. We are still going strong, because our goal is to finish strong, and start a new term on an even stronger note.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised his predecessors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for their contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 23 years.

Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said all the promises made by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in line with the THEMES agenda have received attention in the last four years.

He urged Nigerians, especially Lagosians to continue to commit Nigeria and Lagos State to God’s hand. 

During the programme, prayers were offered for Nigeria, Lagos State, 2023 general elections, families, children and youths, among others.