For about two hours, Governor Ambode made up for his absence last year, when the first edition of One Lagos Fiesta took place at Ikorodu. This year, he not only came, he made a big, bold and better statement, the most powerful speech he made in the five locations that hosted this year’s fiesta.
At the magnificent Ikorodu Town Hall, Ambode audaciously discussed the issue of cultists, armed robbers, Ajagungbales, oil thieves and other criminal elements, militants and terrorists, offering them a new deal in an amnesty that would cover and favour those willing to renounce their evil ways. In this esteem gateway town of Ikorodu, whose land area is among the biggest division in the country, an intimidating crowd was present. Known over the ages for their love for parties, music and entertainment, the One Lagos Fiesta was one of the best gifts any administration could have offered to Ikorodu people to round off a difficult year. The people lived up to this expectation.
When Ambode stormed the venue, he was given a heroic welcome, and his speech showed the love and concern he has for Ikorodu people. The Governor offered amnesty to cultists, who are willing to abnegate their membership. He mentioned this on December 27, 2016, which happens to be the fourth day of One Lagos Fiesta at Ikorodu town hall. He encouraged the youths, especially those who are crime addict, to turn on a new leaf because the amnesty is only for those who are ready to change for better.
He said, “In the last few months, we have been having a lot of challenges with cultism in Ikorodu area and a lot of issues that relate to kidnapping. So, we are going to strike a deal tonight; we are going to say no cultism, and then, we are going to encourage all of you. Anybody, who is a cult member, would be offered amnesty. I want to use the whole of 2017 to rehabilitate all those, who have been engaging in criminal acts; we are going to provide money and jobs for them.”
Using Folarin Falana as an example, a man popularly known as Falz, who is an entertainer as well as a lawyer, the Governor made emphasis on the importance of education and hardwork in life. He urged the youths to strive to be educated before pursuing their desired dreams. The Governor said, “What I brought to you tonight is the unarguable fact that education is very important. With it, you can be who you want to be. If I was not a Governor, I would be an accountant, and if I was not an accountant, maybe I would have been an entertainer because I love music; I love art, and I love entertainment. That is why I want to encourage all of you. First be educated, and then, you can use your creative talent to be who you want to be.”
The event was rocked by upcoming artists like Shallyboy, City boy, Oluwaseun, Dance to, Daniella, etc. The popular artists that came include falz, who happens to be the best performance among all others like Vector, Small doctor, Ayuba, Reminisce, and Ara, a popular female drummer. The people of Ikorodu gave acronym for Lagos as, “Let Ambode Govern Our State.”