Your Excellency the governor of Lagos State – Mr Akinwunmi Ambode ably represented by Kehinde Bamgbetan, The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba kabiru Shotobi.
Existing protocols duly observed, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We welcome you all to the 31st anniversary of the No 1 and most authentic community newspaper in Nigeria.
We have over the years been the vanguard of liberal journalism, we believe that a story opinion, policy or decision sounds true and good until someone tell the other side and then the record are set straight.
Oriwu Sun in all our circulations has something for everyone in Ikorodu and Lagos State. Be it politics, social education and sports. We go to the depth of knowledge and maturity in bringing the best to our readers with on board and seasoned journalists, hence why we have been insatiable to our coveted readers numbering upwards of a million and still growing especially the vast army of electronic readers both locally in Nigeria and internationally.
I am probably the most proud newspaper chairman in the country for the way Allah has used Oriwu Sun to benefit and improve the lots of residence (indigenes and non-indigenes) of Ikorodu Division in particular and Lagos State in general.
We have a proud heritage of boldness with the truth. We have supported successive governments in the state, though not shy to offer constructive and meaningful advice most especially in the ears of the powers that be in the state and in a subtle way in some of our editions.
These have only occurred where we believe that a decision or policy may negatively impact the interest and standing of Ikorodu division among the league of divisions in the state. This is the cornerstone of the excellent professional relationship we have enjoyed with governments past and present in the state.
Your Excellency I can go on forever and espouse the undisputed successes that are well recorded, which we have achieved on our own as a community newspaper, with successive state governments and corporate bodies in bringing about improvements to the division.
However, I will like to digress and say a little about how I personally perceive your vision for the state. Lagos State is blessed, we have had fantastic and forward looking governors, real achievers especially in the last 17 years but none has shown a clearer intent of governance for all Lagosians, you have had regular audiences with all and sundry in all the divisions.
By coming to your people regularly, you have implant in them that they are being listened to and you will accommodate all reasonable demands in the contest of what is good for all in Lagos State now and the future.
Sir, I have grandchildren who all live abroad and only come to Nigeria during the Christmas and New Year break. Over the last five years they have enjoyed going to the island to be part of the fun, enjoyment and community building that countdown offers. I always allow them to go because it gives them a sense of belonging and that Lagos State can organize world class events in a safe and secured environment. However, I will sit in prayers worried with trepidation and concern.
I never nor the children ever thought that such world class events can be done to the same standard in all the divisions of the state so that we don’t all have to travel late at night to the Island. Governor Ambode, you made it possible within a few months of being in power. The people of Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry and other divisions trouped out and had fun enmass. The five-day events were so popular in all the divisions and guess what sir! My prayers usually reserved for when my grandchildren had gone to the Island for the countdown was reverted to you. I found myself praying for God Almighty to guide Akinwunmi Ambode in his vision to govern for all in the state.
God bless you sir.