Most Rev. Adebayo Dada Akinde, Anglican Archbishop
of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos Mainland Diocese, has praised the
administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, saying the prompt, positive and
practical response of the government contributed largely to the success story
of the safe rescue of the three kidnapped female students of Babington Macaulay
Junior Seminary, Ikorodu.
Akinde who led other bishops of the Anglican Church, Principal of the
school, Ven. Olaoluwa Adeyemi and parents of the three rescued female students
on a “thank you” courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Alausa,
Ikeja, on Monday, March 7, said the success story of the rescue of the girls
cannot be complete without the laudable efforts of the Lagos State Government.
He said he and his team deemed it fit to come and appreciate the role
played by the state government in the wake of the abduction of the students
from the school on February 29 and particularly the role of Governor Ambode.
"It was a most traumatic moment and sad for us as proprietors.
Today we are thanking God for his intervention that a most unfortunate and
traumatic event ended on a joyous note.
"All three pupils are now safe in the custody of their parents,
they have been reunited. You acted and responded. Your response was prompt,
your response was positive, your response was practical.
"So when we talk about this success story of the return of the
three female students, your Excellency your contribution is most overwhelming,
you have shown yourself to be a passionate leader, a leader that is interested
in the well being of the citizens of the state that God has placed you as the
Chief Executive Officer at this time.
"So the main objective of our mission here is to express immense
thanks to your Excellency for the support you gave us. We are saying thank you,
we are indeed grateful, you have started well as the Governor of the State, God
will grant you the grace to continue and improve in the name of Jesus. We
sincerely appreciate you and are immensely grateful," Bishop Akinde said.
Also speaking, Principal of the school, Ven. Adeyemi said they were
indeed grateful for the support encouragement and prayers they received from
several quarters while the ordeal lasted. He said with the security apparatus
put in place by the state government, it was game over for those who have taken
to crime in Lagos.
"No hiding place for criminals in Lagos now, because for the event
that took place in the past few days and that God in his infinite mercy helped
us and the security agencies did their work well and the girls are with us now.
They are back in school and have reunited with their parents. I believe that
God is working in Lagos," he said.
One of the parents of the recued girls, Ven. Ayo Olusan said they were
relieved with the return of their girls, saying the prayers offered by
Nigerians and the prompt effort of the state government played a huge role
towards the rescue of the girls.
Responding, Governor Ambode said the incident was a test of the
government’s commitment to the security of lives and property in the state.
"Seven days ago, the unthinkable happened, but again, we give all
the glory to God that seven days after we are able to pride ourselves that one
of those principal duties that you have charged this administration with is
what we have just proved.
"We took it personal, not because it was a private school, not
because it was far away from the metropolis, but because we all decided to say
that if it were our own child or children, are we going to sit down? That is
the real focus of what this administration is all about. For everything that
happens we put ourselves to imagine that if it were us, what would be said
about our actions and inactions.
"We are very grateful to God for giving us that opportunity to
prove that the welfare and well being and the security of the people of Lagos
is what is paramount to us as an administration.
"It’s just for me to reiterate that the security of lives and
properties is of paramount interest to this administration, we will do anything
to make sure that the security of lives and property is sustained, is enhanced,
because at the end of the day that is the only way we can grow the economy of
Lagos," Governor Ambode said.
Governor Ambode also sent a strong warning to criminals to desist from
their nefarious activities, warning that his administration is poised to spread
its security searchlight to every nook and cranny of the state.
"We know that Lagos is safe, we are reiterating once again and
sending a final warning signal to all the criminals and miscreants that have
been disturbing the peace of Lagos, this time around, we would be in every nook
and cranny of Lagos to secure the lives of everyone," he said
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