Speeches

Recognition And Award Ceremony Organized By Forum For Righteous Living

Nov 11, 2008 - Perhaps one of the best ways to motivate, encourage, enhance productivity and bring out the best in individuals is through motivation which may include giving awards of recognition and excellence. This is even more appreciated when Corporate or non-governmental organisations (NGO) other than governments organise such events.

I am therefore, appreciative of the fact that Forum for Righteous Living, a non-governmental organisation has deemed it fit to recognise individuals who have not only excelled in their chosen careers but have demonstrated uncommon commitment and dedication in their various areas of endeavours.

It is therefore, my pleasure to join you, distinguished ladies and gentlemen at this occasion of the Recognition and Awards Ceremony as organized by Forum for Righteous Living.

These awardees have obviously shown exemplary qualities and attributes worthy to be emulated, inculcated in youths and younger generations. The challenge facing our country, notwithstanding, I am happy that we can still boast of men and women of virtues, of character and those who uphold values that could make this country a better place for all.

As role models, we can look up to you to provide the needed leadership qualities and virtues such as honesty, respect for the dignity of labour, commitment to selfless service, patriotism, loyalty and dedication.

This is the time when government and the citizens need you as high flying professionals to contribute positively to affect your immediate environment. We want you to demonstrate your potentials and gifts to the benefits of making life more abundant to people around us. After all, “life is about spreading a little joy, a little kindness and a little smile to those around us”.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me confess to you that our success devolved directly from the support extended to us not only by politicians, civil servants or technocrats in government but concerned individuals and professionals whose ideas we can tap to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our citizens.

The “Forum For Righteous Living”, the brain behind this initiative has made a statement through this award that our society deserves men and women of good character, of proven integrity and of good moral standing. These awards are a testimony, and have boosted our conviction that “beautiful ones might have not have been born before now but today they are here with us”.

I have always believed that good governance and leadership are hinged on the ability to uphold moral values and passion to render selfless service, commitment to service and dedication. As for me, it has always been my passion to give my best to whatever goal I have chosen to pursue in life. This has provided the underlying motivation for my involvement in politics and governance. Let us therefore, continue to give our best and rededicate our services to whatever endeavour or cause to which we are committed. The award is a challenge for us to get more dedicated, more committed and an opportunity to be the best among equals.

For us in Lagos State, we are building on the solid foundation of our predecessor by giving the desired political and administrative leadership to our people by fulfilling our contract with Lagosians to promote qualitative education, sound healthcare delivery, good road networks, efficient rail and water transportation, security, housing and jobs through micro-credit loans and the establishment of more skills acquisition centres.

Once again, I commend the organizer “Forum for Righteous Living” for this initiative. I do appreciate the objectives for which the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) was founded. Our administration would continue to support you and any other organisation which aims to promote excellence and reward dedication, honesty, commitment to duty in individuals, groups or corporate organisations.

Once again, to all the awardees of today, I say congratulations.

Thank you and God bless.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE