Press Releases

"Nigeria Will Become A Global Leader", Says Fashola
As Lagos commemorates 50th Independence Day with Special Jumat Service

Sep 24, 2010 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Friday expressed confidence in Nigeria's ability to become a global leader in no distant future saying at 50 years of age, the life of the nation has just begun.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the Lagos Central Mosque after a Special Jumat Service to commemorate Nigeria's 50th Independence Anniversary, declared that Nigeria's future remains bright, since, according to him, "the present is better than the nation's past".

He explained that though Nigeria is fifty, she is still a young nation by all standards when compared to the superpower nations like the United States of America and Britain to which she is often compared.

According to the Governor, "Our nation is fifty, a young nation by many standards, by the standards of those we compare ourselves to; places like America that is 230 years old, places like Britain with a civilization of almost 600 years old and so therefore, the life of Nigeria has just begun."

While expressing his confidence that Nigeria will become a global leader in the fullness of time, the Governor added that the future will be better than the present as the present has been better than the past.

On the special Jumat service, Governor Fashola remarked that the event was a special one as it marks 50 years of nationhood in which Lagos played a central role which, according to him, is an important landmark worthy of celebration.

The Governor noted that Lagos represents an important landmark where Independence was achieved almost fifty years ago because of its capital status adding that the State is still paying a central role in the socio-economic status as a development of the country.

While thanking the Almighty God for His Mercies on Nigeria, Governor Fashola declared, "Nigerians have great cause to celebrate as some nations of the world are battling with civil strife, flooding and other challenges plaguing them", adding, "although we are anxious for development, the future is obviously bright for Nigeria's greatness".

"Nigeria will mark 100 years and more just like the United States which has been existing since 1776. Nigeria's tomorrow is going to be brighter. Look at the GSM revolution in the country. GSM is just 10 years old but it has already become part of Nigeria's development and path to growth", Governor Fashola explained.

On the 2011 general elections, Governor Fashola enjoined Nigerians not to exercise any fear as "all is well", adding that the Action Congress of Nigeria remains the party of choice and the party to beat at the polls.

In his lecture titled, "Nigeria at 50, What Next", the Mufassir of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji S.A Gafar, charged Nigeria's leadership as well as followership to always display truthfulness and righteousness in their dealings and interaction at all times.

The Cleric noted that truth is an essential ingredient of human existence that Allah cherishes, admonishing Nigerians to always adhere to Allah's teachings and that of the Holy Prophet and those in authority.

"A nation that have the fear of God shall always be prosperous", Alhaji Gafar said adding that those who disobey Allah would also have themselves to blame.

The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Garuba Akinola Ibrahim and other Clerics also prayed for the continued peaceful co-existence of Nigeria and the socio-economic and political development of Lagos State.

Among those who attended the Special Jumat Service were Alhaji H.A.B. Fasinro, Alhaji Razak Akanni Okoya and other Islamic leaders, members of the State Executive Council, Traditional rulers and other top government functionaries.