The Present administration in Lagos State has succeeded in laying a strong foundation that would propel the State to emerge as a globally competitive City-State.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who spoke at the public presentation of a publication “Cascade of Change: A Decade Of Liberal Thoughts” authored by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, said the next plan of action was to build on the foundation to move the State to the next level.

Ambode said the State had the privilege of housing the largest collection of media houses in Nigeria, saying it was an indicator to the fact that every journalist, editor, columnist and blogger has a role to play in the development of the State.

According to him, this calls for transparency and constructive engagement with the media to spread the message, saying his government will always do its part and call on the media to be partners as they build a Lagos State where everybody has a voice, a chance and opportunities.

Governor Ambode while commending the author of the book said it would no doubt go a long way to enhance knowledge as well as shed more light on issues of public discourse and enrich policy design and implementation process.

He said Ayorinde’s contributions and participation as the arrowhead of the media and strategy team in his gubernatorial campaign was instructive to what the State Government could achieve if members of the team are on the same page.

In his words Ayorinde represents a generation of conscious journalists who have committed to working towards a better society, saying they are proud to have him in the Lagos State Executive and he has been involved in various stages in the implementation of the Change Agenda.

He urged Nigerians to enrich their personal libraries with the book, just as he called on spirited individuals and corporate organisations to purchase copies and endow the libraries of tertiary institutions in the State for the benefit of the students who are the future of our society.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba said in the last one year, Governor Ambode has silently embarked on massive transformation of the State.

Osoba, who alluded to the clearing of Falomo Roundabout in Ikoyi, the ongoing dualization of Epe-Ijebu Road and many other infrastructural projects in Lagos, said he was indeed happy that the Ambode administration has continued in the tradition of excellence that the State had always been known for.

On his part, a public commentator and development expert, Professor Pat Utomi recalled the early days of Governor Ambode in office when he was criticized by many as lacking the capacity to lead the state, adding that his response then was “you got to think, plan and act,” adding that he was happy that the Governor has proved him right.

Utomi, who said the Governor, is endowed with the ability of audacious imagination, alluded to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of 4th Mainland Bridge that was long conceived, the Eko Atlantic City Project, the Smart City Lagos initiative, the Light Up Lagos Project and the ongoing neighbourhood renewal.

In her goodwill message, former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr. Doyin Abiola said she was proud that Lagos has always been a centre of excellence producing people of excellence.