Ambode was born on June 14, 1963 in Epe.

He had his primary education at St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebutte Meta, Lagos.

The governorship hopeful was at Federal Government College, Warri for his secondary education.

Ambode studied Accounting in University of Lagos, where he graduated in 1984 at the age of 21.

He performed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sokoto, where he started his relationship with the public service.

AKinwunmi Ambode’s programme to sustain what he has espoused as the success story of Lagos is pegged on five key enablers summed up as LAGOS; Leadership, Accountability, Governance, Opportunity and Service.

With every imprint of progressivism which the All Progressives Congress (APC) lays claim to, Ambode’s blueprint gives priority to job creation, economy, free education, housing, agriculture, transportation and healthcare.

Other areas of focus in the road map include; tourism, sports, entertainment and arts, security, infrastructure and rule of law.

A comprehensive breakdown shows that Ambode would boost the State Security Fund.

In addition to that, there are plans to continue with the city lighting project by expanding the Independent Power Project (IPP) to enhance the security of lives and property across the state.

Also, the APC candidate promises to embark on the acquisition of the latest advanced security communication technology that will track and monitor activities in the state.

To ensure that the state’s full economic potentials are maximally optimised, he promises to introduce a 24/7 economy that is typical of a city state like Lagos.

As part of his desire to address the problem of unemployment, Ambode promises to set up a Lagos Employment Trust Fund (LETF) with N25 billion over four years, to allow entrepreneurs access to finance with a minimum of N1 billion naira annually across the five divisions in the state.

Adequate finance

The import of that is that it would allow youths and unemployed people have access to adequate finance for entrepreneurial ventures. Remarkably, small and medium scale enterprises would be protected through tax incentives.

Government policies that would encourage the private sector to employ more citizens and foster economic development are also part of the plans.

Since the state is known to have the capacity of self-sufficiency, Ambode plans to boost internally generated revenue by improving the collection mechanism through e-governance. He also intends to encourage the creation of a Corporate Social Responsibility Trust Fund, CSR-TF, by the private sector, to be managed by a board of trustees charged with the responsibility of identifying growth opportunities yearly and financing such opportunities to further boost economic development.

On education, Ambode plans to provide free education up to senior secondary school level to ensure that no child is denied his right to education, and endeavour to provide one meal per day to students to guarantee a healthy learning environment.

The state’s bursary and scholarship initiative was also factored in, as the private sector would be encouraged to partner with government in this regard as part of its corporate social responsibility. In the housing sector, where the present administration has received so many knocks, Ambode pledges to create communities that are self sustainable for residents that will encourage even development across the state.

To him, this would allow for easy access and reduce congestion at the city centers.

Still on the contentious housing issue in Lagos, Ambode promises to provide affordable housing schemes by collaborating through Public Private Partnerships, PPP, to increase the available housing stock.

Policy on home ownership

If elected, he proposes to improve on the current policy of home ownership through Lagos HOMS and provide ownership options, such as Rent to Own Program (R.O.P)

On healthcare, there are assurances of free medical care for children from birth to age six.

Also, healthcare would also be free for pregnant women, including both pre-natal and ante-natal care, while senior citizens above sixty-five years would also enjoy free healthcare. The Primary Healthcare system was also factored in, as he promised to improve on its quality, thereby reducing the over dependence on general hospitals.

In line with calls for the revamping of the agricultural sector nationwide, Ambode’s blue print on agriculture showed that he would build on the current administration’s efforts on agriculture by opening up the virtually untapped aquatic and seafood resources in the state.

Realising that a densely populated state like Lagos, deserves an efficient public transport system, he pledged to pursue a fully integrated transport management system that takes into consideration roads, rail, water and walkways as means of mobility for ease of movement of residents in the city centers and the suburbs.

To make that possible, he plans to improve on traffic with construction of new roads and maintaining existing ones, as well as placing directional signs in strategic places. In furtherance to that, Ambode promised to introduce officially designated bus stops/routes in Lagos.

Highest standards

On infrastructure, there are plans to ensure the provision of good and motorable roads across the State, excellent by-passes, pedestrian bridges, traffic intersections, public and amusement parks, and ensure that all public institutions and facilities are of the highest standards and quality.

The tourism sector under the road map, through increase in the avenues to showcase the distinct and diverse Lagos culture and traditions through the establishment of museums and heritage centers.

The APC standard bearer wants to make Lagos the hub of entertainment and arts in Africa.

In achieving this, he said that grants would be provided to producers in the movie and music industries to encourage growth in the sectors.

To ensure that the entire business of governance functions properly, the need to make the law work was not left out.

Hence, the assurance that all ministries, agencies and parastatals, would be made to uphold the rule of law, by rendering services in accordance with laid down rules and procedures, to guarantee the protection of the rights of all citizens. Questions on whether the electorates would be swayed by these promises would be answered by the outcome of the February 28, governorship election in the state.

Ambode’s LAGOS

LAGOS

L-Leadership

A- Accountability

G-Governance

O-Opportunity

S-Service