Education remains vital tool to combat poverty —Ambode

Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, said education remains one of the critical tools to combat poverty and secure a better future for the state.

Governor Ambode said this at Lagos House, in Ikeja, after swearing-in a new Permanent Secretary and Tutor General for Education District Six, Mrs Olabisi Olufunmilayo Onadipe.

The governor, while justifying the massive investment of his administration on educational infrastructure and upgrade of curriculum, said such commitment as well as continued empowering and equipping of teachers were all in a bid to raise the next generation of Lagosians who would be ready to take on the challenges of the future.

Governor Ambode, therefore, charged the new appointee to see her appointment as very critical to the future progress of the state, and as such, must add value.

He recalled that since inception of the present administration, attention had been given to appointment of only officers with credible record of performance into leadership positions.

The governor said no matter how good a policy was, its effectiveness in terms of achieving the desired impact would only be determined by the competence and commitment of those charged with the responsibility of implementation.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to demand greater sense of commitment and responsibility from the leadership and the entire workforce in the state public service. You must be open minded and ready to embrace new and innovative ideas that are consistent with global practices,” the governor said.

Responding, the new permanent secretary thanked Governor Ambode for the confidence reposed in her, and expressed her readiness to discharge her duties effectively and efficiently.