Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, urged Nigerians to strive hard to keep alive the memory of those who died for democratic governance to thrive in the country, just as he reiterated the commitment of his administration to growth and development of the state.

Governor Ambode, who spoke in Epe at the launch of AMBSAM Memorial Foundation, said the heroes of democracy must be celebrated always, and that all hands must be on deck to support their families both financially and morally.

AMBSAM Memorial Foundation was put together in honour of five persons, who died in a boat mishap, which occurred on March 28, 2015 in Epe area of Lagos State.

The victims met their tragic death while on an assignment to monitor the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly election exercises conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The victims of the ill-fated mishap include late Adewale Olakunle, Mogaji Gbolahan, Bello Muiz, Salau Tunde, Agoro Shamuseen and Mogaji Wale.

Governor Ambode, who recalled his last moments with some of the victims, said some of them encouraged him to contest for the governorship election in the state.

The Governor said; “Just like this sunny afternoon, I was seated in my compound for which just about two hours earlier, some of the people we are celebrating today were actually with me and they were asking for words of encouragement and I remember that they said they were doing it for the upliftment of the Epe division.

“I did encourage them that time and I said by the time they are back, I would have lunch with them. I did not know that was the last time I will hear from them.

“A year after, I stand before you on their behalf to say that whatever it is that I am doing today is because of them. I want to say exactly that almost two years back, they were the first set of people that I really sat down with that I was interested in doing what I am doing today and I remember that was in my office in Victoria Island and I remember that they gave me words of encouragement that I should proceed. And for doing this for me, I believe strongly that there is no way I want to pay them back than to support their families and work hard for a greater Lagos because they died for our sake and they will never die in vain,” Ambode said.

Earlier, Coordinator of the Foundation, Otunba Tunji Abass thanked Governor Ambode for his passion for the underprivileged, saying the presence of the governor at the launch was an eloquent testimony of his love for the people.