Ibrahim Quadri
Born on June 25, 1965, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu clocks a landmark age of 60 years in his sojourn on earth this year. As he attains this milestone pedestal in his life, Sanwo-Olu has not only elicited profound leadership traits but also implanted admirable tacts in handling challenges that come his way.
Academically, Sanwo-Olu holds a B.Sc in Surveying and an MBA from the University of Lagos. He is an alumnus of the John F. Kennedy School of government, the London Business School and the Lagos Business School.
Mr Sanwo-Olu became an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).
He was the treasurer at the former Lead Merchant Bank from 1994 to 1997 after which he moved to the United Bank for Africa as the head of foreign money market. He then proceeded to First Inland Bank, Plc (now First City Monument Bank) as Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head.
Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu was the chairman of Baywatch Group Limited and First Class Group Limited and a board member of the Department for International Development (DFID/DEEPEN) Fund and Audit committee of Caverton Offshore Service Group, Plc.
In 2003, Mr Sanwo-Olu began his political career when he was appointed a Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
Subsequently, he was appointed acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, until 2007 when he became the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry under then Governor, now President Bola Tinubu.
After the General Elections of 2007, Mr Sanwo-Olu was appointed Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pension by Governor Babatunde Fashola, ex- Minister of Works and Housing.
He was later in 2016 made Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) by former Governor Akinwumi Ambode. Sanwo-Olu traversed the journey of all the past Lagos governors since the enthronement of the 5th Republic. The tactical ability to maneouver his way, securing one political appointment or the other where many fell by the road side, was a proof of his dogged determination embellish in wise decision making.
Convincingly, some of Mr Sanwo-Olu’s notable public sector achievements included the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Privatization projects. He set up and was the pioneer Board Chairman of Lagos Security Trust Fund. The LAGBUS System and the Control and Command Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, were subsequently established under his administrative ingenuity.
Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was elected Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election held on March 9, 2019. He roundly defeated Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in all the 20 Local Governments of the State. He is therefore currently in charge of a sub-national which is the cynosure of all eyes as a centre-piece of development.
He has obtained a variety of awards in his career, some of which include: Platinum Award from the Lagos State Public Service Club; 2009 Best in Human Capital Development Award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Merit Award from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.
Other awards include Merit Award from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN); Merit Award from the Association of Personnel Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN); LSDPC Impact Leadership and Recognition Award.
Mr Sanwo-Olu who is happily married to Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and are blessed with children, encountered a number of challenges as a Governor. Sanwo-Olu’s dependable leadership qualities confronted with the twin-disaster of 2020- ENDSARS’ protest and COVID-19 pandemic.
It is unarguable, the two ravaging occurrences were not peculiar to Lagos but the dexterity and wisdom applied by Sanwo-Olu in addressing the ugly trend, were exceptional. His enduring and resilient skills together with his team, in managing the crises, provided an insightful model, that ensure Lagos continue its leadership role as a sub-national in the country.
Interestingly, as Governor of Lagos State, his achievements are inexhaustible since he took office on May 29, 2019. The inexhaustible list of his achievements provides insight into how far the governor has come since he assumed office.
In line with the State unter-modal transportation system which he inherited from his predecessors, Sanwo-Olu together with his team, has displayed exceptional acumen in road, rail and water transportation. The continuation of policy especially, completion of numerous abandoned projects across the state has endeared him to a number of residents.
Since Sanwo-Olu came on board, he has completed over 970 roads in four years and still counting in his second term in office. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, stated this to announce activities lined up for the inauguration of Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat for the second coming.
Similarly, the introduction and launch of 500 units of First and Last Mile (FLM) buses together with LagRide as alternative means of transportation in addressing the security threat constituted by commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘okada’ is a commendable feat.
On rail, Sanwo-Olu earns the accolade of being the first Governor in the country to inaugurate independent rail transport system. The Blue Line which was divided into phases for ease of implementation and is expected to move more than 500,000 passengers when the entire line is completed, was inaugurated in 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first phase is a 13km stretch from Marina to Mile 2 and has five stations at Suru-Alaba, Orile Iganmu, National Theatre, Mile 2 and Marina. It is a game changer in the transportation of daily 200,000 passengers along the corridor.
For the completion of the second phase of the Blue Line, the Governor, recently, inspected the new coaches procured to complement existing ones and help to reduce turnaround time, thereby significantly cutting travel times for millions of Lagos residents.
Describing the arrival of the coaches as a significant milestone, the Governor said the development would boost the state’s efforts in delivering an efficient and modern rail service.
Additionally, the Lagos Red Line Rail Mass track sharing with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) which groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Governor on April 15, 2021, has revolutionized rail transport in the State.
The trains plying these routes were refurbished for use in Lagos’ rail system. Contributing to its development. The Red Line was eventually inaugurated on February 29, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and the first phase opened to the public on 15 October 2024. The 37-kilometre route runs from Agbado to Oyingbo. The succour currently enjoy by commuters in the State is immeasurably.
As part of the administration innovative idea, Sanwo-Olu introduced Lagos Ferry Service tagged, LAGFERRY to enhance water transportation. Aside construction of additional jetties such as Apa, Badagry, V1P Chalet, Badagry, Isalu, Ajido, Badagry, Ilado Amuwo Odofin, Ilashe, Amuwo-Odofin, Ito Omu, Offin, Ikorodu, Takwa Bay Eti Osa, Ijede Waterfront, Ikorodu and others, the State now boasts of high capacity boats befitting of international standard.
On housing, Sanwo-Olu handed over several apartments in different locations of the State including, Ogba-Ijaiye, Pen-Cinema of Agege, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Sangotedo Phase 1, Ikate, Lekki, Igbogbo in Ikorodu, Idale, Badagry, Lekki, Phase 2, BRF Housing Estate, Iponri, Surulere, Igbokushu, Lekki, Lateef Kayode Jakande Housing Estate, Igando, Igbogbo in Ikorodu, Ayandelu Housing Scheme in Agbowa LCDA among others.
In the same vein, the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Agency has also significantly boosted Fibre Duct Expansion investment, with an additional 2,700km installations planned, and 3,000km completed to enhance connectivity. This was done while also securing a commitment of $22m foreign direct investment for quality fibre installations in Lagos State.
Through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, the government supported businesses with billions of naira and a plethora of interventions including, grants, mentorship, business advisory, and capacity building as well as market access opportunities for artisans and other small and medium scale enterprise. All in a bid to promote entrepreneurship.
On health, aside other interventions in terms of healthcare delivery, one strategic project worthy of mentioning is the 280-bed Ojo General Hospital currently under construction. When completed, it will be the first hospital built by the State government in decades. The hospital is located in the heart of Ojo local government area of the state and is bordering critical public institutions around the area like the Lagos State University campus and the Ojo military cantonment.
Upon completion, the facility will help improve access to quality and efficient healthcare services within the local government and neighbouring communities providing medical services in multiple specialties including surgery, neurology, medicine, amongst others.
Furthermore, the seven-storey new Massey Children Hospital under construction in the Adeniji Adele area of the state, is expected to be the biggest children hospital in Africa’s sub-Saharan region when completed.
The new edifice will replace the current 100-year-old Massey Hospital established in 1914 by colonial masters. The government has envisaged that the scope and quality of the construction work with the ancillary facilities would make the edifice last for centuries.
All these laudable feats and several others were made possible since inception of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Hamzat-led administration, through the THEMES+ Agenda. A blueprint that calls for transformative action.
Be that as it may, following perceived frosty relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu, the President, eventually declared that his relationship with Sanwo-Olu remains cordial, adding that “it’s all over now. All his sins are forgiven.”
Recall there have been reports of a cold war between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu. The story had been awash in social media. In May, President Tinubu had snubbed Sanwo-Olu during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos.
In a video shared by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, Tinubu was seen entering the venue as dignitaries stood to welcome him. The President proceeded to shake hands with Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and others — but appeared to bypass Sanwo-Olu, who was visibly waiting to greet him.
But in a display of adorable wisdom as elders would say, the leadership of Governance Advisory Council, GAC in Lagos, initiated a truce between the President and his ‘son’ during the recently concluded Eid-el Kabir at his Ikoyi residence, Lagos.
Led by its leader, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, the GAC members who welcomed the President to Lagos, said it was obvious he was unhappy with some persons in the state, especially the governor, and, therefore pleaded for mercy.
Tinubu, it was gathered, while responding, said: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” affirming that he was not angry with anyone, let alone the governor.
However, multiple sources said Sanwo-Olu and other members of the GAC prostrated to the president in apparent remorse and appeasement.
A source, privy to the meeting, said: “The meeting didn’t entertain a situation where the President or the governor had to start explaining what happened between them. They just pleaded for outright mercy on behalf of the Governor, and the President granted it.”
Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu said: “As the tradition during festive periods, whenever he comes around, we come, the GAC, leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to felicitate with Mr President.
“Its something we always look forward to. This is no exception. We have come to pray with him and to tell him that Lagosians are behind him. We can see and can feel the impacts of what he has done in the last two years. And to continue to tell him he has our best wishes and support always. And we are really excited because he is our father and leader.”
Additionally, the Governor has therefore publicly reaffirmed his support and loyalty to the President following perceived rift between the two.
Taking to his official handle on X.com, the Governor shared a message of solidarity after accompanying Tinubu as he departed Lagos following the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.
“Today, I accompanied His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and saw him off as he departed Lagos following the Sallah break.
“I remain dedicated to supporting his efforts and policies, which aim to bring real and lasting change to the lives of Nigerians.
“I wish him safe travels and success in all his engagements. As always, Lagos stands ready to play its part in building the Nigeria we all hope for,” Sanwo-Olu wrote.
No doubt, Sanwo-Olu has performed creditably well and redefined the various sectors of the State economy. He is one of those few leaders who are trusted with the mandate of good governance. However, the wisdom applied in managing the ‘crack’ that was rearing its head between him and the President, is a diamond alluring tact that speaks volume of his age.
