By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor and Oyebola Owolabi
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday urged members of the volunteer group, Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA’23), to sustain the vision of the organisation until its objectives are accomplished.
The governor spoke at the launching of the Lagos State chapter of the organisation, led by former House of Representatives member, Monsuru Alaoseniyan Owolabi.
Accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, Housing Commissioner Akinderu Fatai and his Local Government and Community Affairs counterpart, Dr. Wale Ahmed, the governor acknowledged the successful consultative mobilisation by the group in the Southwest.
Peeping into the future with optimism, Sanwo-Olu, who addressed the gathering briefly in English and Yoruba, said: “There is a vision. It leads to person. It will be achieved through action. We will all be there on the day of Asiwaju’s inauguration.”
Amid funfair, prominent politicians, monarchs, community and religious leaders, and members of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stormed the Ten Degrees Events Centre at Oregun in Ikeja for the event as from sunrise.
The gathering was received by SWAGA’23 National Chairman, Senator Dayo Adeyeye; his deputy, Senator Soji Akanbi, and other members – Senator Tony Adeniyi, Oyetunde Ojo, Rotimi Makinde, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara and Apostle Oloruntoba Oke.
Also at the event were former Deputy Governor Sarah Susan, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Lagos Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshilokun Sanni, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member Chief Akanni Seriki Bamu, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Primate Charles Odugbesi, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), former Federal lawmaker Bimbo Daramola, Segun Olulade, Emmanuel Bamigboye and Valentine Braimoh.
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A documentary on the achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu was shown to the large gathering.
Ace Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (aka K1), was on hand to entertain the dignitaries.
A professor of Ecotoxicology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Adebayo Otitoju, who listed the qualities expected of the next President, described Asiwaju Tinubu as an embodiment of great qualities.
Noting that Nigeria is beset with economic and security challenges, the academic said only an experienced leader, a bridge builder and man of unrivalled political sagacity like Asiwaju Tinubu can tackle those challenges.
Adeyeye, who led the audience in singing the SWAGA’23 anthem, said the group had met 80 monarchs across the five divisions of Lagos State.
He added: “SWAGA has been well received and the message has penetrator to the grass-roots.”
In his brief lecture, titled: Credentials of the Next President of Nigeria, Otitoju said Asiwaju Tinubu has meet the criteria of maturity, sagacity, perseverance, pro-democracy activism, and management of diversity.
He added: “We need a President with a good understanding of the economy, a leader who speaks the language of politicians, a politician who can identify worthy successors, a reader of moods, and a leader who has the ability to make sacrifices.”
Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun described the former governor as a detribalised Nigerian, who has raised many leaders across the country.
He hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for laying the foundation for the modern development of Lagos through his 20-Point Agenda, which made the state a reference point when he was governor.
Balogun added: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a man of great capital and intellect. Giving the situation of Nigeria, he is the best person suited for the President.”
The Aholu Menu Toyi of Kwame, Badagry, Oba James Sejiro, who described the APC National Leader as a talent hunter, said he has promoted unity in Lagos and across the country.
Urging Yoruba to unite ahead of 2023, the monarch said other aspirants from the Southwest should be prevailed upon to step down for the former governor.
Senator Solomon said: “Asiwaju Tinubu has demonstrated good leadership; he is a mentor. He is diligent and he has made sacrifices.”
Welcoming the guests, Mrs. Ogbara said those urging Asiwaju Tinubu to contest for President are increasing daily.
Owolabi said the ex-governor will satisfy public yearnings for visionary, dynamic, strategic, and disciplined leadership.
He added: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a unique person. When the allocation to Lagos was seized by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he looked for creative means to keep the state going. Asiwaju Tinubu is an MTN leader: he has a global connection and his network never fails. He is the solution to 2023. He is an accountant and an economist. He is a developer of human talents. Asiwaju has done it before in Lagos. He will do it more for the country.”