Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is 60 today. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the feats of the dynamic and workaholic administrator, which have made him a reference point in good governance.
At 60, Babajide Olusola Aduragbemi Sanwo-Olu, surveyor, banker and governor of Lagos, is forging ahead with purpose, courage and confidence.
In the last six years, he has been the captain steering the ship of the largest state, former federal capital and economic nerve centre. The destination is a safe harbour.
The testimonies of stakeholders underscore their perception of an effective captain, who is living to expectation through sheer fidelity to Lagosians who conferred on him the mandate to govern with the fear of God.
To ordinary Lagosians, who savour the expanded dividends of democracy across the sectors, Sanwo-Olu is, on steady course in implementing his THEMES Agenda, which is anchored on the Development Blue Print initiated by his leader, President Bola Tinubu, when he was governor of Lagos State.
The foundation laid by the Jagaban Borgu has made it easier for his three successors, who built on it under hid guidancd, to excel.
Hailing the governor, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, said Sanwo-Olu’s Diamond Jubilee is a celebration of the grace of God who has bestowed on him the manifold opportnities to serve and make a mark on the lives of Lagosians.
In a, congratulatory statement, the apex leadership structure added that in the last six years, he has earned public confidence because his policies and programmes are dictated by their needs, aspirations, expectations and yearnings for improved welfare.
The advisory body stressed: “Saneo-Olu is presiding over a government of inclusion. You are accessible. You are listening governor, and your open door policy has contributed to the flow of feedback on government activities, thereby expanding the level of public input into governance and enhancing accountability and good governance.
“Your people-oriented policies and programmes, particularly your commitment to the huge infrastrutural battles in consonance with your THEMES agenda, are marks of success that underscore your fidelity to your campaign promises.
“We have confidence in your ability to sustain the tempo of achievements to the end and errect lasting legacies that would sustain the status of Lagos State as a reference point in the country.
“May God contnue to strengthen you as you renew your resolve to serve our beloved state with vigour, patriotism and sense of responsibility.”
Also hailing the governor, Ikorodu apex APC leaders, led by Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former party chairman and deputy governor, thanked God for his, life of service, diligent contributions and commitment to the welfare of Lagosians.
In a, statement, the group said: “Your Excellency, you have lived to expectation by building on the sound foundations laid by your predecessors in accordance with the Lagos State Blueprint on development initiated by our leader, President Bola Tinubu GCFR, when he was governor of the state.
“The implementation of your THEMES agenda, which derived from the blueprint, has led to the expansion of dividends of democracy across the sectors. You have not rested on your oars in breaking new grounds of infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts.”
It added: “You have presided over a government of continuity that has protected the interests of Lagos State and earned the trust and confidence of the people as a true progressive, a democrat and statesman.
“We note that through your humility, candour and open mindedness, you have fostered inclusion, and under your leadership, there is peace in the party, cohesion in the government and harmony in the state.
“As a tested and trusted leader, and true servant of our dear state, your impact will always be remembered and your legacy will definitely outlive your tenure.
“Our prayer is that God should continue to order your steps and give you more wisdom as you rededicate yourself to the service of Lagos State.”
According to the Lagos State Caucus of the House of Representatives, what Sanwo-Olu is celebrating is the reality of a worthwhile existence as an accomplished technocrat, an achievement-oriented administrator and a statesman with a promise of a greater future.
The caucus added: “It is gratifying to note that as a politician and progressive leader, you have exhibited patriotism, courage, dedication to public welfare and commitment to the sustenance and defense of the vast interests of Lagos State.
“Your utmost fidelity to the implementation of your THEMES agenda has been bearing fruits in various sectors, including education, health, social infrastructure and security.
“Lagos State has benefitted from the avowed implementation of laudable people-oriented policies and programmes dictated by the aspirations of our people for development and progress in the last six years.
“We note with fondness that you have fostered inclusion and expanded the horizon of democratic participation in a way that has forged effective synergy between the ruling party and your government.
“Also, you have also succeeded in presiding over an atmosphere of peace and tranquility peace in our beloved state through your display of humility, simplicity, forthrightness and belief in team work.
“Much still needs to be accomplished in the remaining two years by your progressive administration, which has through its giant strides, remained a reference point in the country.
“We are confident that you will build on your achievements, break new grounds and make more impacts.”
In a congratulatory message, the Lagos State APC, led by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, noted that Sanwo-Olu you has justified the confidence reposed in him by the chapter and the generality of Lagosians, adding that his programmes have met the aspirations of the people for greater dividends of democracy.
It added: “We are particularly delighted that you are breaking new grounds of infrastructure development in consonance with your campaign promises to the electorate.
“You have presided over a progressive and inclusive government that has protected the interests of Lagos State and earned the trust of the people across the sectors.
“Your Excellency, you have are steering the ship of state with your humility, candour and open mindedness, which have endeared you to the stakeholders.
“We are confident that you will erect lasting legacies worthy of pride by this generation and those yet unborn.”
Sanwo-Olu never dreamt of becoming governor. According to an account, his highest political aspiration was to serve as Chief of Staff to an aspirant, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who later became his deputy.
His ascension to power was an act of God and a fulfilment of destiny. While those who brought him to government around 2003 floundered at a time before retracing their steps, the ‘young’ technocrat exhibited loyalty.
Reminiscent of his student days and life as a banker, he embraced the duties assigned to him with passion, demonstrated humility, intelligence and candour. As an aide to former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro and Asiwaju Tinubu, he shunned idleness.
In the Tinubu government, Sanwo-Olu’s talents unfolded, making him a vital asset. He was tested and trusted by his leader; a round peg in a round hole. In the positions he held before becoming the governor, he performed creditably.
As Special Adviser on Corporate Governance, Acting Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, and LSDPC boss, he made his marks.
Sanwo-Olu had also earned a reputation for hardwork, diligence, focus and achieving results as, governor.
From day one, he had hit the ground running, conscious of the fact that the progressive beat must go on in the Centre of Excellence.
He increased the tempo of infrastructure battle, knowing that as population grew in geometric proportions, there would be pressure on the pre-existing social amenities.
Then, the strange pestilence, Covid-19 pandemic, sneaked into Lagos to distract his government. Sanwo-Olu became the Incident Commander. But, conscious of the nature of the vast city state and people’s yearning, he has maintained a sensitive balance.
While tackling the public health challenge, concerted efforts are also made to full the campaign promises he made during the electioneering.
The EndSars protest was, also a challenge. Although it was a mass response to the police behaviour by youths, the government bore the brunt. Up to now, some activists still insist that there wasa massacre at Lekki Toll Gate. But there, was no evidence. It was an inaginary attack without wound, a massacre without blood.
Refuse dumping, traffic management chaos and public work challenge have been tackled based on the acknowledgment that the state has groaned under the yoke of filth, chaotic traffic situation and infrastructural deficit.
Also, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) was directed to operate a minimum of two shifts until 11.pm daily.
The Office of Drainage Services in the Ministry of Environment embarked on an aggressive cleaning of secondary and tertiary drainage system to ensure the free flow of rainwater during the raining season.
The integrated mass transportation blueprint of the Lagos Government has been a, success story. Also, the bandoned Blue and Red Line Rail projects, and the commercial waterways transportation have seen the light of the day.
Today, Lagos State pays N85, 000 minimum wage. Gratuities and pensions are paid promptly. Housing schemes ars delivered.
Sanwo-Olu has defended the education sector with improved funding. For the first time in 38 years, Lagos State University (LASU) became a residential tertiary institution.
The Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCED), Ijanikin, and Lagos, State University, Ikoridu, have been upgraded to fully-fledged universities.
Many road projects in urban and rural areas have been inaugurated. Lagosians now expect him to commission the Opebi-Odo Iya Alaro link bridge this year.
Much is still expected from Sanwo-Olu in the next two years so that a “greater Lagos” can really rise through the continuous implementation of “six pillars of development agenda,” which represent the governmen’s response to public yearnings.
The pillars that encapsulates his vision, include traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos as a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism, and security.
But there are also dark moments. Life is not a bed of roses. Political life could be full of ups and downs. The field of politics and the corridor of power could be slippery. Occasional clouds can blur an otherwise illustrious career. Sometines, governance is, stressful, although stress itself is concomitant with human existence. In the highest offices in the land, occupants can suffer a sort of executive stress arising from demands, pressures, commissions and omissions, unconscious misteps, gaps in role fulfilment, disparity between expectation and reality, and perception of inexplicable dilution of loyalty which could lead to adversity of power. There could be turbulence. The lesson should not be lost on all office holders. It should be learned by the wise. Not all in similar circumstances would survive the tumoil. But, unlike his predecessor, the BOS of Lagos survived the multiple tests of power, and if the acquired experience is properly deployed, he will wax stronger.
The governor was born in June 25, 1965 in Lagos. He is a graduate of the cosmopolitan University of Lagos, Akoka, where he studied Surveying. He also attended the London Business School, the Lagos Business School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Sanwo-Olu earned an MBA degree from UNILAG. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).
Sanwo-Olu is not a politician without a second address. He was the Treasurer at former Lead Merchant Bank from 1994 to 1997. He also worked with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) as the Head of Foreign Money Market. At the First Inland Bank, Plc (now First City Monument Bank), he was a Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head.
In private business, he was also a success. Sanwo-Olu was the Chairman of Baywatch Group Limited and First Class Group Limited. He was a board member of the Department for International Development (DFID/DEEPEN) Fund and Audit Committee of Caverton Offshore Services Group, PLC.
Since 2003, he had placed his hand on the plough and never looked back. Although he joined the Tinubu administration as a technocrat, when was appointed a Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to Pedro, he later learned the ropes. He served as Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, and later, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007.
In 2007, he was appointed as Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions by former Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN). In 2016, Ambode appointed him as Managing Director/CEO of LSDPC. His achievements include the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Privatization Projects.
He also played a great role in the setting up of the Lagos Security Trust Fund. He served as its pioneer board chairman. The LAGBUS System and the Control and Command Centre in Alausa were also part of his initiatives.
Sanwo-Olu is a recipients of many awards and honours. They include the Platinum Award from the Lagos State Public Service Club, 2009 Best in Human Capital Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Merit award from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Merit award from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN), Merit Award from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), and LSDPC Impactful Leadership and Recognition Award.
Sanwo-Olu is married with children to Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
