The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sanwo-Olu’s

  • Sanwo-Olu’s unending infrastructure development

    Sanwo-Olu’s unending infrastructure development

    • By Ade Ademola

    The unassuming, performing governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has not ceased to wow the people of Lagos State since he got to office in 2019. He came prepared to build lasting legacies that will outlive him. The first major litmus test of his leadership capacity came in late 2019, a few months in the saddle as the Executive governor of Lagos State. The global pandemic of COVID-19 broke out in the world, the incident in Nigeria arrived Lagos, raising great health risk for the Lagos populace. Governor Sanwo-Olu assumed  the role of the incident commander for the dreaded  COVID -19 scourge, rallying the people, resources and other critical stakeholders in taming the pandemic.

    The morning showed the day in 2019, signalling the huge capacity, and by extension massive developments that Governor Sanwo-Olu would bring to Lagos State. In 2020, #EndSARS pandemonium was contained  with great capacity, showing understanding, meeting demands of rampaging youths and instituting structures that will continuously address the needs of the young people of Lagos State, amidst the largely Federal Government-led initiatives to end police brutality.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu’s agenda, anchored on THEME agenda, which he has taken to the next level.  The acronym stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and environment;Education and Technology;Making Lagos state a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment and Tourism and Security& Governance, with the inclusion of social inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has continued to solidify his legacy as a transformative leader through his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development. Last week,  the governor commissioned a series of major road projects, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to provide Lagosians with modern and efficient transportation networks.

    The unveiling of these roads, strategically located across key areas in Lagos, demonstrated the Sanwo-Olu administration’s dedication to improving urban mobility, mitigating flooding, and fostering economic growth.

    The new roads commissioned by the governor include a 4.7-kilometer stretch across Akoka, Bariga, and Gbagada, as well as a 6.134-kilometer network in Ikeja GRA. These projects are not just roads; they represent a lifeline for residents, businesses, and commuters in Lagos.

    Read Also: Nigeria will drive Africa’s growth with education, innovation — Shettima

    The roads in Akoka, Bariga, and Gbagada—St. Finbarr’s Road, Asani Street, Tijani Ashogbon Street, Jagunmolu Street, Shogbamu Street, and Diya Street—serve as vital links connecting the University of Lagos Main Gate to the Deeper Life Church in Gbagada.

    These areas have long been plagued by traffic congestion and poor road conditions, making daily commutes a daunting task for residents and commuters alike. The completion of this crucial 4.7km road network that strategically connects major tertiary institutions like the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Technical College and University of Lagos, Akoka, will improve accessibility, as Students, workers, and businesses along this corridor now have a seamless route, reducing travel time and stress.

     Also, the local economy also receives a boost as an efficient road network improves  transportation means increased foot traffic for local businesses, fostering economic growth.The roads are equipped with modern drainage systems, addressing perennial flooding that has historically disrupted lives and businesses.

    The 6.134-kilometer network in Ikeja GRA includes Oba Dosumu Street, Oduduwa Way, Oduduwa Crescent, Sobo Arobiodu, and Sasegbon Streets. This upscale residential and commercial hub has seen a transformation with the reconstruction of these roads. The interconnected roads ease congestion, making movement within the GRA more efficient.

    The perennial flood crisis has plagued the highbrow GRA, and environs has been resolved with the upgraded drainage systems ensuring the area is no longer susceptible to flooding, providing residents with much-needed relief during rainy seasons. The beautifully reconstructed roads enhance the neighborhood’s prestige, attracting investors and boosting property values.

    The unveiling of these roads aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision of a Lagos that works for everyone. Since assuming office, he has prioritized infrastructure as a catalyst for development, recognizing that a well-connected city is key to economic growth and social well-being.

    Lagos, with its dense population and bustling economy, faces unique challenges, including traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and urban flooding. Sanwo-Olu’s administration has tackled these issues head-on.Many of the newly inaugurated roads are rehabilitations of long-neglected infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to addressing existing gaps.

    The administration has  also embarked on ambitious road construction projects across Lagos to meet the demands of its growing population.

    In the same vein, recognizing the dual challenge of poor roads and flooding, the administration ensures that all new roads are equipped with advanced drainage systems.

    Fostering a sense of community ownership, the governor urged residents to protect these roads from vandalism. The state infrastructure projects are designed with sustainability in mind, emphasizing shared responsibility in maintaining the city’s assets, ensuring that the benefits of these investments are long-lasting.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has pledged to continue upgrading old roads and constructing new ones to meet the needs of Lagosians. This commitment is part of his broader THEMES agenda, which focuses on:Traffic Management and Transportation: Ensuring efficient mobility across Lagos, Health and Environment: Building resilient infrastructure to address environmental challenges, Education and Technology: Creating opportunities through improved access to schools and digital infrastructure and Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy: Attracting investments and fostering growth through a solid infrastructure base.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approach to infrastructure development offers valuable lessons for other cities and states in Nigeria. By combining a clear vision with strategic planning, robust funding, and community involvement, his administration has demonstrated how to address complex urban challenges in a very effective manner.

    As the roads in Akoka, Bariga, Gbagada, and Ikeja GRA are unveiled, they stand as testaments to what visionary leadership can achieve. They are more than physical structures; they represent progress, resilience, and a brighter future for Lagos.

    The inauguration of these road networks has become another milestone in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. His investments in infrastructure underscore his commitment to creating a Lagos that is livable, prosperous, and sustainable.

    Through strategic projects like these, Governor Sanwo-Olu continues to build a legacy of excellence, ensuring that Lagosians can navigate their city with ease and pride. As these roads pave the way for a more connected and vibrant Lagos, they also reaffirm the governor’s promise to deliver enduring infrastructure that benefits generations to come.

    •Ademola writes from Lagos

  • Sanwo-Olu’s giant strides

    Sanwo-Olu’s giant strides

    • By Dayo Israel

    When Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State in 2019, many questioned his capacity to deliver. However, the unwavering support of party leaders and his campaign promise to advance Lagos through the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda convinced others of his potential. Today, nearly six years into his tenure, Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated a governance style marked by impactful transformation across multiple sectors.

    Sanwo-Olu’s humane nature has shone through in his approach to governance. His emphasis on inclusivity and empathy, especially during times of crisis, has earned him admiration both within Lagos and beyond. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare of citizens, prioritizing their safety and well-being through healthcare initiatives, educational reforms, and emergency responses.

    In Lagos, he has displayed humility in the face of confrontation, a hallmark of his noble character. Despite challenges, such as the clearance of his cabinet nominees, which left many of his personal candidates unapproved, he accepted the process with grace and candour. He has since built a great team from his new cabinet.

    A team leader par excellence, Sanwo-Olu provides his cabinet members with the freedom to perform their roles effectively. It is arguable that no governor in modern Nigeria has given more young people, particularly those without a popular surname, a chance in administration than Sanwo-Olu.

    Upon taking office, Sanwo-Olu introduced the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda—a comprehensive plan addressing Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Entertainment and Tourism, Security, and Governance. Each pillar has seen significant progress, showcasing his focused approach to solving Lagos’s challenges.

    The COVID-19 pandemic early in his administration tested the governor’s leadership. As Nigeria’s epicentre of the virus, Lagos required a swift and effective response. Sanwo-Olu led efforts that included a robust containment strategy, later adopted nationwide. His administration also handled the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, with initiatives like the “Rebuild Lagos” plan, focusing on reconciliation and reconstruction.

    Sanwo-Olu’s tenure has been marked by ambitious infrastructure projects. Notable achievements include the completion of the Blue Line Rail and the initiation and completion of the Red Line Rail project. Road projects such as the Agege-Pen Cinema flyover and the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge have eased traffic congestion significantly. Additionally, the administration has completed 172 roads and initiated several others, including plans for the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

    Read Also: Reps fail to commence 2025 budget defence

    Through the EKOEXCEL program, Sanwo-Olu has redefined public primary education, gaining both local and international recognition. Investments in educational infrastructure include new classrooms, modern teaching tools, and capacity-building initiatives for teachers. The upgrade of Lagos State Polytechnic and the College of Education to universities further highlights his administration’s commitment to educational reform.

    Sanwo-Olu’s administration has also bolstered Lagos’s economy with projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport, as well as approvals for the Badagry Port and the Lekki International Airport. In housing, over 7,000 flats have been delivered, with more underway to meet the needs of the state’s growing population.

    Sanwo-Olu’s initiatives in agriculture include the Imota Rice Mill, promising job creation and food security. Programs like the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) and subsidized food markets have supported farmers and alleviated the effects of rising food costs.

    To enhance security, the state has invested in technology-driven initiatives, including a Command-and-Control Centre and expanded surveillance systems, ensuring safety in a bustling metropolis.

    His support for the creative industry, including the development of a Film City and the empowerment of over 3,000 youths in partnership with leading film academies, underscores his commitment to youth development. His focus on security and governance ensures that Lagos remains a safe, thriving metropolis, becoming a global hub for creativity and innovation.

    Beyond his role as a governor, Sanwo-Olu has been a pivotal figure in several election campaigns, demonstrating his political prowess as a strategist and unifier. He has successfully led numerous campaigns for the APC and its candidates, earning the respect of his peers and strengthening his political network. His leadership has consistently delivered victories, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and effective political leader. The recent Ondo electoral victory is a good example. In company of fellow governors like Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Dapo Abiodun  of Ogun, Father Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, Sanwo-Olu stood firm, going above and beyond to ensure the people of Ondo remained with the progressive camp. His ability to unite stakeholders and inspire grassroots mobilization has cemented his reputation as a political tactician.

    One thing is clear: Sanwo-Olu has carved a niche for himself, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria. He is now fondly called the Governor-General of the Southwest—not merely because he is the chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, but due to his transformative leadership, which has set a benchmark across the region.

    Truly, a Greater Lagos is rising, thanks to his hard work, standing on the shoulders of his predecessors, from Asiwaju Tinubu to Babatunde Fashola to Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The Lagos Island trader or the Victoria Island worker who lives in Festac Town or the Ojo Axis, and now rides the Blue Line in less than 30 minutes to Marina, will never deny the Sanwo-Olu effect. Neither would the young man in Agege, who can now sleep longer thanks to the new Red Line from Agege to CMS, forget the countless hours saved from sitting in traffic by the multimodal transport system.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure demonstrates the power of a clear vision combined with actionable plans. From infrastructure and education to security and economic development, his administration has left an indelible mark on Lagos State. As Lagos continues its journey toward becoming a model city in Africa, Sanwo-Olu’s contributions will be remembered as a testament to dedicated and visionary leadership. It’s no wonder he continues to garner accolades both at home and abroad for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Greater Lagos dream.

    Sanwo-Olu is leaving Lagos better than he met it, building a city for the future.

    •Hon. Israel, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), writes from Abuja.

  •  Sanwo-Olu’s CIBN Fellow investiture: A deserving honour

     Sanwo-Olu’s CIBN Fellow investiture: A deserving honour

    • By Obatunde Adekanye

    Prior to his public service career, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu had an illustrious career in the banking sector, where he rose to the pinnacle of his career. The professional discipline, and integrity that is the hallmark of the banking profession, reflects in his highly rewarding public service career spanning years.

    The Governor’s outstanding record of service, made him fit the bill for  the prestigious investiture as distinguished Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

    Aside from his strides as the Executive Governor of Lagos State, the investiture was a befitting recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to the banking and finance sector. As a seasoned professional whose career spans decades of excellence, innovation, and impactful leadership, Governor Sanwo-Olu epitomizes the values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence that the CIBN represents.

    This honour, conferred at the prestigious 59th Annual Bankers Dinner held in Lagos, not only highlights Sanwo-Olu’s stellar contributions to the financial sector but also celebrates his ongoing efforts to harness his expertise for the socio-economic transformation of Lagos State, and by extension Nigeria at large.

    A glimpse into the solid education background of the governor, adequately prepared him for this honour. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s journey to this milestone could also be attributed to his professional development in the financial services industry.  Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geo-Informatics and an MBA in Management from the University of Lagos, he began his career with a strong academic footing.

    He further enhanced his expertise with executive programs at world-renowned institutions, including the Harvard Kennedy School, London Business School, and Lagos Business School, equipping him with the tools and global perspective to navigate complex financial systems.

    This robust foundation laid the groundwork for his entry into the banking sector, where his career would flourish across some of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu’s professional journey in the banking industry is a testament to his exceptional ability to drive innovation, manage complex operations, and build enduring relationships. His roles in various financial institutions reflect his deep understanding of corporate banking, treasury management, and investment strategy.

    In addition, Governor Sanwo-Olu is a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors (IOD), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), and Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).

    Read Also: 2025 Budget: Fed govt to fund N13tn deficit through borrowing

    In 2003, his eventful career opened to yet another colorful chapter with his appointment, first as Special Adviser to the Deputy Governor on Corporate Matters; and later as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Corporate Matters in 2004.

    At 39, he was appointed acting Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget from 2004 to 2005, and became the substantive Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007 following his exceptional performance.  He would later serve as the commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions in 2007.

    During his tenure, Governor Sanwo-Olu authored an executable Civil Service Framework designed around the Human Capital Performance Index, which puts Lagos State civil servants among the highest and regularly paid in the country.

    His remarkable record of excellence in public service was also felt at theLagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), a contributory pension scheme, that he played a pivotal role in setting up.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu’s transition from the corporate world to public service underscores his versatility and commitment to leveraging his expertise for the greater good. His roles in the Lagos State government before becoming governor showcased his financial acumen and leadership capabilities.

    As Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, Sanwo-Olu spearheaded reforms to improve the transparency and efficiency of the state’s pension administration. He ensured the timely payment of pensions and laid a sustainable framework for the future, safeguarding the welfare of Lagos State’s workforce.

    In his capacity as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Sanwo-Olu championed policies that attracted investments and fostered entrepreneurship. His efforts were instrumental in positioning Lagos as a hub for economic activity, thereby boosting its status as Nigeria’s commercial capital.

    As Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Sanwo-Olu applied his financial expertise to urban development, overseeing affordable housing projects and public-private partnerships that addressed critical infrastructure needs in Lagos State.

    Little wonder he has performed creditably to the admiration of many Lagosians. He had garnered sufficient experience both at the public and private sectors. Since his election as Governor of Lagos State in 2019, Sanwo-Olu has applied his financial and managerial skills to the governance of Nigeria’s most populous state. His administration’s focus on fiscal prudence, revenue optimization, and infrastructure development reflects the hallmark of his career as an accomplished  professional whose watchword is excellence.

    Under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos State has achieved unprecedented growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). His administration’s adoption of digital revenue collection systems and innovative tax policies has strengthened the state’s fiscal position, enabling it to fund critical projects without over-reliance on federal allocations.

    Sanwo-Olu’s tenure as governor has seen a surge in public-private partnerships, a testament to his ability to attract investments. Landmark projects like the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (Blue Line) and the Lekki Deep Sea Port have become models of how strategic collaboration can drive development and economic competitiveness.

    From the construction of new road networks to the ongoing development of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Sanwo-Olu’s administration has prioritized infrastructure financing. These projects are backed by sound financial planning, ensuring long-term benefits for Lagos residents.

    The investiture by the CIBN added to the growing list of accolades that Governor Sanwo-Olu has received in recognition of his contributions to finance and governance. However, beyond the awards, his true legacy lies in the impact of his policies and initiatives on the lives of Lagosians and the Nigerian economy.

    His ability to bridge the gap between private-sector expertise and public-sector innovation has set a new benchmark for leadership. By leveraging his professional background, Sanwo-Olu has not only strengthened Lagos State’s economy but also inspired confidence in the potential of Nigerian professionals to drive meaningful change.

    •Obatunde Adekanye writes from Lagos State

  • Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges NYSC members to make positive impact

    Sanwo-Olu’s wife urges NYSC members to make positive impact

    Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in Lagos State to make positive impact for the growth of Lagos and Nigeria.

    She spoke yesterday during an interactive session with the Y2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members undergoing orientation at the NYSC Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said the NYSC scheme had fostered youth engagement and sustained the vision of its founding fathers, who believed in a united Nigeria despite the differences in language, culture and religion.

    She lauded the corps members for their resilience and patriotic spirit in serving the country, stressing that their commitment in enduring camping activities, following laid down rules and regulations guiding the orientation programme was commendable.

    “Your decision to serve Nigeria through this programme reflects your commitment towards making a positive impact in the society,” she said.

    Read Also: Ilupeju residents seek Sanwo-Olu’s, Ajala’s intervention on bad roads

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu seized the opportunity of the interactive session to enlighten corps members about programmes and interventions her office undertakes to improve the quality of life in Lagos State.

    Educating the youth corps members about her current project tagged: ‘War against Drug Abuse in Lagos State, the governor’s wife said drug abuse had assumed an alarming rate, noting that the project required public support in increasing the campaign messages and expanding its reach.

    NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, described the governor’s wife visit as a source of motivation and inspiration to the corps members serving their fatherland.

    She appreciated the state government for its efforts in ensuring issues concerning the scheme get top priority, reiterating that the programme will continually contribute to the development of the nation.