Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

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Sanwo-Olu, Otti, Kefas mourn Buhari, recount legacy

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Alex Otti of Abia, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba have expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.

In a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Buhari as a transparent, courageous and honest leader who dedicated his life to Nigeria’s growth.

“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the people and government of Lagos State, I mourn the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, one of Nigeria’s most prominent military and political leaders.

“He was a courageous, disciplined, respected and passionate leader.

“His commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation because he provided honest and transparent leadership in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor recalled Buhari’s long record of service, noting that he served as Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Head of State, and ultimately President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“He sacrificed the greater part of his life in the service of our dear country… and served passionately,” he said.

He extended condolences to Buhari’s family, President Bola Tinubu, members of the All Progressives Congress, and the people of Katsina State.

In Taraba, Kefas also paid tribute, describing Buhari’s death as a monumental national loss.

A statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, noted Buhari’s lifelong dedication to public service, national unity, and the anti-corruption fight.

“Taraba State joins the rest of the country in mourning a leader who, despite criticisms, remained steadfast in his convictions and love for Nigeria,” the statement said.

Kefas praised Buhari’s austere lifestyle, discipline, and devotion to integrity and national security, urging Nigerians to uphold his legacy through unity and selfless service.

Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said he received the news of the former president’s death with sadness.

Otti extended condolences to the Federal Government, Tinubu, and the family of the deceased.

“Governor Otti, on behalf of his family and the good people of Abia State enjoins the ex-President’s family and loved ones to bear his demise with fortitude, while praying that God grants his soul eternal repose,” the statement read.

(Punch)

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Sanwo-Olu to make Lagos global economic powerhouse, says commissioner

The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, on Monday, said that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to making the state a globally competitive economic powerhouse.

Speaking during a press briefing to announce the kick off of the Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 and Africa Social Impact Summit, (ASIS) 2025, on Monday, Ambrose said the theme of the two-day event slated for July 10 and 11, 2025 is “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions Towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”

She added that the theme was derived from the general theme of the Africa Social Impact Summit: “Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for Climate Resilience and Policy Innovation.”

“The theme of the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 reflects our unwavering commitment to building a globally competitive economic powerhouse. We are shifting from dialogue to delivery, from potential to performance, and from planning to implementation.

“The Lagos Investors Summit 2.0 is more than a meeting; it is a platform for actionable collaboration. It will bring together visionary investors, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and global stakeholders to explore bold solutions that will drive infrastructure expansion, unlock financing, deepen enterprise growth, and power digital innovation – all towards making Lagos A 21st-century Economy.

“The Summit will run from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a networking where delegates can forge meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of our economy. A key feature of the Summit is the Deal Rooms, where the state’s investment potential would be pitched to potential investors.

“This is expected to be anchored by political heads in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other senior government representatives.

“This summit comes at a pivotal time as Lagos continues to lead the way in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting investment, harnessing talent, and building infrastructure that supports inclusive prosperity. Key sectors to watch out for include civil infrastructure, transportation, technology, green energy, creative economy, real estate, blue economy, and agribusiness.

“The deal rooms would facilitate one-on-one and matchmaking sessions for serious investors, in addition to interaction with government officials, global investors, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), multilateral organisations, and business executives.

“Let me take this opportunity to invite investors, partners, and stakeholders – both local and international – to be part of this transformative moment. Lagos is open for business, and this Summit will spotlight the unparalleled opportunities that lie within our borders, particularly as Lagos is a hub for smart city solutions, digital infrastructure, and fintech.”

Ambrose was optimistic that the Lagos Investment Summit 2.0 would lead to the African Social Impact Summit, ASIS co-convened by Sterling One Foundation and United Nations in collaboration with Sterling Bank and Lagos State Government.

“The Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) is a multi-sectoral platform dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and across Africa.

“The two-day summit has the objectives to establish a collaborative framework among the public/private sectors and the development community to create measurable impact through influence and advocacy; provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas, thereby facilitating the scaling of outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda; while stimulating increased involvement of stakeholders across public and private sectors in developing policies to aid the speedy achievement of the SDGs and provide support for Africa’s new action plan.”

She added that the Summit is Africa’s premium platform for accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ambrose further stated that this year’s edition focuses on strengthening sub-national development, rethinking financial flows, and addressing structural inequalities through long-term investment and reform.

“The essence is to drive conversations on inclusive growth, Environment, Sustainability and Governance – ESG, climate resilience, health equity, education, youth empowerment, and social enterprises.

“As an event pivotal to spotlighting SDG progress and gaps across Africa, ASIS 2025 will promote partnerships, collaborations between governments, NGOs, development agencies, investors, and private sector to scale social impact.

“The ASIS, which will feature high-level speakers, panel discussions and more, provides an avenue for leaders from various sectors to engage in practical and transformative efforts to address Africa’s most urgent challenges related to the SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063.” (Guardian)

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Sanwo-Olu unveils two major roads in Alimosho, Agege

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, inaugurated two major road projects in Alimosho and Agege.

The governor inaugurated the newly rehabilitated and dualised 3.86-kilometre Abaranje Road in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA.

He also inaugurated the 1.8-kilometre Dopemu Road in Agege Local Government Area, which was renamed as ‘Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road’ in his honour.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu stated that the Abaranje project, which commenced 20 months ago, was designed to eliminate perennial flooding, enhance connectivity, and reduce travel time for commuters.

“The reconstruction of this famous Abaranje Road is a testament to our determination to bring relief to residents and road users on this axis.

“This project is more than a road expansion and reconstruction; it is a life-changing experience for our citizens living on this road.

“The means of livelihoods lost due to the deplorable condition of the road have now been restored,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor noted that the dualised road, now fitted with reinforced concrete interlocking pavement, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and solar-powered streetlights, marks a milestone in the state’s transport infrastructure upgrade under his administration.

“Alimosho has reaped a lot of democracy dividends from our government. We have handed over strategic roads in this council to combat heavy traffic congestion.

“This is another critical intervention that is supporting our efforts towards tackling congestion.

“Aside from fostering connectivity, this infrastructure will galvanise the local economy and improve quality of life,” he added.

It was stated that before its rehabilitation, Abaranje Road was narrow, riddled with failed sections, and prone to erosion, conditions that made it a nightmare for road users and residents.

The governor was joined at the commissioning by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat; members of the state executive council; and community leaders.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected the Ikotun Roundabout, a gridlock point in Alimosho, where he proposed the construction of a flyover to ease traffic congestion.

“Ikotun Roundabout is a critical intersection we are working on, and it is part of the road projects we want to take on in Alimosho.

“There are traffic issues and street trading issues that are resulting in congestion in the area.

“The issues are complex, but it is for us to move in and solve the problems.

“We have done extensive assessment of how best to proceed on the project,” the governor said.

He assured residents that more projects would be delivered in the area.

“I want to assure you that this is not going to be the last stop in Alimosho Projects commissioning will be a continuous exercise for us in this area.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every part of the state is not left untouched.

“I want to emphasise that our vision is to leave behind a world-class infrastructure that will last for decades,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the roads would reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and improve safety for all road users.

“The successful construction of these roads demonstrates this administration’s commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps and improving the lives of Lagosians,” Daramola said.

Also speaking, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, expressed gratitude to the governor for responding to the community’s call for development.

“This road will open up access to more communities and bring progress to the people,” the monarch said. (Punch)

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Fuel station fire didn’t start from my house – Lagos landlady

A Lagos landlady, Mrs. Gloria Unazoi, has stated that the recent fire recorded at a fuel station located on Old Akute Road in the Obawole area of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State did not start from her building.

Unazoi said this in a letter dated June 26, 2025, and made available to PUNCH Online on Monday.

The letter, signed by her lawyers, Bodunde Bankole and Co through Adedapo Adepegba, was reacting to an earlier story that quoted the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, as saying that, “Our people are on the ground; it seems the fire started from a building behind the filling station.”

But Unazoi said her building is the one behind the filling station, and the fire did not start from there.

The letter read, “We can categorically state and prove that the fire did not start from the building behind the filling station, which is our client’s building.

“The fire started as a result of the mishandling of the process of discharging premium motor spirit from the tanker into the underground tank at the filling station.

“When a similar incident happened in 2023, on the instruction of our client, we wrote to the owner of the filling station to put in place enough safeguards that would minimise the effects of a possible fire outbreak, if not outright prevention.

“The said owner failed, neglected, and refused to do so. It was his refusal, failure, and neglect that caused the fire incident and not any fault of our client or her tenant in the building, who have suffered extensive damage to their belongings.”

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at about 4 pm on…, after a sudden blast rocked the facility, attracting passers-by and residents around K Farms Estate in the council area.

Residents alleged that the inferno started from the underground fuel tanks before spreading to other parts of the station, which prompted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to barricade the entrance to prevent human interference in the rescue operations.

Spokesperson for the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Shakiru Amodu, said that the inferno was immediately curtailed from spreading to adjoining property. (Punch)

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Lagos political storm clears as Tinubu forgives Sanwo-Olu in GAC-brokered truce

The political storm cloud hanging over Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was swept away yesterday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave him a public endorsement, dispelling lingering speculations of a rift between them.

At a high-stakes reconciliation meeting held at the President’s private residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu, long regarded as Sanwo-Olu’s political mentor and benefactor, reportedly declared: “All is over. There is no need to beat around the bush or go into unnecessary talk. Continue with your work.”

The remarks were made before key members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, led by its chairman, Tajudeen Olusi. The council had accompanied Sanwo-Olu to plead for forgiveness and reaffirm political loyalty.

This dramatic intervention followed days of swirling rumours and public tension. Since Tinubu’s arrival in Lagos last week, Sanwo-Olu had been visibly sidelined from major public engagements. The situation reached a climax when Tinubu appeared to snub the governor by refusing a handshake during a public event, an act that set off a firestorm of speculations over a fallout ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources told The Guardian that the reconciliation meeting was facilitated after behind-the-scenes efforts by influential GAC members, who were alarmed by the escalating political drama. Olusi, in particular, was said to have appealed to Tinubu to forgive the governor, acknowledging that the President had been visibly unhappy with certain developments in Lagos.

Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Olusi, reportedly told the President: “We know you are not pleased with some of us, especially the governor. We ask for mercy.”

In response, Tinubu, according to multiple sources present at the meeting, said: “It’s all over now. All is forgiven.”

The President also told Sanwo-Olu and the GAC members to go ahead with the planned local government elections scheduled to be held on July 12, saying, “I am too busy for council matters. Go ahead and ensure the right thing is done. Give fair opportunities to everyone.”

At that moment, Sanwo-Olu and members of the council were said to have prostrated before the President in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation and loyalty.

Though neither Sanwo-Olu nor Tinubu publicly confirmed a dispute, APC insiders at national, zonal, and state levels had hinted at growing friction. Sources cited Sanwo-Olu’s alleged attempts to assert greater independence by marginalising Tinubu loyalists within the state’s political structure. (Guardian)