Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

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Sanwo-Olu endorses Hamzat for APC guber ticket, no competition in sight

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yes-terday, endorsed his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Lagos, even as no other indi-vidual  has openly indicated any desire to compete for coveted position ahead of the party primary.

Interestingly, it was the first time since the return to civil rule in 1999, that a sitting governor of Lagos State would endorse his deputy to succeed him.

The development also signalled continuity in the re-al sense, but more than anything else, it appeared the result of the work chemistry between the two, which had seen them cooperate seamlessly in the last seven and half years.

Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement followed series of consultations  by Hamzat, who recently met with the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former Minister of Finance, Olawale Edun; and the Senator for Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru.

Before meeting with the trio separately two days ago, Hamzat had also met with the leaders of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), including its chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi; Alhaji Busura Alebiosu as well as traditional rulers in the state.

But the meeting with Sanwo-Olu, seemed like a grand finale of sort, an event expected to be capped soon by President Bola Tinubu before the official affirmation at the proposed APC primary elections in the coming days.

Sanwo-Olu, who received Hamzat and members of the GAC in consultation visit, openly threw his weight behind his deputy’s aspiration to run for governor.

The consultation meeting came immediately after the State’s Executive Council meeting at the State House, Marina, where members of the cabinet and APC leaders in Lagos Central joined the governor to receive Hamzat’s entourage.

The governor and his deputy shared an emotional moment, reflecting on their political journey over the past seven years and how their paths had crossed during their public service experience under the tutelage of President Tinubu.

Sanwo-Olu recalled that he and Hamzat used to sit next to each other in ex-governor Babatunde Fashola’s cabinet, recollecting that no cabinet memo would scale through without their input and two others sitting in their row.

“Mr. Deputy Governor has created a personal relationship with me since way back before we’re joined together on a ticket. His family and my family have been close; our relationship was built on mutual respect, trust and dignity,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said when he picked his governorship eight years ago, he never severed his relationship with Hamzat, who picked his own governorship form two days earlier.

The governor recalled how both of them forged a merger and ran on a joint ticket. After their 2019 electoral victory, Sanwo-Olu famously said Lagosians were getting price of two for one, referring to his deputy as a potential Governor.

“After the merger meeting, our father and leader, who today is ordained by God to be President of Nigeria, told both of us that he saw 16 years journey for Lagos.

“A lot of governors always look for weak deputies, but that was not for me. From day one in my governorship journey, I wanted the best partner to join the journey to build Greater Lagos.

“There was no meeting I could have attended that Mr. Deputy Governor is not fit and proper to attend. He possesses the skills, temperament and temerity to attend.

“Some of my governor colleagues privately confided in me, saying ‘your Deputy is highly intelligent’ after noticing the intellectual skills Dr. Hamzat brought to discussions at NGF level.

“For this, we will continue to be indebted to our leader and father, Mr. President, the man who God continues to use to shape the political trajectory and destiny of Lagos. People said we have turned Lagos to irreversible construction site since Asiwaju’s era.

“If a competent man like Dr. Hamzat comes in, he will hit the ground running immediately. We are not going to hand over Lagos to charlatans, who are coming to test their luck. Dr. Hamzat is tried and tested; he knows every nook and cranny of Lagos. Mr Deputy is the best man for the job.”

Reflecting on their relationship, Hamzat said: “By some stroke of coincidence, it was (Governor) Sanwo-Olu who took me round the Ministries when I was first appointed as Commissioner in 2005 by our father and leader, President Tinubu, who was then the Governor of Lagos State.

“I had never met Governor Sanwo-Olu before my appointment into the government. I never knew our relationship would grow to this extent.

“Most people refer to deputy governors as spare tyres. Deputising Governor Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years, I have never felt or been treated as a spare tyre.

“The Governor did well in carrying me along as a partner on this journey to build Greater Lagos. The governor passionately loves Lagos and always fights for the state at every level, to the extent that other governors are jealous of Lagos.

“Lagos is very important to the well-being of our country. God forbid, if anything happens to Lagos, this country will collapse. We must not allow Lagos to be drawn back from the progressive path it has been taken.

“Mr. Governor has worked assiduously to ensure that Lagos continues to progress. Therefore, the progress needs to be sustained.

“One of the things that has fundamentally stabilised the growth of Lagos is the rancour-free succession process adopted by our progressive party.

“As Lagosians, we must be ready to fight any battle and endure any hardship to protect this state from people who don’t mean well. This is my pledge to our leaders and party faithful.”

He said the experience and knowledge he had garnered deputising Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years could not be quantified, thanking the governor for allowing him to function in the position as a partner.

After the meeting, Sanwo-Olu and others present, presented Hamzat to the State House correspondents in a unanimous pledge to support his aspiration. (ThisDay)

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Sanwo-Olu swears in seven permanent secretaries, inaugurates Health Service Commission

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday swore in seven new permanent secretaries and inaugurated the chairman and members of the Lagos State Health Service Commission. He charged the appointees to uphold professionalism, accountability and efficient service delivery.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Ikeja, is part of efforts by the administration to strengthen the state’s public service and improve governance across key sectors.

According to a post on X by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor urged the newly appointed officials to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility and public trust.

The new permanent secretaries are Adeyemi Adetunji Adesanya, Ministry of Urban Development; Durodola Olusola Bukonla, Local Government Service Commission; Oladeji Oluwatoyin Olubunmi, Cabinet Office; and Sorungbe Tiwalade Adeyinka, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Others are Olukareh Bolanle Monica, Office of Works; Oluwo Adenike Oluwafunmilayo, Health District II; and Martins Babajide Olumuyiwa, Bureau of Public Defender.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the appointments were aimed at reinforcing governance structures and improving service delivery, particularly in critical sectors such as health, infrastructure and public administration.

He urged the permanent secretaries to bring competence, diligence and integrity to their roles, noting that the effectiveness of the public service remains central to the state government’s development agenda.

In addition to the appointments, the governor inaugurated the Lagos State Health Service Commission, with Olukayode Oguntimehin as chairman.

Other members of the commission are Olusegun Ogboye, Omolaja Odushola Odunuga, Moyosore Wuraola Adejumo and Ololade Omolayo Fadipe.

The governor said the commission has a strategic role in strengthening the state’s health system and ensuring quality service delivery across public health institutions.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a responsive and efficient public service capable of meeting the demands of Lagos’ growing population.

The appointments come amid ongoing efforts by the Sanwo-Olu administration to deepen institutional reforms and improve performance across ministries, departments and agencies. (PremiumTimes)

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Sanwo-Olu pledges N200m as autistic teen sets world cycling record

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday announced a N200 million support package for autism advocacy and caregiver development, as 16-year-old autistic cyclist Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke added another Guinness World Record to his achievements.

The announcement was made at Lagos House, Marina, during an event marking World Autism Awareness Day 2026.

Kanyeyachukwu was celebrated for completing a long-distance cycling journey that began in Enugu on March 14.

Sanwo-Olu said N100m would go to autism-focused organisations under the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, while the remaining N100m would support the Kanyeyachukwu Foundation.

“I will give N100 million to all autism-focused groups under LASODA and an additional N100 million from the Lagos State Government to the foundation. This is not just about one child. It is about using this platform to touch many others who do not have the same opportunity.

“We must train and develop real caregivers with the knowledge and skills required to support our children with special needs. Once we do that, half of the problem is solved,” the governor added.

He described the funds as initial support to strengthen advocacy, expand care access and train professional caregivers.

During the event, a Guinness World Records representative certified Kanyeyachukwu as the youngest person to cycle 100 miles, adding to his record last year for the largest painting on canvas unveiled in Abuja.

Sanwo-Olu commended the teenager for changing perceptions of autism.

“Your advocacy has helped many people to see autism not as a limitation, but as a different way of expressing and contributing to our world,” he said.

Kanyeyachukwu’s father, Tagbo Okeke, said the cycling journey passed through multiple states over 15 to 16 days without incident.

He thanked the government and other supporters for guidance and safety measures.

LASODA General Manager, Adenike Oyetunde, said the event highlighted the state’s commitment to inclusivity and improving the lives of people with autism.

“Impossibility is truly a myth. Our core responsibility is to protect the interests and needs of persons with disabilities. We strive to ensure Lagos State is truly inclusive, and our goal is to ensure that the lives of people with autism are optimised,” she said. (Punch)

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Sanwo-Olu mourns Henry Nwosu, describes death as great loss

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the passing of former Green Eagles midfielder and youngest member of the 1980 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, Henry Nwosu, as a great loss to the country.

Nwosu passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 62. The news of his passing was announced by Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami on his social media platforms.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, mourned the loss of Nwosu and extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nwosu family, the Imo State Government, and the Nigerian Football Federation.

He said: “The death of Henry Nwosu is a painful loss to the country, particularly football lovers, because we lost a patriot, legend, and national icon. He made Nigeria proud by winning the African Nations Cup in 1980 for the country.

“Henry Nwosu served the nation passionately and made the country proud by working tirelessly with other members of the Green Eagles to secure Nigeria’s first continental title on home soil.

“He was the youngest member of the 1980 AFCON squad, widely celebrated for his role in Nigeria’s triumph at the tournament. He was a talented midfielder known for his creativity and technical ability.

“Henry Nwosu was passionate about sports, particularly football. He made positive impacts while playing for the national team and later became a prominent figure in Nigerian domestic football.

“Henry Nwosu will be sorely missed. I pray for eternal peace for the deceased, and that God will grant the family, friends, Imo State Government, and football fans the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.” (Channels)

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Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday paid glowing tributes to former Osun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande.

Chief Akande, who clocked 87 on Friday, received birthday greetings from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ife Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rotimi Makinde, among others.

President Tinubu and Akume described Akande as a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

They spoke at the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Akande held in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, where they praised his lifelong commitment to democratic ideals, principled leadership and selfless service to the nation, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s political development remain enduring and invaluable.

Tinubu’s goodwill message was delivered by Senator Akume at the ceremony.

In the message, the President described Akande as a mentor whose wisdom and counsel have guided generations of political leaders through difficult moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, he said the nation owes the elder statesman a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices and steadfast belief in democratic governance, praying for continued good health, strength and peace for him.

President Tinubu also expressed confidence that Akande’s legacy of integrity and patriotism would continue to illuminate Nigeria’s path towards unity, stability and progress.

In his personal goodwill message, Akume described Chief Akande as an embodiment of courage, humility and unwavering commitment to democratic values, noting that his service to the nation has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.

Recalling their political collaboration, Akume said they jointly launched a deliberate strategy aimed at dismantling the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West. (Nation)

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Tinubu congratulates Rema, Burna Boy, others as Nigeria shines at 9th AFRIMA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who won awards at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), saying their success shows that Nigeria’s creative industry continues to gain global recognition.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the President praised the winners for making the country proud on the continental stage.

“I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry,” Tinubu said.

The President added that the artistes did more than win trophies, stressing that, “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond.”

Nigerian artistes dominated the awards ceremony, which held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos, the official host city designated by the African Union Commission. Rema won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African RnB and Soul. Burna Boy clinched Album of the Year. Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno emerged Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste, Yemi Alade secured Best Soundtrack, while Chella won African Fans’ Favourite. Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award.

Tinubu said the achievements of the artistes reflected years of consistency and hard work, adding that Nigerian music has become “a strong voice for the country across Africa and beyond.” He noted that platforms such as AFRIMA continue to create opportunities for African talents to shine globally.

He also commended Lagos State for hosting the event, describing the state as Africa’s creative capital. “I commend Lagos State for once again proving its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he said.

The President further assured that his administration would continue to support the creative industry, saying it has the potential to drive economic growth and job creation. “Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote our culture and empower our creative talents. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” Tinubu added.

AFRIMA, founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform. The 9th edition recorded participation from more than 1,216 artistes, delegates and stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.

Activities for the 2026 edition began on January 7 with a Welcome Soiree at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Events continued with the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, which attracted over 20,000 fans and featured performances from more than 25 top artistes, before ending with a sold-out grand finale where winners received the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy. (Guardian)

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Tinubu, Mark, Sanwo-Olu, Ododo, Idris mourn Mohammed, Newswatch co-founder

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, joined prominent Nigerians to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, who died on Monday night.

Other Nigerians who also mourned the deceased included former Senate President, David Mark; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Kogi State counterpart, Usman Ododo; the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Mohammed, alongside late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, founded Newswatch Magazine in 1984, inspiring the era of fearless investigative journalism in Nigeria during the military era.

Mohammed served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University. He was also Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers (1976-1980), Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord (1980-1984) before the founding of Newswatch.

The president, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association, and other media institutions, public and private, where the late Mohammed had provided leadership.

Tinubu affirmed that Mohammed’s career in journalism, spanning over 50 years, was devoted to nation-building, with the journalist placing his life on the line to tell the truth to power.

He noted the dedication of Mohammed, whom he called a personal friend, and his colleagues in sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch Magazine after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, further confirming their resolve and courage in pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Tinubu believed that Mohammed’s publication of his memoirs, “Beyond Expectations,” in November 2025, provided an opportunity for soul-searching and deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the role of journalists.

He prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. (ThisDay)

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Ikorodu school collapse: Sanwo-Olu orders relocation of pupils

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the relocation of pupils from Odokekere High School in Ikorodu to nearby schools following the collapse of a classroom block during lectures on Thursday.

While no casualties were reported, students who sustained minor injuries are said to be in perfect condition. The relocation order aims to prevent disruption to the pupils’ academic activities.

The Lagos State Government and the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) expressed regret over the incident.

A source from the SCRPS office revealed that the collapsed classroom block had already been marked for demolition to make way for a new classroom building designed to accommodate the school’s large student population.

The chairman of SCRPS, Hakeem Smith, who led a spot assessment of the site, confirmed to The Guardian that work will begin immediately on constructing an ultra-modern classroom block. He promised to provide further information on the development.

A statement from SCRPS read: “Lagos State Government and Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) received with shock the sad news of the bungalow classroom block which collapsed at Odokekere High School in Ikorodu, Lagos.

“The state government regrets the unfortunate incident. However, we also wish to state that no casualties were recorded in the building collapse. All of our students are in perfect condition.”

The incident has reignited concerns about the state of public schools in Lagos State.

Despite SCRPS’s significant work in building and upgrading school infrastructure in recent years, many believe more needs to be done to improve existing facilities. (Guardian)

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Tinubu joins Lagos Eyo parade as festival honours four legends

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, joined thousands of Lagos residents and cultural enthusiasts at the grand finale of the 2025 Eyo Festival in Lagos, marking the return of the iconic cultural parade after an eight-year hiatus.

According to a statement issued by the Special Advider to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the colourful event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, featured the President dressed in the traditional white robe, damask sash and distinctive hat associated with Eyo masqueraders.

The President also carried the customary opambata staff during the procession after it was presented to him in his Lagos residence on December 21.

The statement noted that this year’s festival honoured four eminent Lagos figures—former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson; former Governors Lateef Kayode Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola; and the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, former Iyaloja-General and mother of President Tinubu, breaking from the traditional practice of recognising one or three honourees.

In a message sent to organisers, Tinubu described the celebration as “a great rekindling of our culture,” saying the festival underscores the richness of Lagos traditions and the achievements of distinguished Nigerians.

He added that the timing of the festival, coinciding with the festive travel season, highlights the tourism potential of Nigerian cultural heritage.

“The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians,” he said.

The President added that all the honorees deserved the recognition.

He said, “They were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence, and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence”.

The President also noted the festival’s timing, which coincides with Detty December, a period when Lagos welcomes thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors.

“It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country,” he said.

The President encouraged all revellers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.

In his remark, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the festival represented a “homecoming” for the President and marked a significant moment in the preservation of Yoruba heritage.

“What we’re celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son, our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a history of the cultural heritage of Lagos. “Mr President, it is not just a coincidence; it is history in your lifetime that is being put in place today. “We honour you, give God the glory for your life, and we are indeed excited that God Almighty can bring you and most of your people to come and celebrate the best of the cultural heritage of Lagos,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their exemplary leadership in reviving the festival.

“Today, we gather on this historic ground at the Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adamu Orisha Play.

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience, and unbroken connection to our history.

“The Eyo Festival is far more than a pageantry. It is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, a symbol of purity and the communal strength of Lagos,” he said.

The governor assured his audience that his administration will continue to advance the state’s socio-economic trajectory without abandoning its cultural roots.

He said his administration will maximise the festival’s potential as it projects Lagos onto the global stage. (Punch)

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Sanwo-Olu commiserate with victims of GNI building inferno

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with the victims affected by the tragic fire incident that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu conveyed his message in a Thursday statement posted on his official X handle following his visit to the scene of the inferno.

Sanwo-Olu wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the fire incident that occurred yesterday at the Great Nigeria House. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy.

“I went to Balogun today for an on-the-spot assessment to better understand the situation. No written report can truly reflect the pain or the full extent of this loss.”

He added, “I want to thank our firefighters, emergency responders, and all the agencies that worked tirelessly through the night to bring the fire under control. Their courage and dedication saved lives and prevented the damage from spreading further.”

“We will continue to assess the situation and provide support to those who have been impacted. Lagos has always shown strength in difficult moments, and I believe we will get through this together,” he expressed. (TVCNews)