Sanwo-Olu Delivers Guest Lecture at Harvard University

Sanwo-Olu Delivers Guest Lecture at Harvard University

I had an amazing experience speaking at Harvard Business School as a guest in Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie’s course, “Understanding Africa: Business, Entrepreneurship, Political Economy and the Complexities of a Continent.” I presented on “Building the Future: Lagos State’s Infrastructure-Led Transformation,” which allowed me to share our ambitious vision for Lagos and the real progress we’re making in areas like transportation, housing, climate innovation, and industrial development. What truly made the session special was the engaging discussion with the brilliant students. Their insightful and thought-provoking questions, covering topics such as leadership, sustainable revenue generation, infrastructure renewal, and investment partnerships, showcased just how much interest there is in Africa’s urban transformation. Lagos is on the rise, not only in terms of growth but also in importance. We aim to be a shining example of how infrastructure can drive prosperity across the continent, and this reinforces that we’re heading in the right direction. Thank you, Harvard, for the warm hospitality and engaging conversation.

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Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Marwa, Pedro on Doctorate Awards

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), and former Deputy Governor of the State, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, for the Honorary Doctorate degrees conferred on them by the Lagos State University (LASU). Marwa, a former Military Administrator of Lagos State, was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa, while Otunba Pedro, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), received Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa during LASU’s 28th Convocation ceremony on Thursday. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the distinguished honourees are exemplary leaders who have left an indelible mark on Lagos State. He said the honours bestowed on Marwa and Pedro are well-deserved considering their roles in the development and growth of LASU, Lagos State and Nigeria in different capacities as public officers and their remarkable impact in their chosen professions. “Your wealth of experience, exemplary leadership, and innovative spirit serve as a beacon of inspiration and have earned you a place among the most revered individuals in our society. These honorary degrees serve as a testament to your unwavering commitment to positive change in the state and nation at large,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu said Marwa’s innovative and impactful programmes, such as “Operation 250 Roads” and “Operation Sweep”, spearheaded by him during his regime as the Military Administrator of Lagos State, greatly improved the state’s infrastructure and security. He said Pedro’s exceptional leadership and economic expertise significantly helped to boost Lagos State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), particularly during his tenure as the deputy to former Governor Bola Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.

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Tinubu at 73, a Rare Gift to Humanity, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a rare gift to humanity. He said President Tinubu at 73 deserves all the commendation for his contribution to politics, governance, economy and the development of Lagos State and now, Nigeria. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described President Tinubu as an enigmatic, tested and trusted politician and a democrat whose democratic credentials are materials for research in academic circles. He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the entire leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, I congratulate our leader and benefactor, President Bola Tinubu, on his 73rd birthday. “President Tinubu donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria in particular. He is passionate about the growth and development of the country. He is a democrat and an advocate of good governance, who always teams up with other pro-democracy groups and individuals for positive change and the development of Nigeria’s democracy. “He is undoubtedly the father of modern Lagos. His tenure as the first Governor in the present Fourth Republic changed the story of Lagos positively. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s financial engineering and economic intellect, which he put to good use as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, have taken our dear state to a greater height. Today, Lagos is the pride of Nigeria, occupying an enviable position as Africa’s second-largest city in economy, with a GDP of $259 billion. “President Tinubu is a detribalised Nigerian whose heart accommodates every section of the country. In his less than two years as President, he has delivered dividends of democracy and good governance in every part of Nigeria through his Renewed Hope Agenda. “Since assuming office, the President has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty, and courage in the task of nation building, steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction. He has provided honest and transparent leadership in Nigeria by taking bold and audacious decisions and implementing the right policies to address the country’s economic challenges. “As our leader turns 73, we pray that God will continue to give him strength, wisdom and good health to continue to serve and direct the affairs of our country towards political and economic prosperity.”

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Sanwo-Olu appoints PR Professional as Tourism’s new Perm Sec 

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture now has a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, following his swearing-in alongside seven other newly appointed Permanent Secretaries by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja.  His appointment is part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening public service leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of the THEMES Plus Agenda. With a dynamic arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving entertainment industry, Lagos is a leading hub for tourism and creative excellence and Bajuilaye’s appointment is expected to inject fresh energy and strategic direction into the Ministry, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as a premier cultural and tourism destination. With him coming on board, the Ministry is poised to deepen collaborations between the government, private sector stakeholders, and cultural practitioners to foster policies that attract investment, boost cultural tourism, and promote indigenous creativity. Bajulaiye brings a wealth of experience from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.  Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Home Affairs. A seasoned public relations professional, he is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a respected leader within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and transformation for the Ministry, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of tourism, arts, and culture in Nigeria and beyond.

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Sanwo-Olu gives contractor 12 months to complete 280-bed Ojo General Hospital

The pace of work on the General Hospital project being constructed in Ojo town in Lagos State may improve rapidly, given Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment to push the project to completion. The Governor, on Tuesday, gave a 12-month deadline to the contractor handling the project when he led an on-the-spot tour of the project site to assess the progress of the construction work. Besides, the Governor also flagged off the construction of 27-block shopping complex along LASU-Iyana Iba Road. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State cabinet, was received by Ojo residents led by their traditional leaders. Sited on 6.5 hectares along Lagos-Badagry corridor, the Ojo General Hospital is a 280-bed infrastructure being developed by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ramp up medical care in Lagos West Senatorial District. When completed, the multi-specialist hospital will be the biggest healthcare facility in the district, complementing other primary and secondary care facilities operating in the zone. The hospital borders Ojo military cantonment, Lagos State University and also Lagos Rail Mass Transit (BLUE LINE) infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the hospital was being developed to address inadequate medical facilities in the area, stressing that the infrastructure would bring about a new care experience for residents in the area. He said: “We have just taken a tour to see the construction work being carried out on this hospital project. Our word here is to encourage the contractor, who, we believe, is dealing with a big task, given the magnitude of the project. We will give the contractor all the support and encourage them to give their best. Whatever is to be done on our own part, we will fulfil our obligations. “Based on the pace of work, we are hoping the project should have been completed in the next 12 months, which means that the contractor should hand over the project by the end of the year. We will push everything to ensure that this task becomes a reality in the next 12 months. We extend our appreciation to stakeholders in the community for being part of this journey but we urge them to be patient while the construction continues.” Sanwo-Olu said when the project is completed, the hospital would be part of the infrastructure initiated by his administration to bring improvements to the Ojo area. Listing other ongoing projects in the area, the Governor noted that the hospital project had been sited in front of the Blue Line which will terminate at Okokomaiko. “There is a complete renewal of infrastructure in this axis, which shows that our Government is working to fulfil its promises to our residents in Ojo and Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said. Aside from the medical departments, the project is being developed with four blocks of Doctors’ residence. The semi-detached accommodation comprises eight units of three-bedroom apartment in each block, making a total of 64 apartments. Facilities in the main hospital building will include delivery theatre and wards, paediatrics, pharmacy, Oncology and Gynaecology, Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, surgical wards, dialysis centre, administrative unit, and outpatient department The ancillary facilities include morgue, central laboratory, equipment storage facility, laundry, bank, engineering department and parking lot. Turning the sod to flag off the construction of the Platinum Shopping Complex, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is an attempt to achieve regeneration not only to improve infrastructure but also to reclaim the aesthetic properties of the environment and improve people’s lifestyles. All the infrastructure projects being sited in this area are designed to improve the socio-economic power of our citizens in this corridor.” The shopping complex is being developed by Almera Global Investment Services — a private developer— in collaboration with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), and Ojo Local Government Areas. The project will be constructed in four phases. Each block will have 30 shops, resulting in a total of 1,500 shops.

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Sanwo-Olu to commission Old Ojo Road, three others

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to hand over yet another set of projects to Lagosians, with the formal commissioning of Old Ojo (Phase 1) Road in Oriade LCDA of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, on Tuesday. Also to be commissioned are three other roads Irede, Navy Town, and Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa)Roads, all in the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. The projects will be inaugurated on Tuesday 28th, January 2025. The formal handing over further attests to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the realization of the Transportation Pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda with the provision of roads as a critical infrastructure that will support economic activities. Irede, Navy Town, Mumuni Adio (Buba Marwa), and Old Ojo (Phase 1) Roads provide a link to both the Lagos Blue Line Rail on the Lagos Badagry Expressway and the Water component of the multi-modal transportation initiative with many jetties along the axis. The 10.1km newly reconstructed roads connect the rail component on the Lagos Badagry Expressway to the Inland Waterways terminal with major linkages to residential and commercial areas. Irede Road is a 2.20km road off the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and terminates at the Irede Jetty for water transportation to the riverine communities of Ibasa, Ibeshe, Ilashe, and Imoore in Amuwo OdofinLocal Government Area. Mumuni Adio Road serves as the major arterial that provides access from and into Tank Farms and Industries in Ijegun Egba, a major petroleum products depot within the corridor, was constructed as a semi-urban road about 40 years ago. Navy Town Road leads to Ijegun Imoren Jetty and also connects the Old Ojo Road to Central Bank Estate, Training School, and Navy Town. First constructed in the early Sixties (1960s), the Old Ojo Road was a Single-carriageway with dilapidated pavement with an average width of 10m and ineffective drains. Given the strategic economic importance of these roads, the administration of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, approved their rehabilitation and upgrade to a standard that will stand the test of time Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration will continue to upgrade old roads and build new ones for the benefit of residents in fulfilment of his promise to Lagosians.

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Lagos reaffirms strong ties with India at Republic Day Celebration

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to strengthening the long-standing economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and India. Mr. Governor stated this in his goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin at the India Republic Day celebration held recently in Lagos. He commended the Indian business community for its significant contributions to Lagos’ economy, adding that Indian companies, with many headquartered in Lagos, remain some of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria after the Federal Government. Sanwo-Olu stated that their involvement in sectors such as manufacturing, retailing of consumer goods, construction, and air services has solidified India’s position as a major player in the Nigerian economy. “Our administration is committed to further enhancing this mutually beneficial economic partnership. We will continue to promote and provide an enabling environment for investment, trade, and economic development”, he assured. Beyond economic cooperation, Mr. Governor highlighted the robust cultural exchange between Nigeria and India. He applauded the influence of Indian culture in Nigeria, particularly through Bollywood cinema, music, and cuisine. While noting the growing appreciation of Nigerian arts, music, and literature in India, he described this cultural synergy as fostering greater understanding and stronger people-to-people connections between the two nations while praising the Consulate of India in Lagos for its efforts in promoting cultural exchanges and bilateral relations. “The potential for further collaboration between Nigeria and India is immense. We must continue to work together in areas such as agriculture, technology, renewable energy, education, and health care to address shared challenges and achieve common goals. By strengthening our partnership, we can create a brighter future for our citizens and contribute to a more prosperous and stable world,” Sanwo-Olu said. The Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Chandramouli Kumar Khan and the entire Indian community in Lagos on India’s Republic Day. He expressed optimism for a brighter and more inclusive future for both Lagos State and India.

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Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.

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