His Excellence Sir Babajide Sanwo-Olu: 15th Governor of Lagos State and Reform-Driven Leader
His Excellence Sir Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, born on 25 June 1965, is the 15th Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He assumed office on 29 May 2019, succeeding His Excellence Sir Akinwunmi Ambode after winning the 2019 gubernatorial election with more than 76% of the votes, and was re-elected in 2023.
Early Life and Education
His Excellence Sir Sanwo-Olu was born and raised in Lagos, where he attended primary and secondary schools before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geo-Informatics from the University of Lagos. He later obtained an MBA in Management from the same university and sharpened his leadership skills through executive programmes at world-class institutions including the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, London Business School, and Lagos Business School.
Private Sector Career
Before entering politics, His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu built a strong career in banking and finance. He worked with major institutions such as United Bank for Africa (UBA) and First Inland Bank (now FCMB), where he rose to General Manager/Head of the Foreign Money Market. His background in finance and risk management shaped the technocratic, data-driven approach that has become a hallmark of his governance.
Entry into Public Service
His Excellence Sir Governor sanwo-Olu’s first major political appointment came under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he served as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the Deputy Governor. He later became Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, and subsequently Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
He also served as Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC), where he supervised major housing projects and urban renewal initiatives, experience that proved critical for his later urban development policies.
2019 Gubernatorial Victory
In 2018, the APC selected His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu as its candidate for the Lagos State gubernatorial race. Backed by powerful political figures in the state, he won the 9 March 2019 election with over 739,000 votes (about 76.6%), defeating Jimi Agbaje of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This victory made him the 15th Governor of Lagos State—a count that includes both military and civilian administrators.
Governance and the THEMES Agenda
His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu unveiled the THEMES Agenda, an acronym for:
Traffic Management and Transportation
Health and Environment
Education and Technology
Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy
Entertainment and Tourism
Security and Governance
Infrastructure and Transport
His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu has prioritized infrastructure renewal, including the expansion of road networks and the Lagos Blue Line Rail Project, a long-awaited urban rail system designed to reduce traffic congestion.
Health and Environment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagos—Nigeria’s epicenter—led the country’s response. Sanwo-Olu’s government established isolation centers, testing facilities, and emergency operations, earning national and international recognition for swift action.
Technology and Economy
His administration has worked to position Lagos as West Africa’s tech hub, promoting policies that encourage startups, innovation, and improved ease of doing business.
2023 Re-election
His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu was re-elected in March 2023, defeating Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party and Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran of the PDP. According to INEC, he secured over 762,000 votes, reaffirming his position as a leading APC governor and allowing him to continue his urban modernization agenda.
Legacy and Impact
His Excellence Sir Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership reflects a blend of technocratic expertise and political acumen. His policies have shaped Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial capital—into a growing global megacity, while his focus on transportation, health, and technology continues to define his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most reform-driven contemporary leaders.
Sources
Lagos State Government – Official records of governance and policy initiatives
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