Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born June 25, 1965) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria's most populous and economically significant state. He is recognized for his extensive career in public administration and his continued efforts in implementing infrastructure and social development projects within Lagos. Early Life and Education Babajide Sanwo-Olu briefly attended Government Demonstration School, Gbaja Surulere, before completing his secondary education at Ijebu-Ife Grammar School, Ogun State. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Surveying and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the London Business School, and the Lagos Business School. Career Progression and Political Ascendancy Sanwo-Olu's professional career began in the banking sector, where he held significant positions, including Treasurer at Lead Merchant Bank and Head of Treasury at the United Bank for Africa (UBA). His public service career started in 2003 when he was appointed Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then-Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He subsequently held several cabinet positions, including Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry. In 2007, he was appointed Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions by Governor Babatunde Fashola. Before running for governor, he served as the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). In 2019, Sanwo-Olu was elected as the 15th Governor of Lagos State, succeeding Akinwunmi Ambode. He was re-elected for a second term in 2023. Major Achievements and Notable Works Sanwo-Olu's administration operates on the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance). His notable achievements include significant investments in infrastructure development, such as the commencement and completion of key rail projects aimed at easing the state's persistent traffic challenges. He has also been lauded for his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to technology-driven solutions for public services. Current Status Babajide Sanwo-Olu is currently serving his second term as the Governor of Lagos State. In 2026, he signed the state's N4.4 trillion appropriation bill, tagged the "Budget of Shared Prosperity," into law. His administration remains focused on urban development and public safety, including the controversial demolition of illegal structures in waterfront communities like Makoko to safeguard lives and property from hazards such as proximity to high-tension wires and encroachment on critical infrastructure.