Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born June 25, 1965) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria. A prominent figure in Nigeria's political and economic landscape, he is recognized for his extensive career in public service, which spans banking, executive government roles, and his current position as the chief executive of one of Africa’s largest economies.Early Life and Education Babajide Sanwo-Olu was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He completed his primary and secondary education in Lagos before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Surveying and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). His commitment to professional development led him to further studies at prestigious international institutions, including the London Business School, the Lagos Business School (LBS), and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is also a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).Career Progression Sanwo-Olu began his professional career in the banking sector, serving in various high-ranking roles. His career transitioned into public service in 2003 when he was appointed as the Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State. Over the next decade and a half, he held several key executive positions within the Lagos State government. He served as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry from 2007 to 2010, followed by an appointment as the Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pension from 2010 to 2015. Notably, before seeking the governorship, he served as the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC).Major Achievements and Notable Works Sanwo-Olu's political career culminated in his election as the 15th Governor of Lagos State in 2019 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His administration’s focus is encapsulated in 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, and Security and Governance. Key achievements under his governance include significant investments in infrastructure, particularly in the transportation sector with the advancement of the Lagos Light Rail project (Blue and Red Lines). His administration also gained national recognition for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing public health strategies that were widely praised. He has also been instrumental in advancing technological integration in the state's governance and education system.Current Status Babajide Sanwo-Olu currently serves as the Governor of Lagos State, having been successfully re-elected for a second term in 2023. His administration continues to oversee major infrastructure projects, socioeconomic reforms, and efforts to consolidate Lagos's position as a major African economic hub.