Few rankings capture the realities of governance and development as clearly as those that measure outcomes. The latest Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI) does exactly that, and its verdict is unmistakable: Lagos remains Nigeria’s leading state, setting the benchmark for economic competitiveness, institutional effectiveness and sustainable growth.

Emerging ahead of Ogun, Kaduna, Adamawa and Niger in the 2025 rankings, Lagos once again demonstrated why it remains the country’s most influential economic centre and the preferred destination for investment, innovation and enterprise. More importantly, the result affirms the value of a governance model built on long-term planning, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development and policy continuity.

The ranking is significant not simply because Lagos occupies the number one position, but because it reflects the growing importance of governance quality in determining economic outcomes. At a time when many states are grappling with declining revenues, rising unemployment, infrastructure deficits and mounting social pressures, Lagos continues to demonstrate an uncommon ability to generate wealth, attract investment and create opportunities on a scale unmatched across the federation.

According to Phillips Consulting, the assessment combines objective governance indicators with citizen perception surveys, measuring performance across critical areas including fiscal sustainability, economic competitiveness, institutional effectiveness, transparency and service delivery. Against these benchmarks, Lagos once again distinguished itself as the state against which others are measured. The report’s findings reinforce what years of economic data and investment patterns have consistently shown: that Lagos has developed one of the strongest governance and economic ecosystems in the country.

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic uncertainty and increasing demands for development, Lagos offers one of the clearest examples of how strategic governance can translate into measurable progress.

The achievement did not happen by chance. It is the outcome of years of strategic planning and a development model that has consistently prioritised productivity, investment and economic diversification. Unlike many states that remain heavily dependent on federal allocations, Lagos has built a resilient economy supported by multiple sectors, including commerce, logistics, financial services, technology, manufacturing, real estate, entertainment and the creative industry.

Today, Lagos remains Nigeria’s largest sub-national economy and the country’s foremost commercial hub. The state hosts the nation’s busiest seaports, its largest concentration of financial institutions, major industrial corridors and one of Africa’s fastest-growing technology ecosystems. It is home to thousands of local and international businesses and continues to attract the largest share of private investment entering the country. Its economic footprint extends far beyond its borders, influencing supply chains, trade networks and investment flows across virtually every region of the federation.

Perhaps the clearest evidence of Lagos’ economic strength lies in its revenue-generating capacity. While many states rely overwhelmingly on monthly allocations from the Federation Account, Lagos has developed one of Africa’s most successful internally generated revenue systems. Through tax reforms, business formalisation, digital administration and continuous economic expansion, the state has built a revenue base that provides the fiscal flexibility required to fund infrastructure, improve public services and respond to emerging challenges. This capacity for self-sustaining growth remains one of the strongest differentiators between Lagos and most other sub-national economies in Nigeria.

That financial strength has translated into visible development outcomes. Over the years, Lagos has pursued extensive investments in transportation, urban renewal, housing, public infrastructure and digital governance. Ongoing rail development projects, road expansion initiatives, transport reforms and technology-driven public services reflect a broader vision aimed at improving productivity while supporting one of the fastest-growing urban populations in the world.

What further separates Lagos from many of its peers is the continuity of its development agenda. Successive administrations have largely sustained a common commitment to infrastructure development, economic expansion, institutional reform and public sector modernisation. This consistency has allowed long-term projects to mature and strategic policies to deliver measurable results. In an environment where political transitions often disrupt governance priorities, Lagos has demonstrated the value of maintaining a clear and coherent development trajectory.

The state’s institutional capacity has also emerged as one of its defining strengths. Strong revenue administration, expanding digital platforms, structured planning systems and relatively effective public institutions have created a governance framework capable of managing complexity while supporting economic growth. These institutional foundations have helped sustain investor confidence and positioned Lagos as a preferred destination for business, innovation and enterprise.

Yet the Lagos success story is not without its challenges. The same economic opportunities that attract investment and talent also attract people. Every year, thousands of Nigerians migrate to Lagos in search of employment, education and better prospects. The resulting pressure on housing, transportation, healthcare, environmental services and public utilities presents challenges that would test even the most advanced urban administrations.

Indeed, one of the paradoxes of Lagos is that many of its most pressing challenges stem directly from its success. Citizen perception surveys continue to highlight concerns around traffic congestion, affordability, sanitation, flooding and quality-of-life issues. However, unlike jurisdictions where dissatisfaction is driven primarily by economic decline or governance failure, Lagos is largely confronting the pressures associated with rapid growth and urban expansion. The state is managing the demands of being Nigeria’s principal destination for opportunity.

This reality explains why the Phillips Consulting findings should be viewed within a broader context. Beyond the rankings, the report highlights the relationship between institutional strength and development outcomes. States that invest in governance systems, infrastructure, economic productivity and public sector effectiveness are increasingly outperforming those that remain dependent on short-term interventions and federal transfers.

The rise of states such as Ogun, Adamawa and Niger in the latest rankings further demonstrates that progress is possible when governments pursue strategic reforms. Yet Lagos remains the clearest example of what sustained commitment to economic competitiveness can achieve. Its performance offers a practical lesson in how long-term planning, fiscal discipline and public-private collaboration can translate into measurable development gains.

Ultimately, Lagos’ leadership in the Phillips Consulting rankings is about more than occupying the top spot. It is a reflection of what becomes possible when vision is matched with execution, and when institutions are allowed to mature over time. The state’s journey demonstrates that growth is not merely a product of geography or population size but of governance choices made consistently over decades.

As Nigeria continues to navigate economic uncertainty and increasing demands for development, Lagos offers one of the clearest examples of how strategic governance can translate into measurable progress. Through strong institutions, sustained infrastructure investment, economic diversification and policy continuity, the state has built a model that continues to attract attention across the federation. For now, Lagos remains firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s growth story, setting a pace that others continue to study, emulate and aspire to match. This version retains your structure and distinctiveness while strengthening the lead, enriching the analysis, improving transitions, and giving the conclusion a more authoritative and memorable finish.

*Akosile is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

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With the influx of people into Lagos during the festive season in the past three years, which had been driven by social ambience, improved security and infrastructure, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reversed the popular trend of population shortfall in the state during the season. Gboyega Akosile reports that the Governor has worked round the clock to make Lagos a preferred destination for the Christmas festive season.

As the indisputable commercial and social hub of Nigeria, Lagos is long associated with movement and momentum. Regardless of the season, the city experiences a massive daily influx of people, with recent figures suggesting that around 6,000 people arrive daily, with about half staying. Despite this, one noticeable trend in the past was that  the city usually experienced  a mass departure of people during the Christmas season.

But in the last few years, especially under the current administration in the state, the story is being re-written, as a result of various initiatives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which align perfectly with the spirit of ‘Detty December’. For instance, during the last two seasons, rather than witnessing an exodus of people, the city experienced the entry of large numbers of people who saw Lagos as an ideal destination during the season.

Globally, December is a special month, and the Christmas period is a season when people come together to celebrate life, achievements, and shared experiences with loved ones. In Nigeria, no city reflects this spirit more vibrantly than Lagos — a metropolis that, for more than five decades, has evolved into the cultural and celebratory heartbeat of the nation.

Year after year, Lagos dazzles with striking décor, colourful light installations, and festive attractions positioned across strategic locations. This past December was no different. In fact, it stood out even more. In the spirit of Detty December, the Sanwo-Olu administration led by example with improved infrastructure, security, and various social innovations, while many corporate brands partnered with the state to transform public spaces. As a result of this, parks were illuminated, city corridors were beautified, all to give a renewed excitement to the Lagos skyline.

These results were not accidental. They were made possible through the policy direction, institutional backing, and enabling environment provided by the government under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership. In the last five years, his administration has, deliberately positioned the commercial city as a festive-tourism destination, created structures that support creativity, hospitality and cultural expression, without missing out the need to deepen economic activities throughout the season.

With Sanwo-Olu on the driver’s seat, ‘Detty December’ in Lagos has therefore moved beyond a social trend and assumed a strategic economic period with urban vibrancy. Of course, it was also a peak period for social activities as players in the entertainment industry were kept busy throughout the season.

Perhaps the build-up to the Lagos’ 2025 ‘Detty December’ was the global statement made by the state with the ‘E1 Electric Boat Race’, held in October. By hosting the E1 Electric Powerboat Race — Africa’s first all-electric water sports championship, Sanwo-Olu thus projected Lagos onto the global tourism stage. The race, which had, previously been held in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and other places became a major international attraction, drawing sports enthusiasts, innovators, global dignitaries, and marine tourism stakeholders to the city. It showcased Lagos’ waterways, hospitality infrastructure, and organisational capacity, thereby  reinforcing the administration’s ambition to align tourism, sustainability, and global sporting innovation.

One of the most remarkable gains recorded during the last Detty December season was in the area of security. Lagos experienced one of its most peaceful festive periods in recent years, with criminal activities reduced to minimal levels compared with earlier eras marked by frequent incidents of theft, robbery, and violent disruptions.

Through enhanced surveillance, inter-agency collaboration, improved community policing and visible deployment across entertainment hubs, beaches, recreational centres, and transportation corridors, the administration strengthened public confidence. To this end, residents, returning diaspora visitors and tourists were able to move freely and participate in a number of activities without fear, which, all over the world, remains a critical foundation for tourism and festive mobility.

No wonder, the impact was evident in the fact that more events were held late into the night, more economic activities were sustained, and Lagos reinforced its reputation as a city that could host large-scale festive engagements in a secure and coordinated manner.

In the area of infrastructural development, the achievement of Sanwo-Olu’s administration was again measured during the season. Public recreational centres across both the Mainland and Island were well activated and maintained for the season, while several leisure corridors and public venues received enhancements that made them visitor-ready.

A major innovation was the introduction of a structured activity calendar, mapping events from December 1st to December 31st. Although several social activities began from October, they only entered the feverish stage in December. For the first time in the state’s history, activities were carefully coordinated across multiple districts, engaging residents, creatives, investors, and businesses throughout the festive window. Many of these events were organised with the support and facilitation of government agencies. Observers have described this as a testament to the administration’s collaborative approach.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the season also provided ample opportunities for members of the public to appraise the effectiveness of various reforms introduced by the administration towards improving the ease of doing business during the festive period. It was easy to evaluate this through the activities of event promoters, hospitality operators and creative entrepreneurs, who all found Lagos a conducive environment for organizing concerts, beach carnivals, fashion shows, food festivals and lifestyle exhibitions.

In the hospitality industry, the administration’s policy direction also encouraged investor confidence and private-sector participation, expanding the Detty December value chain across sub sectors, such as hotels and short-let apartments, transport and ride-hailing services. Others are restaurants, lounges, fashion, arts, and lifestyle businesses. This alignment between policy support and private enterprise reaffirmed Lagos as a city where governance and commerce work hand-in-hand to drive seasonal economic growth.

Another unique achievement of the government during the season was traffic management and festive mobility. There is no gainsaying the fact that traffic remains one of Lagos’ most enduring challenges, particularly during high-movement periods like December. Yet the last festive season recorded noticeable improvements as multiple access routes were opened, traffic officers were deployed strategically, and routes around major event clusters received coordinated attention.

These measures eased mobility between venues, markets, leisure corridors, and hospitality centres, allowing businesses to remain active while residents and visitors navigated the city more conveniently. Of course, the credit has also been given to Sanwo-Olu because it’s believed that the seamless movement during the season reflected deliberate planning and operational management of his administration.

Meanwhile, the creative vibrancy of Lagos continues to define its December identity as concerts, art exhibitions, fashion events, comedy shows, beach festivals and cultural showcases dominated the entertainment calendar during the season, which, in all, strengthened Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s leading creative hub. The administration’s ongoing investment in art, culture, and tourism amplified this momentum, ensuring that Detty December was not merely about leisure but also about cultural expression, identity, and social cohesion.

Finally, the return of the iconic Eyo Festival sealed the deal. From any angle one chooses to look at it, the historic return of the Eyo Festival, staged in December 2025 after a long break, was a landmark activity that highlighted the season more than any activity. The cultural procession, which was rooted in royal heritage and Lagos tradition, added depth, symbolism, and prestige to the festive atmosphere.

Beyond spectacle, the Eyo Festival strengthened heritage tourism, attracting cultural enthusiasts, historians, visitors, and local observers. Markets surged with activity, hotels recorded increased patronage, and transport operators witnessed significant movement as thousands gathered to witness the colourful display.

The revival of this iconic festival under the enabling climate provided by the administration reaffirmed Lagos’ role as both a modern city and a proud custodian of tradition.

For the economy, Detty December generated widespread economic activities for hotels, transportation businesses, nightlife operators, and even informal vendors.  The city recorded increased spending, visitors’ influx, and stronger tourism value chains.

In the final analysis, the season reaffirmed the power of coordinated governance, where policy reforms, infrastructural development, security, and private-sector support intersected to produce measurable social and economic value.

Little wonder that Lagos was listed among top seven art destinations in the world to visit in 2026, by Artsy, the leading global online Art Marketplace.

In a report released by artsy.net, just as I was putting this article together, the city was described as “a banner biennale in West Africa’s preeminent art capital.”

According to an article titled “7 Art Destinations to Visit in 2026” published in artsy.net by Maxwell Rabb on January 8, Lagos is one of the “seven spots—from marquee art events to rising scenes—that are worth adding to an art-inspired travel itinerary in 2026.”

The seven destinations picked by the leading global online Art Marketplace are Venice, Italy; Doha, Qatar; Sydney, Australia; Bangkok, Thailand; Lagos, Nigeria; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Malta.

In 2025 December, the Lagos governor and his team made a strong statement that Detty December has moved from being a mere cultural expression into a sustainable economic season, one that affirmed Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s commercial city, festive capital and Africa’s rising tourism powerhouse.

*Akosile is the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

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He described her as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support.

Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, the First Lady and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, clocks 59 on Thursday, January 8.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, described the Lagos State First Lady as a caring partner, committed prayer warrior and loving wife and mother.

He said his wife of over two decades had been a dependable and reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State, I celebrate my darling and loving wife, trusted and reliable partner, prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 59th birthday.

“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, and a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children. She is my dependable partner, who has complemented the roles that God has given us with all sense of dignity.

“She is a reliable partner who has used her good office as First Lady to support my role as Governor in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.

“On this occasion of her 59th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.

“I also use this auspicious occasion to appreciate her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity in general. I wish Ibijoke good health and more fruitful, prosperous and impactful years ahead.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Visitor of Lagos State University, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said Lagos was proud of the success achieved by Lawal, a brilliant graduate of the Faculty of Law (Common and Islamic Law) of the state-owned tertiary institution.

Maryam Lawal, a Lagosian, emerged as the Second Overall Best Student and the Best Graduating Female Student out of 7,134 admitted students.

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She got eight prizes, including a prize for best student in Corporate Law practice during the Call to Bar ceremony held in Abuja on July 10.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lawal’s extraordinary accomplishment at the Nigerian Law School had once again affirmed Lagos State University’s reputation for producing outstanding graduates in different professions.

The governor described Lawal as a shining ambassador for LASU and Lagos State on the national stage, as well as a symbol of personal excellence.

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Many qualities define a leader, whether in politics or in the corporate world but integrity, humility and loyalty tower above all. A cursory look at the life and times of successful leaders often reveals these qualities and why such leaders are celebrated by their subjects. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s life and career trajectory can be said to have been solidly built over the years upon these virtues.

As he clocks 60 today, a careful study of his life is enough lesson for the next generation of leaders who wish to leave a legacy. Until he was invited to throw his hat into the ring for the Lagos State Governorship contest in 2019, only a few Nigerians knew his antecedents. But to his leaders and colleagues, within the inner caucus of Lagos State politics and government, Sanwo-Olu was a quintessential leader and administrator in the making that had a lot to offer. This was the beginning and six years after, he has continued to make his leaders and patrons proud through his activities and deliverables.

Arguably his greatest achievement and leadership trait since he assumed office, have been his ability to visualize the qualities of a successful, mega status of Lagos, and maintaining a life-long focus on the four intertwined challenges that he believed must be collectively addressed for the commercial city to achieve success as a state. Unlike most politicians, who believe in showmanship and unnecessary razzmatazz, Sanwo-Olu’s approach to delivering quality leadership is wrapped in humility. As a team leader, he has, through this, inspired many of us on how best to serve the people.  Like Mahatma Gandhi, Sanwo-Olu believes that the most meaningful goal of leadership is to inspire. Not to demand or command, but to inspire. This explains why his administration has been rancour-free, especially between him and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

History has taught us that the leaders most respected for leaving their mark on the world, their countries, or their organizations have been those who have inspired people to act and perform. Sanwo-Olu fits into this category of leaders because his leadership was characterized by his commitment to truth, loyalty, and service, emphasizing empowerment over power and inspiring change through example. He believes in leading by example, living a life consistent with the values he espoused and inspiring others to follow suit. His leadership style is focused on moral authority, ethical conduct, and self-discipline.

As Governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu has consistently distinguished himself through his tireless efforts to promote justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The last six years have been marked by significant strides in nation-building, building on the success of his predecessors and leaders, with an indelible mark on Lagos State development.

At 60, his legacy is characterized by his selflessness, dedication to the public good, fostering a sense of unity and inclusiveness among Lagosians and Nigerians as a whole. Beyond Lagos, which is a natural pacesetter for infrastructural development and economic growth in Nigeria, today’s birthday boy has worked assiduously to mobilize citizens towards a common goal of building a just and peaceful society.

His leadership style, his calm demeanour in the face of serious challenges is notable for its emphasis on good and responsive governance for people of Lagos State. These values continue to serve as a benchmark for good governance and leadership in Nigeria.

As the world celebrates him today, no doubt the fact that his contributions, both in corporate Nigeria and public service have aroused our consciousness on the need for leaders to serve with the mindset of putting forward a transformative power of selfless service and the importance of prioritizing the welfare of citizens.

May his strength be renewed to continue to enjoy God’s favour and live well. Sixty hearty cheers to the man I call “the BOS of Lagos” and a blessing to the State of Excellence and the Nigeria nation!

In the last 30 years of his being in the saddle of leadership under tested mentors and role models till the time he assumed office as Lagos Governor, Sanwo-Olu  has recorded several landmark achievements as a man of integrity, loyalty and humility.

I write this to pay a fitting tribute to Mr. Governor not because he is my boss, not because he is a first rate administrator and an acknowledged expert in financial services; not because of the present position he occupies as the Governor of Lagos State; not because of his status as a distinguished fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) and certainly not on account of his past distinguished public service record that is widely acknowledged by all and sundry and many more of such accomplishments that one may have lost count, but significantly because of the huge difference our most humble, unassuming leader of people with direction and vision has brought to the character of governance. He has done this without undermining his political leaders and without losing his calm and humility.

Sanwo-Olu has always impressed me even before he rose to his present height with his commitment to core values, uncommon humility and administrative skills and because of his uncommon passion for service and humanitarian causes.

As one of his lieutenants, I am also impressed by his commitment to standards and excellence in whatever he does, a trait he has refreshingly brought to governance. There is also the element of his famed integrity which has continued to soar in spite of exposure to public resources and sensitive high places.

Though an alumnus of the John F. Kennedy School of government, the London Business School and the Lagos Business School, I have argued over the years that these qualifications, including the B.Sc in Surveying and an MBA he acquired from the University of Lagos, have only served as foundation for the knowledge he has garnered over the years under prominent and distinguished leaders, especially, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a man of foresight, one of Tinubu’s greatest gifts is his ability to recruit quality leaders. It was under this scenario that Tinubu and his team of wisemen met prior to the 2019 election and concluded that Sanwo-Olu should be encouraged to govern Lagos. The rest is history.

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Sanwo-Olu’s political career is arguably the most inspiring in recent Nigeria’s history. The journey to Lagos government house, debuted six years ago, of course, it started 16 years earlier when he was appointed Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro. After the General Elections of 2007, Mr Sanwo-Olu was appointed commissioner for establishments, training and pension by Governor Babatunde Fashola. He was later in 2016 made Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) by Governor Akinwumi Ambode. Some of his notable public sector achievements include the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) Privatization projects. He set up and was the pioneer Board Chairman of Lagos Security Trust Fund. The LAGBUS System and the Control and Command Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, were subsequently established under his directives.

Born on June 25, 1965, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was the treasurer at the former Lead Merchant Bank from 1994 to 1997 after which he moved to the United Bank for Africa as the head of foreign money market. He then proceeded to First Inland Bank, Plc (now First City Monument Bank) as deputy general manager and divisional head.

He was the chairman of Baywatch Group Limited and First Class Group Limited and a board member of the Department for International Development (DFID/DEEPEN) Fund and Audit committee of Caverton Offshore Service Group, Plc.

Looking back, one can conclude that his background as a technocrat of note has impacted so well on his career as politician and public servant. A man of peace, Sanwo-Olu’s approach to politics has been very inspiring and progressive. Under him, Lagos has not only witnessed developments, the city has been rated by a global agency as one of the best cities in the world. Early this year, Time Out ranked the state as one of the world’s best cities for 2025, joining Cape Town and Marrakech as the only African cities on the global list. The ranking, based on residents’ feedback and experts’ input, highlights Lagos for its vibrant culture, ease of social connection, and growing creative scene. See the new rankings and find out what makes these cities stand out.

As one of the lieutenants of Governor Sanwo-Olu, I am very proud of all his accomplishments. I salute his tenacity and resilience in standing tall and working vehemently for the cause of the masses. My boss has surely presented himself as a peacemaker and an advocate of good governance within the Nigerian political space. This is not a small feat. As he climbs the 6th ladder, I congratulate him and wish him God’s abundant blessings as we look forward to more successful years in good health. May his strength be renewed to continue to enjoy God’s favour and live well. Sixty hearty cheers to the man I call “the BOS of Lagos” and a blessing to the State of Excellence and the Nigeria nation!

*Akosile is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Eid-el-Kabir message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Lagos residents and Nigerians at large, particularly Muslim faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence.

The governor also advised Muslims to imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and work for the unity, peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria.

He said: “On behalf of my family and the Government of Lagos State, I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters in the State and in Nigeria a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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“Eid-al-Adha is a symbolic event in the history of mankind, particularly for Muslims, given the bountiful rewards that followed the patience and perseverance of Prophet Ibrahim, who held on tenaciously to his faith in God despite being afflicted.

“This symbolic Islamic celebration is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our beliefs.

“I want to appeal to all Lagosians to draw lessons from the Prophet Ibrahim’s examples by eschewing tendencies that could disturb the growth, development, progress, peace, unity and stability in our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.

“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-al-Adha, I implore all Lagosians and Nigerians, particularly the Islamic faithful, to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful coexistence and imbibe the lessons of the sacrifice made by Holy Prophet Ibrahim.”

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In the last few weeks, I have consistently reviewed the activities of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos and I have come to one conclusion: he is more of a statesman than a politician. He has weathered the storm on many fronts and remains calm amidst what seems like distractions.

As I settled down at my library a few hours before embarking on this piece, my eyes caught the quote of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam that “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun”. As I read and read again, my mind shifted to a bloodless war we fought against COVID-19 and how Governor Sanwo-Olu as the captain of Lagos troop forged on seamlessly and came out victorious. I am a living witness to the ravaging effect of the battle. Then, I thought of the dark days of the EndSARS and how the world focused on Lagos and the governor. Despite the blackmails, half-truths, social media lies and campaigns of calumny, Sanwo-Olu remained calm, assuring everybody who cared to listen that truth would prevail. At the end, truth didn’t only prevail Governor Sanwo-Olu was equally vindicated.

In all, I see Abdul Kalam’s theory in working. Today, the Lagos State Governor is shining like a sun because he has offered himself to be burnt like a sun. Behind his calmed mien and simplicity lies a strategy grand master, whose multitasking nature has helped in governance, politics, and at the same time giving his best to Lagosians in the area of infrastructure.

In Nigeria, being an “executive governor” or “honourable minister”, guarantees the lucky occupant and his immediate family a life of luxury, with several other benefits. Ordinarily, this ought to push them to deliver quality services to the people. But sadly, all Nigerians get in return from their “excellencies and honourable ministers”, are services that are not in any way commensurate with the freebies they enjoy. The return on investment on public office holders is so poor that were they project, Nigerian banks that hate risks would have long stopped funding them.

Under Sanwo-Olu, the story is different. From traffic management and transportation to health and environment, Sanwo-Olu stands tall in the way he has redefined the various sectors. Unfortunately, like a student of Benjamin Disraeli, a British statesman, Conservative politician and writer who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and credited for the quote “Never complain and never explain”, Sanwo-Olu keeps both his achievement and challenges to himself. His simplicity shows in every facet of his life, his family, and approach to humanitarian services. Interestingly, this has also impacted his activities as governor. He is one of those few leaders who are trusted with the mandate of governance and have delivered well but choose to avoid unnecessary showmanship. His reaction to publicity has always been; “Let our performance speak for us”.

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For instance, until early last year, when President Bola Tinubu commissioned the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, only a few stakeholders knew the enormity of the project.

The inaugurated segment of the 37-kilometer Red Line, running 27 kilometers from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo, integrates eight strategically located stations: Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.

The construction of the first phase of the Red Line commenced on April 15, 2021, and was successfully completed 30 months after. The Red Line, which was designed to utilize shared tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) Lagos to Ibadan route, is a novel achievement that aligns with the Lagos mega-city status.

Sanwo-Olu, in his speech at the inauguration event, revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) played a crucial role in mobilizing local funding for the project. This financial support was further bolstered by contributions from three major local banks: United Bank for Africa, First Bank, and Zenith Bank. He also announced the acquisition of trains for the Red Line from the United States, with additional rolling stock procured from the United Kingdom in 2023 and China a few weeks later.

Designed to drastically cut down travel time, the Red Line enables passengers to cover the distance from Agbado to Oyingbo in a mere 40 minutes—a significant improvement over the more than three-hour journey by road. Moreover, the train’s capacity is designed to accommodate over 1 million people per trip, according to LAMATA.

At full capacity, the Red Line started with transportation of 250,000 passengers daily. This figure was anticipated to surge to 750,000 daily passengers once it is fully operational and all additional rolling stock are integrated into the system.

By consolidating on the development of the new Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu has etched his name forever in the hearts of the people, beyond the boundaries of the state.

As this was going on, the government commenced a preliminary work on two additional lines within the LRMT system—the Green Line and the Purple Line. The Green Line will extend 71.4 kilometres from Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, while the Purple Line would run 53.4 kilometres from Ojo to Mowe in Ogun State.

Looking ahead, Governor Sanwo-Olu indicated plans for the future development of two more rail lines within the LRMT system: the Orange Line and the Yellow Line, signalling continued growth and expansion of Lagos’s rail infrastructure.

At the commissioning, President Tinubu had commended Sanwo-Olu and highlighted the pivotal role of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). According to President Tinubu, he established LAMATA over twenty years ago during his governorship in Lagos to shape the state’s transportation landscape, acknowledging Sanwo-Olu’s key involvement in its creation.

Meanwhile, to reduce train and vehicular interactions, the government also inaugurated five flyover bridges as part of the Red Line Rail project. The newly built flyovers include Oyingbo, Yaba, Ikeja, Agege Pen Cinema, and Mushin.

Knowing well the aquatic nature of Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu also commissioned 15 locally-built, high-capacity passenger ferries last year to enhance marine transportation. These ferries, designed to carry 40 passengers each, are part of a broader plan to increase the state’s marine transport infrastructure. The initiative aims to shift towards local manufacturing and backwards integration, with the ferries being crafted to international standards but with engines sourced from abroad. The commissioning, which took place at the Badore Ferry Terminal, represented the first phase of a larger project that envisions a total of 25 ferries. Needless to say that hundreds of thousands of Lagosians have been enjoying the services of LagFerry via waterways transportation.

Another significant feature of Sanwo-Olu administration is the regard he has for the youth population. Through many interventions, the governor has demonstrated that Lagos youths are so dear to his heart. In the transport sector for instance, over 1,800 jobs generated through the operation of the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL), while over over 1000 direct and indirect jobs were created for the youths through the operation of the Lagos Blue Line Rail. In the same way, with the inauguration of the Red Line, hundreds of youths were absorbed and trained for jobs on the Red Line. Also, over 1000 jobs have since been created through the LAGRIDE smart taxi scheme, while 2,866 job opportunities were provided for young drivers who graduated from Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) accredited training academy.

Above all, under Sanwo-Olu, by mid last year, the Lagos State government completed and commissioned 172 roads translating to 177.93 km as it increased the pace of work on 253 other projects, totaling 298.22 kilometres of roads, 2.510 km of bridge and another 3.13km that are currently being completed in different parts of the state. The inauguration of the various roads was part of the activities put in place to mark the governor’s first year of his second term in office.

Despite various distractions and the huge population of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu has given a good account of himself. He created platforms for engagement. This has made it possible for his government to get the necessary buy-in of both the young and the old, the market women and the artisans and even the traditional rulers.

By consolidating on the development of the new Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu has etched his name forever in the hearts of the people, beyond the boundaries of the state. In six years, Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown that development is possible with total dedication and commitment to the people. Though he still has two years to go, like Julius Caesar, he can proudly proclaim: “I came, I saw and we’re conquering”.

*Gboyega Akosile is the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu, in an Easter message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Lagos residents, particularly Christians, to “emulate virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion of Jesus Christ, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.”

He also implored Christians to continue to live in peace, love and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness, patience, and love were among the several lessons taught and exemplified Jesus Christ.

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He said: “Today, I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind.

“As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationality.

“Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Lagos State and Nigeria.”

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Brigadier-General 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 were exemplary leaders who had left an indelible mark on Lagos State.

He said the honours bestowed on Marwa and Pedro were 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.

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“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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Amir Ajala, a known leader of faith, community mobiliser, spiritual and moral compass for several thousand of his followers in Lagos and other parts of the country, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of the Muslim cleric as a big loss to Lagos State, happening at a time when the government is working with people of means to help in the reorientation of the youths.

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The governor said the late Amir Ajala left an indelible mark on the Muslim community and his followers across the world, and he would be sorely missed.

“On behalf of my family, the people, and the Government of Lagos State, I commiserate with the immediate family, friends, associates, and the entire Muslim community over the passing of an Islamic cleric, Shaykh Qamar-ud-Deen Jumah Ajala, popularly known as Amir Ajala.

“I pray that Allah grants the repose of the late Shaykh Qamar-ud-Deen Jumah Ajala, Aljannah Firdaus, and grants the deceased family, friends, associates, and loved ones, as well as the Muslim community, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

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