He described governance as a sacred stewardship, noting that “It is for this reason that I have, throughout my service to Lagos State, sought to govern with the consciousness that public office is a stewardship that will be examined both in time and in eternity.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke at the official opening of the second session of the 36th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Monday.

Speaking on the theme of the synod, “The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End-Time (Eschatology): Their Relevance and Our Response to Them Today”, Governor Sanwo-Olu said it is one of the most profound and timely subjects upon which the Church can deliberate in this season of Nigeria’s national journey.

He said: “In a country where many of our citizens are wrestling with anxiety about the future, where the global economy is uncertain, and where the cost of living continues to test the resolve of even the strongest families, the message of salvation and the assurance of the blessed hope of Christ’s return are not abstract doctrines. They are bread for the hungry soul. They are the lamp by which a weary nation finds her feet.

“Soteriology reminds us that we are saved, not by our works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9), but by the grace and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eschatology reminds us that this present age is passing and that we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ to give account of our stewardship (2 Corinthians 5:10).

“Salvation is therefore not an escape from the world; it is a posture in the world. It teaches us to live soberly in our personal lives, righteously in our dealings with others, and godly in our relationship with our Maker — even as we await His glorious appearance.

“This, in my humble understanding, is the foundation of every genuine reform, every honest budget, every transparent contract, and every life of public service. Without that anchor, leadership becomes a private enterprise; however, with it, leadership becomes a sacred trust.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, on the Synod and thanked him for the consistent prayers, counsel, and pastoral guidance he and the Church have extended to his administration since the day he assumed office.

The governor also spoke passionately to the synod delegates and visitors, which comprised bishops, priests and members of the laity, about his administration’s giant strides in Lagos through the THEMES Plus Agenda – Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance, with the “Plus” representing sustainability, social inclusion and the welfare of every Lagosian.

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He said the “Akran of Badagry was a constant, an unshakeable figure of unity, whose palace was always open to his people and whose voice was always measured, always just.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke on Saturday during the funeral outing thanksgiving service held in honour of the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, at Freeman Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Badagry.

The service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; members of the State Executive Council; serving and former public office holders; politicians; religious and traditional leaders; deceased family members, security personnel and Badagry sons and daughters.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, after the service, also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I Cultural Park in Badagry.

The governor said the revered traditional ruler left this world with a name that would endure, a name synonymous with peace, with dignity, and with the timeless heritage of the Badagry Kingdom.

He said: “To the good people of Badagry, I say this: your Kabiyesi lived a life worthy of celebration. He was a teacher, a journalist, a king, a statesman, a father, and a guardian of one of the most storied kingdoms in Nigeria’s history. He gave you forty-eight years of peace. He gave the world a record of your heritage. He gave God a life of service.

“Do not let grief consume what he built. The best tribute you can offer the Akran of Badagry is to continue the work, to preserve the monuments, uphold the traditions, welcome the world to witness Badagry’s history, and raise your children to know the covenant of this ancient land.

“Throughout my time as Governor of Lagos State, I was privileged to witness firsthand the steady, principled presence of the Akran in our Council of Obas and Chiefs. He was not a man who spoke often, but when he spoke, the room listened. His was the wisdom of long years and long service, patient, generous, and incorruptible.

“To the Royal Family of the Badagry Kingdom, to the sons and daughters, the chiefs, the palace council, and the extended royal household, I bring the condolences of the Lagos State Government and of the entire people of Lagos. We grieve with you. We know that no words can fill the space left by the departure of a father, a patriarch, and a king. But we also know that the surest way to honour a great man is to carry his values forward.”

Speaking about the virtues of the departed monarch, Governor Sanwo-Olu said De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I was a truly remarkable man, a man whose life was not merely lived but consecrated to the service of his people, his kingdom, and his God.

He said the monarch championed the preservation of Badagry’s historical sites, promoted its cultural festivals nationally and internationally, and ensured that the town’s heritage was not swallowed by the march of time and modernity.

“We celebrate a life that spanned nearly nine decades of extraordinary witness. We celebrate a reign of forty-eight years, the longest of any traditional ruler in Lagos State’s modern history. And above all, we celebrate a man whose love for his people was the compass by which he charted every decision.

“The people of Badagry often said of him, ‘We have not lost a king; we have lost a father.’ That is the highest compliment that can be paid to any leader, that his people feel not the distance of a crown but the warmth of a parent’s care.”

In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, said the De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I was hospitable and loved his people with passion.

He said the life of the departed monarch taught everyone that life is mortal, adding that the traditional ruler served God till his death.

Bishop Makinde praised the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s giant strides in Lagos, particularly the Blue and Red line rail and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

He also implored President Bola Tinubu to ignore the critics of the approved Badagry-Sokoto Expressway.

He said the project was laudable and it should be encouraged to see the light of the day.

Speaking on “How are you preparing for your eternity?” Bishop Makinde implored people to live a fulfilled life, noting that “this life is a journey, and people’s perception will form their legacy.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 2026 Workers Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

He reiterated that the intervention, which would be reviewed, underscored his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remained a functional city and one that worked for its residents, especially the workforce that drove its growth and development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that the welfare of workers remained central to his administration’s agenda, adding that the government would continue to deploy sustained support measures to ease economic pressures and improve living conditions.

“Our job has always been to make sure that the city we are building is also a city that works for you. We know that prices of fuel are rising. We know we did not cause the war in Iran, but we are feeling its impact. So this government has made the decision that for this May, there will be an additional ₦50,000 for every worker in Lagos State, irrespective of grades—₦50,000 across the board,” he said.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing structural, policy, and moral challenges affecting the workforce, noting that the realities faced by workers require deliberate and measurable action rather than rhetoric.

According to him, the administration has spent the past seven years systematically tackling these challenges through targeted interventions aimed at improving welfare, dignity, and productivity.

He cited issues such as long commuting hours, housing affordability, and delayed retirement benefits as structural and moral concerns being addressed through policy reforms.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that public servants were regarded not as a budget line or political bloc, but as the living infrastructure of Lagos State.

He also highlighted key reforms and investments across sectors, including the implementation of the highest minimum wage in the country, expansion of healthcare coverage through the Lagos State Health Management Authority, and the introduction of the “Ilera Eko Easy Pay system” to ease health insurance payments for residents.

On pensions, he said the Lagos State Pension Commission had intensified timely payments, disbursing over N1 billion to retirees while introducing free first-year post-service healthcare and pre-retirement support initiatives.

He further restated the administration’s commitment to dignifying senior civil servants through the provision of official vehicles, describing it as part of deliberate efforts to improve efficiency and living standards.

The governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for their constructive engagement, noting that while discussions might not always be seamless, the government remained committed to open dialogue and sustained collaboration with labour unions.

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The nomination form was signed by 120 bonafide leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of Lagos State.

Those who signed the nomination form on Wednesday and Thursday were members of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, local government chairmen, former and current public office holders, state and local government party executives and party members across Lagos State.

While signing Dr. Hamzat’s nomination form as required by the APC guidelines ahead of the party’s primary elections, the leaders and members of the ruling party expressed confidence in the candidacy of the deputy governor and promised to support him.

Dr. Hamzat is the consensus candidate for the APC governorship primary election holding in Lagos next month.

He has already been endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governance Advisory Council, as well as party leaders in different parts of Lagos State.

The deputy governor’s aspiration ahead of next month’s gubernatorial primary received a major boost on Thursday as another APC aspirant, Dr. Olajide Adeniran (Jandor), stepped down for him. Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also congratulated the deputy governor on his emergence as the APC consensus candidate.

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Popularly known as Jandor, Adediran said President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of the deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as APC consensus candidate on Wednesday, informed his action.

Adediran is the leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he said although he had the aspiration to contest for the position of the governor, he also promised to support whoever the party and the president agreed upon.

His words: “We made it known from day one that we have a single aspiration—to contest for the governorship of Lagos State in 2027. We also pledged to support whoever the party eventually presents as its candidate.

“In line with our earlier position that we will align with the decision of the party and the President, I hereby announce my withdrawal from the governorship race.

“We have always said that whoever the party presents will be our rallying point. We are committed to working for the success of the party and all its candidates in the 2027 elections.”

He promised to work for the victory of the party in the coming election, particularly for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu as president.

It would be recalled that Adediran contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

He however defected to the APC in 2025.

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Tinubu gave the endorsement on Wednesday after a meeting with members of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, of the Lagos APC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation was led by GAC leader, Tajudeen Olusi, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a post on his verified X handle.

“President Tinubu formally endorses the Lagos APC consensus governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, at a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council,” he wrote.

Speaking earlier with State House correspondents after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a historic moment for Lagos.

He said the visit was to formally present Hamzat to the president for validation, blessing and support ahead of the political process.

“It is a very memorable day for me personally. It is another full circle moment.

“The same team went through this about eight years ago when both of us were presented as governorship and deputy governorship candidates,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said Hamzat possessed the credentials, charisma and competence required to govern Lagos State.

He praised the deputy governor for loyalty, dedication and commitment in the last seven years.

“He knows the room, he knows the design of the house, and he has been part of the journey for over 20 years,” the governor said.

Hamzat, on his part, thanked party leaders and the president for the confidence reposed in him.

He said the endorsement reflected the strong leadership structure and succession template in Lagos politics.

“These are our fathers, mentors and leaders. They have experience and wisdom.

“I am excited they brought me here to meet Mr President, who has blessed and endorsed the decision of the GAC,” he said.

Hamzat said his years as deputy governor had equipped him with experience and knowledge of governance.

“With God’s blessings and the support of our leaders, I have no fear,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The governor, who received Hamzat and members of Governance Advisory Council, GAC, in consultation visit on Monday, openly threw his weight behind the deputy governor’s aspiration to run for governor.

The consultation meeting came immediately after the State’s Executive Council meeting held at the State House in Marina, where members of the cabinet and All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders in Lagos Central joined the governor to receive Hamzat’s entourage.

The governor and his deputy shared an emotional moment, reflecting on their political journey over the past seven years and how their paths had crossed early during their public service experience under the tutelage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Hamzat said: “By some stroke of coincidence, it was (Governor) Sanwo-Olu who took me round the Ministries when I was first appointed as Commissioner in 2005 by our father and leader, President Tinubu, who was then the Governor of Lagos State. I had never met Governor Sanwo-Olu before my appointment into the Government. I never knew our relationship would grow to this extent.”

Sanwo-Olu recalled that he and Dr. Hamzat used to sit next to each other in ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola’s cabinet, recollecting that no cabinet memo would scale through without their input and two others sitting in their row.

The governor said: “Mr. Deputy Governor has created a personal relationship with me since way back before we’re joined together on a ticket. His family and my family have been close; our relationship was built on mutual respect, trust and dignity.”

Sanwo-Olu said when he picked his governorship eight years ago, he never severed his relationship with Dr. Hamzat, who picked his own governorship form two days earlier.

The governor recalled how both of them forged a merger and ran on a joint ticket.

After their 2019 electoral victory, Sanwo-Olu famously said Lagosians were getting price of two for one, referring to his deputy as a potential governor.

Sanwo-Olu said: “After the merger meeting, our father and leader, who today is ordained by God to be President of Nigeria, told both of us that he saw 16 years journey for Lagos.”

He continued: “A lot of Governors always look for weak Deputies, but that was not for me. From Day One in my governorship journey, I wanted the best partner to join the journey to build Greater Lagos. There was no meeting I could have attended that Mr. Deputy Governor is not fit and proper to attend. He possesses the skills, temperament and temerity to attend. Some of my Governor colleagues privately confided in me, saying ‘your Deputy is highly intelligent’ after noticing the intellectual skills Dr. Hamzat brought to discussions at NGF level.

“For this, we will continue to be indebted to our leader and father, Mr. President, the man who God continues to use to shape the political trajectory and destiny of Lagos. People said we have turned Lagos to irreversible construction site since Asiwaju’s era. If a competent man like Dr. Hamzat comes in, he will hit the ground running immediately. We are not going to hand over Lagos to charlatans who are coming to test their luck. Dr. Hamzat is tried and tested; he knows every nook and cranny of Lagos. Mr Deputy is the best man for the job.”

Hamzat said the experience and knowledge he gathered, deputising Governor Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years could not be quantified.

He thanked the governor for allowing him to function in deputy governor position as a partner.

His words: “Most people refer to Deputy Governors as spare tyres. Deputising Governor Sanwo-Olu in the last seven years, I have never felt or been treated as a spare tyre. The Governor did well in carrying me along as a partner on this journey to build Greater Lagos. The Governor passionately loves Lagos and always fights for the State at every level, to the extent that other Governors are jealous of Lagos.

“Lagos is very important to the well-being of our country. God forbid, if anything happens to Lagos, this country will collapse. We must not allow Lagos to be drawn back from the progressive path it has been taken. Mr. Governor has worked assiduously to ensure that Lagos continues to progress. Therefore, the progress needs to be sustained.

“One of the things that has fundamentally stabilized the growth of Lagos is the rancour-free succession process adopted by our progressive party. As Lagosians, we must be ready to fight any battle and endure any hardship to protect this State from people who don’t mean well. This is my pledge to our leaders and party faithful.”

After the meeting, Sanwo-Olu and other attendees presented Dr. Hamzat to the State House correspondents in a unanimous pledge to support his aspiration.

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Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the Odo-Noforija Ultra-Modern Central Mosque, at Odo-Noforija, Epe, the duo emphasised that peaceful coexistence remained essential for national unity, stability, and sustainable development.

Others who shared a similar view at the well-attended event included the former governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Etsu of Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar.

According to the First Lady, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant, Public Affairs and Strategy, Office of the First Lady, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, “Islamic teachings emphasised tolerance, compassion, and the spiritual duty of serving all humanity, regardless of religious differences, urging Nigerians to regard the nation’s diversity as a source of strength, rather than a factor for division among its people.”

In the same vein, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to continually pursue peaceful coexistence irrespective of religious differences, noting that the nation could not only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding.

In addition, he called on Nigerians to consistently pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for divine guidance, wisdom, and long life, stressing that he meant well for the country, noting that “as we pray for the country, the nation will continue to grow in peace, unity, and prosperity”.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola emphasised the importance of religious harmony in driving national development, describing the inauguration of the mosque as a powerful symbol of unity between faiths.

He said, “This occasion highlights the need for harmony in faith. We are commissioning a mosque built through the collaboration of Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP, the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija, and Alhaji Abdul Jelil Animashaun, the Chairman/CEO of Al-Hujaaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Limited, leaders from different religious backgrounds. It shows that we can live together as one nation despite our differences. We have demonstrated this before during the MKO Abiola era, where the late politician single-handedly built a church, and today, we are once again repeating that history.”

In his keynote address, the Etsu Nupe of Bida Emirate, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, described the occasion as a powerful symbol of unity among religious communities in Nigeria.

He opined that such harmony could be replicated across the country.

“I am impressed by what I have witnessed at this event. It demonstrates that we can live together in peace despite our differences in religious beliefs. I only wish that what is happening here today could be reflected in every part of our nation,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Eredo, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, Kalejaiye II, described the mosque and the occasion as a “divine fulfillment,” marking a transition from a cherished past to a modern future.

He added that the edifice stood as a symbol of unity, faith, and progress; one that would foster harmony, promote prosperity, and serve as a beacon of hope for the kingdom, Epe Division, and Nigeria at large.

He commended collective efforts and support from prominent individuals that led to the transformation of the old Ratibi Mosque into the newly commissioned edifice.

In his lecture titled “Think of Your Tomorrow,” Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef urged Muslims to remain mindful of their actions and steadfast in good deeds, noting that whatever one did would reflect on his/her tomorrow.

He therefore called on other notable Nigerians to emulate Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, who, despite not being a Muslim, joined hands in building an ultra-modern Central Mosque that would further boost the religious commitment of the people of the community.

He added that that would further strengthen the inter-religious beliefs within the community.

The cleric, therefore, charged that whosoever wanted Allah to remember him or her, should also assist in the development of the work of Allah.

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Whether by design, destiny, or political calculation, Hamzat, born on September 19, 1964 and married to Oluremi, has emerged as perhaps the most visible, talked about and institutionally prepared figure in the conversation about who may occupy Alausa after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. If Lagos chooses experience, technocratic competence, and continuity over political theatrics, then Hamzat may well be the man to beat.

Unlike many politicians whose public careers began in party structures, Hamzat’s rise was first forged in academia and professional excellence. An engineer by training, he earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State before adding a master’s degree and later a doctorate in System Process Engineering from Cranefield University, England. His academic trajectory, no doubt, established him early as a serious-minded intellectual with a strong technical and analytical grounding.

And in a political environment where anti-intellectualism sometimes thrives, Hamzat has consistently projected the image of a cerebral leader – one more comfortable discussing policy frameworks, digital transformation, and governance systems than engaging in populist grandstanding and unnecessary controversies.

If Lagos chooses preparation over populism, competence over noise, and continuity over experimentation, KOH may indeed be the man who becomes the next governor of Lagos State.

Before politics finally arrested him, Hamzat had built a reputation in engineering, systems management, and technology-driven administration. His expertise in technology and infrastructure made him a natural fit for public service at a time when Lagos was aggressively modernising its governance systems.

That technical competence became his entry point into the political establishment. He served as Commissioner for Science and Technology, later Special Adviser on  Works. Across these roles, he developed a reputation as a policy wonk and implementation-driven administrator.

Interestingly, Hamzat’s political evolution has been unusual by Nigerian standards.

He is not usually the loudest politician in the room. In fact, he is rarely seen engaging in needless drama. He does not even dominate headlines with flamboyant rhetoric. Yet, within Lagos’ political machinery, his influence has steadily grown.

Born into a politically conscious family, his late father, Oba Mufutau Hamzat, was himself a notable political figure in Lagos. But unlike many second-generation politicians who rely solely on legacy, Hamzat has spent nearly two decades building his own political résumé. His eventual emergence as Deputy Governor in 2019 was not accidental; it was the culmination of years of strategic positioning, administrative competence, and loyalty within the Lagos APC establishment. Since then, he has served as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dependable deputy, helping to shape and execute the administration’s developmental agenda.

Several factors, of course, make Hamzat a compelling governorship prospect. First, he understands Lagos and its operations as an ‘insider.’ Unlike other contenders who know little about the bureaucracy, infrastructure ecosystem, and policy architecture of the state as intimately as he does.

Second is that he is a technocrat with measurable governance experience.

Third is political acceptability, especially within the APC hierarchy. Yes, Hamzat is widely viewed as disciplined, loyal, and non-disruptive – traits often prized in succession politics.

The fourth is public perception. To many Lagosians, he projects calm intelligence, competence, and seriousness – qualities that contrast favourably with the theatrics often associated with Nigerian politics. Recent endorsements and increasing public succession conversations further reinforce his growing profile as a leading contender.

Challenges, however, cannot be ruled out. Especially because Lagos politics is never straightforward.

Competence alone often does not secure power in Nigeria. Political equations involving zoning, ethnic balancing, party interests, religious leaning, godfatherism, and grassroots calculations will all influence who eventually gets the nod.

Nonetheless, Obafemi Kadir Hamzat represents a rare breed in Nigerian politics: the scholar-technocrat who successfully transitioned into high-level political leadership without sacrificing his intellectual identity.

He has the education, the experience, the institutional knowledge, and the political grooming to govern Lagos. But whether he eventually becomes governor will depend not only on his credentials but on how well he navigates the intricate power dynamics of Lagos politics, under the firm grip of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the months ahead.

But one thing is clear: If Lagos chooses preparation over populism, competence over noise, and continuity over experimentation, KOH may indeed be the man who becomes the next governor of Lagos State.

*Azuh Arinze, FNGE, is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Anything and Everything Journalism, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, My Story of Many Colours, etc.

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…Sanwo-Olu delivers mega school projects, Agro food hub in President’s Day-2 visit

 A comprehensive regeneration and upgrade of Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, a densely populated Lagos suburb, by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is reminiscent of a rebirth of education in Ajeromi Ifelodun local government area.

The cluster of 36 public schools got its facilities rehabilitated in an infrastructure renewal programme supervised by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, SCRPS.

The modernised schools, sighted on 11.73 hectares, were part of the mega projects inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his second day visit to Lagos, his home state.

The school complex was commissioned along with Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches built side by side close to the complex.

Besides, the president virtually commissioned the Fresh Food Hub built by Sanwo-Olu in Abijo, Ajah area of Eti Osa.

The iconic projects were unveiled by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who represented President Tinubu at the event.

It was a moment of uncontrolled excitement for pupils of the 36 schools in the complex.

They trooped out to welcome Sanwo-Olu and Akpabio, clad in their respective uniforms.

Also at the event were the Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, and members of the National Assembly.

Tinubu said the scale of regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex by the Sanwo-Olu government, was “exceptional and remarkable”, stressing that the intervention reflected the vision, planning and commitment of the governor to improve the lives of young citizens.

The accomplishment, the president said, demonstrated what could be achieved with bold and focused leadership, commending Sanwo-Olu and his team for delivering a project that would serve tens of thousands of students within a school environment.

He said: “The remarkable scale and significance of Tolu Schools Complex regeneration is truly exceptional. The successful upgrade of such a large and complex educational facility is highly commendable. This reflects the vision, planning and very clear commitment to improving the lives of our young citizens. Sanwo-Olu and his team deserve commendation for delivering a project of this magnitude and for demonstrating what is possible when leadership is bold and focused.

“We must continue to invest in education, not just as a social service but as driver of economic growth and national development. When we equip our children with knowledge and skills, we prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society and compete in a changing world. This is an investment in the strength and progress of not just our State but the country. No nation can rise above the quality of its human capital. When we give our young people access to quality education, the right skills and supportive environment, we are preparing them not just for today, but for the future we all desire.”

Through his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tinubu said he had designed programmes that would ensure every child had access to quality care learning and equipped with practical skills to compete and thrive in the emerging modern economy.

By strengthening human capital development, the President said a society would build a workforce capable of driving innovation, creating jobs and sustaining national growth.

Tinubu said education policies must focus on boosting capacity and ensuring schools produce thinkers, problem solvers and innovators that will drive the nation’s economy forward.

“Projects like these show what is possible when leadership is focused and deliberate. This is how we turn opportunities to progress, potential into prosperity for all Nigerians. Lagos is leading in this direction,” the President said.

While unveiling the Mid-Level Fresh Food Hub in Abijo in virtual commissioning, the President said the food sustainability intervention delivered by Governor Sanwo-Olu was in alignment with his administration’s aggressive agricultural production programmes.

He said the facility would simplify the complex logistical process that entails transporting of farm produce to the market for consumption.

Sanwo-Olu said the Tolu Schools complex inauguration represented a beacon of hope and a message of reassurance to children living in Ajegunle, pointing out that the mega school project showed the Government did not neglect them.

The governor said the story of Tolu Schools Complex started in 1981 during the Mass Education Policy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration to provide accessible education in Ajegunle. He said the Government reclaimed land from the Lagos lagoon to build the complex, which started two pioneer schools — Unity and Olodi Apapa Secondary Schools.

The complex was expanded by the successive military administrations, after which a major milestone was recorded during the administration of the then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who added Bola Ige Millennium Secondary School.

The complex’s condition deteriorated due to a growing pupil population. Classrooms originally designed for 35 students were crammed with over 100 pupils and the perimeter fencing was damaged by floodwater.

In response, Sanwo-Olu initiated a regeneration project for the complex. This involved giving all 36 schools in the cluster a complete infrastructural makeover.

The governor said: “We took a clear and deliberate decision to regenerate this historic complex completely and courageously. What we are commissioning today is not a facelift or a cosmetic intervention. It is a full re-imagination of what public education should look like in a modern African city. We have transformed the Tolu Schools Complex into the largest integrated educational community in West Africa, providing a complete educational ladder from foundation to the threshold of higher learning.

“To tackle overcrowding and create a more conducive learning environment, we have delivered 12 new classroom blocks, each containing 18 classrooms. In addition, 24 existing school buildings have been comprehensively rehabilitated, restoring them into safe, habitable and inspiring spaces for teaching and learning. We also built a four-storey vocational and skills acquisition centre with dedicated workshops designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and practical competence.”

The Tolu Schools Complex was also equipped with central science laboratories and ICT Complex that can accommodate 200 pupils at a time.

Sanwo-Olu renamed the Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, after President Tinubu for his consistent championing of youth and sports development.

The governor said the 23,000sq metre Abijo Mid-Level Agro Food hub was designed to create a sustainable food distribution network along the Eti Osa corridor.

“This facility, with its modern storage infrastructure, trading floors, and logistics systems, will decentralise access to fresh produce beyond our traditional markets, bringing affordable, quality food closer to families across the Lekki-Ajah axis and beyond. It is a critical piece of our food security architecture,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Education Minister, Alausa, said massive regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex stood as a powerful testament to the vision of a committed leadership in Lagos, noting that the accomplishment reflected what could be possible when leadership was purposeful, intentional and people-centric.

The achievement, he said, was in furtherance of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and his commitment to quality education through the Renewed Hope agenda.

“The commissioning of Tolu Schools Complex is a landmark achievement in our collective pursuit of educational excellence. This is an unveiling of a bold statement and declaration that Nigeria is investing decisively in the future of its children,” Alausa said.

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