After a three-day retreat for commissioners, special advisers and permanent secretaries, which was wrapped up on Saturday, the new team seemed poised to translate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to reawaken the dream of a greater Lagos, writes Gbenga Adewale
”In our pursuit of a greater Lagos, we speak not of an empty dream, but a deep commitment and profound assertion of our intention to devote ourselves to making a difference not only for ourselves but our children.”
With these words, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set an ambitious tone for his aides at a three-day retreat which was rounded off on Saturday.
Sanwo-Olu’s strides since his inauguration on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019, as the sixth democratically elected Governor and 15th Governor of Lagos State, have left none in doubt of his commitment to make the state greater and better than he met it.
In his inaugural speech, Sanwo-Olu, had admitted he was inheriting a state battling with huge challenges which had the tendency to consume it, if not confronted with creative solutions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu even from inception, set his compass of governance upon the rock solid achievements of his predecessors – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola who as governors made the state work for her residents. That step alone confirmed his readiness and belief in the state’s strategic master plan.
He said: “I know where I am coming from. More importantly, I know where I am headed. I have been a part of this progressive journey since its very inception. I know first-hand the concerted efforts that went into planning so many of the innovations we now see and enjoy,” he had said in his inaugural speech.
Believing Lagos not only to be Nigeria’s major economy, but Africa’s fifth largest, Sanwo-Olu unveiled “THEMES,” formulated along strategic thematic areas, namely, Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance.
These six pillars, he said, ”represents our response to the yearnings of the people. They constitute the foundation that must be restored for future generations. And should we fulfill our promise and deliver on the pillars, we are most confident that we will have succeeded in setting Lagos on a new trajectory of economic growth and development that would be unprecedented in our entire history’’.
Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration would ensure transparency, the rule of law and fiscal discipline as well as create the right environment that guarantees security and safety of lives and property of Lagosians.
“Our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, invest and work.”
Kitchen cabinet
Sanwo-Olu’s early appointments of a retired Head of Service Mrs Folashade Jaji as Secretary to the State Government excited many Lagosians, especially gender enthusiasts who saw the appointment of a seasoned administrator who is schooled in the culture of the civil service as a blessing to the administration.
Other appointments that resonated with the people is the Chief of Staff, COS, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde and Deputy Chief Press Secretary, DCPS, Gboyega Akosile.
Ayinde, born on the 24th of August 1964, at Alausa, Ikeja, is the governor’s strategic clearing house. He attended St Peters’ Anglican Primary School, Alausa, Ikeja, Ogudu Grammar School, Ojota, Lagos, and was admitted into Federal Polytechnic, Anambra, for his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Banking and later the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy. He worked briefly with TELL Magazine as Account Officer in 1993. Same year, he joined the State Security Service (SSS) and distinguished himself as a dedicated, loyal, courageous and trustworthy Officer until his voluntary retirement in 2009.
While in the SSS, Ayinde was Head of the Accounts Department of State Security Service (SSS), Shangisha Office, from 1993 – 1999.
He worked with the former Governor of Lagos State, Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Security Detail.
Ayinde holds a Master’s Degree (MBA) in Financial Management from Lagos State University. He also attended University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, for a Course in Strategic Thinking Approach. He later attended the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School for a Course of Study in Business Model Innovation. Not done still, he went further to study Strategic Financial Analysis for Business Evaluation at Harvard Business School, Boston, USA. All these were in addition to his professional training on VIP Protection and anti-terrorism in Israel and the United Kingdom.
A committed supporter of universal human values and an advocate of support for the less privileged, Ayinde delved fully into politics in 2009. He was the Director General for Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat’s Independent Campaign Group, and later Chairman of the Inauguration Committee after the March 9th 2019 victory at the gubernatorial elections.
A media executive in his own right, Akosile, an erstwhile, DCPS, was later confirmed on Wednesday, as the substantive Chief Press Secretary, CPS.
Akosile, holds a Bachelor of Art degree in Performing Art at the University of Ilorin between 1991 and 1996 and bagged a Master in Business Administration, MBA degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU between 2008 and 2010.
He was the Head of Reportorial Desk at Minaj Broadcasting International between 2006 and 2008 where he directly supervised reporters; scheduled reports and other assignments for the reporters, involved in the management decision and policy formulation for the station, directly supervised, coordinated and organized the reportorial staff and the news room, planned and produced the daily editorial schedules, planned and produced special programme and documentaries for the station and involved in policy formulation and executive for the station.
Between 2010 and 2011, he was at Super Screen Television, where he directly supervised the daily news bulletins, supervised, coordinated and organized the news staff and the news room, planned and produced the daily editorial schedules, among others. He later formed and became the Chief Executive Officer, Bridgeworld Communications Company, in 2009 which he was until his recent appointment.
Akosile has skills in video production, video editing, public relations and corporate communications, broadcast, social media, branding, digital marketing, among others.
Unveiling of cabinet
After much horse-trading among the leadership of APC and power blocks, Sanwo-Olu transmitted the list of 38 aides, made up of Commissioners, Special Advisers to the House of Assembly, led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa for ratification.
On August 19th, the state lawmakers confirmed 35 of the 38 nominees.
The fate of the three rejected: Obafemi George, Prince Olarewanju Sanusi and Adekemi Bembe were still hanging in the balance at press time, as the Assembly, presided did not give any reason for the rejection, but advised the governor to re-nominate the rejected persons if he so desired.
Despite the setback, Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday, at an elaborate event, inaugurated the new State Executive Council, Exco, comprising of old, new and youthful members, with a terse challenge to members to be diligent in their duties. He said: “We must accelerate the trajectory of growth and development of Lagos State as we can’t afford to disappoint Lagosians.”
Personalities at the colourful and security tight occasion, include: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Chief Whip of the House, Rotimi Abiru, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri -Okunola, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, led by its chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Executive members of All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos chapter, led by its chairman, Tunde Balogun, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers and chiefs, party faithful, family members and well wishers, among others.
The list of commissioners and portfolios as announced by the Governor, are: Water Resources and Environment, Tunji Bello, Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Finance, Mr. Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Lere Odusote, Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal,
Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, Establishment, Training and Pension, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu, Home Affairs, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Lola Akande, Tourism Arts and Culture, Mrs. Olufunke Adebolu, Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Dr. Wale Ahmed
Special Advisers and portfolios are: Agriculture, Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya, Office of Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Political and Legislative Affairs, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, (a new portfolio) Technology and Innovation, Mr. Tubosun Alake, (A newly created portfolio) Urban Development, Architect Kabiru Ahmed Abdullahi, Central Business Districts, CDB, Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, Arts and Culture, Bonu Solomon Saanu, Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka, Commerce and Industry, Oladele Ajayi, Education, Tokunbo Wahab, Sustainable Development Goals ,(newly created portfolio) and Lagos Global, Mrs. Solape Hammond.
Sanwo-Olu, at the event said; “Today, you are inducted into an administration unique in its diversity–both of heritage and of creed – made up of technical and politically skilled men and women who understand the challenges of our State, grasp the grand vision of this new administration, and are sensitive to the yearnings of our people, the citizens of Lagos State whom we must ultimately serve to realize its vision for a greater Lagos.”
He reminded the Exco members of his inaugural address on 29th May, when he declared that “our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest.”
As they prepared for the challenges ahead, he charged them to imbibe the culture of transparency, accountability, fairness and value for money.
“I therefore, implore you to earnestly commit yourselves to the agenda and vision of this administration.
“Be prepared to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, and support or oppose whomever you must, in order to accomplish our grand ambition of building one of the great cities of the 21st Century, a beacon of social, commercial and political excellence for the rest of our dear nation.
“The challenges we face as a mega city whether in the areas of security, waste management, transportation, or environmental sustainability are not peculiar to us. But they are the undesired consequences of an ambitious and growing economy providing opportunities for people to realize their dreams. But they must surely be addressed before they undermine our achievements and hinder our progress.
“This is the task we have been called upon to undertake in the next four years on behalf of our people who are relying on us to support their dreams and aspirations,” he said.
He also charged them to show commitment, diligence and exemplary leadership as the necessary virtues needed to achieve the greatness desired for the state and to deliver the prosperity the people deserved.
Sanwo-Olu, while reassuring residents of his administration’s commitment to serve selflessly and fulfill all promises made, sought for the support and cooperation of residents, saying, “Together, we shall make Lagos greater.”
Undoubtedly, there are giants in the newly emerged exco who are seen as highly experienced and likely to influence government’s policies and agenda in realization of its goals. These include; Bello, immediate past SSG in the state, had worked previously with First Bank of Nigeria, Concord Press Nigeria Ltd., St. Petersburg Times, Florida USA, and had various publications to his credit ranging from business to politics.
A winner of the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship, USA, Bello is a member of the following bodies: Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Society of International Law, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Civil Liberty Organisation.
Also in the team is Gbenga Omotoso, an award-winning journalist and the current Editor-in-Chief of The Nation Newspaper who has nearly 35 years experience in the media industry.
The Ado-Ekiti born media guru, who graduated from the University of Benin, was adjudged winner of the DAME Informed Commentary in 2010, Nigerian Media Merit Award Editor, 2013, 2015 and 2017.
Ahmed, a medical doctor turned politician, became prominent when he was elected as lawmaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, where he served as Chairman, House committee on Health and sponsored the motion for free treatment of accident victims within 24 hours which the Tinubu’s administration adopted.
After leaving the House, he, who is current State Secretary, All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos, was appointed by former governor, Babatunde Fashola, as Commissioner for Special Duties between 2011 and 2015.
Lawal, is the immediate past Commissioner of Housing and a former Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State. A seasoned security & development practitioner and socio-entrepreneur, he has deep understanding for political economy of development, especially in low and medium-income economies.
Fatai had served as Operation and sales manager at different companies got his first public office experience in 2003 when he was appointed as Special Assistant to the former governor, Bola Tinubu, now National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC; a position he held until the expiration of the administration.
His performance earned him recognition from residents of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government who voted for him twice to represent them at the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2015.
Arobieke, a graduate of Political Science from the prestigious University of Ibadan, foray into politics earned her serving in different offices as: the first executive secretary of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA in 2003.
A year after, the smart politician became the first Chairman of the council till 2007. This was also repeated for her until 2011.
Akande, an honorary Doctorate Degree recipient, whose passion for teaching and mentoring young minds led her to serve in Lagos State Teaching Service Commission before leaving to establish Fibsol Enterprises Limited.
In 2007, Akande’s passion to serve led to her sojourn in politics and was elected twice as member of the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2007 and 2015 where she held the position of Deputy Chief Whip and Deputy Majority Leader at the House.
Her outstanding performance as lawmaker led to her appointment as commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, under the immediate past governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Benson-Awoyinka , a lawyer turned politician, is currently the Assistant Legal Adviser, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State.
Benson-Awoyinka who worked at different law firms abroad, returned to Nigeria and assisted in the crafting the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, seeking pillars of development for western Nigeria that fits into the peculiarities as a region.
Fahm, is an ICT specialist and a former Commissioner for in the Ministry of Science and Technology. He is also a Network Infrastructure expert.
Segun Dawodu, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development. He is a former Commissioner of Sports in Lagos.
Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf a Pharmacist, politician is the immediate past Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State.
She had her primary education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ile Ife, from 1980-1986. On completion she gained admission into the Seventh Day Adventist Grammar school Ile-Ife between 1987-1992 after which she was admitted to University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, for her B.Pharm graduating in the year 2006.
New entrants that will add value to what is emerging as the Sanwo-Olu brand are: Salako, who has garnered over 20 years of practice experience in town planning, is the Managing partner at Adesanya Salako and Associates, a town planning firm in Lagos.
Salako, who was born in October 1968, is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and President, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, ATOPCON.
Rabiu Olowo, who celebrated his 34th birthday in June, is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Experienced Chief Audit Executive, Adjunct Professor and Authorised Trainer of The ACFE in West Africa, an anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education.
Before being appointed as Commissioner by the governor, Olowo, who had this year gained admission into Charisma University, British West Indies, TCI for his Ph.d in Forensic Accounting and Auditing, had served as an accountant in GlaxoSmithKline, Nigeria Plc, and others.
Folashade is an educationist with more than 20-year experience in the sector. She is a principal consultant/CEO at Leading Learning Limited, a company she founded herself in 2014.
With an about 40 years working experience, Folashade, who was awarded National Merit Award by the Federal Government in 1974, retired from Corona Schools Trust Council in 2010 and served voluntarily as Director of the school for another four years.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Oncology, Environmental Health and Biosecurity. And before his appointment, he had been helping Lagos to prevent spread of contagious diseases especially during the Ebola crisis where he worked assiduously with the former commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris.
Akin studied at the Royal Medical College of Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital in the University of London where he attained his first graduate degree in Medicine and progressing to obtain fellowships from both Royal College of Medicine in the United Kingdom and the College of Medicine of South Africa.
Tasks Ahead
Sanwo-Olu stressed, “Let me emphasize that this is not just our goal, it is what the people expect from us and we cannot afford to disappoint them.”
Lagosians are currently, impatient to feel the positive impacts of the administration which professed to have a foundation from which to build from, that is the blueprint for a new Lagos and the Development Plan (2012 to 2025) which are still relevant as strategic reference materials for a systematic implementation of medium and long-term policies in line with the overall vision for the state.
Therefore, among the daunting tasks ahead are: Unlocking the perennial Lagos traffic, deplorable road network, such as Lagos-Badagry Expressway, and Oshodi-Apapa gridlock, waste disposal and management, rocketing cost of healthcare, dwindling educational standard, wealth creation through employment opportunities, particularly for the teeming youths, rising cases of cultism, crimes and general insecurity that pervades across the length and breadth of the state.