Babajide Sanwo-Olu: The man seeking to right Ambode’s wrongs
It is only five months until Lagos residents elect their next governor, and quite a number of politicians, including incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, have expressed interest in continuing with the state’s development progress.
Two key aspirants, Jide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat are among those eyeing the ruling party’s sole ticket.
A discord between Ambode and political juggernaut Bola Tinubu which has dominated headlines in recent weeks appears to have thrust Sanwo-Olu at the forefront of the race, especially as he has been reported to have the backing of the APC leader.
Sanwo-Olu seems to be reveling in the support he has been getting from members of the party. He said on Sunday as he made his governorship ambition official that he had a strong conviction that God had prepared him to be the next governor of the state.
The ongoing shenanigans within the ruling party has prompted many to ask… Who is Jide Sanwo-Olu?
Ambode’s emergence as APC’s candidate in 2015 had prompted similar questions, as Lagos residents sought to know his track record.
The man, Jide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Sanwo-Olu was born into a Christian family on Lagos Island 53 years ago.
A graduate of University of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu has a B.Sc degree in surveying. He also acquired an MBA from same university. He went on to acquire degrees at the Kennedy School of Government, USA and the London Business School.
Sanwo-Olu was an accomplished banker, having served as Treasurer at former Lead Merchant Bank Plc between 1994 and 1997. He was also Head, Foreign Money market and Deputy General Manager at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
His sojourn in the banking system also saw him work in the capacity of Deputy General Manager, Divisional Head, at First Inland Bank, Plc (now First City Monument Bank).
He is vastly experienced in construction and property development, serving as the Chairman of Baywatch Group Limited, as well as First Class Group Limited at different points in time.
Public Office Experience
Sanwo-Olu had dipped his feet into political office as far back as fifteen years ago, when he served as special adviser on corporate matters to Femi Pedro in 2003, while the latter was deputy governor of Lagos.
He has thrice served as a Commissioner in the state; He was appointed Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007 just as Tinubu’s tenure came to an end, while also serving as Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions under the Fashola administration.
He is currently the managing director of Lagos state property Development Company (LSPDC), a position in which he was appointed by Ambode, the man he seeks to replace, in May 2016.
During his official declaration at the Lagos City Hall on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said his experience in public office would come in handy if he is elected governor.
“When I look at my experience in public service, I realised that God has prepared me for this moment,” he said.
“I believe that my contribution to the public service made it possible to be appointed as acting Commissioner for Economic Planning, then Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and later Commissioner for Establishment and Training.
“My public service career has crowned the glorious achievements of my journey to the private sector where I had worked in the financial industry.”
2019
At the moment, Sanwo-Olu appears to be the ruling party’s favourite candidate heading into the 2019 election, but he has a tough challenger in the incumbent who, it is believed, will not go down without a fight.
He has, however, promised not to commit one of Ambode’s alleged sins, saying that he’ll make sure he carries party members along, as well as stick to the ideology of the APC, if he is elected.
