Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Relationship Beneficial To The Progress Of Lagos – By Kazeem Shuaib
After diverse opinion of people on the relationship between Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his running mate Obafemi Hamzat over fears of trust and loyalty reason being that both were Gubernatorial Aspirants at a time, I have decided to discuss about these two wonderful men and why Lagosians should be happy to have them at a go rather than individually as Governor.
The emergence of Babajide Sanwo Olu as the flag bearer of the All progressive congress for the position of the next governor of Lagos state alongside his running mate Obafemi Hamzat is one that is certainly of great interest to the people of Lagos as these two have not only shown cordial relationship working together both in the past and present, their past experience and work ethics have shown how much transformation Lagos is about to witness.
The duo effectively shows the beauty in a concerted effort by proving to be the right pair effortlessly. BOS and KOH, who have served in various private and public sectors of the state have not only demonstrated sheer genius and passion to work but have also shown great team spirit and commitment to duty.
In the acceptance speech of Babajide Sanwo-Olu after his victory at the polls during the primaries of the ruling party, BOS reiterated his commitment towards an all-inclusive governance that will first, and ultimately, establish its manifesto on the needs and yearnings of the people. It might be perceived to be playing to the gallery but BOS has hitherto validated the capacity to stay true to his words – he is a private person and nonetheless, as commissioner, he was an excellent team player who took into cognizance the role of everyone under his watch.
Having spent 16 years in the public facet dutifully serving in various capacities and also 11 years in the private sector, the 54-year-old man has definitely garnered a lot of experience.
Serving as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007 under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning as well as Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions under Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2011, he has been one of the portending numero uno to take on the mantle of leadership when and if it beckons.
Little wonder as to why the frequent chants of a true leader never seem to cease from the lips of the people whenever the name Babajide Sanwo Olu emanates.
His accomplishments and pedigree particularly with improving the state’s internally generated revenue which the state relies on mostly for its smooth running is regarded by many as a feat coupled with his numerous achievements with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
A brief look at the other half of this star-struck team reveals the ingenuity in this paragon.
Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat having also served in various private and public sectors within the state with reference as the Commissioner for Science and Technology under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2005 and Babatunde Fashola in 2007.
His success in this field led to a lot of technological advancements within the state from Electronic Document management systems to e-health initiatives to upgrades and management of the State Network infrastructure to ICT laboratories and Forensic Laboratories that provide better evidence in the adjudication of criminal cases and unsolved murder cases to the Lagos State residents registration framework.
He took the world of science and technology in Lagos by a storm enacting and effecting a huge transformation across all sectors where he successfully improved data and record-keeping which had a ripple effect in eliminating ghost workers across the State.
In 2011, Obafemi Hamzat was appointed as Commissioner for Works. During his time at the ministry or works and infrastructure, he executed projects that positioned Lagos accurately in view with the megacity mantra of Governor Fashola.
The emergence of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) and Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (KOH) as running mates for the upcoming Lagos State gubernatorial election has been referred to by many as the perfect dream team needed to steer Lagos into an era worthy of its slogan ‘Centre of Excellence’.
Lagos has never had it better – our assurances in an all-inclusive and responsive government we can all call our own is just a few months away.
Kazeem Shuaib Is A Media Strategist And Public Affairs Analyst. He tweets From @ibn_qazeem.
