Tag Archives: Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu escorts Tinubu to airport amid reconciliation

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President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a two-week stay in Lagos, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accompanying him to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday afternoon—signaling a possible end to their widely reported rift.

Tinubu had been in Lagos since May 27, participating in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and observing the Eid al-Adha festival with the Muslim community.

However, during his stay, speculation about a strained relationship between the president and the Lagos governor dominated political discourse.

Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

The tension became evident on May 31 during the inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 (30km, six lanes) of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. At the event, attended by several high-profile dignitaries—including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Governors Babagana Zulum (Borno), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Bassey Otu (Cross River)—Tinubu shook hands with each official in line. But when he reached Sanwo-Olu, the president appeared to snub him, bypassing the governor and instead greeting Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who stood next.

The perceived tension deepened on June 5 when Sanwo-Olu was conspicuously absent at the flag-off of the deep seaport access road reconstruction in the Epe-Ijebu Ode axis. Though his seat was labeled, it remained empty, while his deputy, Femi Hamzat, was seen seated behind it.

Reports suggest that Tinubu reconciled with Sanwo-Olu during a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) on Sunday. During the meeting, the president was quoted as telling the governor that his “sins have been forgiven.”

The fallout is believed to have stemmed from the controversial impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in February, following allegations of financial misconduct. Obasa was reinstated after 49 days, reportedly due to Tinubu’s intervention.

With Sanwo-Olu accompanying Tinubu to the airport, it appears both leaders may have moved past the dispute—at least for now.

Sanwo-Olu swears in eight Permanent Secretaries

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 Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in eight newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

He urged them to embrace the THEMES Plus developmental agenda with vigour.

The governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu described the new appointees as drivers of innovation, tasked with formulating policies to improve the lives of Lagos residents.

“In Lagos, we consistently promote excellence, professionalism, and a best-in-class approach in all areas of governance.

“You are policy drivers, bridging political leadership and the people. You must innovate and remain committed to the ideals of good governance.

“As you take office, embrace the development agenda with renewed energy, working towards sustainable progress and prosperity for all Lagosians,” Sanwo-Olu advised.

He reiterated that Lagos State prioritises excellence to ensure the best hands tackle social and economic challenges facing the state.

Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

“With your elevation comes greater responsibility and expectation. You are entrusted with public service and must lead by example at all times.

“We expect nothing less than excellence, which has earned you this position through your hard work and dedication,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that governance is a collective effort, urging collaboration with colleagues and citizens for effective service delivery.

“Engage with feedback, respond constructively to criticism, and always prioritise the public good over personal interests,” he stated.

The Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said the appointments aim to revitalise civil service structures for the benefit of Lagos residents.

In a vote of assurance, Mrs Aderinsola Olanrewaju thanked the governor, pledging that all appointees will work towards actualising the THEMES Plus agenda.

The new Permanent Secretaries include Mrs Abiola Idowu, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, and Mrs Olarewaju Adebanjo, Citizens Mediation Bureau.

Others are Mr Olarenwaju Bajulaye, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Mr Also Mahmood, Ministry of Finance; Mr Wasiu Agbabiaka, Civil Service Commission.

Also sworn in were Mr Gbolahan Oki, Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, and others assigned to various portfolios.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that with this batch, Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries — the highest in the state’s history. 

(NAN)

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

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The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented the sum of N3.005 trillion before the state House of Assembly as a proposed budget for the year 2025.

The budget which is tagged the “Budget of Sustainability.” focuses on capital projects aimed at economic growth and development.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N1.7 trillion was proposed for the Capital budget while N1.2 trillion was set aside in the budget before the lawmakers for the recurrent budget in the coming year.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the budget’s focus on infrastructural development and sustainability.

He reassured Lagosians that the budget aligns with the state’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, security, and the environment.

The budget proposal now awaits deliberation and approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly.