Introduction
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the 15th governor of Lagos State, Nigeria. Before his election as governor in 2019, he has served various roles in the public and private sectors. In this blog post, we’ve compiled 10 key facts about Babajide Sanwo-Olu you need to know to get to know him better.
Early Life and Education
Babajide Sanwo-Olu was born on June 25th, 1965, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He attended Government College, Lagos, and proceeded to the University of Lagos where he obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Surveying.
After graduation, he joined several organizations including Leadway Assurance Company, United Bank for Africa, and later, First Atlantic Bank (now FCMB) where he began his banking career as a Treasurer and rose to the position of Group Head, Banking Operations.
Career in Public Service
Babajide Sanwo-Olu has had a remarkable career in public service. He joined the public sector in 2003 when he was appointed Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then deputy governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
He was later appointed Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget and subsequently appointed Commissioner for Commerce and Industry. In 2016, he was appointed Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
Philanthropy
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is known for his philanthropic works, especially through his foundation, the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Foundation. The foundation aims to provide education, healthcare, and economic empowerment initiatives to the underprivileged across Nigeria.
Through the foundation, sanitary pads and other items have been distributed to over 5,000 students in various schools, while over 6,000 residents across Lagos have benefitted from free medical services provided by the foundation.
Family Life
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is married to Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, a trained medical doctor and the current First Lady of Lagos State. Together, they have four children.
Role in Lagos State Government
Babajide Sanwo-Olu was elected as the governor of Lagos State in 2019. Since assuming office, he has implemented several policies aimed at improving the standard of living of Lagosians and developing the state. Some of these policies include the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, the construction of road infrastructure and the light rail project, and the implementation of the “Red Line” rail project aimed at reducing traffic gridlock in the state.
Controversies
As a public figure, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has had his fair share of controversies. One of the most notable controversies was his handling of the #EndSARS protests in October 2020, which turned violent and resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
However, he has since apologized for the handling of the protests, set up funds for the compensation of victims, and initiated a panel of inquiry to investigate police brutality in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s full name?
A. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Q. When was Babajide Sanwo-Olu born?
A. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was born on June 25th, 1965.
Q. What political party does Babajide Sanwo-Olu belong to?
A. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.
Q. What is the name of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s foundation?
A. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s foundation is called the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Foundation.
Q. What is Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s educational background?
A. Babajide Sanwo-Olu obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Surveying from the University of Lagos.
Q. Who is the First Lady of Lagos State?
A. Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu is the current First Lady of Lagos State and the wife of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Q. What are some of the policies implemented by Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor of Lagos State?
A. Some of the policies implemented by Babajide Sanwo-Olu as governor of Lagos State include the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, construction of road infrastructure and light rail project, and the “Red Line” rail project.
Conclusion
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a renowned public figure with a track record of excellence in both the public and private sectors. As governor of Lagos State, he has made significant strides in improving the standard of living of Lagosians. Through this post, we hope you’ve learned some key facts about Babajide Sanwo-Olu and gotten to know him better.