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Babajide Sanwo-Olu: The Prolific Anglican in Lagos Government House
By Eric Elezuo
May 29, 2019 was just an anti-climax to a series of events and activities that pointed to one direction – the Lagos House, Alausa, which doubles as the official residence and office of the number citizen of lagos state and his family. It was for Anglican born and raised Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
The technocrat’s journey to the seat of power did not just start, as widely reported, when the Mandate Group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said to be loyal to the former governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, chose him. It started long before then, back to the days of his infancy, youth and career handling and dispositions as an adult. Sanwo-Olu paved his own way by being dutiful, expressing integrity and going the extra mile in every of his endeavours. This is coupled with a background training given to him by the Anglican church, with special mention of the Lagos Diocese. It was a touch of divinity that assisted his defeating an incumbent in the party primary by a huge margin.
To express his zeal in the service of God and humanity, Sanwo-Olu has been in the forefront of showcasing the Anglican Church to the greater world, and has not failed, with his wife, to participate in every activity the church is involved in, his tight political and industrial schedule notwithstanding.
For 12 uninterrupted years, between 2004 when the 29th Synod was held and 2015 when the 32nd Synod took place, Sanwo-Olu was one of the delegates representing the Lagos Diocese at the Synod, which is the highest meeting body of the Anglican Church. Coincidentally, in 2007, he qualified to be a delegate with his wife.
This year, the Diocese celebrated 100 years of untainted activities to the glory of God. The activities marking the centenary landmark is still ongoing.
Consequently, the technocrat has been a Synod delegate for such intimidating number of years, signifying his Anglican heritage and attachment.
It is therefore, imperative for those who erroneously associate him with other leanings to take correction. He is a prolific and professing Anglican.
Sanwo-Olu is widely regarded as a public sector expert in human resources and policy formation, a power sector consultant per excellence, an astute banker, a compelling public speaker and an inspirational leader.
He carries within him a robust public sector service experience which spanned over eight years.
His meteoric rise within the system of the Lagos State government is particularly exemplary; testament to his unique leadership abilities and exceptional contributions to good governance within the State.
Sanwo-Olu’s appointment, in 2003, as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to then Deputy Governor, Mr Femi Pedro took the government circles by storm.
With Bank executives
In recognition of his abilities coupled with his outstanding performance, within one year, he earned the same job title and description but this time working with the then Executive Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Working directly with the Governor, he was responsible for creating an environment that fosters private sector participation and was instrumental to the present situation where members of the private sector see themselves as stakeholders in the governance of the State.
He also formulated policies and programmes to improve the relationship between government and Organized Private Sector (OPS).
In conjunction with other agencies of government, Sanwo-Olu was able to initiate, identify, promote and structure new projects and programmes in areas like the Environment, Transportation, Commerce, Finance and Infrastructure while also preparing and tracking the Internally Generated Revenue from various agencies including the BIR and analysing same for the Governor.
He was also responsible for the preparation and publication of the Lagos State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS).
While still serving in this capacity, Babajide was appointed acting Honourable Commissioner, Economic Planning and Budget, owing to his hard work and attention to details. He became responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for the State Government and the processing of the annual budget of the different parastatals; a duty he performed judiciously.
It was no surprise therefore, when in 2007, he became the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry until the end of that administration.
At the start of the next administration, Sanwo-Olu was again appointed Honourable Commissioner, this time, for Establishments, Training and Pensions.
Babajide’s sterling team playing ability was evident in the critical roles he played within the government in partnership with several units and ofces.
For instance, in conjunction with the Head of Service, he was responsible for timely review of salaries, wages and allowances while he also articulated the state government’s Conditions of Service. As a security awareness expert, he helped set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and subsequently became a board member for over four years.
He also distinguished himself serving on the Board of the Department for International Development, DFID/DEEPEN Fund.
His last stint in Government was as General Manager, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
With immediate past governor, Ambode
In the prrivate sector contributed to a number of thriving organisations, including Baywatch Group Limited – a multi-faceted company with interests in construction, property development and human capital development – where he has served as Chairman/CEO since July 2011.
First Class Group Limited, a cooling, power and maintenance solutions provider recognised widely for providing critical support for all major telecommunications company in the area of specialised cooling.
Powercap Consulting, a leading power consulting boutique with vast experience in power privatisation exercise.
Beryl Shelter, an estate management rm that specialises in research, marketing intelligence and sales of high end properties. Wow! Interiors, an interior design services and luxury furniture retail store for high end corporate and residential clients.
He was also member of the Board Audit Committee of Caverton Offshore Services Group, PLC and as Director, Light Level Nigeria Limited, the foremost digital signage company in Nigeria.
The very dynamic Sanwo-Olu also had a close to ten years of exemplary banking experience during which he contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lead Bank Plc, UBA, and First Atlantic Bank (now First City Monument Bank) in various critical capacities.
As Treasurer at Lead Bank Plc between 1994 and 1997, Babajide managed the liquid asset of the bank and general funding requirements on a daily basis. At United Bank for Africa, UBA, he was Senior Manager (Head, Foreign Money Market) managing the bank’s liquidity position vis a vis profitability. He was also responsible for articulating and implementing the bank’s strategy in Investment Banking activities and Issuing House and Portfolio Management.
Subsequently, Sanwo-Olu rose to the position of Deputy General Manager (Divisional Head) at First Inland Bank Plc, where he was Corporate Financial Advisor to several multinational companies. He also supervised the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) privatisation projects including the concession of the National Arts Theatre, and the Lagos Trade International Fair Complex, the acquisition of Ikoyi Hotels Limited as well as the Federal Government Debt Conversion Programme.
Although he holds an MBA and a B.Sc in Surveying from the University of Lagos, his quest for knowledge has taken him to several courses and trainings in several continents of the world, including Europe, USA, Asia and Africa. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Kennedy School of Government, USA; the London Business School as well as the Lagos Business School, LBS.
Sanwo-Olu is also an Associate member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and fellow of The Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD).
A man of admirable social skills, he also creates some time for leisure and social activities amidst his demanding itinerary, as he is a member of the Ikoyi Club, the Island Club, as well as the Clear Essence Health Club.
Babajide’s laudable achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards in recognition of his tremendous contributions to society.
They include the Symbol of Excellence award from the Civic Enlightenment Association of Nigeria, a Gold mentor award from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives (NANNM), a Platinum award from the Lagos State Public Service Club and the 2009 Best in Human Capital Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He has also received several merit awards from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN) amongst others.
He is happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who has divinely been dabbed with the cloak of First Lady of Lagos state, and they are blessed with glorious children.
Foremost security news beat association, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) felicitates with the Force PRO of Nigeria Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on his new promotion and decoration with the rank of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The well-deserved promotion of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alongside other newly promoted officers across various ranks, was approved by the Police Service Commission at the recent plenary session presided over by the PSC Honorable Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd).
Widely regarded for his dynamic approach to police-community relations, quick response and transparency in public communications, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction and excellence. His promotion underscores and recognizes exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria. Since his appointment as Force PRO, DCP Adejobi has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, effective media relations, improve accountability, and modernize the Force’s communication channels across the Country.
Conveying the felicitations of NAOSNP to the Force PRO, the National President of the association popularly known for covering the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, Comrade Oki O. Samson highlighted the great impact work of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noting that ‘he has proven to be an asset to the Nigeria Police helping to spotlight the values and ethics of the Force as a citizen-friendly agency as well as its mandate as the prime agency in charge of internal security.’
‘For us at NAOSNP, DCP Adejobi is a great and reliable friend; he has contributed significantly to us, being a great supporter speaking at many of our security conferences and trainings and providing deep insights to conversations. The exploits of Nigeria Police across operations, administration, public relations, advocacy, and other sectors are given the much-needed attention. We celebrate a refined senior police officer, a PR guru, an excellent communicator, a Media-Friendly Force PRO, a capacity building officer and wish him greater heights in the service of our motherland’, Oki said.
The blue blood, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is a great role model who portrays the policing values of discipline, service, professionalism and integrity. He has a rich blend of expertise and experience having served in various capacities such as the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos and Ogun States among others.
He is a recipients of the prestigious NAOSNP Best Security Agency Image Maker of the Year Award and many other International awards.
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SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
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Gatmash Partners Access Bank to End ‘Period’ Poverty in Nigeria with ‘PAD Me a Girl Initiative’
Access Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, is partnering the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative,” a project of GATMASH MEDIA, to launch a ‘Pad Bank’ aimed at providing free sanitary pads to girls and women in need.
The groundbreaking initiative is founded by Theresa Moses, a renowned journalist and Editor-in-Chief of GATMASH NEWS. The project seeks to address the pressing conundrum of ‘period’ poverty, which is affecting millions of girls and women in Nigeria.
The initiative will help address pads deficit among the less privileged members of the society as its aim is to promote menstrual health and hygiene, as well as provide educational materials, and support girls and women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative is also partnering with several organizations, including Checkers Custard, Empowered Girls for Christ Foundation, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, ProStar, Vita Baites Foods, and many more.
This is a unique and innovative concept, designed to store and distribute free sanitary pads to the needy. The ‘Pad Bank’ will be stocked with sanitary pads donated by Access Bank, other corporate organizations, and individuals. The idea is to collect and distribute over 1 million sanitary pads annually.
“We are excited to partner with Access Bank to launch the Pad Bank,” said Theresa Moses, Convener of the “PAD Me A Girl Initiative.”
“Access Bank is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. Therefore, Access PAD Me A Girl project is a testament to its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society that every girl and woman deserves access to sanitary pads.
“The Pad Bank is a game-changer in the fight against period poverty, as it will provide a safe and accessible space for girls and women to access sanitary pads, promoting dignity and empowering them to reach their full potential.”
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
In addition, the initiative will provide educational materials and support (Exercise books and pen), thereby helping to promote literacy and educational attainment, in consonance with SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empowering all women and girls to reach their full potentials.
The Access PAD Me A Girl Project, which includes the launch of the Pad Bank, will kick off on April 3rd, 2025, in Gofye Community, Kuje Area Council, New Kunchingoro, Opposite Games Village, Kaura, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, and on April 5th, 2025, in Ortese IDP Camp, Guma LGA, Benue State.
