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Sanwo-olu: The Philosopher Icon of Lagos Leadership By IDOWU AJANAKU:Quote
Sanwo-olu: The Philosopher Icon of Lagos Leadership
By IDOWU AJANAKU:
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”
-Winston Churchill
More like a fine artist, life presents before each and every one of us with different canvasses to paint our vast and varied daily experiences, personal principles, philosophies, ambitions, values, dreams and desires on. And of course, we are free to paint them in our chosen colours. At the end of the day, each of us presents a brand-either negative, to be rebuffed and disdained by many, or positive to be an attractive factor facilitating good character, competence, confidence and candour to be admired by all and sundry.
As it is with the image maker and marketing guru, so it plays out in the tricky, murky and effervescent political landscape, more so the intrigue-fuelled Nigerian variant. That brings us to the subject of our interest here, who is none other than the affable, meek, and goal-getting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state. There the questions arise.
Up until now, many Nigerians still wonder how someone, hitherto not an attention-seeker though a politician suddenly came up to take over the baton of political leadership as the successor to erstwhile Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. That was back in 2018. What marks him out as a person? What defines his persona, out of the hundreds of those, who back then thought they stood a better chance of clinching the much coveted political platform than his humble self?
One does not need rocket science to ponder a while and proffer the answer to this question. All it shows is that you might be the most hardworking, creative, resourceful person, all of which attributes act as steps up the ladder to success but the most dependable facilitating factor of them all is none other than character. Yes, good character! That is what takes you to the pinnacle of your chosen career. That perhaps, explains why John Hammond aptly puts it that: “Character is the real foundation of all worthwhile success”.
A close perspective at the life trajectory of Sanwo-Olu therefore, shows that it is character and a good one at that which assists you to be at the right place and at the right time for your destiny to be fulfilled. Even then, a righteous man and a sinner both located at the wrong place are but the same.
For him, right from the basics he was connected to the former Deputy Governor of the state in the person of Mr. Olufemi Pedro. He was the Destiny Helper who brought him into the political landscape as a Personal Assistant a post from which he rose to become a Special Assistant on Commerce and Industry. But then something drastic happened. That was when Pedro decided to carpet cross away from the Alliance for Democrcay,AD to the Labour Party,LP which was the brain-child of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
That defection of Pedro became a veritable opportunity for Sanwo-Olu to exhibit the sterling character of a peace maker in him. He acted as a mediator, doing al, he could to broker peace. But when he did not succeed, he decided to stay with Tinubu instead of pitching his tent with Pedro. And he strengthened the bond of affection between him and Tinubu by giving all his support to Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola.(SAN). That was in 2007 when in 2007 when he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial flag bearer. Subsequently, he became the Commissioner for Training and Establishment during the first tenure of Fashola.
Ever since then Sanwo-Olu became constant catalyst, image maker and always making himself available as a solution-provider to various political challenges, and beaming brightly in the state’s political firmament like the northern star. It was not a surprise therefore, when he rose to become the Managing Director, Lagos State Property Development Corporation, LSPD. Building on his wealth of experience he deployed dynamism, innovation bringing to bear more effectiveness in the area of economic development.
As fate would have it, and in recognition of his support as a party faithful and a dependable shoulder to lean on he eventually became the successor to the then Governor Ambode. And in spite of all the mud-slinging, aspersion casting against his person he remained unfazed as a man of peace and a dependable shoulder to lean on in times of trouble.
Worthy of note is that the exalted office of the state governorship has not changed his person.He remains humble, insightful and accessible to all. That brings to bear the wise saying that: “People are interested by talent. But God is impressed by character” as Rick Warren. He is also the one who advised that: “We should not be impressed by charisma but we should look out for character”. That is one great and profound lesson for us all to glean from.
By his simplistic approach to life and as one who never allowed the paraphernalia and apparatchiks of office to lose the common touch he has brought in a new philosophy to the art of governance. He has keyed into the servant-leadership mantra of late president, Umar’ Yar Ardua of blessed memory and remains therefore, a beacon bearer of selflessness, openness, compassion and altruism all shown in the sphere of governance.
For instance, Sanwo-Olu’s kindness was shown to all civil servants in year 2020 as they worked from home for over five months yet they were paid their full salaries all through the duration of the COVID-19 lockdown. Also, the governor approved the payment of a 30% tax-free End-of-the Year bonus for the state’s workforce, paid with the December salaries to every staff.
It remains remarkable when out of his milk of human kindness he compensated families of six police officers killed in the Lagos state during the EndSARS violence with N10 million each.
The governor presented cheques to the wives and children of the slain officers at the 14th Town Hall meeting on security held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, describing the slain officers as “heroes”.
Similarly, Sanwo-Olu approved the release of funds from the equity of Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS). It was meant to provide free healthcare for 50,000 orphans, elderly and the vulnerable in the State.
Also, parents of two set of quadruplets, Mrs. Ibeh Maureen Anayo (Nee Anyaegbu) and Mrs. Abosede Akinola, were presented with undisclosed sums of money to assist in giving adequate care to their newborn babies. They disclosed that the governor stood by her and offered assistance from the 6th of August, 2020 when the babies were born at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute- Metta. On her part, Mrs. Abosede Akinola, mother of the second set of quadruplets appreciated the governor’s gesture of reaching out to them.
Not left out of his generous spirit was his reaching out to a robbery victim by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, Mrs. Celestina Kalu. She was invited by Sanwo-Olu, who handed her a cheque containing undisclosed sums of money. That reminds us of the minspiring words of Lou Holtz that: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it”.
All said, whenever the history of Lagos state governance is written there is little doubt that the uncommon act of giving to the needy will be copiously mentioned, as performed selflessly by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the man who has redefined the science of leading by example, with the golden heart.
AJANAKU, was a former Special Adviser on information and strategy to Lagos State Government
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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.
He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.
Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.
The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.
President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.
The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.
“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.
President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.
Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.
Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.
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Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer
Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.
In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.
NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.
The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Read the statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES
The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.
It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”
NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.
We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.
NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.
We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.
Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026
celebrity radar - gossips
Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift
Fuji Star, Saheed Osupa Addresses Prado Controversy, Says Vehicle Was Compensation — Not Political Gift
By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
Nigerian Fuji star Saheed Osupa has responded to a wave of political controversy surrounding his recent campaign appearance in Oyo State, clarifying that a vehicle linked to the debate was not a political gift but compensation tied to a professional engagement.
The backlash followed the circulation of a Facebook Reel showing Osupa performing at an event associated with Sharafadeen Alli, who has declared interest in the Oyo State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC). As the video gained traction, it sparked renewed scrutiny over entertainers’ roles in political campaigns and the assumptions that often follow such appearances.
Amid the reactions, individuals aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) circulated claims on social media alleging that Osupa, alongside gospel artist Yinka Ayefele, had previously received luxury vehicles from the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The claims, which remain unverified, framed the alleged gesture as an example of questionable public spending and raised concerns about political loyalty.
Osupa has since pushed back against that narrative, offering a different account of events. In a video statement, the artist explained that his involvement in the campaign was strictly professional, based on a negotiated performance agreement rather than any form of political alignment.
According to him, he was engaged to perform at campaign events with assurances that he would be adequately compensated after the election. He, however, alleged that those commitments were not fulfilled following the electoral victory.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the vehicle, Osupa stated that his personal car was damaged during the course of the campaign. He said the replacement vehicle later provided to him was intended as compensation for that loss, not a discretionary gift or political reward.
His response reframes the discussion from one of political patronage to a dispute over professional obligations—an important distinction in an environment where entertainers are frequently enlisted to support campaign visibility.
The episode highlights a recurring tension within Nigeria’s political landscape: the blurred line between performance and perceived allegiance. For artists, participation in campaign activities can quickly shift from paid engagement to public endorsement in the eyes of observers, particularly when details of such arrangements are not clearly communicated.
Osupa’s clarification brings that tension into focus, underscoring how easily professional engagements can be recast within political narratives. As conversations continue, the situation points to a broader need for transparency in the relationship between public figures and political actors—especially in moments where perception can carry as much weight as fact.
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