Adedayo Emmanuel
Former Commissioner for Establishment and Planning in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu has declared his intention to contest the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Sanwo-olu who declared his intention Sunday afternoon at the City Hall, Lagos Island promised to operate an open-door policy and listen to the people if he is given the chance to lead the state.
According to a tweet from his twitter handle @JideS on Sunday, Sanwo-olu said, “Right now I am still seeking the mandate of my party, the APC, when that is done, we will engage our people to ensure we are not just making promises, rather we will get to understand exactly what they want and build our manifesto around their expectations.”
Sanwo-olu, married to Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-olu however promised to engage his expertise in private and public sectors to move the state forward from where it is to a new height if so entrusted by the people.
The aspirant also promised to be a good party man and run an inclusive government. “My biggest promise is to listen, listen and listen to you my great people of Lagos State. Ours will be a listening government, ” he said.
Caption: Mr Jide Sanwoolu at his declaration today in Lagos, dignitaries at the event, party faithfuls and associates.
Party faithful from across the state had converged on the popular City Hall venue to cheer Sanwo-olu. Some defy the heavy downpour and heavy traffic around the metropolis to register their support at the City Hall.
The aspirant at the City Hall declaration said his intention is to make Lagos Africa’s most vibrant city. “I intend to make Lagos the greatest, most vibrant city on the African continent, taking its rightful place in the comity of states around the globe.
“I have a vision for a Lagos with modern and affordable transport system, impeccable public health facilities, world class educational institutions, where we succeed in educating and skilling our youth, especially our children.
“A vision for a Lagos where our children are educated and our youth are highly-skilled, healthy, free of hunger, illiteracy, disease and destitution. There is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Lagos of our dream,” he said.
Sanwo-olu, 53, graduate of the University of Lagos, was a renowned banker before entering into the public sphere. He was Treasurer at the former Lead Merchant Bank PLC between 1994 and 1997. He was also Head, Foreign Money Market and Deputy General Manager at the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
A seasoned banker, Sanwo-olu had served at the First Inland Bank PLC now First City Monumental Bank as Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head. He came into government in 2003 when he served the former Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters. He later became an Acting Commissioner, Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State before serving as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the Bola Tinubu administration.
Later on, former Governor Babatunde Fashola appointed him the Commissioner For Establishment and Training and Pensions.
Sanwo-olu has however set the stage to contest the party’s ticket with the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the primary election.
Also at the event were Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Demola Seriki, Local Government Chairmen, several party leaders representing different communities in Lagos State.
