Retired federal director Olagbaju Akeju hails Lagos governor’s leadership, praises his second-term performance and the quality of his team
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja, September 8, 2025
A retired federal director, Engr. Olagbaju Akeju, has commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what he described as a redefinition of governance that continues to raise the bar of development in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Akeju observed that while Nigeria has sustained over 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, many citizens across the federation still lack the dividends of good governance. “The democratic dispensation has come to stay in Nigeria, and it is heartwarming that we have over 26 years of experience,” he said. “Yes, it is still young compared with other developed nations, but this should not be an excuse for us not to clamour for early dividends of democracy. After all, we are in the jet age to propel development faster than in the past.”
According to him, the true test of democracy is whether citizens enjoy decent living standards. “A good government should be able to meet at least 40 percent of the needs of her citizens,” he stressed, listing education, healthcare, housing, energy, food, and transportation as essential areas.
Turning to Lagos, he praised Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and the calibre of his team. “The ultra development strides in Lagos should really not be a surprise, but credit goes to his team — Commissioners, Special Advisers, and heads of specialised agencies. What struck me was the quality and intellectual capability of his team. Everyone works selflessly; there is nothing like a juicy portfolio in the Lagos cabinet.”
He also cited innovations that place Lagos ahead of other states. “The Commissioner for Arts and Tourism amazed me with the initiative to bring boat racing to Africa and indeed Lagos. With this singular effort, Lagos State isn’t a dot, but a remarkable mark in the affairs of Nigeria. The state is leading in almost all sectors of human development and rises higher than many other countries in the Human Development Index.”
On Sanwo-Olu’s style of leadership, Akeju described him as humble and tireless. “Governor Sanwo-Olu is in his second and final term, yet he continues to work as if he is begging Lagosians for a fourth, fifth, and indefinite term in office. Unlike other governors who care less during their second term, he has surpassed the achievements of his first term. The recent viral video of his unscheduled train trip was delightful to watch. He demonstrated the highest level of empathy and humility. He is a true definition of a leader, and if 35 others like him are replicated across the states, Nigeria as a federation will be great and there will be a better hope for our next generation.”
