Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday celebrated his 60th birthday, describing it as a moment of deep gratitude and thoughtful reflection on life and public service.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page to mark the milestone, the governor expressed thanks for the journey so far, six decades filled with life lessons, blessings, and responsibilities.
Sanwo-Olu said turning 60 offered him a chance to pause, take stock, and appreciate the path he has walked, especially the privilege of serving the people of Lagos State.
He called public service one of life’s highest callings, noting that while it comes with challenges, it also brings immense fulfillment.
Through the years, he shared, the experience has taught him patience, the importance of listening, and the need for perseverance—especially when navigating tough moments.
Below are 20 facts about Sanwo-Olu:
Early Life & Education
- Born and bred in Lagos – Tunde Sanwo‑Olu was born in Lagos on June 25, 1965, and remains deeply connected to the city’s heritage and culture.
2. Academic achievements – He holds a B.Sc. in Surveying & Geo-Informatics and an MBA from the University of Lagos.
3. International credentials – An alumnus of London Business School, Lagos Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
4. Professional affiliations – Member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors (IOD), associate of CIPM, and a fellow of NITAD.
Private & Public Sector Career
5. Banking roots – Early career roles include Treasurer at Lead Merchant Bank and Head of Foreign Money Market at UBA
6. Climbing the civil service ladder – Served as Special Adviser, then Commissioner across Economic Planning & Budget, Commerce & Industry, and Establishments, Training & Pensions during successive Lagos administrations
7. Property development leader – Appointed MD/CEO of Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC) in 2016, where he led transformations before becoming governor.
Political Triumphs & Governance
8. APC’s Lagos standard-bearer – Won the APC gubernatorial primary in October 2018, rejecting incumbent Akinwunmi Ambode’s re-election bid.
9. Governor of Africa’s most populous state – Assumed office as the 15th Governor of Lagos on May 29, 2019, and re-elected in 2023.
10. Resilient public servant – Led Lagos through COVID-19, #EndSARS protests, and urban crises—earning recognition for “quiet consistency” in leadership.
Awards & Influence
11. Governor of the Year (2020) – Won the Media Nite-Out Award for best-performing governor.
12. Public service accolades – Earned the Platinum Award from Lagos Public Service Club and ITF’s “Best in Human Capital Development” in 2009.
13. ICT-savvy leader – Active on Twitter with nearly 2 million followers, keeping Lagosians informed and connected.
Infrastructure & Public Service Legacy
14. Transport modernizer – Inaugurated ultra-modern bus terminals at Yaba (2021) and Mafoluku (2021), improving Lagos’s urban mobility.
15. Cultural revitalizer – Commissioned the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan in 2024, championing Lagos heritage.
16. Post–#EndSARS rebuild – Launched the Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund in November 2020 to restore infrastructure damaged during the protests.
Personal & Family
17. Family man – Married to Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, raising four children together
18. Club life & lifestyle – Member of elite clubs including Ikoyi Club 1938, Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, and Clear Essence Health Club
19. Values-driven – Known for a “people-centered ideology,” public speaking, and disciplined upbringing
