The Rise and Rise of Jide Milwaukee: The APC National Youth Wing Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024

By Dr. Dayo Israel

When Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerged as the choice of the Lagos Power Brokers in the 2019 General Election in Lagos State, many wondered whether he could deliver. Relatively unknown to many outside the Lagos political circle but strongly experienced in the public sector of the centre of excellence.  Through the unwavering support of party leaders and faithful, plus his campaign promise to advance Lagos through the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, thousands of Lagosians rallied support behind “the Sellable”. Today, nearly six years into his tenure, Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated a governance style marked by impactful transformation across multiple sectors.

Sanwo-Olu’s humane nature has shone through in his approach to governance. His emphasis on inclusivity and empathy, especially during times of crisis, has earned him admiration both within Lagos and beyond. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the welfare of citizens, prioritizing their safety and well-being through healthcare initiatives, educational reforms, and emergency responses.

Beyond his role as a governor of biggest sub-national in Africa, Sanwo-Olu has been a pivotal figure in several election campaigns, demonstrating his political prowess as a strategist and unifier. He has successfully led numerous campaigns for the APC and its candidates, earning the respect of his peers and strengthening his political network. His leadership has consistently resulted in victories, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and effective political leader. The recent Ondo and Edo electoral victory would have been impossible without Sanwo-Olu’s influence. In the company of fellow governors like Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Zulum of Borno, Monday of Edo, Dapo of Ogun, Father Alia of Benue, and Bassey of Cross River, Sanwo-Olu stood firm, going above and beyond to ensure the people of Ondo remained with the progressive camp and the people of Edo returned to the Progressive fold. His ability to unite stakeholders and inspire grassroots mobilization has cemented his reputation as a political tactician.

One thing is clear: Sanwo-Olu has carved a niche for himself in Lagos and across Nigeria. He is now fondly called the Governor-General of the Southwest—not merely because he is the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, but due to his transformative leadership, which has set a benchmark across the region.

In Lagos, he has displayed humility in confronting confrontation, a hallmark of his noble character. Despite challenges, such as the clearance of his cabinet nominees, which left many of his personal candidates unapproved, he accepted the process with grace and candor. He has since built a great team from his new cabinet.

A team leader par excellence, Sanwo-Olu allows cabinet members to perform their roles effectively. Arguably, no governor in modern Nigeria has given more young people, particularly those without a popular surname, a chance in administration than Sanwo-Olu.

Upon taking office, Sanwo-Olu introduced the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda—a comprehensive plan addressing Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Entertainment and Tourism, Security, and Governance. Each pillar has seen significant progress, showcasing his focused approach to solving Lagos’s challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic early in his administration tested the Governor’s leadership. As Nigeria’s epicenter of the virus, Lagos required a swift and effective response. Sanwo-Olu led efforts that included a robust containment strategy, later adopted nationwide. His administration also handled the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, with initiatives like the “Rebuild Lagos” plan, focusing on reconciliation and reconstruction.

Sanwo-Olu’s tenure has been marked by ambitious infrastructure projects. Notable achievements include the completion of the Blue Line Rail and the initiation and completion of the Red Line Rail project. Road projects such as the Agege-Pen Cinema flyover and the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge have eased traffic congestion significantly. Additionally, the administration has completed 172 roads and initiated several others, including plans for the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Through the EKOEXCEL program, Sanwo-Olu has redefined public primary education, gaining both local and international recognition. Investments in educational infrastructure include new classrooms, modern teaching tools, and capacity-building initiatives for teachers. The upgrade of Lagos State Polytechnic and the College of Education to universities further highlights his administration’s commitment to educational reform.

Sanwo-Olu’s administration has also bolstered Lagos’s economy with projects like the Lekki Deep Seaport, as well as approvals for the Badagry Port and the Lekki International Airport. In housing, over 7,000 flats have been delivered, with more underway to meet the needs of the state’s growing population.

Sanwo-Olu’s initiatives in agriculture include the Imota Rice Mill, promising job creation and food security. Programs like the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) and subsidized food markets have supported farmers and alleviated the effects of rising food costs.

To enhance security, the state has invested in technology-driven initiatives, including a Command-and-Control Center and expanded surveillance systems, ensuring safety in a bustling metropolis.

His support for the creative industry, including the development of a Film City and the empowerment of over 3,000 youths in partnership with leading film academies, underscores his commitment to youth development. His focus on security and governance ensures that Lagos remains a safe, thriving metropolis, becoming a global hub for creativity and innovation.

Truly, a Greater Lagos is rising, thanks to the hard work of this superman, standing on the shoulders of his predecessors, from Asiwaju Tinubu to Babatunde Fashola to  Governor Ambode.

 The Lagos Island trader or the Victoria Island worker who lives in Festac Town or the Ojo Axis, and now rides the Blue Line in less than 30 minutes to Marina, will never deny the Sanwo-Olu effect. Neither would the young man in Agege, who can now sleep longer thanks to the new Red Line from Agege to CMS, forgetting the countless hours the multimodal transport system saved from sitting in traffic.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure demonstrates the power of a clear vision combined with actionable plans. His administration has left an indelible mark on Lagos State, from infrastructure and education to security and economic development. As Lagos continues its journey toward becoming a model city in Africa, Sanwo-Olu’s contributions will be remembered as a testament to dedicated and visionary leadership. It’s no wonder he continues to garner accolades both at home and abroad for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Greater Lagos dream.

Sanwo-Olu is leaving Lagos better than he met it, building a city for the future.

The Progressive National Youth Wing is delighted to announce Governor Babajide Sanwoolu as our Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024.

Hon. Dayo Israel, National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), writes from Abuja.