His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was elected the 15th Governor of Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was declared winner of the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, March 10, 2019 after defeating 44 other candidates who represented different parties at the election.
A product of resounding victory, His Excellency, Mr. Sanwo-Olu polled 75.6% of the total valid votes cast in the election to substantiate his legitimacy, which was further affirmed by a 72.12% vote difference between him and the next contestant.
His victory at the election is a solid endorsement of his leadership aptitude and the All Progressives Congress (APC) politics of development and inclusiveness in Lagos State. As an inspirational leader, with a track-record of performance, his candidacy was welcomed by Lagosians as a continuation of ongoing development in Lagos State.
Mr. Sanwo-Olu, who was born on June 25, 1965 in Lagos State, is a reliable party man and astute politician, who is reputed for his people-centered ideology. His foray into Public Service started after decades of accomplishments in the private sector, especially the Nigerian banking sector, from where he retired as a General Manager.
His Excellency, Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s entry became a reference point for professionalism and excellence in the Public Service. At 39, he was appointed acting Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget from 2004 to 2005 and later became the substantive Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in 2007 following his exceptional performance.
He also refocused the organisation to effectively tackle housing deficit in the state, which again validated his credentials as a resourceful leader and problem solver. His valuable experience garnered from executive-level roles in the private and public sectors has not only distinguished him, but also made him a valuable resource to some notable organisations on whose boards he has served.
Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals to the Governor of Lagos State, is a seasoned healthcare professional with a strong background in government relations and strategic communications in the field of healthcare development.
Dr. Oreoluwa was formerly the Senior Special Assistant on Health to Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu and played a pivotal role in driving innovative healthcare solutions, providing strategic guidance on healthcare innovations and delivery in the state.
She was notably responsible for leading the risk communication pillar of the Covid-19 response team in 2020, particularly during the pandemic's peak period. Her efforts and sterling performance in this capacity were crucial in managing the pandemic's impact in Lagos State.
Over the past year, she has been actively involved in bridging the gap between government initiatives and the public perception of healthcare delivery. Her responsibilities in this context include overseeing content development, social mobilization, media engagement, and ensuring proactive dissemination of information for public health.
Known for her expertise in healthcare development, Finnih-Awokoya has extensive experience working with the Lagos State Government in different capacities. She has served as a Research and Statistic Officer at the Lagos State Health Service Commission; Infection Prevention/Disease Control Officer and Senior Medical Officer at the Directorate of Medical Services.
The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Finnih Medical Centre is a distinguished health expert who exemplified the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and community engagement in achieving sustainable healthcare delivery. Her dedication extends beyond Lagos State, aiming to optimize health outcomes not only in Nigeria but in the world at large.
Dr. Oreoluwa has pursued continuous education and skill development. She has completed courses such as Career advancement and leadership skills for women in healthcare from the prestigious Harvard Medical School; Applied Risk Communication for the 21st Century from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and she also holds an edX Verified Certificate for Global Public Health.
She has also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Helix Farms. Finnih-Awokoya’s interest in business start-ups, agribusiness, export administration, entrepreneurship, urban gardening, organic farming, plantation setup, among others, reflects her involvement in business and commercial networks across Nigeria. Global Public Health.
A member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Oreoluwa is also a passionate crusader for civil rights, social action, social services, poverty alleviation, and good governance. Her dedication to social causes underscores her dedication to improving the general well-being of Lagosians.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare systems, fostering collaboration, and addressing public health challenges in Lagos State and beyond. Her multifaceted expertise and dedication to social causes make her a prominent figure in both the healthcare and governance sectors in general.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya completed her secondary education at Queen's College, Yaba, and obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Dentistry from the University of Lagos. She is also an alumna of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, where she earned an eMBA in Business Administration and Management.
A GLOBAL HUB OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 and became the federal capital of Nigeria on April 11, 1968. It remained the capital until 1991 when the government seat was moved to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In spite of the movement of the capital to Abuja, Lagos still remains the commercial capital of the country and the economic hub of West Africa t0 date.
The Third Mainland Bridge which measures 11.8km is the longest bridge in West Africa and the second longest in Africa.
The name Lagos means “Lakes”. It was named by Rui de Sequeira, a Portuguese explorer in 1472. Lagos originally called Eko, stems from either Oko (Yoruba: “cassava farm”) or Eko (“war camp”), by its Bini conquerors.
Conquering Lagos in one visit is impossible – the National Museum, Lekki Conservation Centre, Eyo Festival, Lagos Marathon, National Arts Theatre, Third Mainland Bridge – and then exploring visits to The African Shrine or one of the city’s beaches. The ever bustling marketplace Balogun in Lagos Mainland gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
As the most populous city in Nigeria and a global hub of international business and commerce, Lagos is one of three “command centers” for the African economy (along with Johannesburg and Nairobi).
The GDP of the formal economy of Lagos is estimated to be $136.6 billion contributing 25% to the GDP of Nigeria as at August 2015. The GDP has an estimated growth rate of 10% and it is expected that by 2025 the GDP will be $355billion.
The state’s contribution can be attributed to the following factors:
Law Investment by bothe local and foreign investors Sound fiscal policies by the state government Favourable business and economic conditions Its prime location in West Africa, serving as an access point to many other markets in Africa
Lagos State is home to a multitude of multinational companies because of its favourable economic conditions and vast population. This combination provides a large market for any product or service that is launched in the state.
The Office of the Sustainable Development Goals and Investment (Lagos Global) was created in a move aimed at aligning the State’s developmental project (T.H.E.M.E.S) with the Global Development Agenda (SDGs). The Office is to attract investments and partnerships for the execution of SDGs-related projects in the State and in all Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
Lagos Global is also saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and measuring the outcomes and impacts of all projects relevant to SDGs in collaboration with other relevant Agencies of Government. It will also promote private, civil and development sectors Partnership through the Volunteer Corp framework.
The Office will serve to re-inforce the position of Lagos State as Nigeria’s financial and commercial nerve centre.
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Team Spirit
- Hospitality
Lagos State fosters a conducive environment that allows businesses to thrive
Approximately 60% of industrial investments in Nigeria come into Lagos State and about 90% of companies in Nigeria across most industries have chosen to locate their headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.
In light of this facts and a host of other investor friendly facts, His Excellency, The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Ambode at his inauguration as the 14th Governor of Lagos State pronounced the creation of the Office of Overseas Affairs and investment (Lagos Global).
Lagos Global is established and tasked with delivering on the mandate to create an enabling environment for global competitiveness and promote inward and outward Foreign Direct Investment in Lagos State.