Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has credited President Bola Tinubu with giving him an opportunity to enter government in his 30s, saying the President encouraged young professionals to challenge ideas, debate policies and develop their leadership abilities.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Monday at the Seyi Tinubu Colloquium in Lagos, where political leaders, business executives and other prominent figures gathered to discuss leadership, innovation, enterprise, youth participation and national development.
In a post on X after the event, the governor recalled that Tinubu’s cabinet included young professionals who were encouraged to question existing ideas and push boundaries.
“When HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought me into government in my 30s, his cabinet was filled with young professionals willing to challenge ideas and push boundaries. He gave us room to debate and grow. That is how leaders are made,” he wrote.
Sanwo-Olu’s remarks highlighted the role of mentorship and opportunities for younger professionals in preparing future leaders. His account also reflected his own experience of working within the political structure that Tinubu built in Lagos before becoming governor.
Sanwo-Olu urges youths to engage in governance
The governor urged young Nigerians to participate actively in the political process, arguing that decisions affecting their lives are often made at the grassroots level.
He encouraged them to attend community and ward meetings, participate in budget hearings, obtain their voter cards and take an active role in shaping public policy.
“To our young people, I say keep showing up. Decisions that affect your lives are made at community meetings, ward meetings and budget hearings. Get your voter card, participate and take your place in shaping the future,” he said.
He also called on young people to build practical skills and pursue excellence in their chosen professions, stressing that competence and consistent effort could help them establish themselves.
“Master a skill, whatever you choose to do. Work at it until you become so good at what you do that your ability speaks for itself,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu further encouraged Nigerians who travel abroad to maintain links with their home country and contribute to the development of their communities.
His message placed emphasis on personal development alongside civic participation, with young people urged to combine professional growth with involvement in public affairs.
Blue Line cited as example of long-term planning
Reflecting on Lagos State’s infrastructure development, Sanwo-Olu cited the Blue Line rail project as an example of how major public projects can take decades and successive administrations to become operational.
“The Blue Line, first conceived in 1983, became a reality 40 years later through the efforts of successive administrations. That tells us that some of the most important things we start today may be completed by those who come after us,” he said.
The rail project dates back to the administration of former Lagos State governor Lateef Jakande, who conceived the light-rail vision in 1983. The project later passed through successive administrations before the Blue Line began operations in 2023.
Sanwo-Olu said his professional background in surveying and banking had influenced his understanding of planning and development. He used the occasion to reflect on Lagos State’s progress, unfinished projects and the responsibility of successive administrations to sustain long-term development.
Governor calls for continuity and mentorship
As his administration approaches the end of its tenure, Sanwo-Olu said he hoped to complete projects inherited from previous governments, begin initiatives that could be continued by his successors and leave a strong foundation for future generations.
“As I prepare to hand over the reins in a few months, my hope is that we finish what others started, begin work that others can continue and leave behind a solid foundation for those who come after us,” he said.
The governor also called on members of his generation to mentor younger people, recruit emerging talent and create opportunities for them to take on leadership responsibilities.
Sanwo-Olu’s address combined praise for Tinubu’s mentorship with a call for greater youth participation, professional development and continuity in public projects.
