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Exclusive: Jide Sanwoolu Joins Lagos APC Governorship Race

Published

7 years ago

September 10, 2018

Eric

A former Special Adviser to Mr. Femi Pedro as Deputy Governor of Lagos State as well as Special Adviser to former Governor Bola Tinubu before becoming a full Commissioner for Establishment in 2007, Mr. Jide Sanwoolu, has joined the governorship race on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC)

Below is the details of Jide Sanwoolu:

SANWO-OLU Babajide Olusola is widely regarded as a public sector expert in
human resources and policy formation a power sector consultant per excellence,
an astute banker, a compelling public speaker and an inspirational leader. Apart
from a robust public sector service experience which spanned over eight years during
which he was Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Honourable
Commissioner for Budget and Planning and Honourable Commissioner for
Establishments and Training, Lagos State, at different times, the very dynamic Babajide
also has an enviable background in the private sector and close to ten years of exemplary
banking experience during which he contributed immensely to the growth and
development of Lead Bank Plc, UBA, and First Atlantic Bank (now First City Monument
Bank) in various critical capacities.
He has distinguished himself as a boardroom guru and has since become a widely
recognised force in both the private and public sector, serving as Board member,
Department for International Development, DFID/DEEPEN Fund; Member of the Board
Audit Committee of Caverton Offshore Services Group, PLC and as Director, Light Level
Nigeria Limited, the foremost digital signage company in Nigeria.
He also serves as Chairman for a number of thriving organisations, including Baywatch
Group Limited – a multifaceted company with interests in construction, property
development and human capital development – where he has served as Chairman/CEO
since July 2011. First Class Group Limited, a cooling, power and maintenance solutions
provider recognised widely for providing critical support for all major
telecommunications company in the area of specialised cooling. Powercap Consulting, a
leading power consulting boutique with vast experience in power privatisation exercise.
Beryl Shelter, an estate management rm that specialises in research, marketing
intelligence and sales of high end properties. Wow! Interiors, an interior design services
and luxury furniture retail store for high end corporate and residential clients.
As Treasurer at Lead Bank Plc between 1994 and 1997, Babajide managed the liquid asset
of the bank and general funding requirements on a daily basis. At United Bank for Africa,
UBA, he was Senior Manager (Head, Foreign Money Market) managing the bank’s
liquidity position vis a vis protability. He was also responsible for articulating and implementing the bank’s strategy in Investment Banking activities and Issuing House and
Portfolio Management.
Subsequently, Babajide rose to the position of Deputy General Manager (Divisional Head)
at First Inland Bank Plc, where he was Corporate Financial Advisor to several
multinational companies. He also supervised the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
privatisation projects including the concession of the National Arts Theatre, and the Lagos
Trade International Fair Complex, the acquisition of Ikoyi Hotels Limited as well as the
Federal Government Debt Conversion Programme.
His meteoric rise within the system of the Lagos State government is particularly
exemplary; testament to his unique leadership abilities and exceptional contributions to
good governance within the State.
Babajide’s appointment, in 2003, as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the Deputy
Governor, took the government circles by storm. However, the consequent recognition
which he quickly gained, coupled with his outstanding performance earned him the same
job title and description again, this time, with the Executive Governor himself after only
one year.
Working directly with the Governor, he was responsible for creating an environment that
fosters private sector participation and was instrumental to the present situation where
members of the private sector see themselves as stakeholders in the governance of the
State. He also formulated policies and programmes to improve the relationship between
government and Organized Private Sector (OPS).
In conjunction with other agencies of government, Babajide was able to initiate, identify,
promote and structure new projects and programmes in areas like the Environment,
Transportation, Commerce, Finance and Infrastructure while also preparing and tracking
the Internally Generated Revenue from various agencies including the BIR and analysing
same for the Governor.
He was also responsible for the preparation and publication of the Lagos State Economic
Empowerment and Development Strategy (LASEEDS).
While still serving in this capacity, Babajide was appointed acting Honourable
Commissioner, Economic Planning and Budget, owing to his hard work and attention to
details. He became responsible for the preparation of the annual budget for the State
Government and the processing of the annual budget of the different parastatals; a duty
he performed judiciously.
It was no surprise therefore, when in 2007, he became the Honourable Commissioner for
Commerce and Industry until the end of that administration. At the start of the next
administration, Babajide was again appointed Honourable Commissioner, this time, for
Establishments, Training and Pensions.
Babajide’s stirring team playing ability was evident in the critical roles he played within
the government in partnership with several units and ofces. For instance, in conjunction
with the Head of Service, he was responsible for timely review of salaries, wages and
allowances while he also articulated the state government’s Conditions of Service. As a
security awareness expert, he helped set up the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and
subsequently became a board member for over four years.
Although he holds an MBA and a B.Sc in Surveying from the University of Lagos, his
quest for knowledge has taken him to several courses and trainings in several continents
of the world, including Europe, USA, Asia and Africa. He is an alumnus of the prestigious
Kennedy School of Government, USA; the London Business School as well as the Lagos
Business School, LBS.
Babajide is also an associate member of The Chartered Institute of Personnel
Management (CIPM) and fellow of The Nigeria Institute of Training and Development
(NITAD).
A man of admirable social skills, he also nds some time for leisure and social activities
amidst his demanding itinerary, as he is a member of the Ikoyi Club, the Island Club, as
well as the Clear Essence Health Club.
Babajide’s laudable achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has received several
awards in recognition of his tremendous contributions to society. They include the
Symbol of Excellence award from the Civic Enlightenment Association of Nigeria, a Gold
mentor award from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses & Midwives (NANNM), a
Platinum award from the Lagos State Public Service Club and the 2009 Best in Human
Capital Development award from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He has also received
several merit awards from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered
Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN) amongst others.
He is happily married to Dr Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and they are blessed with children.

Featured

Rivers Crises: Dele Momodu Writes Open Letter to Tinubu

Published

20 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Following the political crises that have ravaged Rivers State, and President Tinubu’s subtle preference for one of the gladiators, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state, and present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory against the incumbent governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, has written yet another letter to the president.

Momodu reminded the president of life after office, and the need to live according to his democratic billings and background, stating that God has been kind to him to give him what Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the rest couldn’t get, their popularity and doggedness notwithstanding. He pointed out the recent happenings at the Lagos State House of Assembly, where the lawmakers impeached his anointed speaker, whom he restored, saying that was part of the signals towards the impending rebellion ahead.

The letter in full:

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT TINUBU
By DELE MOMODU

My dear ASIWAJU, I pray this message meets you well. This letter has become necessary because of the strange things happening under your watch. I believe you were a Democracy hero and some of your mentees in the 1990s are now thoroughly embarrassed, and we feel scandalized, by your complete transfiguration from a Democracy Fighter to an enabler of ruthless Dictatorship. I have watched with incredulity, and sometimes trepidation, how you have wasted the humongous goodwill you built and acquired in those days of military rulership. How sad and unfortunate!!

Your Excellency, let me tell you what your hangers on will not tell you. Your deification by hero-worshippers is a charade. Permit me to give you two tales from Yoruba folklore. The first is the story of A O MERIN JOBA. How the elephant was deceived into thinking he shall become the ultimate king of the jungle until he fell into the ditch dug by the same acolytes.

The second is that of ESIN OBA SONU. The King’s Horse disappeared and a massive hunt ensued. It is not everyone searching for it that wants it recovered.

Have you forgotten the encomiums you and other members of your ruling party poured on President Muhammadu Buhari barely two years ago? Today, you’re all singing new tunes. The same fate awaits you sooner or later. The government agencies of coercion you’re deploying today to harass your opponents would be mobilized to hound you and yours if and when tomorrow comes.

The polity is dangerously heating up at the speed of light. Perhaps, only you and your diehards cannot see it. The recent rebellion in the Lagos State House of Assembly should have been a veritable signal to you about the impending resistance ahead.

Your open support for Minister Wike’s destabilization of Rivers State is most regrettable. God has been most kind to you. You got what CHIEFS AWOLOWO, AZIKIWE, M.K.O ABIOLA, OLU FALAE and MAJOR GENERAL YAR’ADUA couldn’t achieve. Why do you now place your fate in the hands of gods with feet of clay?!

Your legitimate ambition to seek a second term does not warrant this level of rascality across the nation…

Best wishes…

BOB DEE

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Again, El-Rufai Attacks Tinubu over Chicago Varsity Certificate Scandal, Calls President Ungrateful

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Eric

A former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, said he and his allies had hoped that President Bola Tinubu would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level but failed woefully.

El-Rufai explained that despite concerns about Tinubu’s alleged certificate forgery from Chicago State University during the 2023 presidential election they backed him, believing he could transform Nigeria as he did Lagos.

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges,” El-Rufai told BBC Hausa in an interview on Saturday.

“We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed,”

El-Rufai called on opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to unite under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to salvage the country.

“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he added.

El-Rufai also dismissed accusations that he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that his past disagreements with Atiku during the Obasanjo administration were based on principle, not personal animosity.

“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue,” he said.

“When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now.”

Featured

Sanusi Lamido Remains Emir, Kano Govt Insists, Says Appeal Court Can’t Contradict Itself

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2025

Eric

Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Haruna Isa Dederi, has insisted that the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on the lingering emirship tussle has not invalidated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir.

Besides, Dederi declared that having passed a landmark verdict on January 10, 2025, reaffirming the power of the Kano State Government to reappoint Sanusi, it is impossible for the Court of Appeal to set aside or quash its own decision on the same matter.

The Attorney General made this position known to journalists while reacting to Friday’s ruling of the Appellate Court on the application for a stay of execution filed by Alh. Aminu Baba DanAgundi, one of the kingmakers loyal to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, pending the determination of the appeal at the Supreme Court.

According to Dederi, the matter is functus officio, adding that only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the decision of the Appeal Court handed down by Justice Mohammad Mustapha on January 10, 2025.

“The Appeal Court today, after hearing their application for a stay of execution, ruled that the status quo should rather be maintained as it is now until after the judgment of the Supreme Court. They have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“It doesn’t mean that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, has been quashed. That judgment is still standing, still in place, and subsisting. The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. It is not possible. Only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the judgment given by a lower court.

“So, the Court of Appeal, Abuja, today has just said that execution of the judgment has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal, which has been filed at the Supreme Court by Aminu Baba DanAgundi on behalf of Bayero,” Dederi noted.

It would be recalled that on January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, led by Justice Mustapha, set aside the judgment of Justice A. Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, which nullified the steps and actions taken by the Kano State Government pursuant to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The Appellate Court also dismissed the decision of the Federal High Court judge to hear the matter relating to the emirate council, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to do so. This decision upheld the removal of Bayero as the 15th Emir.

Dissatisfied with the verdict of Justice Mustapha’s panel, DanAgundi proceeded to the Supreme Court to seek the overturning of the lower court’s verdict. He also filed a motion for a stay of execution of Justice Mustapha’s judgment pending the hearing and determination of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

The application was also moved on the grounds that the applicant initially instituted the suit in Kano to protect his fundamental rights and argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.

In a unanimous ruling, the three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Abang on Friday held that the application was meritorious and deserving of the court’s discretion in the interest of justice.

“The law is settled. The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice,” Justice Abang said

Justice Abang held that the mandatory injunction ordered that the status quo ante bellum be maintained by the sheriff of this court and the trial court as it was before the trial court’s decision on 13/6/2024 in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.

In granting the injunction, Justice Abang emphasised that the applicant’s process was competent and had met all the necessary legal conditions required to obtain the relief sought.

He noted that a valid appeal was already pending before the Supreme Court, reinforcing the need to preserve the subject matter of the litigation.