Sanwo-Olu: A Governor at work
By Gbenga Omotoso
When does a Governor sleep? No – I take that back; it’s wrongly framed. When does Mr Governor sleep? Sorry; I should be clearer and precise. When does Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sleep?
This is the question some of my professional colleagues have been asking me since last week.
One observed that Mr Governor was at the Third West Africa Capital Market Conference at Eko Hotel early Wednesday. From there he moved to the opening of the magnificent Centre Point, a 20-storey edifice in Ikoyi, home of the rich and powerful that harbours what many experts have referred to as the most expensive real estate investments in Africa. Centre Point, owned by Famfa Oil, is the fourth tallest building in the Centre of Excellence.
Sanwo-Olu’s presence was, of course, felt like a gentle wind blowing from the nearby Bar Beach seaside. His usual sartorial elegance – he was decked out in a blue Oxford suit and a pair of Italian leather shoes – his beaming face and smart steps.
A few minutes after speaking on how lucky Lagos has been in real estate and other key investments, he dashed off to the Central Mosque on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street in the heart of the city, downtown Lagos.
“How did he remove his suit to appear in a white agbada at the mosque in just a few minutes?” “It’s part of the skills you learn on the job,” I told somebody who swore that Mr Governor must have gone back home to change his dress.
Just a few minutes after leaving the mosque it was time to have a meeting with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa.
The next day followed the same pattern – reception for MFM Basketballers, a meeting on LAGRIDE and other matters. Friday was also tedious, paving the way for some rest on Saturday. Rest? Not quite – no thanks to an army of visitors, many of them eminent personalities.
“I need to rest. In fact, I haven’t eaten today,” said Mr Governor around 5.30 p.m. No food at 5.30p.m.? Yes. You learn that also. The job isn’t for the gluttonous.
I had a few issues to discuss, but it’s obviously no time for that. So, I left the State House a few minutes before 7p.m. Later that evening, the video of Mr Sanwo-Olu strutting down the runway – to the admiration of the excited audience – at a fashion show hit the social media. Sure he looks like a model – long legs, flat tummy, cherubic face, smart steps and more.
But why the question; when does Mr Governor sleep? Simple. The picture of Mr Sanwo-Olu, President and Chairman of African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank) Prof Benedict Oramah and Access Bank Holdings CEO Herbert Wigwe signing a $1.35b agreement for infrastructure at the 2nd Africcaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Georgetown, Guyana on Tuesday hit the social media same day. It was splashed on the front pages of many newspapers on Wednesday. Same day he was in Abuja, just a day before the opening of the Yaba-Ojuelegba bridge on Murtala Muhammed Way, part of the infrastructure built for the Red Line, which will run from Oyingbo to Agbado – before the end of this year.
Back to the question – when does Mr Governor sleep? My answer? I really don’t know. Do you?
Gbenga Omotoso is the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State.
