RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has credited President Bola Tinubu with providing him an opportunity to join government in his 30s, describing the experience as an important foundation for his political and leadership career.
Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Monday during the 41st birthday colloquium of Seyi Tinubu, son of the president, in Lagos.
The governor recalled that Tinubu, during his tenure as Lagos State governor, assembled a cabinet of young professionals and encouraged them to contribute ideas, challenge established approaches and participate actively in decision-making.
According to him, the experience helped develop a generation of public officials who subsequently assumed greater leadership responsibilities.
In a post on X, Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu created an environment in which younger members of his administration could express their views and develop their abilities.
The governor also encouraged young Nigerians to become more involved in public affairs, stressing that meaningful participation in governance extends beyond contesting elections.
He identified community meetings, ward-level engagements and public budget hearings as opportunities for citizens to influence decisions affecting their communities.
Sanwo-Olu urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in democratic processes.
Beyond political participation, he emphasised the importance of professional competence, advising young people to develop valuable skills and demonstrate excellence in their chosen careers.
Reflecting on infrastructure development in Lagos, the governor cited the Blue Line rail project as an example of why successive administrations must sustain long-term development plans.
He noted that the project, whose origins date back several decades, eventually became operational through continued government investment and implementation.
Sanwo-Olu said major infrastructure projects often require sustained commitment beyond the tenure of a single administration.
He explained that his administration remained focused on completing inherited projects, advancing ongoing developments and laying the groundwork for future administrations.
The governor also called on established professionals and political leaders to mentor younger Nigerians, create employment opportunities and support the emergence of a new generation of leaders.
He maintained that leadership development required both opportunities for younger people and a commitment by experienced leaders to prepare others for greater responsibilities.
