By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said the ultimate goal of his administration was to ensure Lagos remains the top destination for business, work and living in Africa.

He made this disclosure at the swearing in of 35 members of his cabinet, who took the oath as Commissioners and Special Advisers at the Adeyemi Bero Hall in the Secretariat in Ikeja, and witnessed by the leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) from all local government areas and local council development areas in the state.

During the programme, the Governor reiterated his government’s commitment to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors through Lagos Development Blueprint initiated by Mr Bola Tinubu in 1999.

While addressing his new team members, Mr Sanwo-Olu said he cabinet was unique in leadership qualities and gender diversity, adding that its members were selected through a rigorous process based on their track records in service delivery in their respective fields.

The Governor charged them to bring their years of leadership and administrative experience to bear in handling affairs of the state, stressing that the people of Lagos could not wait any longer to benefit from his administration’s programmes.

“It is with pride that I congratulate the new Commissioners and Special Advisers on your well-deserved appointments. It is a testament to your capacity, your accomplishments and your track record of hard work, commitment, dedication and professionalism in your private and public endeavours.

“Today, all of you are inducted into a singular administration, unique in its diversity – both of heritage and of creed – made up of technical and politically skilled men and women who understand the challenges of our state, grasp the grand vision of our administration, and are sensitive to the yearnings of our citizens, whom we must ultimately serve,” he said.

The Governor charged the appointees on innovation, commitment and exemplary leadership in the assigned roles, while also advising them to be prepared for the challenges ahead and be ready to pay any price for the development of Lagos.

He said, “Great opportunities for employment and wealth creation can only be realised sustainably if we are able to enhance governance with creativity, innovation and technology, while embracing collaboration with the private sector and continual dialogue and partnership with all relevant stakeholders.

“This is the task we have been called upon to undertake in the next four years on behalf of our people who are relying on us to support their dreams and aspirations. I charge you all to show commitment, diligence and exemplary leadership as the necessary virtues needed to achieve the greatness we desire for our State and to deliver the prosperity our people deserve.”

Also speaking at the event, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Jaji, described the event as “a major milestone” in the history of political development in Lagos.

She said the choice of the cabinet appointees was a testimony to the determination of the Mr Sanwo-Olu administration to tackle the challenges facing the state and build a prosperous society.

She presented the cabinet members to the public and urged them to keep their focus on service delivery.

Giving a vote of assurance on behalf of the cabinet members, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, said the team would foster unity of purpose and dedication to enable the Governor realise his vision.

Other Commissioners sworn in include: Mr Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo (Finance), Mrs Folashade Adefisayo (Education), Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health), Dr Idris Salako (Physical Planning and Urban Development), Mr Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy), Mrs Bolaji Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation), Mr Lere Odusote (Energy and Natural Resources), Dr Frederic Oladeinde (Transportation), Mr Gbolahan Lawal (Agriculture), Mr Moruf Akinderu Fatai (Housing), and Mr Moyo Onigbanjo (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice).

Also, Commissioners are Mr Hakeem Fahm (Science and Technology), Mrs Ajibola Ponnle (Establishment, Training and Pension), Engr. Aramide Adeyoye (Works and Infrastructure), Mr Segun Dawodu (Youth and Social Development), Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (Home Affairs), Mrs Yetunde Arobieke (Local Government and Community Affairs), Mrs Lola Akande (Commerce and Industry), Mrs Olufunke Adebolu (Tourism Arts and Culture), and Mr Sam Egube (Economy Planning and Budget).

The Special Advisers are Dr Wale Ahmed (Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations), Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya (Agriculture), Princess Aderemi Adebowale (Civic Engagement), Mr Afolabi Ayantayo (Political and Legislative Affairs), Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka (Housing), and Mr Joe Igbokwe (Drainage and Water Resources).

Others Advisers are Olatunbosun Alake (Innovation and Technology), Arc. Kabiru Ahmed Abdullahi (Urban Development), Anofi Elegushi (Central Business Districts), Bonu Solomon Saanu (Arts and Culture), Oluwatoyin Fayinka (Transportation), Oladele Ajayi (Commerce and Industry), Tokunbo Wahab (Education), and Solape Hammond (Sustainable Development Goals).

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Mr Obafemi Hamzat; First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde; his deputy, Mr Gboyega Soyannwo; and Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

At exactly 12:18pm, Mrs Yemisi Ogunlola of the Ministry of Justice administered the oath on the appointees, signalling the official take-off of their tenure.