Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a significant role in shaping both his political career and that of the current Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over two decades ago.
Speaking during the official launch of the Omi Eko Initiative held in Lagos on Saturday, Fashola explained that Tinubu had mentored and entrusted him and Sanwo-Olu with major responsibilities at the time when Lagos was evolving into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic cities. According to him, that trust and mentorship from Tinubu provided the foundation upon which their political leadership skills were built.
Tinubu’s Mentorship in Lagos Leadership
Fashola, who served as governor of Lagos between 2007 and 2015, recounted that Tinubu’s mentorship style involved delegating real authority and responsibility to those he trusted, creating an environment where innovation and governance excellence could thrive.
“President Tinubu mentored us over 20 years ago. He gave us opportunities to take responsibility and today, we have grown to hold different leadership positions,” Fashola said during his speech at the event.
The former governor noted that this mentorship culture has contributed immensely to the continuous leadership growth and development of Lagos State, a model that has since become a reference point across Nigeria.
Continuity in Leadership Vision
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who currently leads Lagos State, is among those who benefited directly from Tinubu’s leadership ideology of grooming future leaders. The continuity in governance, from Tinubu to Fashola and then to Sanwo-Olu, has often been praised as one of the key reasons Lagos continues to experience stable economic growth and infrastructural transformation.
Political observers believe Tinubu’s mentoring approach is one of the strongest political blueprints in Nigeria’s democratic system, fostering succession planning, effective governance, and development continuity.
Omi Eko Launch: A Vision for Sustainable Development
The Omi Eko initiative, where Fashola made the statement, focuses on sustainable urban development and environmental conservation across Lagos. The project aims to enhance water management systems, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the state’s resilience to flooding and environmental challenges.
Fashola emphasized that the initiative reflects Tinubu’s long-term vision for Lagos — one that prioritizes urban renewal, economic growth, and community development.
Tinubu’s Political Influence Beyond Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, widely regarded as a master political strategist, has mentored several political leaders across Nigeria who have gone on to occupy prominent positions at both state and federal levels. His political influence extends beyond Lagos, shaping Nigeria’s leadership landscape for over two decades.
Fashola’s remarks not only celebrate Tinubu’s mentorship but also highlight how consistent political grooming and trust in capable leaders can ensure sustainable development and continuity in governance.
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