By Yemisi Suleiman

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be honoured with the GAH Award Leadership Icon of the year 2024, for his people-centric philosophy and commitment to the welfare of Lagosians.

The 2024 GMYT Africa Humanitarian Awards, billed to hold this Saturday December 7th, at Cube 65 Royal Box Victoria Island Lagos, with the theme “Against All Odds,” will celebrate leaders who drive economic prosperity, build resilient infrastructure, and foster collaborative solutions in African businesses.

Since his inauguration in 2019, Sanwo-Olu has implemented T.H.E.M.E.S, a strategic development agenda aimed at achieving his administration’s vision of ‘Greater Lagos.’ Through ingenious thinking and a genuine craving to offer progressive governance, the Sanwo-Olu administration has established itself as a people-centered government.

Dr Princess Oghene, Group Managing Director of GMYT Group, praised Sanwo-Olu for his achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, environmental regeneration, employment generation, youth empowerment, and public infrastructure upgrading. “Awardees are leaders who defy challenges and transform Africa’s business landscape,” she said.

Under Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, Lagos State has completed and inaugurated several public school projects, including 18 Classroom Blocks at Muslim Junior College, Egbe, and 20 Classrooms at Bashua Military School Primary School, Shomolu, among others. In healthcare, several Mother and Child Centers have been completed and unveiled, while several hospitals and health centers are undergoing renovation.

The Sanwo-Olu administration’s compassionate side has been demonstrated through free medical interventions that have benefitted over 250,000 Lagosians.
One of the most outstanding projects carried out by the governor is the completion 380-metre-long sea crossing bridge component of the Lagos Blue Line Rail spanning Mile 2 to Marina, which has eased movements for the masses.

Another significant achievement is the flag off of the Lagos Red Line Rail Mass track sharing with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). The ground breaking ceremony was performed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on April 15, 2021.

According to Dr Oghene, these achievements align with the GAH Awards’ mission to empower businesses and leaders in creating a positive legacy for future generations.

The 2024 GMYT Africa Humanitarian Awards will spotlight SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

There will be top speakers from across board including Titilayo Oshodi, Dr Osahon Idemudia Kikelimo Atanda-Owo, and Prof Lere Baale, who is guest speaker, amongst others. Expert panels will discuss strategies for building resilient businesses, legacy and succession planning, and creating enabling environments for sustainable growth. Key questions to be explored include African businesses adopting critical systems to ensure long-term resilience, government policy in fostering or hindering business sustainability, and how businesses can develop succession plans to empower future generations.

Other personalities to be honoured this year include: Dr Chima Anyaso, Prince Adedapo Adelegan, Dr Surajudeen Basiru, Mr David Olurin, Reverend Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Mr Nnamdi Ezeigbo Founder of Slot and President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

A special highlight of this year’s Awards is the launch of the Book ‘Against All Odds’ Chronicles by Dr Princess Kelechi Oghene, which features stories of resilience, determination, and success despite challenging circumstances.