By Aderonke Ojediran

TEXEM UK, a leading executive education and leadership development consultancy, has saluted Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on the occasion of his 60th birthday, commending his transformational governance and sustainable development.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, the organisation described Sanwo-Olu as “a distinguished public servant whose strategic vision and disciplined execution have contributed significantly to Lagos’ emergence as one of the most dynamic sub-national governments globally.”

TEXEM, which partners with governments, multinationals and public institutions across the world to strengthen leadership capacity and improve strategic outcomes, praised the governor’s ability to combine physical infrastructure with deep institutional reforms.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu exemplifies what it means to lead with intent, resilience and results,” the statement read.

“Whether steering Lagos through the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, or delivering signature projects like the Lagos Blue Line — West Africa’s first intra-city electric train — he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of pragmatism, foresight and bold innovation.”

The firm noted that while the governor’s infrastructural strides have drawn widespread commendation, his deliberate and systematic investment in human capital may be the most enduring part of his legacy.

According to TEXEM, Lagos under Sanwo-Olu has made measurable progress in professionalising the public service, with thousands of state officials across all cadres benefitting from strategic leadership development programmes tailored to global standards.

“These initiatives reflect the governor’s understanding that lasting progress is not built solely on concrete, but on competent people and strong institutions,” the statement said.

“By embedding a culture of continuous learning, critical thinking and adaptive governance, he is laying a foundation for generational impact.”

Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM UK, hailed Sanwo-Olu as “a servant leader who governs with both vision and heart.”

“At 60, His Excellency has earned the admiration of his peers not through noise, but through quiet, strategic achievement,” Abubakre said.

“He understands that governance is about creating value — not just through infrastructure, but by shaping systems that empower people to think differently, lead courageously, and execute effectively. His emphasis on executive education and global best practices reflects a leader who is not just managing a state, but building a legacy.”

Abubakre noted that TEXEM has had the honour of collaborating with Lagos State on multiple executive development interventions, each designed to enhance strategic clarity, governance agility, and institutional excellence.

“We are proud to support leaders like Governor Sanwo-Olu, who see beyond their term in office and focus on building systems that outlast them,” he added.

TEXEM, which has delivered programmes in the UK, UAE, and Nigeria for senior leaders in sectors ranging from energy and finance to government and manufacturing, emphasised that Sanwo-Olu’s approach to leadership is aligned with global trends in digital transformation, ethical governance and systems thinking.

“Lagos, under his stewardship, is demonstrating what 21st-century public service should look like — strategic, agile, accountable and people-driven,” the statement said.

The firm noted that the governor’s belief in continuous learning is not symbolic but institutional.

“7His administration has prioritised global benchmarking, performance management, and executive immersion programmes to prepare the public sector for a rapidly changing world.

“As the world contends with volatility and complexity, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership offers a roadmap for how governments can lead with calm clarity, elevate standards and leave enduring value,” it added.

“As he marks his 60th birthday, we celebrate not just the passing of time, but the measurable impact of thoughtful leadership.”

TEXEM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting strategic leaders and organisations across the world in their journey towards excellence, resilience and long-term success.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz