Sanwo-Olu celebrates Hamzat at 62, backs him as successor

By Adebola Muili

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on his 62nd birthday, describing him as a trusted partner and dedicated public servant committed to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

Hamzat, who will clock 62 on Saturday, September 19, received the governor’s commendation in a statement issued on Friday by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile.

Sanwo-Olu praised his deputy for his years of service to Lagos State, describing him as a dependable partner with whom he had worked closely since they assumed office in May 2019.

The governor said Hamzat’s commitment to public service, effective governance and the development of Lagos had continued to inspire many, noting that the deputy governor had served the state in various capacities before becoming his deputy.

“Dr. Hamzat is a trusted, courageous and passionate brother, friend, and dependable partner, whom we have worked closely and collaborated with for over seven years to deliver good governance and the dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He described Hamzat as “an administrator of exceptional quality, a seasoned technocrat and politician, hardworking, supportive, trustworthy, and a dedicated partner.”

Sanwo-Olu also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s ability to lead the state, describing him as “tested, trusted and adjudged to be competent.”

The governor further stated that he was proud to have undertaken the leadership and governance journey with Hamzat since May 29, 2019, adding that he believed his deputy would be a worthy successor as governor of Lagos State.

“I am proud to have undertaken this leadership and governance journey with Dr. Obafemi Hamzat from 29th May 2019 to date, and I firmly believe that he will be a worthy successor as the 16th Governor of Lagos State,” he said.

Hamzat is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Lagos State election. Sanwo-Olu, in the birthday message, urged Lagos voters to support his deputy’s candidacy, saying he possesses the capacity to lead the state.

The governor said Hamzat’s contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria through the various positions he had occupied demonstrated his commitment to public service and development.

He congratulated the deputy governor on behalf of his wife, Ibijoke, his family, the Lagos State Government, residents of the state, the Governance Advisory Council and members of the APC.

Sanwo-Olu also wished Hamzat more years of service, wisdom and success, praying that God would grant him good health to continue serving Lagos State and Nigeria.

Hamzat previously served as Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology and later Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure before becoming deputy governor in 2019.