Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been honoured with the Leadership and Service Award by Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, in recognition of his contributions to governance, public service and leadership in Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that the award was presented during the university’s 24th Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of over 3,400 students. The event brought together members of the academic community, parents, alumni, government officials and other distinguished guests.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also delivered the convocation lecture titled “Breaking New Ground: Faith, Grit and the Work of New Beginnings.” In his address, he encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities with courage, uphold integrity and remain committed to serving society.
He described leadership as a lifelong responsibility that requires accountability, discipline and compassion. According to the governor, every leader must strive to make a positive difference while inspiring others through good character and purposeful action.
Speaking to the graduating class, known as the 2026 Undergraduate NOVA Class, Sanwo-Olu urged the students to develop innovative ideas that would contribute to solving societal challenges. He encouraged them to engage government and institutions with practical, evidence-based solutions capable of driving national development.
The governor reminded the graduates that success requires determination, resilience and continuous learning. He noted that the world rewards those who are prepared to seize opportunities through hard work, creativity and excellence.
“I am not a graduand. I am here because, as a leader, we need to continue encouraging young people and sharing our experiences with them,” Sanwo-Olu said during the lecture.
He stressed that public office is ultimately about service to humanity. According to him, leaders must remain conscious that their actions influence younger generations and shape the future of society.
Reflecting on his years in office, Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke about some of the challenges his administration has encountered and the lessons learned through leadership during difficult periods. He said such experiences strengthened the government’s commitment to delivering sustainable development across Lagos State.
The governor highlighted several achievements recorded during his administration over the past seven years. These include significant investments in transportation, healthcare, education, housing, innovation and digital transformation.
He disclosed that Lagos State’s annual budget has grown from less than ₦900 billion in 2019 to about ₦4.44 trillion in 2026, reflecting the state’s expanding economy and increased capacity to finance development projects.
Sanwo-Olu also pointed to Lagos’ growing reputation as a technology hub. He noted that the state was recognised by the Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index in 2025 as the world’s fastest-growing technology ecosystem, reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leading innovation centre in Africa.
Speaking further, the governor highlighted investments in higher education, including the establishment of two additional state-owned universities aimed at expanding access to quality tertiary education for residents.
He also revealed that Lagos is completing what is expected to become the largest children’s hospital in sub-Saharan Africa, a project designed to improve specialised healthcare services for children and families.
According to him, the state has equally introduced digital learning initiatives across public schools while delivering thousands of housing units to improve residents’ quality of life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Babcock University for maintaining high academic standards and producing graduates who continue to excel in different professions both within Nigeria and internationally.
He praised the institution for combining academic excellence with strong moral values, describing such an approach as essential for producing responsible future leaders.
The Vice-Chancellor and university management congratulated the graduating students, encouraging them to apply the knowledge and values acquired throughout their academic journey.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Miss Simisola Abore described their years at Babcock University as both demanding and rewarding. She thanked the institution’s management, lecturers and parents for their unwavering support throughout their studies.
She encouraged her fellow graduates to uphold the university’s core values while making meaningful contributions to their communities and professional careers.
Parents, guardians and guests celebrated the achievements of the graduating students, expressing optimism that the new graduates would positively impact society through innovation, leadership and service.
The convocation ceremony also featured the presentation of academic prizes and special recognitions to outstanding students who distinguished themselves in scholarship, leadership and community service.
The Leadership and Service Award presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu reflects Babcock University’s recognition of individuals whose dedication to public service continues to inspire excellence and national development.
As the graduates begin a new chapter of their lives, the governor urged them to remain guided by faith, integrity and perseverance, assuring them that consistent hard work and a commitment to lifelong learning would open doors to greater opportunities in the future.
