Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled a new photographic book documenting some of the defining moments of his administration, describing it as a tribute to resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of Lagos.
The book, titled “Sanwo-Olu: Against All Odds – A Photo Story of Resilience in the Face of Adversity,” was authored by the governor’s Executive Assistant and official photographer, Ademola Olaniran.
Launched at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, the publication chronicles major events from Sanwo-Olu’s first term and the early phase of his second term, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the EndSARS protests, the Abule Ado explosion, building collapses, key infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and social intervention programmes.
Speaking at the unveiling, Sanwo-Olu described the publication as unique because it documents the story of a serving administration rather than reflecting on events after leaving office.
He stressed that although the book focuses on his administration, its central message is the resilience and determination of Lagos residents.
According to the governor, the publication highlights the stories of ordinary citizens, including market traders rebuilding after setbacks, healthcare workers on the frontline during the pandemic, young people advocating for change, engineers delivering infrastructure projects, and schoolchildren benefiting from improved educational facilities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during his tenure, Sanwo-Olu said crises such as the COVID-19 outbreak, EndSARS protests, the Abule Ado explosion, and building collapses tested both the government and the people. He added that despite these obstacles, Lagos continued to record progress through investments in transportation, housing, healthcare, education, and food security.
The governor cited the completion of the Blue and Red Rail Lines, the commencement of operations at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and other strategic infrastructure projects as major achievements of his administration.
He also credited Lagos’ sustained development to continuity in governance, noting that successive administrations had built on existing projects rather than abandoning them.
Highlighting a photograph featuring four former and current Lagos governors holding a model train, Sanwo-Olu described the image as a symbol of continuity, which he said remains the foundation of the state’s development.
He acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Tinubu and former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, saying each administration had played a significant role in shaping modern Lagos.
The launch attracted prominent government officials and political leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and members of the Lagos State Executive Council.
In his remarks, Hamzat described the publication as more than a collection of photographs, saying it preserves the history of leadership and resilience in Lagos.
Author Ademola Olaniran said the project involved a team of 11 professionals who spent several years documenting the activities of the Sanwo-Olu administration across the state. He noted that the book was created to preserve key moments in Lagos’ history while ensuring future generations have an accurate record of the state’s development.