Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has affirmed that the state’s decades-long journey of transformation stands as a model for other regions. The governor said this at the first yearly Distinguished Service Lecture and Award Ceremony of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, emphasised that the transformation of Lagos since its creation in 1967 has been rooted in three guiding principles: excellence, integrity, and resourcefulness.

“Lagos has evolved from a modest administrative region into the economic, cultural, and innovation hub of West Africa. This transformation is built on a foundation of excellence, fulfilling commitments with integrity, and leveraging opportunities through resourcefulness even in the face of challenges.”

Sanwo-Olu noted that the state’s public servants have been pivotal in building infrastructure, shaping policies, and fostering institutional growth often working behind the scenes without due recognition.

The lecture, themed “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness and Selflessness: The Hallmarks of Lagos State Public Service as a Case Study in Progress, Unity, and Prosperity 1967-2025,” featured a guest speaker, former Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Economic Department under former governor, Lateef Jakande, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, who underscored the importance of consistency and principled leadership in public service.

“The secret to success is consistency of purpose from conception to completion. The foundation laid by our founding fathers in the Lagos State Public Service must be sustained and improved upon,” Fanimokun said.

Highlighting the legacy of iconic leaders such as Mobolaji Johnson and Lateef Jakande, he added that excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness are not just values; they are the pillars upon which impactful legacies are built.

“Lagos State has set a good example for other states. I am a proud product of Lagos public service. I grew up with principles of integrity and selflessness. I started under Mobolaji Johnson. I became Permanent Secretary at the age of 35. The public service of Lagos made me who I am today. I was specially nurtured by the Lagos State government.

“Public Service is a public trust. You are not in the government to enrich your pocket; you will leave there one day. Whatever you are doing, be accountable because it’s public money. To the young ones, don’t engage in corruption, do your best,” he said.

Chairman, Governing Council of YABATECH, Professor Isola Afolabi stressed on the importance of the yearly lecture in shaping minds and recognising excellence.

YABATECH Rector, Ibrahim Adedotun-Abdul, urged everyone to renew their commitment to service and national development. The event also featured awards to distinguished staff of the college in recognition of their exemplary service in 2024.