Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to embrace community service over personal wealth

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged Nigerians, especially political and business elites, to redefine success beyond personal wealth, insisting that true leadership is measured by community service, mentorship and the ability to empower others.

The governor gave the charge at an event organised by the Epe Club to honour Shakiru Seriki Bamu, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), held at the Regency Hall, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.

Represented by his deputy, Kadri Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said societies do not progress on individual success stories alone but on how leaders deliberately raise others to succeed.

“We must empower not just our families but our communities. We must be mentors and raise mentees who will continue the work of development,” the governor said, adding that people are ultimately remembered not for what they acquire but for the impact they leave behind.

Sanwo-Olu described the celebrant as a product of purposeful leadership, noting that Alhaji Shakiru Seriki Bamu’s enduring relevance lies in the number of lives he has guided and opportunities he has helped create over decades of public service.

He urged young Nigerians to resist despair and negative narratives about the country, calling on them to focus on opportunities emerging from innovation, technology and ongoing reforms.

According to him, increasing youth-driven innovation is a strong signal of Nigeria’s future potential.

The governor also expressed confidence in the country’s trajectory, pointing to expanding infrastructure, structural reforms and growing investments in technical and vocational education as foundations for long-term growth.

“This country is progressing. Infrastructure is expanding, reforms are ongoing, and initiatives being implemented today will change lives. Young people must see opportunities, seize them and contribute positively,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, praised the Epe Club for sustaining a culture of celebrating integrity, excellence and service, describing Alhaji Seriki as an iconic leader whose life exemplifies mentorship, industry and commitment to national development.

Alausa said honouring figures who invest in people strengthens national values and inspires future leaders, stressing that genuine success is defined by contributions to education, commerce and community advancement, not personal achievements alone.

Earlier, President of the Epe Club, Olayemi Dada, said the event was deliberately designed to celebrate a “builder of leaders,” describing the honouree as someone who recognises potential where others see limitations.

Dada said the club, as a pioneer organisation in Epe Division, supports communities through bursary awards for indigent students, donations of medical equipment to primary healthcare centres, food interventions, youth seminars and community dispute resolution.

He added that the celebration reinforces the idea that lasting leadership is rooted in service, not status—an ethos the club hopes will shape the next generation of leaders across Lagos State and beyond.