LAGOS, June 25, 2025 – The Surulere Local Government Council Secretariat radiated joy as residents, community leaders, and dignitaries gathered to honor Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, on his 63rd birthday. The event also served as a platform for Surulerians to extend heartfelt felicitations to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who marked his 60th birthday on the same day, June 25, 2025.
The vibrant gathering, attended by party faithfuls, youth groups, and community associations, showcased Surulere’s gratitude for Gbajabiamila’s transformative contributions during his tenure as a representative from 2003 to 2023. Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, Executive Chairman of Surulere Local Government, led the tributes, describing Gbajabiamila as a “trailblazer of development.” He highlighted the former Speaker’s legacy, including over 120 roads, six mini stadiums, refurbished schools, ICT centers, and the Gbaja Maternal and Child Care Centre. “Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila’s impact is a blueprint for leadership. His projects have empowered our people and elevated Surulere’s status,” Yusuf said, referencing the 2023 commissioning of a mini stadium as a testament to Gbajabiamila’s support.
Hon. Ibrahim Alli-Balogun, popularly known as Alli Bee, a former Special Assistant on Youth Matters to Gbajabiamila and organizer of the annual Surulere Sports Fiesta, praised Gbajabiamila’s focus on youth empowerment. “His vision earned Surulere the title ‘Sports City.’ From mini stadiums to empowerment programs like laptops and vehicles for youths, he has given our young people a future to believe in,” Alli-Balogun said. He cited the 2024 Sports Fiesta and 2023 Lagos Street Soccer Championship as initiatives inspired by Gbajabiamila’s commitment.
The event also featured warm birthday felicitations for Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose 60th birthday coincided with Gbajabiamila’s celebration. Hon. Yusuf congratulated the Governor, calling him a “visionary leader” whose infrastructure projects, like the Blue and Red Rail lines, have transformed Lagos. “On behalf of Surulerians, we celebrate His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at 60. His dedication to Lagos’ progress aligns with the legacy of leaders like Gbajabiamila,” Yusuf said. Alli-Balogun echoed this, noting Sanwo-Olu’s support for Surulere’s sports and youth programs, saying, “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership inspires us all. We wish him many more years of impactful service.”
Religious leaders added a spiritual dimension to the celebration. Chief Imam of Surulere, Abdullah Jatto, commended Gbajabiamila and Sanwo-Olu for their exemplary leadership, praying for divine guidance and strength in their roles. “Their contributions to Surulere and Lagos reflect a commitment to unity and progress,” Jatto said. Similarly, Apostle James Akingboye, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Surulere, offered prayers for the continued success of both leaders. “We thank God for their lives and ask for wisdom to sustain their impactful governance,” Akingboye declared, leading the gathering in heartfelt prayers.
Across Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s diamond jubilee was widely celebrated. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, praised Sanwo-Olu’s “steadfast commitment” to Lagos’ growth, citing achievements like the Blue and Red Rail lines and urging progress on projects like the Fourth Mainland Bridge. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, lauded Sanwo-Olu’s exemplary leadership, while Niger Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago called him an “inspirational and courageous leader.” Sanwo-Olu, in a social media post, expressed gratitude for the trust of Lagosians, describing public service as “one of the highest callings.” A praise and worship session in his honor saw the Governor dancing joyfully, as captured by gospel singer Dare Justified.
The event’s success was credited to the organizing committee, chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Alli-Balogun (Alli Bee). In his vote of thanks, Alli-Balogun expressed gratitude to Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf for his unwavering support and to all attendees who responded to the event on short notice. “Your presence today shows the love and unity in Surulere. We thank our Chairman, Hon. Yusuf, and everyone for making this celebration a success,” Alli-Balogun said, as the crowd erupted in applause.
The event concluded with prayers for both Gbajabiamila and Sanwo-Olu, with Surulerians reaffirming their pride in leaders driving progress at the local and state levels. As Surulere prepares for the 5th Surulere Sports City Fiesta on June 28, 2025, at the Sam Shonibare Mini Stadium, the community remains a beacon of unity, inspired by Gbajabiamila’s legacy and Sanwo-Olu’s governance.
Stakeholders Magazine salutes two iconic leaders shaping Surulere and Lagos for generations to come.
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