Akinwunmi Ambode

Early Life and Background

Akinwunmi Ambode was born on June 14, 1963, in Epe, a historic town located in Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from a family with a strong emphasis on education and public service. His father, Festus Akinbode Ambode, was a respected teacher, while his mother, Christianah Oluleye Ambode (née Omolola), provided a nurturing home environment. Growing up in Epe and later in other parts of Lagos, Ambode's formative years were characterized by academic focus and a commitment to community values. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and dedication, qualities that would later define his extensive career in public administration and politics.

Education

Ambode's educational journey began at St. Jude's Primary School, located in Ebute Meta, Lagos, where he received his elementary education from 1969 to 1974. Following this, he proceeded to the prestigious Federal Government College, Warri, in Delta State, for his secondary education, from 1974 to 1981, where he obtained his West African School Certificate. This period laid a solid foundation for his intellectual development. He subsequently gained admission to the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Accounting, graduating with honors in 1985. Not content with just a first degree, Ambode furthered his academic pursuits at the same institution, earning a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Accounting in 1986. Beyond his academic qualifications, Ambode is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a testament to his professional competence in the field of accounting. His commitment to continuous learning extended to executive education programs at world-renowned institutions, including the Wharton Business School in Philadelphia, USA, Cranfield School of Management in Cranfield, UK, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Boston, USA, where he honed his leadership and public policy expertise.

Career

Akinwunmi Ambode's career is predominantly defined by his extensive and impactful service within the Lagos State Civil Service, spanning over two decades, and his subsequent foray into elective politics. He commenced his career in 1985, immediately after his university education, joining the Lagos State Civil Service. His early roles included serving as a Junior Accountant with the Lagos State Waste Disposal Board, which is now known as the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), from 1985 to 1988. He then transitioned to becoming an Auditor for Local Governments, a position he held from 1988 to 1991, gaining crucial experience in public financial oversight at the grassroots level. His progression saw him serving as Council Treasurer in various Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Lagos State, including Shomolu, Agege, Mushin, Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu, between 1991 and 1998. These roles provided him with an intimate understanding of local governance and fiscal management challenges.

His ascent within the civil service continued with his appointment as the Acting Auditor General for Local Governments in 1998, a position he held until 2001. In 2001, he achieved a significant milestone, becoming the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, an appointment made by the then Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This role placed him at the core of Lagos State's financial administration. His exemplary performance led to his appointment as the Accountant General of Lagos State in 2006, a critical position he held for six years under both Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his successor, Governor Babatunde Fashola. As Accountant General, Ambode was responsible for the state's treasury, overseeing fiscal policies, budget implementation, and financial reporting, playing a crucial role in Lagos State's financial stability and growth. He voluntarily retired from the civil service in 2012, having reached the pinnacle of his administrative career.

Following his retirement, Ambode transitioned into politics, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2014, he declared his intention to run for the governorship of Lagos State. Despite a crowded field, he emerged victorious in the APC gubernatorial primary election on December 4, 2014. He subsequently won the general election held on April 11, 2015, and was sworn in as the 14th Executive Governor of Lagos State on May 29, 2015.

Major Achievements

During his four-year tenure as Governor of Lagos State (2015-2019), Akinwunmi Ambode spearheaded numerous transformative projects and policies. His administration placed a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, security, urban renewal, and public sector reforms. Among his most notable achievements were:

• Infrastructural Development: Ambode's government undertook extensive road construction and rehabilitation across the state. Key projects included the construction of the Abule Egba and Ajah flyovers, aimed at easing traffic congestion, and the initiation of the Pen Cinema flyover. His administration also embarked on the ambitious reconstruction of the Oshodi-Airport Road and the development of the Oshodi Transport Interchange, a multi-modal transport hub. The 'Light Up Lagos' project significantly enhanced security and extended business hours across communities by installing streetlights.
• Security: Recognizing the importance of a secure environment for economic growth, Ambode revitalized the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. His administration procured state-of-the-art security equipment, including helicopters, patrol vehicles, gunboats, and communication gadgets, significantly empowering the police and other security agencies, leading to a noticeable reduction in crime rates.
• Transportation: Beyond road infrastructure, Ambode introduced new, air-conditioned buses under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme and initiated the development of new bus terminals to improve public transportation efficiency. He also focused on developing water transportation, procuring ferries and upgrading jetties.
• Healthcare: His administration renovated and equipped numerous general hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state, improving access to quality healthcare. A significant initiative was the introduction of the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at providing affordable healthcare access for residents.
• Education: Ambode’s government invested in the renovation of public schools, provided school furniture, and recruited new teachers to enhance the quality of education in the state.
• Tourism, Arts, and Culture: To boost the state's economy and cultural identity, Ambode launched the 'One Lagos Fiesta,' an annual end-of-year festival that attracted thousands. He also championed the rebranding of Lagos as a premier destination for tourism and investment, supporting the arts and entertainment industry.
• Economic Development and Ease of Doing Business: His policies focused on attracting foreign direct investment, improving the ease of doing business in Lagos, and providing support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
• Civil Service Reforms: Ambode implemented reforms aimed at enhancing the welfare of civil servants, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and improving overall public service delivery through capacity building and technology integration.

Personal Life

Akinwunmi Ambode is married to Bolanle Patience Ambode (née Odukomaiya), and their union has been a significant support system throughout his public life. Mrs. Ambode, as the First Lady of Lagos State, actively participated in various social and philanthropic initiatives, particularly focusing on women, children, and persons with disabilities. While Ambode maintains a relatively private personal life despite his public prominence, it is known that he is a devout Christian. He often emphasizes the role of faith and family values in his life and decision-making processes. He has children, though specific details regarding their number and names are generally kept out of the public domain, reflecting his preference for family privacy.

Legacy

Akinwunmi Ambode's legacy is characterized by his technocratic approach to governance and his unwavering focus on infrastructural development and fiscal prudence. As a former Accountant General, he brought a strong financial discipline to the state's treasury, ensuring efficient resource allocation and increased internally generated revenue. His governorship is widely remembered for the rapid pace of urban renewal and the significant number of projects initiated and completed across various sectors, particularly in transportation, security, and healthcare, which visibly transformed the landscape of Lagos State. The 'Light Up Lagos' initiative, for instance, significantly enhanced the state's nightlife and security.

However, his political journey also highlighted the intricate and often challenging dynamics of party politics in Nigeria. His inability to secure a second term in office after losing the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in 2018 to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, despite his performance, became a significant point of discussion. This event underscored the power of political patronage and internal party structures in determining leadership outcomes, even for performing incumbents. Following his departure from office in May 2019, allegations of financial impropriety were raised by the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which he vehemently denied, stating that his administration upheld the highest standards of financial probity. Despite these challenges, Ambode is largely seen as a governor who pushed for a more inclusive development agenda, extending projects to previously underserved areas and laying foundational infrastructure for future growth. His tenure remains a critical chapter in Lagos State's developmental history, marked by both significant achievements and complex political narratives.