Akinwunmi Ambode (born 14 June 1963 in Epe, Lagos State) is a Nigerian public administrator and politician best known for serving as the 14th Governor of Lagos State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2019. His single four-year term left a lasting imprint through ambitious infrastructure projects and financial reforms that reshaped Africa’s largest city-state.
Early Life and Education
Ambode grew up in Epe, attending St. Jude’s Primary School and Federal Government College, Warri. He earned a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Lagos at the age of 21 and later obtained a master’s degree in Accounting from the same institution.
He broadened his professional outlook with executive programmes at world-class institutions including the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), and INSEAD Business School.
Civil Service Career
Joining the Lagos State Civil Service in 1988 as an Assistant Treasurer, Ambode spent 27 years in public finance. He rose steadily to become the Accountant-General of Lagos State in 2006, where he supervised the state’s finances, modernised budgetary processes, and introduced tighter financial controls that became a model for other Nigerian states.
Governor of Lagos State (2015–2019)
Elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambode’s administration prioritised infrastructure, urban renewal and security:
Flagship Projects:
Oshodi Transport Interchange – a state-of-the-art multi-terminal bus hub that redefined public transport in Lagos.
Abule-Egba and Ajah Flyovers – easing notorious traffic bottlenecks.
Epe–Lekki Expressway Expansion – boosting trade and access to the emerging Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Urban Regeneration: Major facelift of Oshodi and other key districts, along with upgrades of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Security and Technology: Strengthened the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, improved emergency response, and supported tech-driven governance.
Political Turning Point
Despite these achievements, Ambode lost the APC governorship primary in 2018, a pivotal moment that limited him to one term in office. The party subsequently fielded Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who won the 2019 election.
Post-Governorship
Since leaving office, Ambode has maintained a low political profile, focusing on private engagements and public policy advocacy while remaining an influential voice in Lagos politics.
Honours and Recognition
Ambode’s reforms and infrastructure drive earned several accolades, including:
Best Governor in Infrastructure Development – BusinessDay Newspaper Awards, 2018.
Recognition from the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for excellence in public financial management.
Legacy
Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure combined technocratic expertise with ambitious urban projects, leaving a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure and modern public finance in Lagos State.
Sources
“Ambode’s Achievements as Lagos State Governor (2015–2019).” The Guardian Nigeria, 2019.
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