Lagos State, known as the Centre of Excellence, is to other states in Nigeria, what the Iroko is among trees that are popular in Nigeria. This is not simply because of its population and industrial exuberance. There is a renewed determination among the political class in the last 10 years to transform Lagos into an economic powerhouse, worthy of mention when the likes of Dubai, New York and Paris are mentioned.
However, while we’re often quick to give all the credit to the Governor, it is important to recognize those who have been put in charge of several ministries, working tirelessly to put Lagos on the map.
Besides, you know how proud you can get anytime you’re in the midst of your friends and have an idea of everything that is talked about. From politics, sports, and entertainment, to economics and tourism, it is important to be informed. If you live in Lagos and you don’t know who your commissioners are, it is best you do now. This list provides detailed information of all the current commissioners in Lagos State, including their portfolios and some background information you might need.
List of Lagos State Commissioners
Akinyemi Ashade — Commissioner for Finance
Shortly after Mustapha Akinkunmi was sacked by the State Governor in 2016, Akinyemi Ashade, who also doubled as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, was reassigned this new portfolio. Before his appointment, he was a senior partner at KPMG Professional Services.
Akinyemi Ashade — Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget
Akinyemi Ashade, perhaps due to his prowess in financial management, also leads this ministry. Perhaps, when a reshuffling does happen, he’d squarely face the Finance Ministry, but for now, he’s the man leading the massive economic transformation in the state.
Olajide Idris — Commissioner for Health
This man is one of the longest serving commissioners in the state. Dr. Idris was a permanent secretary in the state’s ministry of health between 1999 and 2007. He was appointed in July 2007 as Commissioner for Health in Babatunde Fashola’s government, and has held the forte distinctively. Most notable is his role in the fight against the Ebola virus in 2014.
Olufemi Odubiyi — Commissioner for Science and Technology
With a Masters Degree in Information Systems Engineering and over 20 years in the ICT industry, no one else seems better suited for this job. He was the IT Director for both Econet Nigeria (now Airtel) and Dangote Industries Limited for many years before his appointment.
Rotimi Ogunleye — Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives
This is the man saddled with the investment promotion of Lagos state. Prince Rotimi Ogunlewe hails from Ikorodu. He is a brilliant lawyer and journalist, with membership in both the NUJ and NBA.
Adebowale Akinsanya — Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development
Engineer Adebowale Olayinka Akinsanya is an experienced civil engineer with a career of over 30 years. He had his educational exploits in the United States and remains a member of the state of California.
Babatunde Adejare — Commissioner for the Environment
Before his appointment, he was chairman, House Committee on Health between 2003 and 2011. He was born on July 9, 1961.
Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf — Commissioner for Youth and Social Development
This mother of four boys is a Pharmacist by training and a distinguished leader per excellence. She only recently lost her first husband, sometime in March, 2017.
Oluwatoyin Suarau — Commissioner for Agriculture
Hon. Suarau is a seasoned administrator. When news of his appointment came out, not so many were surprised. He was born on March 7, 1963 in Iba town, Ojo LGA.
Anofi Elegushi — Acting Commissioner for Transport
Prince Elegushi took over as Acting Commissioner for Transport in Lagos State after a cabinet reshuffle that saw Governor Ambode drop Dr. Ekundayo Mobereola. Until his appointment, he was the Special Adviser on Transport to the Government.
Steve Ayorinde — Commissioner for Information and Strategy
Steve Oluseyi Ayorinde was the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Mirror Newspaper, after a stint as Editor of The Punch Newspaper, before his appointment as Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
Olawale Oluwo — Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources
Born in July 1966, Mr. Oluwo had a successful banking career in several banks in Nigeria culminating in becoming the MD/CEO of BGL Investment Banking in 2011.
Wasiu Anifowose — Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development
Instead of saying so much, I should just tell you that Wasiu Abiola Anifowose is the current chairman of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. The man knows his job.
Seye Oladejo — Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations
A recipient of the outstanding corps member’s award after his NYSC in Gongola State (now Adamawa) in 1988, this astute administrator was born on February 2, 1966. He is also a recipient of the best chairman in Lagos state award in 2006. He has won several other awards too many to mention.
Adeniji Kazeem — Commissioner for Justice
Born on April 19, 1965 to Late Justice Boonyamin Oladiran Kazeem, one-time Solicitor General of the Federation and Princess Jemilat Adetoun Kazeem, daughter of renowned Oba Adeniji-Adele II in Isale-Eko, Mr. Kazeem is the owner of the law firm Adeniji Kazeem and Co.
Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti — Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment
Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi was born on December 15, 1956. Before his appointment, he has held several private and public positions including Special Assistant to the Governor on Revenue and Investment. He was a board member of LASACO Insurance Company and Volkswagen, Nigeria.
Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef — Commissioner for Home Affairs
A son of the Awori Royal Family, Ejigbo, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem was born on August 21, 1967. He holds a Ph.D in Law from the University of Lagos and served as Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Political and Legislative Powers between 2007 and 2011.
Benson Akintola — Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions
With more than 23 years as a public policy analyst, there is no surprise why he is one of the very few that has succeeded in serving the Government of Lagos State under three different administrations. Both as Special Adviser to both Tinubu and Fashola on Media Relations and then Information and Strategy, and now a commissioner, we can only tell how dependent this man is.
Engr Temidayo Erinle — Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure
Ganiu Johnson was the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure until February, 2017 when he resigned. Eng. Temidayo Erinle, a permanent secretary, currently oversees the ministry.
Gbolahan Lawal — Commissioner for Housing
With over 20 years experience in political economy and development in low and middle income economies, no other person fits the bill better. An alumnus of several institutions including UNIPORT, University of London, and the Harvard-Kennedy School, this former Commissioner of Agriculture under the last administration must now show why he deserved a second appointment with a different portfolio.
Muslim Folami — Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs
Born Muslim Olohuntele Folami on August 8, 1951 to the Erinfolamis of Ibeju-Lekki, he had served in the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ibeju-Lekki constituency. He was also Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Matters to former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Lola Akande — Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation
This Public Policy Expert is a product of both University of Lagos (MPA) and Obafemi Awolowo University (BSc. in Botany). She had earlier attended Queen’s School Ibadan for her secondary education. She has served the state in several capacities before, including Deputy Majority Leader of the State’s House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015, as well as Deputy Chief Whip between 2007 and 2011.
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