Popular author and media consultant, Lanre Alfred, has officially presented his newly published special publication of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, titled “The Man Who Carried a City.”
The presentation recently happened during a private ceremony held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The gathering, attended by a few cabinet members and aides of the governor, marked a commemoration of Sanwo-Olu’s 60th birthday, celebrated on June 25, 2025.
Prominent guests who graced the event include Wale Olaleye, Deputy Editor of THISDAY Newspaper, and Kayode Olashile-Alfred, columnist for THISDAY and media entrepreneur.
Appreciating the gesture, Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed Lanre Alfred for the quality of the book despite not getting any financial incentive for his effort.
“I am genuinely impressed by the quality of this book.
It is rare to see this level of literary commitment that is driven purely by admiration and civic appreciation,” he said.
Hailing the APC politician for a brilliant leadership that inspired the book, Lanre revealed that Sanwo-Olu’s tenure as governor has definitely been a success despite the recent COVID-19 and #EndSARS challenges.
He maintained that the book will serve as a record of leadership driven by purpose, not power, because it is a literary testament to Sanwo-Olu’s legacy in Lagos State.
Lanre pointed out that he started the book project 18 months ago due to his admiration for Sanwo-Olu’s revolutionary governance and consistent leadership, especially during troubling times.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s journey is not just a political story—it is a deeply human one.
This is a man who steered Lagos through the chaos of COVID-19, the trauma of #EndSARS, and the daily complexities of managing Africa’s largest subnational economy, without losing the human touch.
I wanted to ensure that such a legacy is preserved beyond fleeting headlines or public memory. ‘The Man Who Carried a City’ is not a tribute to power, but to purpose. It is an archive of grace under pressure, of governance without theatrics, of leadership defined by listening rather than loudness.
Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of worthy leaders. It is our failure to preserve their stories. Sanwo-Olu’s calm through crisis, his civic fidelity, and his silent sacrifices deserve a place in our national archives,” the author said.
Also speaking, Wale Olaleye stressed that the biography was a very profound work that portrays selfless governance and service that will inspire future leaders.
Applauding Lanre for a thoughtful effort that is worth celebrating, he reiterated that the project will remind Nigerians of what quality public service looks like.
“It is also a mirror, a reminder of what true public service can look like in our time,” Wale said.
Kayode Olashile-Alfred also described the book as “a powerful addition to the canon of modern Nigerian political special publications.”
He concluded by praising Lanre Alfred for perfectly narrating Sanwo-Olu’s story in a way that doesn’t just capture the governor’s journey as a leader, but also his impact.
“Dr Alfred has succeeded in blending scholarship, poetry, and reportage into a narrative that preserves not just a man’s record, but his essence,” he added.
Published by Old English Partners, the book is more than 326 pages long, and it includes a chapter titled “Ibijoke”, which sheds light on the role of the First Lady in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s life.
The publication sheds a lot of light on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s formative years, his humble rise through public service, and his challenging yet graceful tenure as governor, capturing a lifetime of dedicated service into a series of memorable and beautiful portraits.
“The Man Who Carried a City” is not just a birthday gift the Governor would never forget; it will serve as a reminder that in very uncertain times, courage and committed service can make the needed difference.
