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Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’S Transformation: Foreword by Femi Falana, San
Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’S Transformation: Foreword by Femi Falana, San
Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’S Transformation: Foreword by Femi Falana, San
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Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’S Transformation: Foreword by Femi Falana, San

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This book focuses on the Servant Leadership practice as exemplified by
Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Nigeria. Lagos State is
the most populated (about 21 million people) in Nigeria. Trasformational
strides have been witnessed by the people of Lagos State which are showcased
in this book. Dr Ekundayo, John, did his PhD, on the Governors leadership
style conducting both quantitative and qualitative research studies spanning
three years. The outcome is the production of this book.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateApr 30, 2013
ISBN9781481790741
Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’S Transformation: Foreword by Femi Falana, San
Author

John M. O. Ekundayo PhD

John M. O. Ekundayo is an engineer turned organizational management and leadership researcher and consultant. He is a native of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State and attended Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure where he passed out with a Grade One Distinction in 1980. The same year, he was admitted to read Civil Engineering graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1985 from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, and practiced civil and building engineering in Nigeria for about two decades. He thereafter enrolled and graduated with a Master’s degree from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia specializing in Organizational Leadership in 2009. Wanting to satisfy his quest for further education, he proceeded to do his PhD (Management) by Research and graduated from one of the first private universities in Malaysia, Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2012. The University is named after the 2nd Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak and presently has the Chairman of the Board of Trustees as Tun Najib Razak, the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia, who incidentally is the first son of Tun Abdul Razak. John Ekundayo is married to Mary Anike Ekundayo and the union is blessed with children. He is a Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and also a Corporate Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE). He loves singing, reading, writing, and mentoring young minds in order to raise leaders with vision, value and virtues. Dr John Ekundayo can be contacted through his email: drjmoekundayo@hotmail.com

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    Out of Africa - John M. O. Ekundayo PhD

    © 2013 by John M. O. Ekundayo, PhD. All rights reserved.

    No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

    Published by AuthorHouse 04/16/2013

    ISBN: 978-1-4817-9040-6 (sc)

    ISBN: 978-1-4817-9074-1 (e)

    Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

    Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

    Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

    Contents

    Dedication

    Acclaim For

    Acknowledgement

    Foreword

    Prologue

    A Few Good ‘Man’

    Part One

    Light On

    Chapter 1

    Background

    Chapter 2

    The Raisons D’être

    Chapter 3

    His Pedigree

    Chapter 4

    Tribute To Tinubu: Discovering Gold In The Rubbles

    Chapter 5

    Leadership-Followership Crisis: The Real Trouble With Nigeria

    Chapter 6

    Face-To-Face With Brf

    Part Two

    Servant Leadership

    Chapter 7

    Leadership Overview

    Chapter 8

    Leadership: Followers’ Perceptions In Nigeria

    Chapter 9

    Why Servant Leadership?

    Chapter 10

    Servant Leadership: Theory & Practice

    Chapter 11

    Servant Leadership: Historical Perspectives

    Chapter 12

    Servant Leadership: Contemporary Practice

    Chapter 13

    The Servant Leadership Heart Of Fashola

    Chapter 14

    Brf: Political Goods And Services Deliverables

    Part Three

    Followers’ Assessment Of Brf

    Chapter 15

    Followers: The Other Side Of The Leadership Coin

    Chapter 16

    Digging Deep: Researching Into Brf Leadership Style As Perceived By Followers

    Chapter 17

    Brf: In The Eyes Of Followers-Media, Students, Academics, Ops & Market Men/Women

    Chapter 18

    Thoughts On Transformation

    Epilogue

    Hong Kong Of Africa: Time Magazine

    Appendices

    Appendix A

    References:

    Appendix B

    Notes

    About The Author

    DEDICATION

    This book is specially and specifically dedicated to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the erstwhile Governor of Lagos State, political mentor of Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who with intellectual and prophetic insight saw Fashola as "a gold in the rubbles" if picked and properly polished. He did that against all odds and the outcome is the subject of this book. May Nigeria be blessed with such selfless, visionary and legendary strategic leaders of intellect and sagacity to raise up many servant leaders to better the lots of the followers.

    ACCLAIM FOR

    OUT OF AFRICA: FASHOLA-Reinventing Servant Leadership To Engender Nigeria’s Transformation

    "Fashola is not a politician; I meant it, I call him a mechanic. He approaches things in a clinical… mechanized fashion. In other words, he diagnoses the problem, and then goes into it like a skilled mechanic looking at the pieces… the ones that work he puts them back, and those which do not work, he sets out to eliminate them and transform them, because he is not a politician…"

    -Prof Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, renowned social critic and political analyst

    He is a good example of what a focused leader is all about. I am very impressed with work of Governor Fashola. I do not know him personally but I am impressed with his output. And he is not loud and does not go about advertising what he is doing. He allows the public to appraise it. And again he gives the impression that there is a need to have competition in the economy; competition in the sense that he is not a member of my party but I am very impressed with what he is doing here (Lagos State) . . . And Governor Fashola is a good trailblazer; he is showing a lot of good examples in Lagos State and in Nigeria as a whole.

    Dr. Ken Nnamani, former Senate President of Nigeria and a chieftain of People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

    We need leaders, leaders who will place their national interests above their personal interests. We need leaders, leaders like you (Fashola) . . . . Lagos used to be called the centre of dirty and rubbish, but today it is the centre of cleanliness and decency… I am seeing the kind of leadership that I want… Leaders, not rulers.

    Ambassador (Dr) Yusuf Maitama Sule, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations

    his book is written on Fashola whose administration is transforming Lagos, once infamous for gross urban decay, into a modern, beautiful and functional city. This has been made possible by his new style of governance based on the initiative and pursuit of a knowledge—based approach to critical reforms which span resource mobilization, local government reform, innovative and inclusive approaches to planning principles, transportation, provision of educational facilities and health-care delivery and partnership building. All these have resulted from Fashola’s servant leadership style which is fully discussed in this well researched and structured 18 chapter book by the author.

    -Emeritus Prof Michael Filani, Former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and President, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria.

    The Fashola blood… he carries a very positive attitude-the can-do spirit… For example, from the physical, visible perspective, he is making changes that will please a whole lot of people… He is so large hearted and he is a strategist.

    -Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Chairman of Juli Pharmacy Plc, Group Chairman, former Minister of Health and Social Services, Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, the subject of this lucidly written book, is his own best witness as exemplified by his following words: ‘The buildings will come down in 20 or 30 years’ time. It is the institutions, the policy underlying it that will remain and once those policies are there, whoever is there in future can erect another building’.

    When a statesman makes institutions the fulcrum of his administration, he erects imperishability. Like Awo, Fashola will be remembered and celebrated; long after many a Nigerian Head of State had been forgotten. He has written his name in gold for posterity to savour’.

    -Dr Femi Orebe, Columnist, The Nation on Sunday.

    I am here for just a month; and I have been on a lot of African postings. I am struck arriving here in Lagos seeing the energy you have here in the sense of optimism and the hope that you have about the future. I think that people who had been here before me spoke that Lagos has been developing in the past year or two… (sic)

    -Robin Gwen, British Deputy High Commissioner, Nigeria

    I am speaking from the bottom of my heart. Fashola has performed; forget about partisan politics. Here is one person that has performed. People had given up on Lagos that it would not work, but he has made it work

    -Gov Aliyu Babangida, Governor, Niger State (PDP Chieftain)

    The Southwest longed for an alternative and the ACN answered their call. The people fought for their freedom, policed the polls; they watched the electoral process very critically. The ACN triumph in the southwest is a phenomenon with many causes. One of them, surely, is the spectacular success of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos State. Fashola’s achievements were/are there for everyone to see. Lagos has become an indelible, incontestable advertisement for Fashola and the ACN. It has also given us a positive example; it has shown us that we could make things work in Nigeria. It has shown us that we are not a doomed country and land of the impossible.

    Fashola’s Lagos story goes beyond Lagos; it has become a parable, a symbol and an article of faith. I hope someday soon Fashola will have the opportunity to repeat at the national level the feats he has so spectacularly achieved at the state level. And when that time comes, let no one thwart the chance with the incubus called zoning or such like geo-ethnic atavism. With people like Fashola and a handful of equally competent others from different parts of the country, the long-deferred Nigerian renaissance will be within our reach.

    -Prof ‘Niyi Osundare, International acclaimed author, poet, professor of English and a social critic (based in New Orleans, USA)

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    It is pertinent and gladdening, first of all, to start by acknowledging the Almighty God, the Source of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, in turning the dream of producing this book to a reality. The support and assistance received from the staff of the Lagos State Civil Service (LSCS) in my research study focusing on Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s leadership of Lagos State, Nigeria enabling me to complete my PhD research in the nick of time is commendable. This was spearheaded by His Excellency, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who, despite his busy schedule, offered himself to be interviewed as part of the data gathering process towards the production of this book. This book should not be mistaken for a memoir but rather a research based monograph cataloguing the traits of transformation evident in the practice of servant leadership by BRF (as he is fondly called by his admirers).

    I will want to acknowledge the great efforts of the Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office (PSO), Mr Lad Abari, the Deputy Director (Research), PSO, Mr Ojo and all other supporting staff of the PSO office who were really there to help in my gathering of data for this research-based book. Of note to mention and appreciate are the Special Adviser (Education), Lagos State, Mr Fatai Olukoga and the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs Yetunde Jegede.

    In addition, I must commend Ms Moji Rhodes, the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), the Governor’s Office, and Mr Hakeem Bello, the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor for their untiring efforts in meeting targets and other ancillary support during the efforts to make this book available on the shelf worldwide. It is pertinent to mention and commend all the staff of the LSCS who were participants in the data gathering process which involved both quantitative and qualitative methods. Having been involved in dealings with civil servants from other States in the federation in the past, I cannot but, without bias, acclaim the doggedness and dedication to duty of civil servants in Lagos State.

    It is gratifying to highlight the great support and sacrifice of the Supervisor of my PhD research, Assoc Professor Khairudin Damhoeri, for his critique, input and assistance from the outset to the finishing line of the marathon called the PhD. Equally, I am grateful to both my External and Internal Examiners, Prof Nik Mutasim (UKM, Malaysia) and Assoc Prof Lukman Taib (UNIRAZAK, Malaysia) respectively. I also value and appreciate staff and students of the Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia especially the Graduate School of Business (GSB) for their encouragement and support.

    It will not be complete not to acknowledge my family friends, many of whom were very supportive in my completing my PhD research study in Malaysia. Moreover, credit must be given to the staff of AuthorHouse, UK particularly, Jean Swan, the Publishing Consultant, who showed considerable zeal in attending to my requests and coming up with timely responses so that this book can pass through a thorough process and come out with a leading edge in the market.

    It is remarkable that a legal icon and political analyst at the leading edge of human and civil rights advocacy in Nigeria, Barrister Femi Falana, SAN, agreed to write the foreword to this epoch-making book. It was not easy getting him to sit down to work on the foreword, but after much pressure and persuasion, he decided to put pen to paper. It was amazing; he came up with a real critique of the entire book in about four pages lucidly written. I am grateful for the honour of access and the camaraderie he struck with me especially as we discussed with candour happenings within our nation and the need for a transformational change on the few occasions we met in his Law Chambers.

    The last but not the least is my immediate family. First and foremost, my friend, sister, and spouse of almost three decades, Mary Anikeola Adebola, Ekundayo together with God’s wonderful heritage He endowed us with: Dr Samuel Moyosore Ekundayo; Elizabeth Ifedayo Ekundayo; Gloria OlaJesu Ekundayo; and Grace Boluwatife Ekundayo. Their undying and undeniable love and encouragement saw me through in carrying out the research study leading to the production of this book. I treasure all members of my family as they are great assets to me.

    In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge Nigerian followers from the Day of Independence from Great Britain on the 1st of October 1960 till date, dead and alive, for the struggle and sacrifice to free Nigeria from tyrannical regimes and leaders who would have caused more havoc to the soul of the Nigerian nation had these followers kept quiet. It is my prayer that, by God’s grace, more visionary and transformational servant leaders will emerge surpassing the feat of Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) all over the Wards, Local Government Areas and States of Nigeria as we courageously marched with hope into the future.

    Ekundayo, John M. O., PhD (Management); MNSE; R.Eng

    FOREWORD

    Having not been governed by committed leaders for several decades Nigerians do not hesitate to identify with individuals and groups that are prepared to address some of the myriad of socio-economic problems that have retarded the development of the nation. Lagos state, like other states in the federation, was completely ravaged and virtually grounded for about three decades by a chain of military adventurers. At the end of such misrule the state was the dirtiest in the world while there was no security of life and property. Notwithstanding its status as the commercial nerve centre of the nation, the federal military junta deliberately ignored the challenge of infrastructural decay in the state. This was to continue under the civilian regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo who once referred to Lagos as a jungle. It was against that background that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration constituted by a team of technocrats and politicians mobilized Lagosians to rebuild and modernize the state from 1999-2007.

    The perennial surge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos traffic menace, insecurity and collapsed infrastructure were seriously addressed. As Lagosians began to feel the impact of government they voluntarily paid their taxes. However, it can be stated that the elite benefitted maximally in the areas of housing and business opportunities provided by the government. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN (BRF), who served as a Chief of Staff to Governor Bola Tinubu from 2002-2006 was one of the technocrats who contributed to the success of the regime. As Asiwaju Tinubu’s tenure was coming to an end not less than 21 governorship aspirants emerged to succeed him. But BRF was belatedly drafted to the race by the outgoing governor. Not unexpectedly, all the governorship aspirants, his colleagues in the cabinet and the generality of the members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) kicked against the choice of BRF who was considered a complete stranger in the political terrain. But BRF emerged the ACN governorship candidate on the insistence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    During the electioneering campaign BRF showed a deep understanding of the crisis of underdevelopment within a neo-liberal paradigm. In the debates conducted by the media for governorship candidates of all the political parties contesting the election BRF was rated the best. With full deployment of the ACN’s organizational capability and material resources BRF recorded a landslide victory in the election. As soon as he took the oath of office as the Governor, BRF hit the ground running. Apart from building on the solid foundation laid by the Tinubu Administration, BRF paid particular attention to the beautification of the city. Although the programme led to the displacement of several people it led to the creation of jobs for many area boys who became horticulturists and street sweepers. Unlike Governor Tinubu who successfully challenged in court, policies of the Obasanjo Administration which were inimical to the interests of Lagos State, BRF has enjoyed the cooperation of the Federal Government in fixing federal roads and in the planned provision of rail services.

    In paying glowing tribute to Asiwaju Tinubu for picking a gold in the rubbles, the author revealed how he had deliberately groomed and prepared BRF for the office of the governor. It is on record that from 1999-2006, BRF was appointed to serve in various capacities including the State Executive Council, Treasury Board and Tenders Board where he distinguished himself and demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. In a biographical account of BRF the author reveals that he was born in Lagos in 1963. After his primary and secondary education in Lagos, BRF attended the University of Benin where he trained as a lawyer; and was called to the bar in 1988. He worked briefly in the law firm of Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore. Thereafter, he joined the law firm of K.O Tinubu & Co where he rose to become a Managing Partner. By dint of hardwork, BRF became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2006. It is significant to note that BRF is a home grown Nigerian professional in every material particular.

    Although the Babatunde Raji Fashola phenomenon is still unfolding it is not out of place to examine its trajectory so far. That exactly is what Dr. John Ekundayo has done in his book titled OUT OF. ÁFRICA: FASHOLA-reinventing Servant Leadership to Engender Nigeria’s Transformation. In writing the book, Dr Ekundayo engaged in a robust and rigorous research methodology. Apart from his generous appraisal of BRF’s performance the author confirmed that the governor is well rated in terms of perceived Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by traders, workers, journalists, corporate professionals and other Nigerians from all walks of life. Impressed with his performance, many reputable local and international organizations have honoured BRF with several awards. Some positive statements from eminent Nigerians on the performance of the governor are reproduced in the book. As far as Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka is concerned, BRF is not a politician but a mechanic who diagnoses the problem, and then goes into it like a skilled mechanic looking at the pieces… the ones that work he puts them back, and those which do not work, he sets out to eliminate them, because he is not a politician.

    The resolve of BRF to arrest urban decay and transform Lagos to a modern state is acknowledged by the author. Thus, in appreciating the commitment of BRF to restore the lost glory of the state, the author draws inspiration from the endorsement of the influential mouth piece of imperialism, the Time Magazine, of the decision of BRF to build Eko Atlantic City in the mould of modern day Hong Kong in Africa. But like most commentators among the elite, Dr Ekundayo did not address the issue of uneven development in the State. In other words, the on-going development of the new Lagos has virtually excluded Mushin, Ajegunle, Agege, Okokomaiko, Oko Baba and several other parts of the state. The development of estates for the elite and the destruction of shanties only to have them rebuilt at public expense and taken over by the bourgeoisie ought to have engaged the attention of the author.

    Dr Ekundayo’s book of 18 chapters is unarguably the most comprehensive intellectual assessment of the Babatunde Fashola Administration. While the author’s initiative ought to be appreciated it should however be pointed out that he failed to subject the government to a critical analysis. It would not have been out of place to collate the views of opposition political parties in the state on the policies and programmes of the regime. For instance, most poor people in Lagos State have continued to demand for the type of low cost housing programme and the mass education policy of the Lateef Jakande’s Administration in the second Republic. However, Lagosians are impressed with the decision of BRF to revive metro line project which was cancelled by the Buhari/Idiagbon junta without any justification.

    In an environment where serious books are hardly written on leaders, the author deserves commendation for his decision to document the emergence, achievements and challenges of the Babatunde Fashola Administration. No doubt, the book is a reliable reference material for politicians, political scientists, historians, researchers and students. I have no hesitation in recommending it to Nigerians who are desirous of meaningful change in the governance of the country.

    Barrister Femi Falana, LLB, BL, SAN

    (Former President, West Africa Bar Association)

    Falana & Falana Chambers

    Ikeja GRA, Lagos State

    Nigeria

    Prologue

    A Few Good ‘Man’

    There are many sides to the Fashola’s story of the transformation of Lagos. This is taken with permission from an ordinary man on the street-a keen follower-having observed Fashola’s leadership style from a distance. He was so touched by an incidence that he particularly observed and he decided to put this up in his blog. Since there are dearth of (academic) resources on leaders and leadership in Nigeria made available online, the author of this book quoted him in his PhD thesis titled the "The Followers’ Assessment of Servant Leadership In Nigeria: Empirical Examination of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s Leadership Style"[1].

    One thing worth commenting on is that this Nigerian lived in United Kingdom for well over a decade and could see a new Lagos that beats his thinking and imagination within a short span of time. This is just one out of diverse followers’ voices that exemplify and amplify leadership that most Nigerians yearn and long to see in all the states of the federation. It is significant to also state here and now that most Nigerians would love to see, feel and embrace such style of leadership at the central seat of power-the presidency. Who knows, in the not-too-distant future, the likes of Babatunde Raji Fashola will become Nigeria’s President if and when most Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, tribal, cultural and religious leanings or diversities, will unanimously say ‘enough is enough’ of mediocre and sycophants holding leadership positions for self-aggrandisement and enrichment.

    Here is a follower, Gbenga Badejo, telling the story of the transformational change witnessed in Lagos State in his own words:

    A Few Good ‘MAN’-Fashola, Lagos State Governor

    "I never thought I would ever have to write a full article about a Nigerian politician, a very positive review for that matter. This was not for lack of optimism on my part, but for the lack of vision and purpose on their part. The reality is that a good Nigerian politician is difficult to come by. The vast majority of the politicians elected into government are self-serving, corrupt and worse of all visionless. They are corrupt nationally, regionally and locally. They are corrupt in the South and in the North, in the East and in the West.

    "The Governors in the North marry multiple wives, in the South-West; they publicly stick with one wife but go through young mistresses faster than mach 2. The Ibo Governors ingratiate themselves with royalty; the Yoruba ones think they are royalty, the South-South Governors lobby to become Knights, the Hausa Governors have too much time on their hands and Yar’Adua, the President, gives his daughters to two of them as third and fourth wives respectively.

    "Worse still, the legislators are clueless. Their main pre-occupation is junketing abroad on endless fact-finding missions. Yet they are concerned with how they are perceived at home and at the ready to threaten with arrest anyone that challenges their plain-to-see indolence and hopelessness. Nigerian politicians are ego driven; they will commandeer an honorary doctorate degree from Universities to which they are the ‘Visitor’ and get their friends and families to congratulate them with full page newspaper advertisements. Annoyingly, they assault our intelligence and overwhelm reason with false eulogies in these congratulatory advertisements, many of which often share the same message. They celebrate 47th, 56th and other meaningless birthdays; they collect meaningless titles from any monarch. The Nigerian politician gives the impression that theirs is a gadabout government, purposeless yet whirling in self congratulation.

    "After the era of visionary and selfless leaders like Awolowo, Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello, we are lumbered with the misfortune of having so-called usurpers who believe they are doing us a favour by carrying out what they are elected to do. So State Governors have their ugly photos plastered over the covers of notebooks distributed to school children, majority of whom have to contend with window-less, teacher-less schools. Some of the politicians also erect massive billboards with their photos and political slogans beside every road repaired and every well sunk. On being sworn to office, the vast majority of them took to corruption and the euphoria of office like a pig to filth. They stink to high heavens and they carry a lot of innocent blood on their hands and heads.

    "Refreshingly, Babatunde Fashola, the Lagos State Governor is a departure from this filth. He is a breath of fresh air compared to anyone who has held any executive position in Nigeria in over 40 years. He is so different that you can hardly believe he is one of us. He is genuinely and determinedly interested in changing the lives of his constituents for good. Like many other Lagosians, I have developed an air of breathless excitement as I watch Fashola transform the hitherto impossible city.

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