Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State, is set to celebrate his birthday on September 19. Born on September 19, 1964, Hamzat has built a distinguished career in engineering, the private sector, and public administration. His academic background is rooted in engineering, with a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Ibadan, a master's degree in the same field, and a PhD in System Process Engineering from Cranfield University in England.
Hamzat's professional career spans multiple sectors, including work in the private sector before his entry into Lagos public service. He became Lagos Commissioner for Science and Technology in 2005 and later served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. His years in government preceded his current position as Deputy Governor by more than a decade. This experience has led some to describe him as an "administrator par excellence" with a deep understanding of Lagos' inner workings.
As Deputy Governor, Hamzat has served under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu since 2019 and was returned to office with him in 2023. Governor Sanwo-Olu has praised Hamzat's dedication to the administration's mission of building a Greater Lagos. Public records show that Hamzat's career has not been confined to one political office, with experience in the private sector, as a commissioner, and in other public-sector responsibilities.
Hamzat's supporters frequently point to his experience as a key quality, believing that his long exposure to government has given him an understanding of how Lagos works. They see him as someone who understands both the technical and political sides of governance, able to calculate and make informed decisions. This experience is seen as an asset in managing a state as complex as Lagos, with over 20 million people and a reputation as a commercial nerve centre.
Hamzat's temperament is also notable, with a public personality that tends to be more measured and cerebral. He is not generally associated with the flamboyant political style that dominates contemporary politics. His supporters believe that this approach is suited to governance, which frequently requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to listen to competing arguments.
As the conversation around Hamzat's potential governorship continues, his supporters portray him as a technocrat who understands governance beyond political slogans. However, others caution against turning him into an infallible figure, emphasizing the need for scrutiny and questions about his aspirations and promises. Ultimately, Hamzat's record and experience will likely be subject to intense debate as the 2027 elections approach.
Key points
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat's experience in engineering, the private sector, and public administration has equipped him with a unique understanding of governance.
- Hamzat's supporters believe that his measured and cerebral approach makes him well-suited to governance.
- The conversation around Hamzat's potential governorship highlights the importance of experience, technical knowledge, and administrative exposure in managing a complex state like Lagos.
