The Lagos
Model
Urban Leadership and Transformation Under
Governor. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Documenting the Leadership. Celebrating the Legacy. Showcasing the Future of Africa's Leading Megacity.
Welcome to the official home of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Legacy Project — an international publication, documentary and leadership initiative established to document, preserve and celebrate one of the most significant periods in the history of modern Lagos State.
This independent initiative examines the leadership, governance philosophy and transformational programmes of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, while presenting Lagos as one of Africa’s leading megacities and a global destination for investment, innovation and sustainable urban development.
Developed under the Eminent Nigerian Series (ENS), the project goes beyond biography. It is an educational resource designed to capture the evolution of Lagos, explore the principles behind its transformation, and contribute to the wider conversation on leadership, governance and the future of African cities.
Why
This Project?
Lagos is more than Nigeria’s commercial capital. It is one of the world’s fastest-growing urban centres and one of Africa’s largest economies. Governing a city of such scale presents extraordinary challenges and opportunities.
Rather than offering a political narrative, the project provides an analytical study of governance, institutions and urban transformation — a reference for policymakers, scholars, students and future leaders.
The Legacy Project seeks to document this remarkable chapter by examining:
The Book
THE LAGOS MODEL
Urban Leadership and Transformation Under Babajide Sanwo-Olu
This landmark publication brings together distinguished editors, researchers and international contributors to document the policies, institutions and leadership decisions that have shaped Lagos during the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The book explores:
The
Documentary
A feature-length documentary produced to international broadcast standards will accompany the publication — presenting Lagos as one of Africa’s most dynamic cities while documenting the leadership story behind its transformation.
Coming Soon
Through Modern Lagos
Official International
Launch
Monday · 28 September 2026
International Launch Programme
A Celebration of Leadership & Governance
A series of prestigious national and international events designed to celebrate leadership, promote dialogue on urban governance, and position Lagos State as one of Africa's foremost destinations for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
An exclusive invitation-only event introducing the Legacy Project to the diplomatic corps, international organisations, ambassadors, high commissioners, media executives, editors, academics and policy leaders. The programme unveils the project's vision, introduces the international editorial and documentary team, and announces the proposed Babajide Sanwo-Olu Urban Leadership & Megacity Governance Initiative.
The Official National Launch brings together senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, traditional rulers, the Nigerian diaspora and distinguished guests to unveil the book and documentary.
A special reception in the United Kingdom introducing the publication to parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, business leaders and members of the Nigerian and African diaspora.
An international gathering bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, policymakers and members of the diaspora to promote Lagos as Africa's leading investment destination.
Following the launch, the project will be supported by an extensive international media campaign across television, radio, newspapers, online media and digital platforms to showcase Lagos' transformation to global audiences.
Meet the
Editorial Team
An outstanding team of internationally respected journalists, authors, communications specialists and researchers assembled to deliver this landmark publication.
The Lagos
Model
A Blueprint for Africa’s Future
The Lagos Model explores how visionary leadership, institutional continuity and strategic investment can transform one of the world’s largest and most complex cities into a globally competitive megacity.
The Legacy
Initiative
Beyond the Book
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu Legacy Project extends beyond the publication and documentary. It aims to establish a lasting platform for leadership, research, collaboration and the historical record of Lagos’ transformation.
Promoting and documenting best practice in public leadership.
Advancing research into governance of complex urban centres.
Encouraging collaboration between Lagos and major global cities.
Mobilising Nigerian and African diaspora talent and investment.
Preserving the documentary record of Lagos’ transformation.
Ensuring lessons inform the leaders who come next.
Invest in
Lagos
Discover why Lagos has become one of Africa’s leading destinations for infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, creative industries, tourism, real estate and financial services. The Nigerian diaspora and international partners are invited to contribute to the state’s continuing development.
Explore OpportunitiesLatest News
- Project updates from the editorial board.
- Documentary production milestones.
- International media coverage.
- Launch announcements & invitations.
- Partnership news and new sponsors.
Shop
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Become a Partner
We welcome collaboration with organisations that share our commitment to leadership, education, urban development and international engagement.
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Conversation
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Get in
Touch
Media, sponsorship, partnership and general enquiries. For press kits, distribution and rights, please use the form opposite.
Partners & Sponsors
Sponsors, institutional partners and acknowledgements will be listed here as the programme is confirmed.