And The International Awards Start Rolling In For Fashola

There is a proverb that says: good character is like air; it cannot be hidden. And the Holy book says "a prophet is not valued...

There is a proverb that says: good character is like air; it cannot be hidden. And the Holy book says "a prophet is not valued by his/her own people". These two age-long adages typify the enigmatic persona that is Babatunde Raji Fashola.

The former governor of Lagos state, who during his eight years reign, restored Lagos to the magnificent height it occupies right now by focusing on physical and infrastructural development. Agreed, Lagos is not perfect yet and Fashola himself is not perfect. But, at least, he started something. His administration was a ‘working’ administration - something we cannot say about most other public administrators we’ve had in Nigeria. He laid down a blueprint that changed the way governance and public service is perceived in Nigeria; Fashola became synonymous with good public service which most of his colleagues could never boast of.

This quality of the ministerial-designate has not gone unnoticed by the international community as he was recently honoured for his commitment to building a peaceful and vibrant society, his effort to improve social and economic conditions in Lagos as well as his role in preventing the Ebola outbreak from becoming a nation-wide crisis in Nigeria.

Fashola received the Stephen J. Solarz award at the 20th anniversary award dinner of the International Crisis Group which took place in New York, USA. 

He was presented with the award by no less a personality than, billionaire and Founder of Mo Ibrahim foundation, Mo Ibrahim.

Fashola is definitely now in the ranks of global icons as he is seen in these photos (below) taken at the ceremony rubbing shoulders with world-renowned icons like Richard Branson, the owner of the Virgin Atlantic franchise. 

Photo Credits: Lukesh Photography