Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted the immediate past President of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, at the Lagos House, Marina, for discussions on leadership and Pan-African cooperation. The visit was facilitated by Kemi Ajumobi, Founder of Inspiring Women Africa (IWA).
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated the talks focused on “leadership, service and the opportunities we can create when we engage across borders.” The meeting followed President Sahle-Work’s keynote address at the 14th IWA conference in Lagos, themed on redefining leadership excellence in Africa.
Analysts note that the governor’s emphasis on high-profile diplomacy comes amid reports of a significant political rift with President Bola Tinubu, including a recent sidelining of Sanwo-Olu at a Lagos event.
The engagement with the former Ethiopian head of state allows the governor to reinforce his administrative focus on international partnerships while navigating domestic political challenges.
The event underscores Lagos’s ongoing role as a central hub for Pan-African dialogue and women’s leadership initiatives.
