ABOUT US
About Lagos State
A GLOBAL HUB OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 and became the federal capital of Nigeria on April 11, 1968. It remained the capital until 1991 when the government seat was moved to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In spite of the movement of the capital to Abuja, Lagos still remains the commercial capital of the country and the economic hub of West Africa t0 date.
The Third Mainland Bridge which measures 11.8km is the longest bridge in West Africa and the second longest in Africa.
The name Lagos means “Lakes”. It was named by Rui de Sequeira, a Portuguese explorer in 1472. Lagos originally called Eko, stems from either Oko (Yoruba: “cassava farm”) or Eko (“war camp”), by its Bini conquerors.
Conquering Lagos in one visit is impossible – the National Museum, Lekki Conservation Centre, Eyo Festival, Lagos Marathon, National Arts Theatre, Third Mainland Bridge – and then exploring visits to The African Shrine or one of the city’s beaches. The ever bustling marketplace Balogun in Lagos Mainland gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
About Office Of SDGS
The Office of the Sustainable Development Goals and (Lagos Global) was created in a move aimed at aligning the State’s developmental project (T.H.E.M.E.S) with the Global Development Agenda (SDGs). The Office is to attract investments and partnerships for the execution of SDGs-related projects in the State and in all Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
Lagos Global is also saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and measuring the outcomes and impacts of all projects relevant to SDGs in collaboration with other relevant Agencies of Government. It will also promote private, civil and development sectors Partnership through the Volunteer Corp framework.
The Office will serve to re-inforce the position of Lagos State as Nigeria’s financial and commercial nerve centre.
Our Vision
To make Lagos the leading sustainable city in Africa
Our Mission
To lead as principal SDGs coordinator in Lagos State, championing initiatives that will accelerate the attainment of the goals.
Our Core Values
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Team Spirit
- Hospitality
Office Priorities
1
Mainstream Lagos’ SDG action plan across MDAs, ensuring timely allocation of resources to highest impact SDG projects
2
Establish multi-stakeholder focus groups for targeted SDG discussions, and develop mechanisms to effectively leverage existing collaboration platforms
3
Implement the “OSDGs Lighthouse Project”: SDGs for All – Accelerating the SDGs in underserved and slum communities to improve the lives and livelihoods
4
Implement the “Lagos Minds Project” to enhance mental health and academic outcomes for tertiary students
5
Unlock grants over the next 3 years for transformative projects
6
Launch a comprehensive communications plan to enhance awareness of Lagos’ SDGs efforts, and mobilise stakeholders for the goals
7
Establish a knowledge-sharing platform for best practice exchange on the design and execution of SDG projects in Lagos
8
Build a single data repository to enable progress reporting for the 10 priority SDGs; Publish validated data on a web-hosted platform
9
Formalise the annual VLR process as a mechanism for continuous performance measurement and reporting on the State’s SDG progress
Profile of Special Adviser, Sustainable Development Goals (Lagos Global)
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih
“AT LAGOS GLOBAL, OUR VISION IS TO MAKE LAGOS THE MOST DESIRABLE INVESTMENT DESTINATION IN THE WORLD.”
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih is a seasoned leader in healthcare and sustainable development, with over 20 years of experience in public health advocacy and policy implementation. A graduate of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery, she further refined her expertise with an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School/IESE Spain and certifications from institutions like Harvard Medical School. As the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health.
Dr. Finnih was instrumental in improving healthcare delivery in Lagos State, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board and as CEO of Finnih Medical Centre solidified her reputation as a key figure in healthcare management and emergency response.
Currently, as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Finnih is driving reforms to integrate SDG priorities into Lagos State’s development agenda. She advocates for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and global partnerships to promote sustainable development. Known for her strategic thinking, project management, and leadership.
She has made significant contributions to aligning government priorities with the SDGs and fostering impactful collaborations. Her work underscores her dedication to advancing healthcare and sustainable development in Lagos State and beyond.
Mrs. Sarumi Kaphayah Olayemi
PERMANENT SECRETARY, OFFICE OF SDGs
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Mrs. Sarumi Kaphayah Olayemi was born into the family of Otunba and Otunba (Mrs.) Bush Alebiosu. Her educational journey began at St. Agnes Primary School and Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos. She earned her Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from Ogun State University in 1996 and was called to the Nigerian Bar (B.L.) in 1998. Thereafter, she proceeded to the University of London, U.K, where she obtained Master of Law (LL.M) in 2009.
Mrs. Sarumi has over two decades of distinguished service in the Lagos State legal system, beginning as a State Counsel in Civil Litigation Department at the Ministry of Justice in 1998, where she served meritoriously for 11 years. She has also headed several Units and Directorates across the state public service.
As a Principal State Counsel, she became the pioneer Head of the Lagos State Citizen Mediation Centre (CMC), spearheading the Pen Cinema-Agege branch of the Centre and resolved high-profile cases. She later served diligently as Assistant Chief State Counsel and rose to the position of Assistant Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution, showcasing her exceptional legal acumen and commitment to justice.
In 2019 as a Deputy Director, she was deployed to Head the Legal Services of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and earned commendations for her professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.
Mrs. Sarumi has contributed significantly to initiatives such as the Waterways Investment and Development of the Environment Project, the Future Cities Nigeria Program, and the Omi Eko project in partnership with the French Development Agency.
An active member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR, UK), she has participated in numerous professional training programs, including workshops on criminal advocacy and plea bargaining. Her commitment to professional excellence has earned her accolades and recognition throughout her career.
Her proficiency in legal matters encompasses civil litigation, criminal prosecution, legal advisory, and alternative dispute resolution. With her unique blend of expertise, leadership, and vision, Mrs. Sarumi continues to be a pivotal figure in promoting justice, mediation, and sustainable development in Lagos State and beyond.
She was appointed the Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals on the 31st December, 2024 and officially sworn-in on the 13th January, 2025. In addition to her professional achievements and personal accomplishments, Mrs. Sarumi is a mentor, avid reader, and passionate about fostering personal development.
She is happily married to Mr. Abdulfatah Folajomi Sarumi and blessed with 3 children. She practices Islam, and enjoys cooking and counselling during her leisure time.