Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Global Transformation and Good Governance Prize by the Millennium Excellence Award USA.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor.
The prestigious award, according to the Millennium Excellence Foundation (MEF), was conferred on the governor following a rigorous selection process that recognised the developmental achievements and transformation recorded in Lagos State under his administration.
In a letter to the governor, the Board of Directors of the Millennium Excellence Foundation said it had unanimously resolved to honour Sanwo-Olu with one of the Foundation’s most prestigious awards.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., United States, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with the red carpet beginning at 2:30 p.m.
The honour will be conferred under the royal patronage of the Asantehene of Kumasi, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who will personally present the award alongside Her Royal Highness Lady Julia, Queen Consort.
The Millennium Excellence Awards USA recognises individuals of African heritage and global contributors whose contributions have made significant impact in areas including public service, business, science, arts and philanthropy.
Beyond receiving the award, Governor Sanwo-Olu is expected to use the occasion to showcase Lagos State’s investment opportunities to members of the Nigerian and African diaspora.
He will deliver a keynote address focusing on positioning Lagos, described as Africa’s largest sub-national economy, as a destination for diaspora investment, particularly in urban infrastructure, finance and other investment-ready projects across the state.
The governor is also scheduled to participate in sessions including “Government Addresses: The Political Will Behind the Deal,” as well as plenaries and roundtable discussions aimed at strengthening economic and social ties between Lagos and diaspora communities.
Sanwo-Olu’s recognition places him among a distinguished list of past laureates of the Millennium Excellence Awards, including the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, businessman Mo Ibrahim, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu and former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
