Sanwo-Olu, Amuka lead dignitaries as Egube receives Urhobo, Isoko honour in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said excellence, competence and integrity remain the guiding principles for appointments into the state’s public service.

The governor stated this while joining Urhobo and Isoko leaders to honour his Deputy Chief of Staff, Engr. Samuel Egube, for his contributions to public service and the development of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Media, Uncle Sam Amuka, led other dignitaries to the reception, themed “Celebrating Excellence, Service and Impact,” held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The event attracted senior government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers led by the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, as well as family members, associates and members of the Urhobo and Isoko communities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Egube as a dependable public servant whose rise in government was based on merit rather than ethnic considerations.

“Excellence, competence and integrity—not ethnic background—remain the defining principles for leadership appointments in my administration,” the governor said.

“We don’t ask where excellence comes from. What matters is the ability to do the job well and serve the people faithfully.”

Sanwo-Olu recalled Egube’s tenure as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, where he championed people-centred budgeting and performance-driven governance, as well as his current role as Deputy Chief of Staff, coordinating the governor’s engagements and overseeing the smooth operation of the Governor’s Office.

He said the recognition of Egube also underscored the fact that outstanding performance transcends ethnic and regional boundaries.

Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Moses Taiga, commended Egube for his dedication to public service, describing him as one of the finest representatives of the Urhobo and Isoko communities.

He also praised the organisers for choosing to celebrate Egube while he remains actively engaged in public service.

“Engr. Samuel Egube represents the very best of what the Urhobo, Isoko and indeed the South-South people have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria,” Taiga said.

In his remarks, Egube expressed appreciation to the Urhobo and Isoko communities for the honour, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating.

He said the award would inspire him to remain committed to public service and urged young Nigerians to pursue excellence through discipline, resilience, integrity and hard work, regardless of their background.

“I am honoured to be celebrated by my people for my contributions to the development of Lagos State. This recognition encourages me to do even more in the service of the people,” he said.

The event featured cultural performances, musical entertainment, the presentation of a commemorative plaque, the conferment of a Leadership Excellence Award on Egube and the unveiling of a commemorative brochure.