Many know him as a two-time contender for the ticket of Nigeria’s ruling political party; others know him as the current Deputy Governor of Lagos State. But who is the man carrying the governorship flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for 2027?
Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat — widely known as Femi Hamzat — has served as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State since May 29, 2019, working alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to deliver on the state’s development agenda.
Early Life & Heritage
Born in Lagos on September 19, 1964, Dr. Hamzat is the son of the late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat and the late Alhaja Kehinde Hamzat, who hailed from Iga Egbe, Lagos State.
His father served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and as Commissioner for Transportation between 1979 and 1983, later becoming the Vice-Chairman (South West) of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the Lagos West Senatorial District leader of the Action Congress before ascending the throne as a crowned king through his maternal royal lineage.
Academic Excellence
Dr. Hamzat completed his primary education at Odu-Abore Memorial Primary School in Mushin, Lagos State, and his secondary education at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo State.
Trained as an engineer, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Ibadan in 1986 and 1988, respectively.
Private Sector Precision Meets Public Service
Before entering public leadership, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat built a career defined by process engineering, data systems, and strategic precision. Holding a PhD in Process Systems Engineering from Cranfield University, alongside executive corporate experience at global brands like Merrill Lynch and Oando Plc, he brings empirical science to statecraft.
“Governance isn’t just a position; it’s a science.”
From pioneering Lagos State’s civil service digital transformation with biometric verification to deploying large-scale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems across public ministries, “KOH” proves that governance works best when backed by data, technology, and systematic thinking.
Rooted in the Community
True leadership isn’t measured from behind a desk; it’s seen in the strength of neighborhoods. As a dedicated community champion, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has consistently reinvested in the grassroots — whether donating modern ICT facilities to secondary schools, championing local skill acquisition hubs, or prioritizing ward-level primary healthcare upgrades.
By maintaining open channels with trade groups, youth leaders, and local elders, he ensures that executive policies deliver real, tangible impact on the streets of Lagos. Building a stronger Lagos starts at the grassroots.
Tested, Trusted, and Driven by Service
With decades of high-level public administration experience, Dr. Hamzat represents stability, strategic vision, and seamless execution.
His political journey is defined by results over rhetoric — from managing statewide infrastructure projects as Commissioner for Works (including the landmark Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge) to serving as Special Adviser on Works to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, in 2015.
In September 2018, he resigned from his federal role to contest the Lagos State gubernatorial election. After a competitive primary, he emerged as the running mate to Babajide Sanwo-Olu. On March 10, 2019, the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket secured victory, ushering in their administration.
He bridges technical execution with political consensus, delivering steady, institutional progress under the THEMES+ agenda for over 20 million Lagosians.
Family Life & Core Values
Anchored by moral strength and integrity, Dr. Hamzat is a devoted family man. Together with his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, he prioritizes humility, family, and faith.
His commitment to building a safer, more prosperous Lagos is driven by the very values he nurtures at home: compassion, responsibility, and continuous growth for the next generation.
“A leader who understands the heart of a home is a leader who cares for every family.”
His Vision for the Center of Excellence
Dr. Hamzat’s campaign blueprint outlines a comprehensive strategy to elevate Lagos State. Under the Digital Lagos 2.0 initiative, he is determined to expand his legacy in digital transformation by integrating AI, blockchain, and smart city technologies to establish Lagos as Africa’s premier tech hub.
A major cornerstone of his platform is an Infrastructure Revolution—completing the Fourth Mainland Bridge, expanding the light rail network, and deploying smart traffic systems to eliminate gridlock.
Recognizing that Education and Human Capital are vital catalysts for sustainable development, his goal is to position Lagos as the education capital of Africa through STEM-focused curricula, vocational training centers, and global institutional partnerships.
In healthcare, Dr. Hamzat plans to roll out universal health coverage initiatives, establish world-class medical facilities across all local government areas, and expand telemedicine infrastructure.
Furthermore, his economic focus is set on creating 2 million new jobs through MSME support, strategic industrial zones, and regulatory reforms designed to streamline business operations. Finally, he will prioritize safety through the deployment of smart security infrastructure, strengthened community policing, and modernized emergency response systems.
