[People Profile] All We Know About Akinwunmi Ambode Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Net Worth
Akinwunmi Ambode Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Net Worth
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Who is Akinwunmi Ambode?
Akinwunmi Ambode is a Nigerian politician who served as the Governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019. Before entering politics, he had an extensive career in public service, spanning 27 years. Ambode’s background in finance and public administration set the stage for his leadership in Lagos State. He worked as a civil servant in the Lagos State government, rising to the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, where he was instrumental in shaping the state’s financial policies. Prior to his political career, Ambode was also a financial consultant, applying his expertise to improve governance and public management.
His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to modernize Lagos’s infrastructure, focusing on projects aimed at addressing the city’s rapidly growing population, improving transport systems, and enhancing urban development
Profiling Akinwunmi Ambode
A Quick Glance At Akinwunmi Ambode| Full Names | Akinwunmi Dapo Ambode |
| Stage Name | Akinwunmi Ambode |
| Date Of Birth | 14 June 1963 |
| Age | 61 Years Old |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Politician, Accountant |
| Spouse | Bolanle Patience |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Academics | University of Lagos Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Harvard University |
| Net Worth | $1 million and $5 million |
Biography
Akinwunmi Dapo Ambode is a distinguished Nigerian public servant, administrator, and experienced accountant who has left a significant mark on the political and corporate landscape of Lagos State. Born on June 14, 1963, Ambode has built a career that spans across civil service, management consulting, and leadership initiatives.
His journey to political prominence culminated in his successful bid for the governorship of Lagos State in 2015. He ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won a competitive election, defeating his main rival, Jimi Agbaje of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), by a margin of 150,000 votes. His victory was seen as a testament to his administrative acumen and the public’s confidence in his ability to lead the state
Before venturing into politics, Akinwunmi Ambode had a rich background in the civil service and accounting. He worked in various roles within the Lagos State government, ultimately rising to become the state’s Accountant General. During this period, he gained a wealth of experience in public finance and management, which would later influence his approach to governance
After his tenure in the public service, Ambode established himself as an entrepreneur and consultant, founding Brandsmiths Consulting Limited. The company was set up to provide public finance and management consulting services to government agencies at all levels, helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector operations
In addition to his professional ventures, Akinwunmi Ambode is also committed to philanthropy and leadership development. He established the La Roche Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering leadership skills and values among young Nigerians. One of the foundation’s key initiatives is to install the Nigerian and Lagos State flags in government-owned schools across Lagos, symbolizing patriotism and national pride among students
Throughout his career, Akinwunmi Ambode has been known for his focus on good governance, transparency, and accountability. His tenure as governor of Lagos State, from 2015 to 2019, was marked by several infrastructural projects, reforms in transportation, and efforts to improve public services. He also worked towards enhancing the state’s economy by attracting investments and promoting entrepreneurship, positioning Lagos as one of the leading economic hubs in Africa.
Early Life
Akinwunmi Dapo Ambode, the former Governor of Lagos State, was born on June 14, 1963, at the Epe General Hospital, located in Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from a large family, being the sixth of ten children born to his parents, the late Mr. Festus Akinwale Ambode and Mrs. Christianah Oluleye Ambode (née Oresanya). Raised in a modest yet nurturing environment, Ambode’s early life was marked by the influence of both his father and mother. His father, Mr. Festus Ambode, worked as a teacher at a local school in Epe, a coastal town in Lagos State. In search of better opportunities, the family moved to Lagos Mainland in 1967 when Akinwunmi Ambode was only four years old.
Ambode’s upbringing was deeply impacted by the loss of his father in 1981. His father’s passing left his mother, Mrs. Christianah Ambode, to take on the responsibility of raising all ten children. Mrs. Christianah Ambode, a skilled entrepreneur, was a tailor by profession. Through her hard work and determination, she was able to provide for her children, ensuring that they received an education despite the challenges of being a single mother. Akinwunmi Ambode, along with his siblings, benefited from her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
Akinwunmi Ambode’s early years were marked by academic brilliance and athletic achievement. He excelled in school, often earning accolades for his academic performance. His intelligence and competitive spirit also extended to sports, where he made a name for himself in various sporting activities. Ambode’s drive and discipline in both academics and sports set the stage for his later success, both in the public sector and in leadership roles.
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Education
Akinwunmi Dapo Ambode’s educational journey laid a strong foundation for his future success, both in public service and governance. He began his formal education at St. Jude’s Primary School in Ebutte Meta, Lagos, where he studied between 1969 and 1974. His early academic success led to his admission into the prestigious Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State, in 1974 after he passed the National Common Entrance Examinations in Primary 5.
During his seven years at Federal Government College, Warri, Ambode not only excelled academically but also actively participated in extracurricular activities. He was a key member of both the Hockey and Cricket teams, and his talent in sports earned him a spot in the now-defunct Bendel State Cricket team. His academic excellence was evident when he graduated with an outstanding record, and in 1981, he emerged as the second-best candidate in the Higher School Certificate Examinations in West Africa. Ambode’s academic achievements set him apart, contributing to his strong leadership skills in later years.
Ambode continued his higher education at the University of Lagos, where he studied from 1981 to 1984, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. By the age of 21, he had completed his Master’s Degree in Accounting and achieved certification as a Chartered Accountant. He began his professional career with the Central Bank of Nigeria, stationed in Sokoto State, where he honed his skills in public finance and management.
Akinwunmi Ambode’s commitment to personal growth and leadership development led him to pursue further education in various prestigious institutions across the globe. He attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for an Advanced Management Programme and studied at Cranfield School of Management in the United Kingdom.
Akinwunmi Ambode also participated in courses at the Institute of Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, INSEAD in Singapore, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In addition, Ambode was awarded the Fulbright Program scholarship, which allowed him to attend the Hubert Humphries Fellowship Programme in Boston, Massachusetts, solidifying his reputation as a globally-minded leader.
Ambode’s educational background, combined with his passion for service, helped shape his approach to governance, policy-making, and leadership. His rich academic credentials and international exposure provided him with the tools necessary to excel in his political career.
Age
Career
Akinwunmi Ambode’s career spans both public service and business leadership, making him a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and professional landscape. Before becoming the Governor of Lagos State, Ambode had a distinguished career in the public sector, particularly in the Nigerian civil service.
After earning his degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, Ambode joined the Lagos State Civil Service in 1984, where he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance in Lagos State. He was instrumental in implementing policies that helped improve the state’s financial management and budget performance.
His experience in public administration, coupled with his background as a Chartered Accountant, set the stage for his future political career, Akinwunmi Ambode ran for the office of Governor of Lagos State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He won the election in a tight race against Jimi Agbaje, with Ambode securing a significant 150,000 votes more than his opponent. His victory marked the beginning of his four-year tenure as governor, during which he focused on initiatives to improve infrastructure, traffic management, healthcare, and security across Lagos State.
Durinrnorship, Ambode was widely recognized for his work on modernizing Lagos’s infrastructure, particularly the expansion of the city’s road networks and public transport systems. He also promoted projects like the Eko Atlantic City project, a massive development aimed at addressing the state’s growing population and need for urban planning.
Beyond his government, Akinwunmi Ambode is also an entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of brandsmiths Consulting Limited, a company dedicated to providing public finance and management consulting services to governments at various levels, as well as their parastatals and agencies.
Akinwunmi Ambode also established the Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting leadership development in schools. The foundation focuses on instilling national and state pride by ensuring the Nigerian and Lagos State flags are displayed in government schools.
Ambode’s career reflects his coo public service and development, and his legacy as a leader who sought to improve Lagos State both administratively and infrastructurally.
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Personal Life
Akinwunmi Ambode, the former Governor of Lagos State, married Bolanle Patience Ambode (née Odukomaiya) in 1991. Their marriage has been blessed with twins, a boy and a girl, adding a fulfilling personal dimension to Ambode’s public life. Although he is a well-known political figure, Ambode is known for maintaining a relatively private family life, with his wife and children playing an integral role in his journey.
In addition to his family responsibilities, Akinwunmi Ambode is recognized for his strong Christian faith. His deep religious convictions are a central part of his personal life, influencing his actions both in and outside of public office. Throughout his tenure as governor, Ambode remained a devoted Christian, often drawing strength and inspiration from his beliefs.
Ambode is also widely respected for his generosity and goodwill, which have extended beyond his political office. In 2013, he founded the La Roche Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission of fostering patriotism and pride in Nigeria. One of the key initiatives of the foundation is the installation of both the Nigerian and Lagos State flags in government-owned schools across Lagos State. This initiative is part of Ambode’s broader vision of instilling a sense of national identity and civic responsibility among the youth of Lagos, nurturing a future generation that values both their state and national heritage.
Through his work with La Roche Leadership Foundation, Akinwunmi Ambode has demonstrated a commitment to creating lasting positive changes in his community, particularly by encouraging young Nigerians to develop a strong sense of duty and pride in their country. His personal life, combined with his philanthropic endeavors, further highlights his dedication to both family and societal development.
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Net Worth
Akinwunmi Ambode, born on June 14, 1963, is currently 61 years old. As a former governor of Lagos State and a seasoned public servant, his career and ventures have contributed to his financial standing. As of 2023, Ambode’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
Social Media
- Instagram- @akinwunmiambode
- Twitter- @AkinwunmiAmbode
- Facebook- @Akinwunmi Ambode (Politician)
