Why I call Hamzat 'Mr. Magic' – Daramola

 

A public affairs commentator, Mr Dipo Daramola, has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as "Mr. Magic", saying the nickname reflects his ability to translate vision into practical governance and measurable development.

Daramola, in a statement on Sunday, said Hamzat had distinguished himself throughout his public service career by providing practical solutions to governance challenges rather than relying on political rhetoric.

He said Hamzat's emergence as the APC governorship candidate was a recognition of decades of preparation, competence, administrative experience and commitment to public service.

"I call him 'Mr. Magic' not because he performs miracles, but because he possesses an uncommon ability to transform complex challenges into practical, lasting solutions.

Where others encounter obstacles, he identifies possibilities, and where many settle for excuses, he introduces innovation," he said.

According to Daramola, Hamzat's academic background and extensive professional experience in engineering, finance, information technology and strategic management prepared him for the demands of public office.

He noted that Hamzat, an Agricultural Engineering graduate of the University of Ibadan with a doctorate in System Process Engineering from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, had consistently demonstrated intellectual depth and a commitment to excellence.

Daramola recalled Hamzat's tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, saying he championed reforms that accelerated Lagos State's digital transformation through electronic governance and automation of government processes.

"His efforts to deploy electronic records and automate key administrative systems helped eliminate ghost workers, improve transparency and strengthen accountability across government institutions. 

"These reforms fundamentally transformed the machinery of governance," he said.

He also commended Hamzat's performance as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, saying he supervised projects that improved transportation, expanded connectivity and enhanced the state's economic competitiveness.

The commentator said Hamzat had remained one of the most dependable members of the Lagos State administration since becoming deputy governor in 2019.

"Perhaps his greatest strength lies not simply in what he knows, but in how he leads. He listens before he speaks, studies before he decides, plans before he acts and executes with precision, diligence and remarkable consistency," he said.

Daramola said Hamzat's leadership style combined technical expertise, emotional intelligence, administrative experience and strategic foresight, qualities he described as essential for governing a rapidly expanding megacity like Lagos.

He argued that Lagos required visionary leadership capable of addressing urbanisation, infrastructure development, economic diversification, environmental sustainability, education and technological innovation simultaneously.

"The nickname 'Mr. Magic' is not a celebration of illusion but a tribute to transformation. 

"It recognises a leader who consistently converts vision into policy, policy into implementation and implementation into measurable development," he said.

Daramola added that history would remember leaders whose competence strengthened public institutions and positively impacted the lives of citizens.

He expressed confidence that Hamzat's emphasis on competence, performance and institutional development positioned him as a leader capable of shaping Lagos' next phase of growth.