Ex-LAGOS Dep. Gov. Otunba FEMI PEDRO
No doubt about it, one of the most respected leaders of the APC in Lagos State today is Otunba Femi Pedro, former Lagos deputy governor. He was deputy governor to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when they were both at the helm of affairs in Lagos. The humongous respect Otunba Femi Pedro enjoys today is not just about the fact he was once a former deputy governor, it is more because of the way he has conducted himself after he left office. Otunba Femi Pedro stays within his lane and keeps a small circle of powerful and influential friends. He stays away from controversies and remains a party man to the letter. Despite being regarded as one of the most brilliant minds within the APC, he never gets over ambitious or engage in activities that may be considered anti-party. He is a thoroughly principled man. The moment he finds that the party no longer aligns with his ideologoes and aspirations, he will walk way, rathan than remain in the party and make a nuisance of himself.
Not a few know that he is very, very close to Mr. President. Indeed, those who know will tell you they are a lot closer than many think. This is because President Bola Tinubu, having worked closely with Otunba Femi Pedro, knows first hand the depth of his intelligence and his quick thinking ability, being an accomplished banker before venturing into politcs. The President respects this about him and this is one of the reasons why he does not joke with Femi Pedro. Many will recall that their relationship once went awry but they have since put that behind them and moved on together, sustaining their friendship and building it into something much stronger than it ever was. Today, several years after their friendship got severely strained, Otunba Femi Pedro is one of the privileged few who have the ears of the President. Mr. President knows Femi Pedro is not a frivolous character, whatever he tells the President, the President takes very seriously. But Otunba rarely brags about his modest political accomplishments and his enviable relationship with the President. He does not need to. He is a man extremely confident in himself and believes he can hold his own anywhere without needing to rely on his long term relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The big news here isn’t about Otunba Femi Pedro’s relationship with the President. The big news is that this hugely respected prominent leader of the Lagos APC and a member of the prestigious Governance Advisory Council (GAC) the highest decision making body of the party in Lagos, will turn 70 years old in a matter of days! Come January, 29, 2025, this good looking gentleman with an ebony complexion that has never ceased to glow, will celebrate 70 long and remarkable years on earth.
For a lot of reasons, many find it hard to believe Femi Pedro is actually 70. To begin with, he looks unbelievably young for a 70 year old man. He does not even act like he’s that far gone in age. He still carries a youthful frame and remains smart and agile. He still maintains his good looks and continues to carry himself in a dignified manner. There is absolutely nothing about him that suggests he is anywhere near 70. But he is. As you read this, friends and close family members are prevailing on him to approve for them to throw a big and befitting 70th birthday party for him.
City People Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL (08037209290) had an engaging time with the birthday boy a few weeks ago and tried to get him to share with us his thoughts as he turns 70, the many lessons he’s learnt from his various encounters in life and his impressions of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government. Here are excerpts of the interview.
It’s unbelievable that you will be 70 years old this January, sir. I say unbelievable because you certainly don’t look anything like a 70 year old. Share with us the thoughts going through your mind right now as you count down to clocking the milestone age of 70 in the coming days…
Reaching 70 is a profound milestone, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude and humility as I count down to the day. I look back on the journey of life—the highs and lows, the blessings and challenges—and I cannot help but give thanks to God for His faithfulness. My thoughts are filled with appreciation for the people, opportunities, and experiences that have shaped me over the years. It is a reflective period for me, one where I marvel at how far I have come, and the lessons I have learned along the way.
I am sure that in the coming days when the news of your 70th birthday celebration starts to make the rounds, many will be surprised to learn you’re actually 70. Tell us, sir, what is responsible for your incredibly youthful look at 70? You’re still looking young, handsome and agile at 70, is there any special thing you do to look this way and help you stay healthy?
Thank you for the kind words! I believe my youthful appearance and health are gifts from God, but I also make a conscious effort to live a balanced life. I prioritize a healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying mentally active. I am an ardent golfer and I play at least three times a week. Golfing is my major hobby and my primary source of exercise. I try to avoid stress as much as possible, I maintain a positive outlook on life, and I surround myself with positive energy. Staying engaged in meaningful activities and nurturing strong relationships with family and friends also plays a big role.
A lot of times you hear people say, ‘I didn’t know I would live up to 70 years, or sometimes, 80 years, do you share same sentiments right now?
It is not unusual to hear people express surprise at reaching 70, and I share a similar sentiment. Life is unpredictable, and every year is a gift. Through God’s grace, here I am. It is a reminder to cherish each moment, and to live with purpose and gratitude.
At just a few days to 70, what are some of the things you were doing before, certain food or things you were taking that you can no longer take as you advance in age?
As one grows older, moderation becomes key. I have had to cut back on certain foods—less sugar, salt, and heavy meals. I have also become more intentional about rest and relaxation. Activities that once seemed effortless now require more planning and care. But rather than viewing these changes as limitations, I see them as part of embracing the wisdom that comes with age.
What are some of the major lessons you will say life has taught you at 70?
Well, life has taught me several invaluable lessons and I have learnt a great deal from them. One of them is that patience is very essential. I have since learnt that, sometimes, the best outcomes require time. Another lesson life has taught me is that Integrity and honesty always pay off in the long run. They always do. Another lesson which I hold very dearly is that True happiness lies in contentment, not in material wealth. A lot of people do not know this, but it’s the fact. I have also found that relationships matter a great deal. Do not throw valuable relationships away, nurture and cherish them. And last but cetainly not the least, faith in God is the anchor that keeps one steady through life’s storms. Once your faith in God remains unshakeable, you will triumph over many of the adversities life throws at you.
We cannot engage a former deputy governor of Lagos state and not talk politics. What are your impressions of Lagos state today in terms of its economic growth over the last few years?
Lagos has always been a beacon of economic progress, and its growth over the years is commendable. The state has managed to maintain its position as the hub of commerce and innovation in Nigeria. I am very proud of the Governor of Lagos State- H.E. Babajide Sanwoolu- who has recorded significant achievements at the helms of affairs. I am optimistic that by the end of his tenure in 2027, he would have fulfilled most of the promises he made to the people of Lagos.
You and President Tinubu have remained very close even several years after you both served as Lagos governor and deputy and you have also never hidden your support for him as president of the country, what are your expectations from the Tinubu administration starting from 2025? How soon do you think his Economic policies and reforms will begin to yield results?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a visionary and transformative leader, and he has shown the country his transformative ideals since he assumed office in 2023. President Tinubu’s administration is already delivering significant reforms, and the positive effects of his policies in areas like economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development are already manifesting. I am very optimistic that by the end of this year, Nigerians will begin to feel the positive changes in their lives.
The country still needs brilliant men like you in governance but many do not even know if you have quit politics altogether or you’re making your contributions by the side but they have not been put out there for public consumption?
I am still deeply engaged and passionate about Nigeria’s progress.I am a member of the Governance Advisory Council in Lagos, a leader in the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Chairman of APC Professional Forum in Lagos. My commitment to nation-building also remains unwavering, and I play an advisory and mentorship role when called upon from time to time.
