Bonu Solomon Sannu, a member of the All Progress Congress (APC), represents Badagry Constituency 1 in the 10th Lagos State House of Assembly.
He was first elected as a member of the House in 2023.
Before becoming a lawmaker, he was the former special adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on tourism, arts, and culture.
Early Life
Mr. Sannu was born on 16 June, 1972. His education began in 1990 at Methodist Primary School in Badagry, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate.
Bonu continued his studies at Badagry Grammar School, obtaining his Senior Secondary School Certificate in 1995. With a strong foundation in education, he pursued a bachelor of science degree in political science at Lagos State University, Ojo, graduating in 2000.
He furthered his studies at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he earned his master of science degree in political science in 2006.
His academic journey reached its pinnacle in 2023 when he was awarded a PhD in political science by Atlantic International University in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Political career
Mr. Sannu’s political career has been marked by a steady climb through various roles, showcasing his deep commitment to public service and leadership.
His political journey began as the Secretary of the Gbaji Asheri Hulenu Youth Movement from 1999 to 2005, where he played a vital role in grassroots mobilization.
He was also a treasurer for the National Association of Political Science Students and the National Association of Badagry Students (NABAS) at Lagos State University.
In 2004, he began his long association with Lagos State University as an Assistant Lecturer. He eventually became the head of the department of government and politics at the LASU Foundation Badagry Campus.
Simultaneously, Mr. Sannu served as the chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA) in Atinporome, Badagry, demonstrating his dedication to local governance and community welfare.
His expertise and leadership skills were recognized at the federal level when he was appointed as a senior instructor at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (C & LCT) Sea School, under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, where he served from 2010 to 2016.
His career in academia also took him to Ghana, where he served as an Assistant Lecturer in political science and public administration at the University of Wenniba’s Accra-Lagos Annex from 2011 to 2014.
By 2016, Mr. Sannu had risen to become the head of the department and a lecturer in political science at Lagos State University Foundation, Topo/Ascon Road, Badagry.
In 2019, he transitioned into the public service sector, appointed as the special adviser on tourism, arts, and culture in the Lagos State Executive Cabinet, a position he held until 2022.
His political career reached a new height in June 2023 when he was elected as the Honorable Member representing Badagry Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, a role he continues to fulfill with dedication.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sannu has remained actively involved in various political and professional associations, including the Nigeria Political Science Association, the International Political Science Association (IPSA), and the International Peace and Conflict Association.
His membership in the Action Congress and the All Progressive Congress (APC) reflects his deep-rooted engagement in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Legislative work
Mr. Sannu has facilitated projects from both state and federal governments, focusing on improving infrastructure and fostering economic development in the Badagry area..
Perhaps building on his work as special adviser, Mr. Sannu is the chairman of the House committee on tourism, art and culture.
One of his notable achievements is the initiation of the Badagry Stadium project, which aims to provide modern sports facilities for the youth in the area.
This initiative, which began during his time as a special adviser, is a testament to his long-standing commitment to the development of Badagry. “The location chosen for the stadium is the Badagry Grammar School, which was once the Badagry divisional stadium in the past,” he explained, highlighting the historical significance of the site.
In 2023, Mr. Sannu advocated for the introduction of BRT buses in Badagry during a session at the Lagos House of Assembly, stressing the importance of improving mobility for his constituents.
His proposal received approval in 2024 from the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Governor Sanwo-Olu.
In a significant move to preserve and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage, Mr. Sannu also spearheaded the commencement of a project to renovate the first primary school in Nigeria, located in Badagry.
“Upon completion, this iconic monument will not only preserve our national heritage but also drive tourism traffic, attracting both local and foreign visitors to Badagry and Lagos. We are committed to preserving our national monument heritage for future generations,” he shared on his official Facebook page.
During the 2024 mid-year budget review, Mr. Sannu took an active role in addressing the concerns of his constituents by engaging with the Land Bureau to inquire about the status of compensation payments for owners of buildings affected by the Badagry Topo Garage-General Hospital Road project.
“I am pleased to announce that the office is now poised to commence payment processing,” he announced on August 2, 2024, reaffirming his dedication to advocating for the interests of Badagry and contributing to a Greater Lagos for all.