The Lagos Forward Network has named Oreoluwa Afolayan as its new Director General, effective immediately. The announcement was made at a press briefing in Lagos, attended by stakeholders from public, private and development sectors. Afolayan, who previously served as Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State, brings executive leadership, policy coordination and financial services experience to the role. He holds an Executive MBA and has completed advanced leadership programmes at institutions including the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Lagos Business School. His work in growth operations within the financial sector has focused on product scaling, customer acquisition and retention strategies. Co-Convenor Toluwase Olaniyan described the appointment as strategic, stating, "Afolayan's experience across policy, enterprise and leadership development positions the organisation to build a credible and impactful platform." As Director General, Afolayan will lead the expansion of the network's initiatives across all local government areas in Lagos, including policy dialogues, stakeholder engagement and community empowerment programmes. The Lagos Forward Network aims to connect professionals and community leaders to advance inclusive growth and sustainable development in the state. Afolayan said the network is reinforcing its mission to bridge leadership and citizens while shaping discourse on governance and economic opportunity.
Oreoluwa Afolayan's appointment reflects a shift toward technocratic leadership in Lagos's civic networks, blending public sector experience with private sector execution. His background in financial services and policy coordination suggests the Lagos Forward Network is prioritising operational efficiency over political symbolism. For Lagos residents, this could mean more structured, results-driven engagement on governance issues—if the network sustains follow-through.
