Category: Featured

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday commissioned the Sagamu-Iperu-Ode-Sapade road, as part of activities to mark his first year for the second term in office, even as he announced award of contract for the construction of the Siun-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan road.

It would be recalled that the Govenor on Tuesday was in Ogijo, in Sagamu Local Government Area to commission the popular Hospital road in the town, where he vowed to sustain the tempo of the ongoing infrastructural transformation across the State.

Speaking at the commissioning of phase one and two of the eight kilometres road, the Governor said the Siun to Ilisan road would complement the existing roads and make travelling seamless in the axis.

Governor Abiodun, who underscored the importance of good road network as key to the development of any society, noted that the newly re-constructed road, apart from serving the people of Remoland, also serves people from other parts of the country as it connects Lagos to Ibadan and to the rest of the country.

He said before its take over by his administration, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had carried out palliatives on the road, which was still in a terrible state, forcing motorists to find alternative routes.

The Governor said: “This road starts from Ikorodu. It is connected to Lagos and passes through Sagamu to Iperu to Ibadan to the rest of the country.

“Before we constructed this road, it used to take about seven hours to get to Ibadan from Lagos. But now, you can travel from Lagos to Ikorodu to Ogijo to Sagamu in less than 50 minutes.”

He said the contract for the construction of the road was awarded in three phases to ensure quality job, adding that with the two phases completed, the third phase has been awarded, and the contractor mobilised to site.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that providing infrastructure is in line with his administration’s transport master plan, which is aimed at increasing the ease of doing business, which in turn would create jobs and reduce crime in the long run.

The Governor disclosed that the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport has been licenced to commence non scheduled flight operations, while that of scheduled flight is expected to be approved soon.

The Governor also hinted that the construction of the Kajola Dry Port would soon be flagged off to further boost the infrastructural development of the State.

In her remarks, the member representing Ikenne and Sagamu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga expressed gratitude to the state government for reconstructing the road after many years of neglect.

Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya said the road was divided into three phases for quality jobs, adding that the contract for the third phase has also been signed.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, in his remarks noted the remarkable achievements of the governor in the last five years, appreciating him for responding to the cries of the people by fixing the road.

President Bola Tinubu, despite opposition from Nigerians, has approved the National Anthem Bill.

During a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made this announcement.

The President will not be delivering a speech to the House, but will instead launch the new anthem, as revealed by Akpabio.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mentioned that the cancellation of the address was due to June 12 being recognized as Democracy Day.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of Lagos in the legal action initiated by the Federal Government against Governors at the Supreme Court for alleged misconduct in managing Local Governments. Sanwo-Olu highlighted that it was a legal irregularity for the Federal Government to involve Lagos in the Supreme Court case, considering the long-standing autonomy enjoyed by the Local Governments in the State.

While supporting the lawsuit, Sanwo-Olu suggested that the Attorney General of the Federation should have first identified the states not complying with the law before filing a lawsuit against all states indiscriminately. He made these remarks at the ongoing Justice Reform Summit organized by the Lagos State Judiciary, themed “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection, and Security in Lagos.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that protection of local council autonomy was crucial for upholding the principles of the constitution, calling for a clear interpretation by the judiciary to ensure fairness and equity. He stressed the importance of a robust justice system that safeguards the interests of all parties and discourages actions that impede government efficiency.

In light of examples like Singapore’s legal system and rapid economic growth, Sanwo-Olu underscored the need for judicial reform to enhance the administration of justice and uphold the rule of law. He urged judges and legal professionals in Lagos to strive for higher standards in dispensing justice and to learn from successful models like Singapore to drive economic prosperity through a fair and efficient legal framework.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has encouraged Nigerians to refrain from attributing the current challenges facing the country to President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that these issues were passed down.

In a press conference held at his office in Ikoyi, Lagos, George emphasized that the period of one year that the president has been in office is insufficient to address the country’s deep-rooted problems.

George explained that typically, the initial year of any administration is spent assessing the existing circumstances, highlighting that most of the challenges faced by the Tinubu administration were inherited from its predecessor, former President Muhammad Buhari, under whom he claimed Nigeria’s situation deteriorated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s governance over the past 25 years of civil rule, the PDP leader lamented that the country almost collapsed, asserting that the eight-year tenure of former President Buhari was arguably the most dire in Nigeria’s history since independence in 1960.

He critiqued the lack of leadership during that era, expressing dismay that some individuals continue to defend the actions of that administration.

George underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the current government’s approach and achievements within a year to better assess its performance.

Describing Nigeria as the Giant of Africa, George asserted that the country’s political landscape since its return to democracy in 1999 has subjected it to ridicule globally, bringing shame to patriots witnessing the unfolding events that push the nation’s boundaries.

Despite pointing out the current challenges, he stood by the belief that Tinubu should be granted the opportunity to showcase his capacity in resolving Nigeria’s issues and called for a joint effort from both leaders and citizens to restore the nation’s prestige among other countries.

George concluded by stating that Nigeria can realize its potential for positive change and regain its former glory if its citizens begin redefining their core values and address the existing anomalies hindering progress.

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, received Yoruba and Southwest leaders at the State House in Abuja.

This was disclosed in pictures shared on the official X handle of the President on Friday.

The caption read, “President Tinubu Receives the Yoruba and Southwest Leaders of Thought in Audience at the State House, Abuja.”

In April, the President similarly met with leaders of the respected Yoruba socio-cultural organiation, Afenifere, in Abuja.

A soldier lost his life on Tuesday when a truck belonging to a logistics company ran over him at Orile bus stop in Iganmu, Lagos.

According to reports, the driver of the truck was trying to escape a group of extortionists who were demanding money from commercial bus drivers at the Orile section of the Badagry expressway.

Despite the tragic accident, the driver callously fled the scene in a reckless manner. Upon witnessing the incident, other soldiers gave chase to the escaping truck.

The soldiers managed to intercept the truck at the Mile 2 bus stop, although the conductor was able to evade capture.

Shola James, a trader at Orile, recounted how the soldiers brought back the truck and the driver to the scene of the accident.

Describing the gruesome scene, Shola said, “The soldier’s head was crushed by the truck’s back tire. I couldn’t bring myself to look at the body again.”

Another eyewitness, a vulcanizer, mentioned that the soldier was riding his motorcycle when the truck collided with him, resulting in his immediate death.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that neither the truck driver nor the vehicle itself was handed over to the police.

Benjamin stated, “Following the incident, the DPO of Orile Police Station and his officers arrived at the site and discovered the soldier’s body. The soldiers, along with the truck and driver, returned to the barracks with the deceased soldier’s body.”

A critique of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by Northern Elders Forum member Prof Usman Yusuf has brought to light a stark reality. In an interview with Channels Television, Yusuf expressed dismay at what he sees as dashed expectations under the current administration. According to him, rather than instilling hope through tangible improvements, the government has instead plunged Nigerians further into despair over the past year.

Yusuf highlighted the distressing scenes of people lining up for meager palliatives as emblematic of a failed promise of renewal. He lamented the widespread loss of hope among the populace, painting a bleak picture of a year marred by deception and worsening poverty.

Criticizing the economic management team as resembling tax collectors more than proactive economists, Yusuf underscored the need for policies that promote production over mere taxation. He pointed out the adverse impact the government’s actions have had on millions of Nigerians, exacerbating poverty levels and forcing children out of school due to unpaid fees.