President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged the newly appointed ministers to collaborate with him and each other to fulfill the aspirations of the Nigerian people through their work in government.

The president gave the charge during the inauguration of the 45 confirmed ministers-designate held at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja.

He said, “We are in this boat, even if it is a vehicle, and I am the driver, the entire Nigerians are behind sitting and watching as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible, we have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians.

“As I said earlier on, you are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality, you are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

He also reminded the newly sworn Ministers that it is a high honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the Federal Executive Council, and also charged them with teamwork.

Tinubu noted that the greatest number of Nigerians are expectant of their delivery, accountability, and transparency and as well expect them to work with integrity, dignity, and deliver.

“With the inauguration of Ministers today, we are about to accelerate our governing efforts to move forward in realizing our best aspiration for Nigeria. It’s all about a great team, and I believe we have them here. It is a high honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the federal executive council of our beloved republic.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has expressed optimism about all citizens and residents of Nigeria, including workers, getting a better deal of life abundance, prosperity, and brighter prospect in the renewed hope mantra of the incoming administration of the President-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement issued by the party today in Ibadan in commemoration of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration. In the statement which was signed by the Publicity Secretary of Oyo APC, Olawale Sadare, the party congratulated all strata of workers in the state, while it urged them to keep the hope of better living and realization of dreams alive.

“Workers in both formal and informal sectors of the Nigerian economy are among the most resilient, productive, and dynamic in the whole world, and they deserve to be celebrated every day because of what they contribute to our national life. Even as May 1 remains an international day of celebrating workers, we at the APC attach so much importance to encouraging and motivating those who work for life to be worth living for all and sundry.

“It is on this note that we once again appreciate all public servants, professionals, artisans, transporters, businessmen/women, pensioners among others from across the 33 Local Government Areas in the state who voted for the candidates of our great Party in the last general election. We assure you all that the incoming Tinubu administration, slated for inauguration later this month, will not only improve on the gains of the last eight years but also guarantee all-around welfare to the Nigerian workers as well as all citizens and residents of the country.” Oyo APC stated.

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Like a blast of the wind with the sound of a trumpet; The heralding of a new damn, the birthing of a renewed hope  With the drive of missionary zeal.

As the blast of the breath, Only as yesterday; When this journey began, From milestones to milestones; Your strides in landmark legacies are here to stay. So we all one, The high, the great and the low; In joint acclamation to your deeds, Reaching to the east and the west; Touching the North and south of the country.

So here we stand in unison. In this assemblage of your admirers, To pour encomiums, The great leader of  our time; President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he turns 71“A well-written life is almost as rare as a well-spent one”-Thomas Carlyle 

“People become quite remarkable when started thinking that they can do things when they believe in themselves; they have the first secret of success.”-Norman Vincent Peale

Giant strides made by man are usually relieved with pomp and pageantry .while some roll out the milestone amidst glass clinging. Some play the breakthrough low but all in praises and anticipation of a better future ahead. In this momentous instance, the success story always overshadows the nauseating hurdles and barricades accompanying such feats.

In the lives of many, birthdays are usually periods for sober reflection. The period for stocktaking. Numerous personalities with eyes on the verdict of history use such occasions to reflect on their contributions to the betterment of their societies . For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President–elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he would have wished that the occasion of his 71st  birthday anniversary on `29th March 2023,  be observed with an annual colloquium. But the man is not an ordinary man today as he is President in waiting of the African giant.

The vision of  Jagaban is to build a prosperous, highly educated, technology-driven pace-setting Nigeria. He believes that the fastest and only way to change the populace is through education. While most Nigerian elites are busy manipulating ethno-regional differences to personal advantage, Tinubu has always been a vanguard of harnessing the differences to build a restructured united Nigeria.

As a former Senator and Former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has an in-depth understanding of the contemporary problems of Nigeria. His ideas can build solid bridges leading us into the future with sound economic development. He has an analytic mind that is fertile and pregnant with development ideas. He is what Nigeria needs now. Nobody can doubt the political sagacity and international reach of Asiwaju, who has supporters in every nook and cranny of this country as shown by the vast spread of his votes across the nooks and corners of this country.

It is a fact that  Asiwaju  Tinubu is a champion for progress and development as it was evident with his antecedents while he was the Governor of Lagos State. His policies and actions culminated in a practical development model that based on research conducted, many States in Nigeria have since adopted it in their States and this model is also been used by prestigious institutions of learning across the globe as one of the successful development and economic model from Africa’s largest Country

Jagaban remains the most popular, charismatic and influential leader among his contemporaries. He is the best leader chosen by Nigerians to solve the myriads of problems about to choke the country to imminent death.BAT has a swell of goodwill and is unparalleled in this country.

He is exemplary in humility; an apostle of change, a revolutionary and core disciplinarian adept in the evolution of continuity between the past, diligently reshaping today for a brighter tomorrow. He is an ardent believer in the delegation of responsibilities among his team members for the creation of an efficient, resilient and responsive system.  

Nigeria needs a strategic & visionary leader who can identify opportunities from Challenges, especially at these global economic challenges. Asiwaju has the mental capacity, resources, network and more importantly been surrounded by brains that can turn around the fortune of this country and consolidate on the developmental foundation of President Muhammad Buhari.

Life says a sage, is a basket of sorrows punctuated with moments of happiness. On whatever scale of measurement Bola Tinubu’s 71yeras sojourn on this terrestrial divide is out, the living legend and man of destiny definitely, has a credit of balance of happiness.

By any benchmark, one deploys to assess him, and in whatever clime in our firmament of the planet earth, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos and President-elect of Nigeria, is a stunning success, a unique gift to humanity and he deserves to be celebrated by all and sundry within the Nigerian geography and beyond as he turned 71 years on the planet.

As our beloved amiable civilian general turns 71, it is our wish and prayer that the almighty God shall continue to keep him in robust health, with a sound mind, as he with officially carry the burden of Nigeria and Nigerians on May 29 2023.  

Danyaro is the Senior Special Assistant (Print Media ) to Jigawa State Executive Governor wrote in from Dutse and can be reached at ahmaddanyaro2017@gmail.com.

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The feeling of success is a special one and this feeling becomes magical when someone achieved his lifetime ambition against all odds in life. For president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu becoming the President of the largest democracy in Africa is a rare case of a lifetime ambition.

In the 2003 election as a dogged politician, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu refused to support the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) an alliance with then President  Obasanjo PDP,  for re-election in return for the AD holding on to its six South-West states. The AD governor’s actions cost them their gubernatorial seats. Tinubu’s refusal to be part of the deal turned out to be his saving grace as he remained a  lone re-elected Governor of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) due to the incursion of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the South West.

As the lone AD governor Tinubu was in a regular collision with the PDP-controlled Federal Government, especially on his creation of additional 37 Local Council Development Areas for Lagos States. Despite Obasanjo’s administration’s deliberate withholding of statutory allocation of the Lagos State Local Government funds for almost three years Lagos state survived until the Supreme Court ruled that Obasanjo’s administration should release the seized statutory allocation of the Lagos State Local Government funds.

As recourse to the decimated Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the southwest Jagaban was actively involved in the creation of the Action Congress (AC) political party and was able to win back four of the states to AC control. Despite leaving office in 2007, Ahmad Bola Tinubu did not give up the struggle for forming a formidable opposition party in the country, especially during the 2011 general elections. After the parliamentary elections in 2011 showed that the People’s Democratic Party would retain the presidency, members of the two parties met to discuss the prospect of forging an alliance that would have a realistic chance of defeating the PDP’s candidate, Goodluck Jonathan.

I’m the same year,  the president-elect looked for alliance talks between the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which failed as the alliance talks failure has been blamed on Tunde Bakare, the CPC’s candidate for Vice-President for refusal to sign a predated resignation letter irked the leaders of the ACN who decided to opt out of a planned “grand coalition” and go it alone.

After the collapse of the 2007 alliance unrelentingly with his immense political influence led to the merger of opposition parties in 2013 three major parties the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have floated a mega platform All Progressive Congress (APC).  This grand merger led to the wrestling of power from the then-ruling PDP in 2015 – a rarity in Nigeria where incumbents are not often defeated.

Without the self-sacrifice and leadership of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, there would not be the All Progressive Congress at the centre in 2015 and 2019. He abandoned his desire to seek the country’s top job and instead choose to support and contributed significantly toward the emergence of then  General Muhammadu Buhari as APC Presidential candidate.

Toward the ruling governing party’s presidential primary election, President Buhari’s associates have tried to downplay the former governor’s influence in the 2015 election,  aspirations were flagging, and he reminded Nigerians that he was largely responsible for installing President Muhammadu Buhari.

Even though there is seemed to gang up against him before the APC  convention, the president-elect stood his ground, poured out his mind, and fought to win the presidential ticket. On Picking a  running-mate Tinubu, picked former Borno state governor Kashim Shettima. The action also generated a lot of controversies. This decision drew the ire of many Christians who say it went against the tradition of mixed-faith tickets for the presidency. Going by his antecedents and political sagacity, Tinubu is not just the Jagaban of Borgu, but the Jagaban of contemporary Nigerian democracy and politics and he is an “outstanding politician who has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s democracy.

The incoming President won the election at a critical stage in our nation’s history. As  Buhari administration poorly implemented economic policies have borough bout unbearable hardship to millions of families, difficulty to businesses, a huge debt profile, widespread insecurity, unemployment, and inflation.

The job of the president-elect ran the easy job, due to daunting challenges. on nation’s debt burden at the last count, Nigeria is neck-deep in debts hovering around N44.06 trillion in September 2022. However, if the N23.7 trillion CBN loan is securitized, our debt stock could amount to about N77 trillion in June 2023 just some days after the swearing of President-Elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The incoming administration needs to put all necessary policies to bar federal and states government from borrowing and in the case where the borrowing needs borrowing will be used to fund projects that generate revenue from which debt can be repaid. Another area of great concern budget underscores fiscal deficit expansion and the upward trajectory in public debt. Fiscal sustainability will remain a concern as government revenue will be eroded by personnel costs and high-interest payments on debt.

The incoming administration is to take over on the heels of unemployment which has been projected the country’s unemployment rate will hit 37 per cent in 2023. Nigeria’s inflation rate reached its unprecedented in January 2023, hitting a record high of 21.82%. This represents a 0.47% increase when compared to the 21.34% recorded in the previous month, Nigerians are languishing in extreme hardship; daily survival has become an uphill challenge and what people are going through now in the country is reaching the highest apogee since the late 80s.

All these happened under the All Progressive Congress corrective administration.  Because those in power do not feel for Nigerians in this kind of abject unfold hardship. Why in the 21st Century  Nigerians are still talking about daily survival in normal circumstances there is no reason for Nigerians talks or cry about food prices beyond their affordability. In October,  a report by Global Hunger Index was jointly published by the German-based Welthungerhilfe and Dublin-based Concern Worldwide. Nigeria ranked 103 out of 121 countries in the 2022 Global Hunger Index, a position that signifies the nation “has a level of hunger-stricken country which is serious. inflation reached unprecedented heights; workers purchasing power declined precipitously.

Nigerians expect the new president-elect to have a team of competent people by ensuring that round pegs are put in round holes and that he should immediately roll out his economic blueprint, which should be in line with the National Development Plan. Urgent needs to tackle issues surrounding the fiscal and monetary policies to quickly arrest the dwindling economy of the country.

Another urgent matter for the incoming government should give accelerated attention to is the currency redesign policy notes because it has disrupted both consumption and production, particularly in the informal sector, the disruption has to be addressed quickly to halt the economic decline and hardship on the nation. This economic situation, in itself, requires not just tinkering but massive reengineering.

President-elect Ahmad Bola Tinubu should critically review agricultural policies because the current policy has not achieved much success that can boost the economy and reduce poverty in the land. Let you and your team remain focused on the objective of birthing the Nigeria of our dreams. Nigerians pray that Almighty God will help you to fulfill the progressive mandate mandated to you by the  Nigerians, as well as you and your Vice President-elect’s plans to improve security.

Finally, May Allah,  guide you to what is good for the country and good for us.  make them a means for our safety, and make them a means for our wellbeing. Safeguard our country and bring ease to the Nigerians from that which they face from suffering.

Abba Dukawa, a Public Affairs commentator, wrote in from Kano State.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the postponement of the Presidential Rally earlier scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall, Ibadan on Tuesday saying the decision was taken by Governor Simon Lalong-led Presidential Campaign Council in view of the mood of the nation.

The Oyo state turn of the Tinubu/Shettima state-wide campaign rally had earlier been moved from January 9 to February 7, 2023, and reports have it that arrangement had reached its crescendo when news filtered in from Abuja that the orchestrated event would not hold again as scheduled for this Tuesday.

Confirming the development to our correspondent through a telephone conversation on Monday, the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, regretted the postponement which he claimed became inevitable “since the crisis occasioned by the fuel scarcity and federal government’s cashless policy implementation as well as local currency redesigning.

His words; “we regret to announce the indefinite postponement of our presidential rally earlier slated for tomorrow (Tuesday). The decision was taken, apparently, in consideration of the prevailing challenges facing the people and the need to allow President Muhammadu Buhari to work around the situation and ensure that normalcy returns particularly as it concerns the fuel and currency notes crisis.

“At Oyo APC, we were convinced that it was necessary to go ahead with the event in order not to play into the hands of some anti-democratic forces who do not want the nation’s general election to go on as scheduled because they feel the outcome of the poll, this time, would produce a new order capable of returning Nigeria to Nigerians.

“Although a new date is yet to be announced, I can assure the general public that Oyo state will host Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in no time and it is going to be a huge success. However, we appeal for calm among the citizenry as we must not lose focus on doing all that is necessary to ensure the fruition of the dream to have Tinubu as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, Sadare stated.

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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday maintained that former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, will not be an impediment to his presidential aspiration.

Kalu who was Governor of Abia State between 1999 -2007 states this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today monitored by Mega Icon Magazine where he spoke about his plans for the country if elected to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

When asked if he sees the All Progressives Congress  (APC) National Leader as a threat, the lawmaker answered, “No! and I am not a threat to his ambition. By the time we meet in Eagles Square, this issue will be settled.

“Mind you, politics is not only about money; it is about the people you are going to govern …  the people of the north-west, the people of north-east, the people of north-central, the people of the south-east, the people of the south-west, and the people of south-south, and we have the people. I can move the people and the people are with me.”

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Led by a former Minister of Works, Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, the group , comprising of former members of the National Assembly and notable grassroots politicians, urged the traditional rulers to prevail on their son, Tinubu, to contest 2023 presidential election.

SWAGA’s Chairman, Sen. Adeyeye addressing the monarchs

Adeyeye, who described the former Lagos state governor as a capable hand to move the country forward, also noted that the traditional rulers in Lagos were already converted hearts to the general wish of the people.

In his remarks, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin kingdom, Oba Momodu Afolabi, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, assured that  traditional rulers in Lagos would be partners in progress  in this assignment.

“We the league of traditional rulers would also be involved financially if need be.

Cross section of SWAGA’s members during the meeting in Lagos

“Lagos Obas are ready to support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this direction,” the monarch reassured.

In attendance were about 15 traditional rulers, among whom were , Oba (Dr). Momodu Afolabi, the Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba Nofiu Dada Elete of Ete Kingdom, Oba Abideen Adekanbi , Osolu of Irewe Kingdom, Oba Monbadenle Oyekan Onilado of Ilodo,Oba Caleb Adeniyi Olojo of Ojo, Oba (Dr).  N A Akinyemi, Alabirun of Ikare Kingdom, Oba (Dr). Taofik Adegboyega Alahun of Imore Apapa, Oba Gausu Rasak Ovaria of Ibeshe, Oba Kasumu Kosoko Elekunpa of Ekunpa Kingdom, Oba Musiliu Adio Yussuf, Onisiwo of Traquair Bay, Oba Olayinka Lateef Alado of Ado Kingdom.

Others are, Oba (Dr). Adesina Asade Oniba Ekun  of Iba Kingdom,Oba Sherif Adesina Bello Onigbanko Of Igbako Kingdom, Oba (Dr). Joshaih Ilemobade Aina, the Oloto of Oto Kingdom among others.

The group continues its inauguration activities for the rest of the week.

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The political group, led by the former Minister of works and media adviser to the late MKO Abiola; Sen. Dayo Adeyeye had earlier inaugurated the state chapters in Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states after its regional inauguration held in Ibadan, the political headquarters of Western Nigeria on 15th December 2020.

“With serious determination to succeed, Lagos shall stand still for Swaga 23”, Adeyeye said.

It will be recalled that notable traditional rulers in South West, such as the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, Alake of Egba, Olu of Ilaro, Akarigbo of Remo, Ataoja of Osogbo, Deji of Akure,Oluwo of Iwo, Osemawe of Ondo, Olukare of Ikare had received the group and supported the call for the former Governor of Lagos state Asiwaju Bola to contest the 2023 Presidential election at different times across the states and lent their voice to the agitation for his candidature whilst praying for successful outing for the group in their efforts at wooing him to throw his hat into the ring.

All members of the Central Working Committee including the Deputy Chairman Sen. Soji Akanbi, Sen. Gbenga Obadara, Sen Tony Adeniyi, Hon. Monsuru Alao, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Hon.Mrs Ayo Omidiran, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde,Hon Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, Mr Kola Peregrino,Hon Ganiyu Dauda, Mrs Kafilat Agbara  and Hon. Bosun Oladele the Secretary General are now putting finishing touches to ensure the self sponsored group has a good outing as usual.

The schedule of activities, according to a statement by the group’s scribe, Hon. Bosun Oladele, is as follows:

1. Saturday October 2, 2021

* ARRIVAL of Delegates

2. Sunday October 3, 2021

* Visit to the Obas of Badagry Division, Starting from Ijanikin – 10a.m

* Badagry- 2pm Visit to notable Nigerians in Badagry.

3. Monday, October 4, 2021

* Visit to the Obas of Ikeja Division, Igando. – 10am

* Visit to the Obas of Lagos Division – 2pm

4. Tuesday, October 5, 2021

* Visit to the Obas of Ikorodu Division, Ikorodu- 10am.

* Visit to the Obas of Epe Division,  Epe- 2pm

5. Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

* Visit to Lagos opinion leaders, notable Nigeria. October 6, 2021.

* Dinner with the Governor, GAC Leaders.

6. Thursday, October 7, 2021

* Launching at 10 degrees Event Centre Ikeja 11:00am

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In Nigeria, Lagos state holds the distinction of being a megacity of commerce, culture and commotion. Touted as “Center of Excellence”, this state of aquatic splendour, to me, represents a jungle where anything can happen! It accommodates all sorts: robbers, ritualists, rapists, the good, the bad and the ugly. As the popular saying goes “Eko gba ole, o gba ole” roughly translated to mean Lagos accommodates thieves as well as indolent. But this doesn’t mean the entire state is full of bad people.

There are millions of decent people in Lagos eking out legitimate livelihood.

This writer spent close to 15 years in Lagos, moving through its length and breadth while practising journalism before relocating to the present place of abode. I must confess that, with the benefit of hindsight, I fear Lagos with its stress and distress! To say the least, it is a state with problems of profound proportions. For example, commuting from one place to another in those days was hellish. You could spend the whole day in traffic gridlock. To underscore my fear of Lagos, uptill now, I hardly drive to Lagos. Honestly, I respect Lagos residents. They are industrious. They hardly sleep. They are special breeds as the city is complex.

However, governing a state like Lagos, in my opinion, is similar to sailing in a turbulent sea. Clearly, only the bold and the brilliant can dare to throw their hats in the ring. Turning Lagos that I used to know to be chaotic into a magnificent modern society, replete with all the glittering and dazzling paraphernalia of a megacity is indeed a herculean task. It is against this backdrop that one is compelled to evaluate the leadership style of the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu whose steady strides are really impacting lives and building legacies.

Interestingly, Lagos seems to be getting it rightly with its leadership recruitment process since 1999 when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became governor when the country returned to democracy. Asiwaju Tinubu did not only perform well in office from 1999 to 2007, he also succeeded in raising a worthy successor who was hitherto unknown, but eventually dazzled the pundits with his excellent leadership style. That was Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola whose nomination generated a lot of political furore at that time . The credit goes to Asiwaju Tinubu whose proclivity for identifying and raising quality leaders has been generally acknowledged. Fashola was succeeded by Akinwunmi Ambode who later handed over the baton to the incumbent. All of these men have contributed immensely to the development of Lagos.

The governors in succession appear to be patterned after the pioneer (Tinubu), with similitude in conduct and carriage. They are passionate about the development of Lagos. And, Lagos is getting better by the day. Surprisingly, this writer, like many observers, had his skepticism about the capacity of Mr. Sanwo-Olu to handle Lagos when he was thrown up. Perhaps because there was scanty information about him at that time. Perhaps because of his simple and humble carriage and disposition. Like many Lagosians, one erroneously thought he might not be able to deliver! Contrary to this wrong notion, however, the way he has handled concatenation of various circumstances in the last two years has shown that it is not always good to judge a book by its cover.

In the last two years of his reign in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu whose physical frame disguises the giant he is made of, has literally smashed to smithereens all the public cynicism and skepticism about his capacity to move Lagos to higher heights. Using a decisive, yet consensual leadership style along with his cabinet members, he has been able to tackle many Lagos Gordian Knots with precision. His is not a laissez faire leadership style. Rather, as a leader, he portrays himself as a rare embodiment of courage, charisma and credibility.

Analyzing him on account of his words and actions, Sanwo-Olu sounds modernist and progressive. He is a man of deep convictions, and a sophisticated politician, driven by concrete principles rather than situational ethics. His equanimity of spirit makes a profound positive impression. He is dialogical, conversational and discussive. These are hallmarks of a good leader. This governor is vivacious, warm and full of innate dignity without a bulk of ego. More importantly, he has not been delinquent in his duty. I wish to state with unmistakable exactitude that he is charting a future rich in promise and possibilities. As his Information and Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso describes him, “Gov. Sanwo-Olu is a humble man of modesty who believes so much in the betterment of the people and the society”.

Moving round Lagos recently without the usual attendant traffic snarl, one is compelled to salute the dexterity of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s doggedness. There are appreciable testaments of rapid and unprecedented physical growth. One of the major concerns of the visitors to Lagos is transportation system. It is therefore delightful to know that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in this regard. For instance, he has completed road projects including Oniru network of roads, Ojokoro network of roads- 31 in number- the Pen Cinema fly-over, Agege, Oshodi/Abule-Egba BRT corridor, Phases 1 & 2 of Badagry expressway, Lagos-Ogun boundary roads, six major junction improvements at Lekki 1 & 2 , Ajah, Maryland, Ikotun and Allen Avenue. Also, he has touched Jide Oki / Ade Adedina/ Olugbani streets in Iru/ Victoria Island, Ijegun-Egbe road and Ishuti road in Igando. St. Finbarrs road/Diya street in Yaba Iwaya road among others. This is commendable. It makes life in Lagos more bearable.

However, the major challenge remains the issue of security. There is no doubting the fact that the preponderance of poverty in the midst of plenty has fertilised criminalities across the country. Insecurity is not peculiar to Lagos, but the rate and audacity with which it is perpetrated calls for concern. The robbers in Lagos are so daring and brazen. They terrorize people with mayhem and murder, pillaging and plundering people’s poverty at will. It will be desirable if the governor can intensify efforts in this regard. Whatever, a leader encourages grows, and what he discourages dies. Gov. Sanwo-Olu has the capacity to reduce the level of criminality in Lagos. He can do it. Glad to know that he has promised to tackle the problem headlong .

Hear him: “We are currently working with the various state security operatives to determine additional operational and infrastructure needs that the state can support with. In this regard, I shall, in the coming week, be handing over operational vehicles, communication gadgets, ballistic vests and helmets, anti-riot water cannon vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to our various security operatives to further enhance and improve their operations which will ultimately have a positive impact on the security status in the state. We will also be recruiting additional men in the coming weeks, into our Neighbourhood Security Watch to complement the efforts of our existing security personnel.”

Leadership is a burden. Leaders, particularly those who display capacity like Gov. Sanwo-Olu should be encouraged and supported with applause wherever they have done well. This governor with uncommon largeness of heart has done well in the last two years. His performance during the COVID-19 pandemic was sterling. He indeed displayed a quality leadership style. He earned my respect. The scabs he recorded during the ENDSARS protest which have turned to scars for his lessons and remembrance are certainly parts of the badges of leadership. History will be kind to him for his sacrifices. By and large, he should be commended and supported in the overall interest of Lagos.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership style is developmental . The governor seems to have mastered how to blend radicalism with conservatism. Like him or loathe him, his modesty, graceful airs, and rich mind must have earned him the confidence of the majority of Lagosians. In the last two years, his strength has been tested and his performance has been proven. Indeed, he is a man of amazing self-restraint, always acting in a fashion of a gentleman. It appears whatever is for the benefit of the people becomes his priority. I simply admire his carriage and conduct.

Above all, no matter how good Lagos gets, the state can always get better. But the betterment of Lagos cannot be left for an individual or government alone. All stakeholders must work together and support the government.

Sunday Saanu, is with the University of Ibadan.

E-mail: sundaysaanu@gmail.com, 08034073427

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Admirers of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti state are set to receive the South West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA’23), from 14th to 15th June,  2021 as the political movement is billed to Inaugurate  its coordinates in the “Land of Honour ”.

The event is expected to kick start on the 14th and will be capped with the inauguration of the Ekiti State Chapter in Ado Ekiti , on Tuesday 15th June 2021.

According to the statement signed by Hon. Rotimi Makinde, the  group, being led by former Minister Dayo Adeyeye, who incidentally is from Ekiti State, has other notable Ekiti Politicians and dignitaries in its fold such as , Senator Tony Adeniyi,  Hon Oyetunde Ojo, Hon Olamide Oni, Hon Dr. Adewale Omirin and Congressman Hon Bimbo Daramola  .

These grassroots politicians of note shall be playing host to other former members of the National Assembly and cross-section of grass root politicians of the South West extraction, which include: Sen Adesoji Akanbi (Deputy Chairman), Sen Gbenga Obadara, Hon. Bosun Oladele (Secretary) Hon Rotimi Makinde, Hon Monsuru Alao Hon Biodun Akinlade, Hon Ayo Omidiran, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, Hon Deji Jakande, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, Hon Lanre Odubote, Hon. Deji Jakande,Akim Munir, Hon Kola Peregrino, Alhaja Kafila Ogbara, Hon Olaufe, Hon Akintoye Albert and others with delegates accross the Southwest.The man to lead Osun state delegates is Osun state Subeb chairman, Hon Ajibola famurewa.

“The group, while mobilizing support for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and calling on him to contest 2023 Presidential election, is also preaching oneness and unity among all tribes and ethnic groups in the country because we are better and stronger together and we need each other as partners in progress in the Nigeria Project.

“We at SWAGA’23 are of the firm opinion that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will unify the country and continue on the developmental path being laid by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari because he has done this in lagos where he ruled an unbiased empire.

“The political movement was formally unveiled in Ibadan and has been inaugurated with pomp and pageantry in Ogun, Ondo and Osun state while Ekiti state, the home of its Chairman, Sen Dayo Adeyeye is expected to equally be a success story”, the statement said.

The post Crowd awaits, as Tinubu’s loyalists set to launch SWAGA in Ekiti first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Crowd awaits, as Tinubu’s loyalists set to launch SWAGA in Ekiti appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.