₦airaland Forum

The EU has hit out at Russia after a drone crashed into a Romanian apartment block, injuring two people.

The incident, which occurred in Romania’s eastern city of Galati - close to the Ukrainian border - on Friday, was described by the country's foreign ministry as a "serious and irresponsible escalation" from the Russian Federation.

No deaths have been reported and the fire has been put out, according to emergency services.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says "Russia's war of aggression has crossed yet another line", while Nato condemns "Russia's recklessness"

Romania, which borders Ukraine, is a member of the 32-strong military alliance.

The drone crashed while Russia was carrying out attacks on Ukraine, says Romania's foreign ministry - Moscow is yet to comment.

https://thenewsgiant.com/eu-nato-others-slam-russia-as-drone-hits-romanian-apartment/

President Nicusor Dan describes the incident as "the most serious" to have affected Romanian territory since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022.

He has called a meeting of Romania's Supreme Defence Council, which is due to take place at 11:00 local time (09:00 BST).

NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte has condemned "Russia's reckless behaviour" as "a danger to us all.”

Rutte says he has assured Romanian President Nicușor Dan that Nato "stands ready to defend every inch of allied territory.”

He adds in a post on X that Russia continues to "target civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine", and "last night showed yet again that the implications of their illegal war of aggression don’t stop at the border.”

Rutte says NATO will continue to strengthen its defence and continue to support Ukraine against Russia's aggression.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan called a meeting of the country's Supreme Council of National Defence, following what he describes as "most serious" incident to have affected Romanian territory since the war between Russia and Ukraine began.

He says the council will order "proportionate measures" relating to the Russian Federation during the meeting, which is due to take place at 11:00 local time (9:00 BST).

"I declare, with the utmost firmness, that full responsibility for this incident lies with the Russian Federation," he writes in a post on X.

Two F-16 jets were deployed following the detection of drones in the country's airspace.

The Romanian president says there were not the right conditions to destroy the target without further endangering civilian safety.

He adds that he has formally requested the deployment of additional anti-drone capabilities from allies. Russia has not yet commented on the incident.

OPC ANGRY OVER KIDNAPPING, KILLING AND BEHEADING BY TERRORISTS IN OYO, WANTS TO BE PERMITTED AND EQUIPPED TO CONFRONT BANDITS

The Oodua People's Congress OPC has protested and condemned what it called the avoidable kidnapping and killing of pupils and teachers in Oyo State as well as similar incidents in other parts of Yorubaland.

Stating the position of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in a Press Statement on Tuesday, OPC President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, accused governors of the South-West and other Yoruba-speaking states of ignoring the threat posed by Fulani terrorists and the alarm the organisation raised in times past about the danger.

"The kidnapping, killing and beheading of our defenceless Yoruba kinsmen in Yorubaland is not only condemnable, it is highly provocative; and it will not be tolerated," the OPC statement said. "We hereby urge the government to permit and equip the OPC and other self-determination groups to confront the threat posed by terrorists in order to terminate the insecurity being imported into Yorubaland from the North.

"Yorubaland is under attack. Long ago, we warned; we shouted. But our leaders continued to play politics and refused to act on the matter. Now we must face the reality that the enemies have surrounded us.

"Our people say: To be forewarned is to be forearmed. But Yoruba people and our governors have been wallowing in this unbelievable sense of fake safety and security, while ignoring the looming danger by foreign bandits, terrorists and their local collaborators.

"We will not tolerate a situation where our children cannot safely attend school, where our people cannot travel or where our farmers cannot farm because of some foreign elements.

"Time has come to take the bull by the horn and confront these unprovoked, cold-blooded and needless killings."

He described as worrisome and unacceptable that soldiers and police would shoot at demonstrators filing out to protest in places where such kidnappings and killings by bandits had taken place.

According to Afolabi, such a situation smelt of suspicion about the security agencies acting out a secret agenda in favour of terrorism and ethnic expansion.

The group especially expressed anger over the beheading of one of the abducted teachers.

OPC lamented: ''What offence did this defenceless teacher Mr. Michael Oyedokun commit to deserve such a horrible fate of being beheaded? How can you report for duty in the morning, get kidnapped and wind up beheaded like a chicken?"

OPC warned that every minute terrorists remained in the forests would only give them a stronger foothold to build a fortress from which they would unleash more evil against Nigerian citizens.

"OPC wants governors in Yoruba-speaking South-West and beyond to urgently invite all vigilante, hunter and militant groups to join the war against terrorism in Yorubaland. Governors must immediately declare a state of emergency and get all hands on board to collaborate with the security forces to restore peace to our native land.

"We cannot fold our arms anymore and wait for bandits and terrorists to be entering our homes, our towns and villages to kidnap and kill at will. Enough is enough. The government must rise up, support and equip patriotic and willing individuals and groups like OPC to enter the forests to restore sanity."

Urging all the relevant executive and legislative arms of government to expedite action on the creation of states-run police, OPC called for the South-West to adequately equip all the groups for adequate security in the meantime.

The group further encouraged the government to do everything needed to end the nightmare of the children and teachers abducted from the schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State.

NADECO, At Wole Soyinka-Chaired Outing, To Unveil Opadokun’s Memoir, Confer Awards On Media And Other Heroes Of Democracy, May 20 In Lagos

Some 33 years after its creation as the arrowhead of the epic struggle for Nigeria’s democracy, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), is announcing a momentous event to honour heroes of that dark period of Nigerian history, come May 20 in Lagos.

Packaged by NADECO General Secretary and Spokesman, Ayo Opadokun, the event will feature insignias of appreciation and award presentation to well-deserving Nigerian heroes of democracy dead and alive.

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka wears the cap of Chairman, former Minister of Defence, Retired Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma gets the role of Chief Launcher and Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja will hold court as Royal Father of the Day.

Venue will be the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre at Onikan, Lagos, from 11am on Wednesday, May 20.

According to Opadokun, the day will also feature the launching of “The NADECO Story,” his comprehensive 509-page memoirs documenting the coalition’s biopsy, philosophy, struggles, travails and triumphs.

Listed award recipients include six newspaper houses, journalists, Human Rights Activist, Civil Society Organisations, the academia, professional and business giants, retired Armed Forces officers and the 54 people who signed NADECO’s introductory communiqué in May 1994, including Nigeria’s current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We have packaged this historical event as a celebration of our resilience and our dignity as a people,” Opadokun said. “My generation, the present generation and coming generations must eternally uphold NADECO and these heroes as a reference point for resistance to tyranny.

“People who fail to venerate their heroes will wallow in servitude. We are doing this at this moment, but everyone knows it is long overdue. All those personalities and institutions that played a role to plant, water and grow Nigeria’s tree of democracy must not stay dead as unsung heroes or continue to live as unsung heroes. They deserve recognition and appreciation. Thankfully, 30 years of this surviving democracy is a testimony that their labours have not been in vain, this being the longest-lasting Republic that this country has ever known. We need to celebrate these heroes and heroines.”

Post-humus awards recipients include: Late Chief MKO Abiola and his wife Late Kudirat Abiola, as well as NADECO’s deceased leaders: Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya and Chief Anthony Enahoro.

The star-studded list of pro-democracy awardees includes prominent names who stuck out their necks in the dangerous period of Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and Chief Ernest Shonekan’s Interim National Government (ING).

See Full List of awardees by clicking on: https://thenewsgiant.com/nadeco-heroes-of-democracy-honours-award-full-list/

On whether the current socio-economic situation of Nigeria justified the sacrifices made by NADECO and other pro-democracy groups and individuals between 1993 and 1996, Opadokun submitted: “No one has said our country has reached the El-Dorado. But we threw everything into the struggle for June 12 and democracy because any civilian regime will always be better than the most benevolent military dictatorship. Nigeria is a work in progress. Today may appear cloudy, but tomorrow looks bright. And as sure as the sun shines in the morning, Nigeria will reach the Promised Land.”

ISOKAN YORUBA GROUP ENDORSES HAMZAT FOR GOVERNOR, INSISTS DEPUTY MUST BE LAGOS INDIGENE

The Isokan Yoruba Group, a leading socio-cultural and political organisation of Lagos State indigenes, has declared support for Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the next Governor, while calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the Deputy Governorship slot went to a bona fide Lagos indigene.

In a statement issued Monday in Lagos, the President of the Group, Prince Adekunle Adegoroye, said their position followed extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and indigenous stakeholders across the five administrative divisions of the State –Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe.

“As stakeholders and landlords of Lagos State, we have resolved to support the aspiration of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to lead our dear state. We acknowledge his competence, experience and loyalty to the progressive family,” Prince Adegoroye stated.

“However, we state clearly and unequivocally: For equity, balance and political inclusion, the next Deputy Governor of Lagos State must be a bona fide Lagos indigene. This is the irreducible minimum for our vote and total support in 2027.”

The group noted that while Lagos remained home to all Nigerians, the principle of fairness demanded that indigenes be represented in the highest offices of their ancestral state.

“From Badagry to Epe, from Ikorodu to Awori-speaking communities, Lagos parades highly qualified, loyal party men and women who can serve excellently as Deputy Governor. They understand the land, the culture and the grassroots,” the statement read.

The Isokan Yoruba Group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as National Leader of the APC and Political Leader of Lagos State, and to the leadership of the APC, to ensure this demand was factored into the final ticket.

“We are not making this demand from a place of hostility. This is a patriotic call for balance and inclusion. A Lagos indigene as Deputy Governor will deepen social cohesion, strengthen the party’s bond with the grassroots, and guarantee massive indigenous votes for the APC in 2027,” Prince Adegoroye said.

The statement was signed by: Prince Adekunle Adegoroye (President, Isokan Yoruba Group - Indigene of Lagos State -08146660288), Comrade Shola Omolola (National Secretary, Isokan Yoruba Group -08033815778) Prince Adewale Samson (National Organising Secretary, Isokan Yoruba Group -08075241111) and Barrister Kayode Alabi (National Legal Adviser, Isokan Yoruba Group -O8023040788).

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and to President Tinubu, stressing that the move would consolidate the party’s dominance in Lagos State.

https://thenewsgiant.com/isokan-yoruba-group-endorses-hamzat-for-governor-insists-deputy-must-be-lagos-indigene/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday received the endorsement of Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and opposition political groups to run for a second term in the 2027 elections.

Making their stand known in a communiqué released under their umbrella group, the Pan-Nigeria Civil Society Organisations and Opposition Alliance (PANCSOA), said that they believed the post of President should remain in the South, and “in our consideration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our top focus now.”

It issued the communiqué following an intensive one-day strategic stakeholders’ deliberation held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
PANCSOA expressed misgivings that the emerging opposition coalition appeared not to have learnt from the error of 2023 that cost the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) the presidential ticket.

While commending the emergence of an opposition coalition, PANCSOA, however, submitted: “The biggest error the opposition is currently making is the avoidance of zoning its presidential slot to the South as it should be. This is already creating doubts in the minds of their supporters as not to repeat the unfortunate incident that befell the People's Democratic Party, PDP, in 2022 that led to its destructive internal crises by those dissatisfied with the outcome of the convention due to throwing open the presidential contest instead of applying the zoning formula in its own constitution.

“It seems the current coalition is also making the same mistake. This has expressly opened the way for the incumbent administration to win seamlessly in 2027 in view of the formidable strategies and mass structural reach of their political networks. We are not the ones saying so, it is the outcome of a data-driven analysis.”

PANCSOA condemned the resurgence of politically motivated violence and insecurity, observing that the trend normally escalated when elections were approaching in the country.

It said: “This has become noticeable during most of our past elections but became a dangerous pattern since the 2015 general elections. Terrorism and banditry in Nigeria seem to have a great dosage of political underpinning which, for the most part, is being engineered by politicians desperate for power and external multinational interests hell-bent on destroying Nigeria in order to steal its humongous natural resources as they are doing in the other parts of Africa, especially the Congo. These are satanic enemies of Nigeria that must be eliminated at all costs.”

Saying it recognised that defeating terrorism and banditry could not be left solely to the government and the military, PANCSOA called for the mass involvement of all citizens to support the Armed Forces.

It warned the country’s political coalition against self-decimation by the ambitions of many presidential aspirants and advised the pooling of resources to support one popular and acceptable candidate.
PANCSOA said: “The coalition has demonstrated its lack of foresight in that it failed woefully to pre-empt most of the crises bedevilling it currently. Assuming without conceding that external forces are instigating its crisis, it is no rocket science to have prepared adequately for those and take adequate pre-emptive steps to tackle it.

“Most of those in the leadership of the coalition are vastly experienced politicians who should have understood the game and strengthened the coalition against all these avoidable crises.”

According to the group, although the country faced serious challenges on security, the economy and ethno-religious divisions, Nigerians might “have no choice than to return the incumbent in the face of a coalition that seems confused and unorganised.”

Signatories to the communiqué inter alia, included: Comrade Mohammed Abdulrazaq Sanni (the Facilitator), Fatima Abbas (Executive Director, Northern Female Education Campaign, NOFEC), Barr. Igwe Benjamin (Member Steering Committee of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP) and Comrade Mark Adebayo (President, Federation of Political Parties and Associations, FEPPA, Comprising of former national chairmen and presidential candidates).

Pa Adebanjo Was A Formidable Force For Justice, Say Core Federalists

The civil society group co-founded by late Yinka Odumakin with others which advocates for the restructuring of Nigeria, true federalism, justice and equity, democracy, the Core Federalists,
has described the Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo as "a formidable force for the good of Nigeria".

In a statement issued by the group on Saturday February 15th, Core Federalists stated, inter alia, that: "We have received the death of a great patriot, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, with sadness and disbelief because we thought that, even though advanced in age, he still had some years to live further.

"Pa Ayo Adebanjo was a formidable pillar and beacon for justice, equity, nationalism, true democracy, and detribalised politics, plus being a prominent June 12 actualization advocate.

"He was an intrepid champion of justice and fair play who fought and won many battles against injustice and bad governance irrespective of whoever was involved. He was a man of deep conviction who remained unshakable even in the midst of ferocious negative propaganda and distraction orchestrated by powers that be.

"These noble qualities were the reason why he and late Yinka Odumakin, another great patriot of humongous stature, had a seamless working relationship and suitable chemistry that made Afenifere a strong and consistent voice of Yoruba solidarity and Nigerian unity in general.


"On his fundamental convictions of justice and incorruptibility, he remained steadfast to his last breath. We commiserate with Nigerians in general for this great loss and pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."

https://thenewsgiant.com/pa-adebanjo-was-a-formidable-force-for-justice-say-core-federalists/

The statement was signed by some senior members of the Core Federalists and geopolitical representatives, including Comrade Mark Adebayo, Dr. Edemma Udo, Mark Jacob Esq., Deacon Clarke and Operere Oluyadi.

adebaxton:
What’s the length and breadth of the building to be roofed.
Gauge .45mm is kinda low, Roof Cover is advisable to start from .55mm gauge which is 8,200 - 8,500 per sqm.

I don't know the exact measurement of the entire building, but it is a 4 bedroom plus living room place.

An Aluminum roofing contractor sent us this quotation for a bungalow in Esan Central of Edo State.

Please, how realistic is it?

For a .45 mm gauge of Agen long span, the man has quoted N10,488 per metre.

His computation indicates he is quoting for 334 square metres or so.
(Modify) (Quote) (Report) (Share)

An Aluminum roofing contractor sent us this quotation for a bungalow in Esan Central of Edo State.

Please, how realistic is it?

For a .45 mm gauge of Agen long span, the man has quoted N10,488 per metre.

His computation indicates he is quoting for 334 square metres or so.

An Aluminum roofing contractor sent us this quotation for a bungalow in Esan Central of Edo State.

Please, how realistic is it?

For a .45 mm gauge of Agen long span, the man has quoted N10,488 per metre.

His computation indicates he is quoting for 334 square metres or so.

Akinwumi Adesina @ 65: A Revolutionary Strategist For Africa's Imperative Sociopolitical Zeitgeist

By

Mark Adebayo

"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves".

- Ray Kroc



He exudes grace and confidence. The kind of grace that emanates from a pristine destiny of divine assignment. His life, his background, his education, his intelligence, his inimitable integrity, and his disciplined commitment to excellence stand him out as a unique enigma in the constellation of Africa's best.

Imagine him as the leader of any country in Africa!

His trademark ever-present smiles belly his stout intellectual stature. Imbued with a sharp academic mind, Professor Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina exemplifies awesomesauce image of a go-getter with no room for excuses or failure. He always gets the job done even under the most austere circumstances.

As Mark Antony said of Julius Caesar that "He hath brought many captives home to Rome", so has Akinwumi brought many laurels home to Africa, Nigeria and his esteemed family.

His never-say-die spirit has been his personal precept since his younger days when he had developed a studious academic discipline that made him the most brilliant student of his generation. At the University of Ife, later Obafemi Awolowo University, which, incidentally, is my almamater too, he beat the historic mystery of first class degree by becoming the first student to attain that feat at his economics department. His life is always about first class delivery wherever fate directs him. He proceeded to Purdue University, USA, for his PhD where he won the Outstanding PhD thesis award in Agricultural Economics in 1988. His life has always been about the pursuit of excellence. Only the best is good enough for Akinwumi Adesina.

An administrator par excellence, he works with ingenious capacity to solve the knottiest of challenges. His integrity is unassailable. It is neither faked nor embellished. Akinwumi does not just work for governments and institutions - he works for humanity. He serves humanity. His revolutionary mindset enables him to achieve the seemingly impossible wherever he serves, and to reach heights hitherto considered unattainable by many.

Imagine if him as a leader of a country in Africa!

Peter Drucker once wrote that "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things". Professor Akinwumi Adesina exemplifies these two qualities geometric quantities. As a matter of fact, Africa has not been lucky to have good managers as leaders presiding in most African countries which is why the continent continually suffers from systemic anarchy and complex components of aggravated crises. A bad manager at the helm of a country as leader would automatically kill the potential of that country to develop. Our major bane in Africa!

Akinwumi has consistently demonstrated exceptional managerial and leadership excellence everywhere he has had the opportunity to serve. From 2011 to 2015 that he was Nigeria's agriculture minister, he revolutionized the country's agriculture sector with unprecedented reforms. He ingeniously developed and religiously implemented the electronic wallet system that significantly decimated the corruption regime that reigned supreme in the fertilizer value chain and he made sure that agricultural equipment at highly subsidized rates reached the deserving farmers who were the real end-users including dedicated mobile phone system to track distribution, inter alia. The result was astounding! Close to twenty million farmers were positively impacted with life changing transformations. It was the first time that Nigerian farmers experienced direct intervention by government to ease their burden. It was the first time ever that Nigerian consumers of farm produce became aware of a ministry of agriculture and what its mandate was. Never had there been such a direct impact on Nigeria's agricultural potential that tremendously benefitted farmers and the general citizenry.

Imagine, for one moment, if he was the President!

He carries himself with a finesse of character that all great leaders in history possessed - a midas touch of leadership prestidigitation that brings to life what is dead in the care of others. Akinwumi Adesina raises leadership bars exponentially and then goes ahead to break that bar, raises it again and breaks it again and again. This is the reason why Akin, as he is fondly called by his friends and seniors, remains unbeatable in the quest for excellence wherever he is in action. He is a superlative administrator par excellence.

Imagine Akin as the leader of your country!


His leadership as President of the African Development Bank almost ten years ago has skyrocketed that Bank's capital base thereby bumping up shareholders' confidence in the Bank as never since its establishment 61 years ago.

Akinwumi Adesina rallied the 80-member countries of the Bank to boost the Bank's general capital in 2019 from $93 billion to a whopping $208 billion. The African Development Bank, under Akinwumi's presidency was particularly instrumental to preventing an unprecedented catastrophe hitting Africa through a direct intervention to the tune of $3 billion Covid-19 Social Bond, followed by a Crisis Response Facility of $10 billion! This critical and timely intervention was fundamentally responsible for saving Africa from the devastating effects of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. This was a major factor in how Africa managed the Covid-19 crises much better than the so-called first world countries who were caught napping when the pandemic imploded globally. All of these happened under the capable leadership of Akinwumi Adesina.

Imagine Africa as a country and he as the President!


A few years ago, I met a Zambian friend of mine in Madrid. Being of the same academics discipline of political anthropology, we always discussed a lot about Africa with regard to its politics and leadership. During a casual conversation, he said "Mark, Africa has snatched Prof from you guys". I asked "Which Prof?" He replied "Akinwomy(sic) of course! I can't understand why Nigeria is underutilizing that man." I replied that "Africa only borrowed him, and when you borrow something you have to return it, isn't it? We'll get our Akinwumi back and put him to better use back home in due course."

Akinwumi Adesina is an academic and administrative genius, a giant in the arena of creative leadership. A patriot of inimitable integrity and unblemished records of service. A visionary of gargantuan dimensions. He is a cross-generational hope harbinger for the Africa of our dreams that the old, the gen-Z and the coming generations can relate with because he represents all that there aspirations entail.

Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is a Promethean leadership revolutionary that every country in Africa requires in order to experience the ultrarapid socioeconomic and technological revolutions that can kickstart Africa on the march to stupendous all-round development. He is incorruptible, disciplined, consistent, patriotic, focused, competent, and committed to everything excellent and noble. He is as modest as they come, unlike many ostentatious African leaders who are only in power to mismanage their countries' resources to satisfy their insatiable appetite for avarice and autocratic mentality.

His integrity is so spotless that Akin doesn't require any detergents or 'kongi' soap and water to lauder his image. His noble persona is self-evident - a product of decades of disciplined commitment to the highest ideals of justice, equity, decency, selflessness, and humanity.

He is devoid of any baggage of self-contradictory image. He needs no mendacious publicity gimmick to become relevant to the most sacred aspirations of the regular African who has been denied the opportunity to experience sterling leadership over the years.

Just imagine if this guy was your country's leader!

Professor Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is his parents' biggest gift to Nigeria, Nigeria's greatest gift to Africa, and Africa's most treasured gift to the world. As he clocks 65 next month February 6th and completes his second tenure as AfDB's President later in the year, we cannot afford to lose the opportunity to commit him to more work before age permanently retires him.

Peter Block once wrote that
"Change from the top down happens at the will and whim of those below." We, the people, Africans generally, have an onerous duty to discover the Akinwumi Adesina in each of our countries and commit them to doing what they know how to do best - outstanding leadership!
_________________

MARK ADEBAYO IS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR, NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST, MEDIA PRACTITIONER, AND STRATEGY CONSULTANT. HE IS THE CURRENT NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON FOR THE COALITION OF UNITED POLITICAL PARTIES, CUPP, IN NIGERIA.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has officially marked the birthday of its National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh, by celebrating his contributions to Nigerian politics.

The tribute came in a statement issued today Tuesday by the Publicity Secretary of CUPP, Comrade Mark Adebayo.

CUPP lauded Ameh as a “personality extraordinaire” and a “politically sagacious” leader, while recognizing his unwavering commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria.

“On this auspicious day, we join millions of Nigerians in celebrating our National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh,” the statement read.

CUPP highlighted Ameh’s “creative energy” and “robust leadership qualities,” emphasizing his steadfastness in the face of political adversity.

The coalition praised his dedication to the oppressed and his resilience against what they described as a “cruel and tyrannical system” perpetuated by the ruling elite.

“Despite the intimidating machinery of state, you have refused to be intimidated and have continued to provide audacious leadership for the flagship of opposition political parties in Nigeria."

CUPP wished Ameh an “awesome and memorable birthday,” reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for him within the coalition.

The statement said: “As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the celebration of leaders like Peter Ameh underscores the importance of steadfast leadership in the pursuit of democracy and justice.”

Between intending husband and woman's family, who organises:

1) Traditional Marriage (Engagement)

2) Church Wedding?

Whose church has the "RIGHT" to hold the wedding, that of the bride or the groom?

Asking for some friends pls.

The Lagos State Civil Society Coalition and Concerned Lagosians have protested alleged moves by the Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa-led Lagos State House of Assembly to abolish Lagos State Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, created during the 1999-2007 regime of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at a Press Conference addressed by the Convener, Comrade Sina Loremikan, in Ikeja, Lagos today, Friday, the coalition spoke against the plan to reduce the LCDAs to Area Administrative Councils under the local government areas.

Loremikan said: “Recently, as you all know, the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by the Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa, proposed a Bill to replace the existing Thirty Seven (37) Local Council Development Areas in the state with Area Administrative Councils. The Thirty Seven LCDAs, founded by President Bola Tinubu in 2003 when he was governor of Lagos State, is purposed by Obasa's Bill as Area Administrative Councils to be administered and funded by the Local Government Areas under which they fall.”

He described the move and the Bill as retrogressive, saying, it was aimed not only at abolishing the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, but it also threatened to disrupt the administrative structure that has allowed communities in Lagos State to enjoy localised governance and development for nearly two decades.

“The LCDAs were established in 2003 to bring government closer to the people, increase representation, and address local issues more effectively. However, Rt. Hon. Obasa’s proposed Bill would dismantle these structures, ostensibly under the claim that they are unconstitutional, despite the LCDAs' success in fostering grassroots development and the judicial imprimatur given to them by the Supreme Court in 2004,” the coailition recalled.

“The Lagos State Civil Society Coalition and Concerned Lagosians are opposed to the politically motivated Bill which represents an attempt to centralise and return power to local government councils that often struggle to meet the diverse needs of Lagos State’s vast and growing population. LCDAs have been particularly effective in providing more tailored services and infrastructure to areas that are otherwise be overlooked by local government councils. By proposing to abolish these entities, Rt. Hon. Mudashir Obasa risks reversing the gains made in local development, reducing citizen participation in governance, and stalling community-focused initiatives that improve the quality of life of Lagosians.

“If the bill succeeds, it would signal a significant regression for local governance in Lagos. It is our considered position, therefore, that the abolition of LCDAs will invariably create governance crises in communities where resources and attention are often stretched thin. Our fear and the fears of many Lagosians are that these communities would be left them without adequate representation, straining development and the already complex governance landscape of Lagos State. As concerned citizens and stakeholders, we insist on the preservation and empowerment of LCDAs as effective vehicles for grassroots governance and local empowerment.”

Highlighting the benefits the LCDAs had brought since being created in 2003, Loremikan said they had been the cornerstone of Lagos State’s decentralised governance and had brought government closer to the people, fostering grassroots development and ensuring that essential services reached every community no matter how remote.

According to the Lagosians, the proposed abolition Bill represented not only a direct affront to President Tinubu’s legacy, it also threatened to undermine decades of progress made in the state's governance, infrastructure, and economic development.

Furthermore, he said: “It is important to remember that the creation of these LCDAs is a key part of the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During his tenure as Governor, he took bold steps to ensure Lagos developed in a way that was sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking. Abolishing the LCDAs will not only erase a fundamental aspect of his legacy, but it will also set a dangerous precedent that disregards the will of the people and the importance of local governance.

“Tinubu's foresight in creating these LCDAs was instrumental in transforming Lagos into the economic powerhouse it is today. This legacy must be protected. Lagosians will not stand by and watch as the progress made over the last two decades is rolled back by a single legislative action.

“LCDAs were established to address the rapid growth of Lagos and the increasing need for localised governance structures that could respond swiftly to the needs of the people. Over the years, these councils have proven invaluable in driving infrastructural development, enhancing public services, creating jobs, and ensuring that democracy is felt at the grassroots level. Abolishing these entities would disrupt local development, centralise power in an already overstretched state government, and alienate the people from the governance process.

“The LCDAs have contributed significantly to the socio-economic fabric of Lagos, ensuring that all communities, especially those on the peripheries, receive adequate attention in terms of health services, education, road infrastructure, and security. Without these local administrative units, the efficiency and effectiveness of government in responding to local challenges will be severely hampered.”

Calling the fight for the retention of the LCDAs a fight for the future of Lagos, the Lagos State Civil Society Coalition urged the House to immediately withdraw the proalsposed bill forthwith.

Also, it urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stand by the legacy of his predecessors, particularly that of Tinubu, by rejecting any attempt to abolish the LCDAs.

“The Governor must demonstrate his commitment to grassroots development and the continuity of decentralised governance, which has made Lagos a model for other states across Nigeria,” Loremikan said.