₦airaland Forum

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu described their emergence as a clear testament to the trust and confidence reposed in them to develop their respective communities further.

“Your victory is not a trophy, it is a mandate, and it comes with weighty expectations. You have been chosen—not coerced, not imposed, but freely and fairly elected by the people you are now called to serve,” the Governor said.

He reminded them that the people’s expectations are rooted in practical, daily needs, urging them to prioritise real development over rhetoric.

“Distinguished Chairmen, you are now custodians of a great trust. The people have placed in your hands not just votes but their dreams. Their expectations are clear: better roads, safer streets, functioning health centres, thriving schools, modern markets, environmental sanitation, youth engagement, community security. These are not abstractions; they are daily necessities. And your performance will be measured not by the eloquence of your speeches but by the visibility of your actions,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu urged the Chairmen and their Deputies to hit the ground running and take immediate steps to deliver development at the grassroots.

“Now begins the daily grind of governance, the hard work of delivering results, the quiet resolve to stand firm for what is right even when it is not easy. Today’s Lagos is not the Lagos of yesterday. We are a 21st-century mega-city, driven by the energy of over 24 million people. This State is the economic engine of our nation. That energy must be matched at the local level with leadership that is bold, agile, inclusive, and deeply connected to the people,” he stated.

On local government autonomy, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state’s long-standing support for decentralised governance and urged the council officials to use their newfound autonomy with integrity.

“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy, fiscal and administrative independence now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Lagos has always led the charge in this regard. As Chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you. Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain and must be about public impact,” he charged.

He also called on the officials to focus on grassroots development, transparent governance, and people-centred service delivery.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, described the victories at the polls as strong indicators of grassroots appeal and public trust.

He said their emergence was based on transparency and broad-based support, adding that the people have placed enormous trust in them.

He urged the newly sworn-in officials to protect their mandate and fulfil their responsibilities with integrity.

The management of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), has apologised to the Agency’s subscribers and the general public over the regrettable publication on its website on the night of Saturday, 26th July 2025, regarding the results of Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Final between Nigeria and Morocco.

The Director General of VON, Jibrin Baba Ndace in a statement said the erroneous report, which prematurely and falsely announced a Nigerian loss before the conclusion of the match, was both inaccurate and deeply unfortunate.

He emphasised that Voice of Nigeria aligns with the historic moment, as Super Falcons mounted a courageous comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3–2, securing a record-extending tenth WAFCON title and affirming their place at the pinnacle of African women’s football .

While initial reviews pointed to an internal lapse, we are also investigating the possibility of a security breach or identity theft through hacking, which may have contributed to this disturbing development, Ndace stated.

The DG further stressed that apart from ongoing internal reforms, VON has also undertaken strategic staff redeployments to enhance accountability, build resilience, and boost editorial efficiency across its platforms.

Goodvibes007:
Anambra took the lead in 2018. So what exactly is the problem?

Please fact-check me: In 2018, Anambra changed the names of several streets to reflect their local heritage. One such street was Abakaliki Street, which was renamed Club Street.

The renaming of that street caused much disaffection within the Ebonyi State Government. The Ebonyi State House of Assembly passed a resolution against the action by the Anambra State Government, while the then Governor of Ebonyi State, now the Minister of Works, protested the renaming.

But guess what? Not a single one of the prominent public individuals now protesting the renaming of streets and bus stops in Lagos lent their voices in support of the people of Ebonyi when the Anambra State Government took that action.

Peter Obi was silent. Celebrities did not condemn the action. Social activists did not agitate, and pro democracy activists did not give their pros and cons.

So, the hosting question is this: Why is Anambra State allowed to rename streets and bus stops to names that redirect their cultural and political heritage, but Lagos cannot? Why are the Lagos State Government and its Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas being pilloried and labelled by those who were loudly quiet when Anambra State took the same action seven years ago?

I thought that what was sauce for Greece, is also sauce for Uganda?

Please fact-check me: In 2017, the then Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, renamed a street after then President Muhammadu Buhari, and the act almost set off a riot. The indigenes refused to accept the renaming of a local street after a non-indigene. Things got to a head, and the next day, the Imo State Government was forced to deny the renaming of the street after Buhari to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Why is there an outcry when Lagos does it, but none when Anambra does the same? Why are the people of Imo allowed to be outraged when a local street is named after a non-indigene, but Lagos is intolerant and bigoted when they take steps to preserve their culture and traditions?

Again, please fact-check me: Peter Obi, as Anambra Governor, threatened to deport homeless Nigerians not of Anambra origin from his state. Can you imagine that!

Did any of these people now attacking Lagos ever condemn that action by Obi? The answer is a capital no!

I have repeatedly said that Nigerians have short memories, and that is why it is easy to gaslight our people.

If Nigerians were less emotional and more sentient, given to facts, many of the issues that we agitate over would not even arise.

Reno Omokri

Wahabfuture:
Lagos is a man’s land because it belongs to all Nigeria, and nothing you can do about it, I’m coming to buy few lands in Lagos by January 2026, you can continue to dwell in your streets names change, who does it help? Although I have no problem with it if it can help your emotional pains, peace ✌️

Wahabfuture:
Why would someone without deep pains change streets names with Igbo names? if he has not been dealt with inside his backyard 😁😁 Lagos is a no man’s land, it belongs to all Nigeria, deal with the truth

Wahabfuture:
Changing the streets with Igbo names means the Igbo has inflicted a lot of mentally pains to Aphhonjass 🤣😁

Validated:
Lagos State is no man's land, just like Abuja has become no-man's land. You can argue all you want. If Yoruba think they are wise, Igbos could stop renting houses to Yorubas in some areas in Lagos. That way, such placed coukd become Igbo fortresses.

Svoboda:
They say he is next in line to Soludo and checks all the boxes.

Elusive001:
Legacy of nudity? When did you realise this? Yesterday? Today?

Ezmans:
Even this morning when I was passing there my conductor shouted( charlie boy dey) that is what lagosians know

ComeToJesus:
All this na waste of time.

Today, they are together.

If you like to hold on to beef of twenty or 15 years ago, then it's happy high BP to you.

Those is too low.

Keep digging, maybe you'll hit gold.