Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Ex-international Waidi Akanni has said that just as coaches are hired and fired by football federations, they can also resign their appointments.
Akanni said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
NAN reports that Finidi George, Head coach of the Super Eagles resigned his appoinment after two world cup qailifying games without a win.
George’s departure followed a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic on matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving the Super Eagles without a win in four games
” I think from reliable sources Finidi feels he won’t get the support of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) going forward .
“The truth is coaches are hired and fired or could also resign when things are not going on well with their teams,’he said.
The 53-year-old was unveiled as coach of the Super Eagles in May following the departure of coach Jose Peseiro at the end of the 2023 African Cup of Nations in February.
George, a former Enyimba manager took charge of the team as interim coach in the international friendlies against Ghana and Mali.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LASG promises continued partnership with Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair organisers
Fair
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government (NAN) says it is committed to harnessing tourism and entertainment potential as well as growing the state’s economy through collaboration with Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair organisers.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, gave the assurance at the 2024 Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick (NBC) Trade Fair.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sixth edition of the trade fair tagged “Buy, Sell, Network” is holding at White Stone, Oregon, Lagos State.
It began on June 14 and will end on June 16.
” The leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu is committed to the partnership with the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair, which is targeting several vendors and over hundred thousand participants.
“The brand is working and re-echoing that Lagos would continue to lead, while making sure the government is supporting and positively engaging residents and ensuring that young people are keying into the economic aspect of the state,” he said.
NAN reports that the 2023 edition of the fair held in Port Harcourt.
More than 200 vendors are expected to display their wares at the 2024 edition.
The Executive Officer of NBC Trade Fair, Nelly Agbogu, said the partnership with Lagos State was one of the best things that had happened over years as many vendors and small and medium scale enterprises were able to key into the fair. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Electoral reforms crucial for true democracy says Banire
Democracy
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Muiz Banire, a lawyer and activist says for Nigeria to operate a truly democratic government, a comprehensive electoral reforms must be put in place.
Banire said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Thursday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
”Frankly speaking I’m not too sure that we have democracy in Nigeria; I have always contended that what we have at best is civil rule.
”What we are practicing is not democracy, democracy is set generally to be where majority interests thrives but can you really say that now?
“Go and look at the statistic of how many people always vote in each election, majority are not voting so how can that represent the interest of the majority to say leaders in the country were democratically elected.
“For me there’s none, let’s say we have civil rule because we don’t have military men in charge so we can describe it as a rule”, he said.
On what could be done to further authenticate the future of the country’s democracy, Banire a former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State called for reorientation of the electorate.
“One of the fundamental things that we need to do is to enlighten the populace about the importance of voting, Nigerians still see it as a product or merchandise that you can sell and get money.
“They don’t see the correlation between their lives and the vote and until they start appreciating that a singular vote that they have is their life, we are not heading anywhere.
“Fundamentally that is the first thing to do, alternatively which some people will say is extreme, is to qualify the right to vote, meaning that not everybody should be voting”, he added.
Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), further told NAN that it took developed countries centuries before ascending to the fact that everyone from age 18 had the franchise to vote.
According to him, the fact that you are 18 does not make you entitled to vote, you must have a stake, like I say to people it took America more than 200 years for them to start allowing everyone to vote, our own we just allow everyone to vote.
“Those who don’t know their right from left determine the future of others that’s the challenge.”
On the recent call for a parliamentary system of government, the activist told NAN that he believed in the advocacy for a unicameral system of legislature.
”Nigeria presently operates a bicameral legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“But I share their position of those advocating for a unicameral system of legislature. We need to totally overhaul.
”I am one of the apostle of parliamentarianism, because what we are practicing in the country now is too expensive and the economy cannot absolve or sustain it.
“That is why the economy is not progressing because of the pressure on it,” he said.
On immortalising Abiola, Banire, said that nothing was too much for someone who paid the supreme prize.
“Not really, when somebody pays the supreme prize it can never be enough, more can still be done,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) In a bid to boost intermodal transport system, Lagos State Government is determined to connect roads to jetties across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, said this when he led other officials to inspect roads and other strategic projects on Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Old Ojo Road.
Other roads inspected include Mumuni Adio Road, Buba Maruwa Road, Navy Town-Ijegun-Egba Road and Orile-Irede-Iyana Iba Interchange.
“At present, we are on Old Ojo Road, it is a four-kilometre road.
” The progress of work is very commendable. We have the contractor here, Messrs CCECC, and we envisage that in another two months, we will deliver this project. Mr governor will deliver this to residents of Lagos.
” It has also offered us an opportunity to look at other road projects in the axis. We have been able to look at the Buba Maruwa Road which is a 3.2km road that takes us to Ijegun-Egba Jetty,” he said.
Daramola said the inspection tour was to check the level of progress and have more detailed information about challenges to some of the projects.
He said that blockage of drains was identified at the Orile section of the Lagos Badagry Expressway.
“We will link up with our counterparts in the Office of Drainage Services to prevent flooding in the axis,” he said.
On how the network of roads will impact the state, Daramola said the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Old Ojo Road would be alternative roads while the Navy Town Road, Mumuni-Adio Road and Orile-Irede-Iyana Iba Interchange would link all the tank farms.
He said the road projects, when completed, would improve traffic and make distribution of petroleum products from tank farms faster.
” The jetty is over there, we have products that we have to move from one place to the other,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has called for review of the budgets of the Senate and House of Representatives as a strategy to reduce cost of governance.
Obanikoro made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos in commomeration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
NAN reports that Nigeria’s Democracy Day is now celebrated on June 12 to remember the sacrifices of the winner of the 1993 Presidential Election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
It used to be celebrated on May 29 annually, but was moved to June 12 by the administration of retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Democracy doesn’t have to be this expensive, that is one thing we don’t get right.
“It is expensive because we have made it so. Let me give you a good example because we borrowed this system from America.
“In America they don’t provide accommodation for lawmakers, they fend for themselves when it comes to that, they live basically on salary and very small fringe benefits,” Obanikoro said.
He said that Nigeria could also work toward that, and make the budget of the National Assembly more transparent.
“When the budget is more transparent, and people can go online and see what is allocated to every member of the National Assembly and can also input into the process, I do believe that will make the process or the institution less expensive,” he said.
Obanikoro added that if the budget of the two legislative houses would be made transparent, the recent calls for parliamentary system of government would have been avoided.
” This clamour that the bicameral system of legislature should be jettisoned will reduce if the budget is reduced, because the idea is that there are some budgetary provisions that should never be in our books and we must be bold enough to expunge them.
“We cut the budget size of the National Assembly to a reasonable level that an average Nigerian can live with,” Obanikoro, a former High Commissioner to Ghana, said.
On Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the one-time gubernatorial aspirant told NAN that the country had persevered.
“We have fared very well because even life itself is a work in progress; so, our democracy too is a work in progress.
“We have to keep working on it and ensure we have a democracy that can serve as a shining example to the West African region and Africa at large.
Obanikoro told NAN that ensuring a more credible electoral process would be a good starting point for Nigeria to stand out in democracy.
” One of the things is to ensure that we have a transparent electoral process, a process that cannot be easily manipulated by anybody so that it can be credible.
“Once an election is credible, all the litigations surrounding elections will go down, and people will happily contest and when they lose, they go home.
” This is the only aspect of our democracy that we need to invest heavily in and ensure that it works, because once a process loses credibility, there is a problem,” Obanikoro said.
On immortalising Abiola, the politician said that the Federal Government could do more.
“Let me say this, government has really tried, because there was a time that government did not even want to acknowledge the contributions of MKO.
“To have moved from denial to the reality that Abiola contributed and sacrificed his life for this democracy is a welcome and commendable development.
” However, I believe more can be done. Democratic institutions can be named after him, and we have declared today Democracy Day, not MKO day.
“Some people can say it is synonymous but I will want more landmark buildings in Nigeria named after him across the six geo-political zones.
“That way, at every corner of the country you look, you can visibly know how we got to where we are,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has enjoined Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to remain steadfast and guard the country’s fledgling democracy jealously.
He said this in a statement signed by Mr Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
The statement was issued ahead of the celebration of Democracy Day, marked on June 12 in the country.
“As we celebrate another Democracy Day, I want to implore all Nigerians, especially Lagos residents, to remain steadfast, guard our fledgling democracy jealously, remain united as one great people with a common destiny,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said all hands must be on deck to sustain democracy in Nigeria so that the struggle of the nation’s founding fathers and heroes of democracy would not be in vain.
Sanwo-Olu said that this year’s June 12 commemoration marks 25 years anniversary of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said it must come with a deep reflection on the progress recorded so far in the nation’s democracy.
The governor implored Nigerians to join hands together to build “our dream country and the future we want”.
“I wish all Nigerians and Lagosians in particular a Happy Democracy Day, even as this year’s June 12 also marks the 31st anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election and 25 years of democratic governance.
“As we celebrate another Democracy Day, it is proper and necessary to pay glowing tribute to the memories of the symbol of that struggle, the late Chief MKO Abiola (GCFR).
“MKO Abiola and several other democrats, civil society activists and Nigerians that took part in the struggle for the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria, on May 29, 1999, are the true heroes of this country,” he said
The governor said June 12 remained a symbol of Nigerians’ aspirations for unity, hope, better standard of living and true democratic practices, which the country was working towards.
He urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The president is committed to the Renewed Hope agenda, and he is doing everything within his power to ensure that Nigerians in all the nooks and crannies of the country enjoy the dividends of democracy in days to come,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He reiterated his commitment towards the actualisation of the T.H.E.M.E.S plus agenda in order to ensure residents of Lagos live a life of prosperity.
“We in Lagos State are also committed to the THEMES+ development agenda, which focuses on key sectors to make life easy and affordable to all residents of the State.
“As a government elected by the majority, we will not take the responsibility of good governance lightly.
“We will continue to work hard to meet the yearnings of the people.
“Democracy Day must be a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build the future we want.
“As responsible citizens, let us do everything possible to support the government at the federal, state and local government levels to sustain our democracy.
“Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria,” the governor said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
From left, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Oniru of Iru, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Chairman House Committee on Environment, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Olanrewaju Afinni; Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayibembe and Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Michael Deelen, during the inauguration of Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Lagos Climate Change Mainstreaming Strategy in Lagos on Tuesday.
Climate
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State says the state’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Climate Mainstreaming strategy will promote renewable energy for implementing sustainable waste management.
He said this on Tuesday in Lagos when he inaugurated the strategy, explaining that it would also build resilience in the face of climate variability.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Dovernor, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, said: “We, as a government, believe and understand the effect of climate change.
“Even though some world leaders do not understand the enormity of the situation, look at what happened in Dubai and even Texas, we as a society need to protect our environment.
“This seed that was planted when our former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), saw the need to protect our environment because of the impending danger.
“When there’s flooding and one people are displaced the only logical thing to do is find succour where there’s calm.
“We just want those migrating to Lagos to follow our plans, you just can’t bring your shop and say this is where I want it, ask yourself if it fits into Lagos plan.
“I want to call on residents to desist from blocking or building on drainage channels, taking care of our environment is a collective responsibility.
“I strongly believe that when the plan upon which a community is built is followed, the environment will be better structured”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fashola, started the climate change summit in 2009 when he was governor of the state, said the government must urgently increase access to safe water.
Similarly, the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, commended his successors in the state for sustaining the summit initiative which he started in March, 2009.
Fashola called on the Lagos state government not to lose its leadership role in promoting the awareness on opportunities and challenges that comes with Climate change.
“I’d like to commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu for keying into the vision, seeing this continuity says a lot about leadership.
“When our video came up when we began this summit, I had black hair, but now climate change has happened to my hair, it’s all grey, this nostalgic feeling will stay with me, the sustainability of this summit is predicated on good governance,” he said.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said that the three days summit was to explore ways to mobilise climate finance into the adaptation space to enable transition to a low carbon economy for the benefit of residents.
“We will continue to collaborate to build a resilience city in a bid to reducing carbon emission profile and adapting to climate change for the collective good of all.
“I also call on people to comport themselves to avoid flooding by adhering to the physical planning framework as the state government is committed to converting waste to wealth,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, a former Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr Muniz Banire, urged government to further build on existing templates of development in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
‘My new interest in Africa are education, sports’ says Mr Eazi
Mr Eazi, founder of the Choplife Foundation
Collaboration
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s afrobeats artiste and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has called for more collaborations in education and sports in Africa.
Mr Eazi said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.
“As we grow in life, there’s this self awareness that drives us into new passion, education is the bedrock of any forward thinking nation, as Africans I believe we need to be more deliberate about creating the right environment for learning.
“I recently visited Rwanda, engaging in
several significant events and meetings.
One of my highlight was attending the NBA Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals between the champions Petrol De Luanda and Al Ahly ly.
“This event showcased the best of African
basketball talent, and undoubtedly my presence underscored support for the continent’s sports growth and development,” he said.
Mr Eazi said he had also visited various Rwandan companies for his Choplife gaming company as he explores potential partnerships and collaborations to expand his entrepreneurial ventures.
“This will increase my impact on African youths and the creative industry.
“A key part of my visit involved meeting with the Ministry of sports.
“This discussion focused on potential collaborations for sports development and creating more opportunities for young people
“I also engaged with the education sector to discuss potential collaborations with the Choplife Foundation.
“These partnerships aim to leverage my commitment toward providing resources, opportunities, and platforms for deserving students in the region,” he said.
He said he was seeking partnerships in Rwanda because the country needed more support in the education and sports sectors.
Mr Eazi said he also had ongoing projects in Nigeria and Ghana. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Production of Ola Rotimi’s historical stage play, Kurunmi, excites Lagos
Play
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has expressed delight at the production of ‘Kurunmi’, a historical stage play written by Prof. Ola Rotimi.
At a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinfa, described the play as an excellent representation of Lagos State cultural wealth.
She said that the performance would take place at Alliance Francaise on June 13 and June 14, as well as at the Terra Kulture Arena on July 20 and July 21.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Kurunmi’ explored the themes of collectivity, political and military leadership, social change and development, responsible leadership, control and accountability.
” I recognise the significance of arts and culture in promoting tourism and showcasing our state’s diversity.
“The play is an excellent representation of our cultural wealth, which I encourage everyone to experience.
“‘Kurunmi’ will expose and awaken the consciousness of youths to the role of good leadership anywhere they find themselves,” she said.
According to her, the stage play reflects the THEMES Plus Agenda of Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to revive and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Lagos and the entire Africa.
“It is in line with the vision of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to make Lagos State a preferred destination for tourism.
“This play is a masterpiece that showcases our rich cultural heritage steeped in tradition and history.
“It showcases the talents of our vibrant arts industry and the creativity of our theatre practitioners,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the play tells the story of a legendary Yoruba king, Kúrunmí, who embodied courage, wisdom and good leadership.
The commissioner said that the play weaved together elements of history, culture and entertainment.
The stage play, which has seventy-five casts and produced in partnership with Stagecraft Studios Film and Production, will be taken to the three senatorial districts of Lagos State.
Its Director, Mr Oladapo Muyideen, popularly called Lala, commended Lagos State Government for supporting and funding the project for cultural rebirth, especially among youths.
“We know that the cultural rebirth and re-orientation, which we have been talking about, can happen faster through entertainment and arts.
“Therefore, by attending this play, you will be entertained and gain a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has been unanimously endorsed as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.
The six governors from the South-West states – Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Gov. Ademola Adele of Osun, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun Ogun and Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, made the endorsement at a meeting at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanwo-Olu replaced the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who, as the Chairman of the forum, championed the Amotekun cause.
The closed-door meeting, which started at noon, ended at past 3.00 p.m.
The governors expressed support for the Federal Government, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the organised private sector in their conversations with the organised labour on a new minimum wage.
A communique arising from the meeting was read at a press briefing by Sanwo-Olu.
“The forum unanimously nominated and adopted the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as its Chairman.
“The forum paid its last respects to its late Chairman, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and also congratulated the new Governor of Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also won the All Progressives Congress Governorship ticket for the next election,” he said
The governors adopted Ise wa fun ile wa (There is work to do in our land) as South West Anthem.
The forum also commended the House of Representatives for efforts toward the development of South West.
” The meeting commends the House of Representatives and South West caucus for their efforts at passing the South West Development Commission Bill, and looks forward to its speedy passage by the Senate.
“We commend Mr President, Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on the groundbreaking of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the proposed Lagos to Sokoto Road, and encourages the Federal Government for also rehabilitating other federal roads in the region,” Sanwo-Olu said.
On security, the forum unanimously re-affirmed its support for state police in order to complement the efforts of the Federal Government.
“On security, the forum commends the relative peace in the South West and notes the collaboration between all security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. It reaffirms its full support for state police.
“On food security, the forum acknowledges the efforts of the Federal Government, and decided that the Honourable Commissioners for Agriculture of all the states should begin to meet and set up a working template, which will ensure collaboration based on each state’s comparative advantage,” he said.
On Minimum Wage, the forum supports the efforts of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the organised private sector on their ongoing conversations with the labour union. We believe the outcome will reflect true fiscal federalism.
“The forum also encourages the Federal Government on mineral resources exploitation. There should be further collaboration between the Federal Government and the states, especially in granting leases to investors, ” he said.
The forum also condemned agitating for a Yoruba nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
