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Lagos – To the Next Level

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10 years ago

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By Act Now

 

The Nigerian economy has been rundown with massive unemployment, low oil prices, rising costs and an unstable Naira making headlines. Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial capital feels the pulse and the heat of a poorly managed national economy. Nationwide, it seemed the Federal Government abandoned its role to govern the nation. Our public space was filled with stories of public corruption. Confidence in the nation’s security was at an all-time low with our police force ill equipped to tackle crime. This was why the nation spoke in the presidential elections of March 28th 2015 to reject 16 years of failure of governance.

In contrast, Lagos has experienced superior governance. There has been a deliberate design and effort of the government to develop the State in spite of the challenge of a hostile Federal Government. Our security forces were equipped under an innovative security trust fund. Thousands of patrol vehicles and armoured personnel carriers enhanced the few that the Federal Government provided, keeping us safe from kidnappers, robbers and terrorists. The light rail from Okokomaiko to Marina will be ready in June, taking many cars off the roads. Lagos has five independent power plants (IPPs) that provide off-grid, uninterrupted electricity to public hospitals, buildings, waterworks, and streetlights. With good foresight, it has surveyed the energy needs of the various communities in Lagos. The environment has been improved with parks that used to harbour criminals, now providing relaxation to residents. Lagos has made great progress. The ambition of Lagos to provide social and infrastructural services to Lagosians has only been reduced by a hostile PDP-led Federal Government.

For the first time, Lagos has the opportunity to cooperate with a progressive government at the centre. General Buhari of the All Progressives Congress has outlined a party manifesto that indicates many benefits for Lagos. Flanked by Lagos’ own former Attorney-General, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos has a unique opportunity to move to the next level of progress. For instance, the federal plan of the APC for electricity takes after the Lagos off-grid IPP model for its public facilities. With the energy needs survey already done by the Lagos Government, implementation of the APC’s off-grid community-based IPPs will almost be like plug and play. Imagine Alaba International, Ladipo, Tejuosho and Balogun Markets with their own power plants. This reality is very close and touchable. The APC federal government also wants to set up industrial and technology parks with free electricity, free Internet and business grants. Where better to initiate such a scheme other than Lagos? One can see Computer Village in the mix. A social safety net for the poor is also top on the agenda of the APC- free meals in public primary schools, conditional cash transfers of N5,000 each to the poorest. This is the next level that Lagos deserves.

But our progress in Lagos could suffer a setback if the wrong policies or party take hold. An assault on, or incursion into, Lagos by the party that has failed Nigerians will undermine the collective growth of Lagos. Those forces that pinched the peoples’ resources for 16 years and their right to a decent living are knocking on the door of Lagos. Nearly all the states that they ruled, from North to South, and from East to West, retain the memory of the failure of governance. Ask Edo, Oyo, Osun and Ogun States what failed governance under the PDP entailed and the cleanup operation required by the progressive governments. Can Lagos afford a cleanup operation in the next four years? Is Lagos not too big and too dear to us to fail?

That is the context for the April 11 election, and as glaring as it is, the choice is just as clear.

The APC government has shown a firm commitment to using government to help foster growth. Federally, the APC has formed sensible governance policies in its manifesto that are not dedicated to protecting the powerful, but will work to bring relief to the majority of Nigerians and Lagosians who are powerless. The APC government in Lagos has impressive achievements despite the implacable wall of hostility erected by a PDP-led Federal Government so intent on crippling Lagos that they risked crashing Nigeria’s commercial progress and held Lagos’ revenues and development hostage. Mr. Ambode has worked at the top of the accounting function of the APC Government that managed Lagos’ economic survival in the face of PDP’s antagonistic might.

Jimi Agbaje, the PDP candidate, has gotten this far with a guile that allows him to say whatever he thinks an audience wants to hear. But he has tied himself to the exploitative and vicious forces that control the PDP and embraced their electoral methods, including an unleashing of ethnic militia on Lagosians on March 16th 2015. Voters may still be confused about Mr. Agbaje’s true identity, but they know the Peoples Democratic Party, and an Agbaje administration would reflect its agenda. Mr. Agbaje’s choice of Musiliu Obanikoro, Bode George and Adeseye Ogunlewe as his political benefactors says volumes about that.

Mr. Ambode may come across as running a temperate campaign with his reluctance to pound on Mr. Agbaje’s membership of the inglorious PDP (that has cost Nigeria so much) and Mr. Agbaje’s repeated political migration and infidelity. But we know he has a stomach to fight for the policies that will shape Lagos in the next four years and take her to the next level. He approaches the election clearly ready for the cooperative atmosphere of working with a progressive Federal Government.

We are confident that Lagos will attain the next level. For the first time, we will have a federal government that has the genuine interest of Lagos at heart. An alignment of ideology, policies, politics and interest between an APC Federal Government and Lagos State Government is the only option that takes us to the next level. While we congratulate Nigeria for its deliverance from failure, this certainly is not the time for Lagos to invite, accept, or tolerate PDP’s failure. Let us all join hands to take Lagos to the next level.

Act Now Nigeria

 

Act Now is an action group supporting the cause of the All Progressives Congress.

See more about them at www.actnow.ng or www.actnowng.com

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Society

Mojisola Meranda Resigns as Lagos assembly speaker After Serving For 49 Days!

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14 hours ago

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March 3, 2025

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Mojisola Meranda has resigned from her position as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly after serving for only 49 days.

 

Her resignation followed a meeting with several key figures, including Mudashiru Obasa, the former speaker embroiled in controversy, Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Lawal Pedro, the Attorney-General of Lagos State.

 

More to come…

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Society

Aisha Achimugu Wins Entrepreneur of the Year Award

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2 days ago

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March 2, 2025

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Aisha Achimugu, OFR, an Abuja-based businesswoman and Chief Executive Officer of Felak Concept Group, a firm that is into civil, structural and transportation engineering, is one of the highly respected employers of labour in the country.

 

Undoubtedly, the serial entrepreneur that deals in exploration, production and distribution of petroleum products, has made and continues to make huge contributions to the nation’s economy.

 

She has proved to be someone that matches street smartness with book wisdom.

 

Brick by brick, Achimugu has built a vast layout of opportunities for young Nigerians and has demonstrated that greatness can be earned through diligence and hard work, making her great impact in various sectors.

 

At different times, the Founder and President of SAM Empowerment Foundation has also been duly recognized for her industry and philanthropy within and outside the country.

 

Interestingly, last night Saturday March 1st, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, family, friends and fans shared in the joy of the 51-year-old, who holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Jos and a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Belize, when she bagged the award of Entrepreneur of the Year at the Sun Newspapers Awards ceremony.

 

During the ceremony, many of the distinguished guests were said to have intoned that she would have also won an award for the Philanthropist of the Year, if there was such a category.

 

Indeed, she is not lagging behind in philanthropy, considering that her well documented humanitarian gestures had impacted millions of people and communities in Nigeria over the years.

 

The very elated woman posted on her social media, she acknowledged the award.

She wrote:

‘’The Sun Publishing Limited has proudly recognised me, as the Sun entrepreneur of the year, celebrating my outstanding contributions to business, leadership and social impact.

t’s such an honor to be recognized as The Sun Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

 

As a visionary leader and the President of Felak Group of Companies, I have consistently demonstrated excellence across multiple industries, including engineering, maritime, oil and gas, ICT, and development. My ability to drive innovation while maintaining integrity and business acumen has set me apart as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

 

My recognition is not only a testament to my business expertise but also to my commitment to national development. From my early academic pursuit as a pioneer in Nigeria’s maritime sector, I have made history as the first female transaction advisor for the Ibaka Seaport project. Additionally, my philanthropic efforts have impacted countless lives, reinforcing my dedication to uplifting communities through The Aisha Achimugu Foundation

 

The Board of Editors of The Sun Publishing Limited acknowledged my relentless drive, economic contributions, and unwavering commitment to excellence hence The Entrepreneur of the Year Award bestowed upon me

 

The award was formally presented to me at The Sun Awards 2026 in Eko Hotel, Lagos, on March 1, 2025, in the presence of industry leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers.

 

Congratulations to myself and all recipients’’

 

In her younger days, she was the envy of some of her friends simply because she easily proved to have known her right from her left when some of them were still tied to their mothers’ apron strings.

 

Much later, when she floated her business, it took her little or no time to prove that she is indeed set out to pursue her dream on the global stage.

 

Though, it was considered an impossible task by some naysayers, she was determined to pursue her ambition of ruling the world with her unwavering doggedness.

 

Today, she rubs shoulders with other world-class and renowned business moguls as she has gradually built her career to the international stage.

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Society

Elegushi to celebrate coronation anniversary with N200 Million Grant for SMEs, students

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2 days ago

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March 2, 2025

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In a remarkable show of commitment to community development and empowerment, the Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation has announced a generous allocation of N200 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and students in Eti-Osa area of Lagos State. This initiative coincides with the 15th anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikateland, who has dedicated his reign to fostering growth and prosperity within his community.

 

In press statement signed by the traditional ruler’s spokesperson, Temitope Oyefeso, he said the foundation’s initiative aims to provide financial assistance and resources to local entrepreneurs and students, helping to stimulate economic growth and enhance educational opportunities.

 

The funding will be distributed through various programs designed to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence.

 

Oba Elegushi, who has been a pivotal figure in promoting sustainable development in his kingdom and Lagos State, expressed his deep commitment to uplifting the community.

 

“As I celebrate 15 years on the throne, I am continuing in the tradition of giving back to the society that has supported me. This initiative is a testament to my belief in the potential of our youth and the resilience of our entrepreneurs. Together, we can build a brighter future for our communities,” he stated.

 

This initiative not only marks a significant milestone in the Elegushi monarch’s reign but also reinforces the foundation’s commitment to driving positive change within its area of focus.

 

Oyefeso added that a planning committee, headed by lagos lawyer Dr Muiz Banire, is already working round the clock to ensure a successful celebration for the traditional ruler.

 

Other activities planned to celebrate the milestone anniversary, which holds from 18 – 27 April 2025, include the public presentation of a book on the history of Ikate-Elegushi kingdom, conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on eminent Nigerians, as well as a cultural festival and an anniversary banquet.

 

Oba Saheed Elegushi was installed as the 21st Elegushi of Ikate kingdom on the 27th of April 2010.

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