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President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Red Line Rail Project in Lagos. The project, an intra-state rail service aimed at improving transportation within the city, spans 37 kilometres.
The Red Line Rail Project in Lagos, Nigeria, represents a significant infrastructure development aimed at improving transportation within the city.
Here are five key aspects worth noting and some insights into the new rail line.
The route
The Red Line is envisioned as a vital metro link within the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor. Spanning 37 kilometres, it will share the right-of-way with the Lagos–Kano Standard Gauge Railway.
The route will initially run from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, with notable stations including Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, and Oyingbo.
The project cost
The Red Line project is a substantial investment in Lagos’ urban transportation infrastructure. Initial estimates pegged the cost at $135 million under the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project, managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that both the Blue and Red Lines combined would exceed ₦100 billion. Delays in the Blue Line project, initially expected to be completed by 2011, highlight the funding challenges faced by the project.
The operations
LAMATA, operating under the Ministry of Transportation, spearheads the Red Line Rail Project.
Once operational, it is expected to facilitate 37 trips daily, accommodating approximately 500,000 passengers.
The primary objectives include reducing travel time, mitigating health issues related to stress, and enhancing economic productivity.
The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion, minimise road accidents, and improve commuter safety within Lagos.
Choice of transmission
The Red Line will utilise a diesel-powered system known as Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), unlike the electric-powered Blue Line. DMU employs on-board diesel engines to propel multiple-unit trains. This choice of transmission aligns with the project’s objectives and operational requirements.
The Red Line Rail Project represents a significant milestone in Lagos’ transportation infrastructure development. Its inauguration promises to enhance connectivity, ease commuter burdens, and contribute to the city’s overall economic growth and development.
Infrastructure of the Red Line Rail
To ensure the smooth operation of the rail line and safety for commuters, significant infrastructure has been developed.
This includes the construction of 10 vehicular overpasses and pedestrian bridges, separating train traffic from vehicular and pedestrian flows.
[Vanguard]
The senate has agreed to extend the retirement age of civil servants working in the national assembly.
The development comes a week after the upper legislative chamber threw out a bill on the subject. However, it concurred with the house on Thursday.
The bill, which has been passed by the house of representatives, is seeking to increase the retirement age to 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first.
The existing law prescribes 60 years of age or 35 years of service for retirement.
Last week, some of the senators kicked against the bill, saying that special treatment should not be given to national assembly staff.
Specifically, Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, said there is no difference between a civil servant in the national assembly and in a federal ministry.
“I have also looked at the retirement age for university lecturers and judicial officials which we passed about the same time,” Abaribe said.
“Coming down to the officers of the national assembly, I asked a simple question; What is the difference between the person who is a finance director in the national assembly and that in the ministry of finance?
“I do not see what separates the person who works inside here as a staff of the national assembly from the person who works in the ministry of commerce as a staff.
“We must not allow somebody to stay here beyond the rules of public service of Nigeria on retirement year.”
The senate has set up a committee to harmonise its bill with that of the lower legislative chamber.
[TheCable]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday condemned the recent protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), warning the Labour movement to know that it is not the only voice of the people.
He spoke at the commissioning of the Lagos Red Line Train connecting from Agbado to Oyingbo.
The Labour Union had on Tuesday staged a protest over hardship in the land as well as the refusal of the federal government to implement agreement reached with the unions.
But Tinubu came hard on the Labour in the course of his remark, saying Labour Union should understand that despite its acclaimed right and freedom, it cannot fight an administration which is just nine-month old.
This is just as Tinubu stated that there was no going back on his reforms despite resistance by those he called ‘smugglers’.
He also reiterated that corruption is fighting back and vowed that the government would exterminate corruption.
Tinubu said the current hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate is temporary, begging Nigerians to persevere.
“There is very bright light at the end of the tunnel. Nigeria will be out of economic problem, we just need to persevere and work hard,” the President declared.
But facing the Labour, he reiterated that the NLC is not the only voice of the people and warned the congress to maintain peace.
He said, “Allow me to throw a jab here. The Labour Union should understand that you are not the only with freedom and rights.
“If you want to participate in the electoral process, meet us in 2027. If not maintain peace. You are not only voice of Nigeria.”
The President said the commissioning of the red line was the culmination of the vision he nursed 25 years ago when he was governor of the state, calling for more collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and other states to develop railway infrastructures across the country.
As part of effort to tackle traffic congestion and create a world class intracity transport experience, the 37 Kilometer Red Line rail project in Lagos State has been inaugurated.
The project was inaugurated by president Bola Tinubu on Thursday.
The North South rail route project will run from Agbado in Ogun state to Marina with 13 stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, MMIA International, MMIA Domestic, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute meta, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina.
It is expected to embark on 37 trips daily, accommodating approximately 500,000 passengers.
Unlike the electric-powered Blue Line, the Red Line will use a diesel-powered system known as Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). The Blue Line opened on September 4, 2023.
The rail system is managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA)
Initial estimates of the Red Line project, was pegged at the cost of $135 million under the Greater Lagos Urban Transportation Project.
However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, revealed that both the Blue and Red Lines combined would exceed N100 billion. The construction of the project was handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
The idea of developing a rapid transit in Lagos state was conceived in 1983 with the Lagos Metroline network by Alhaji Lateef Jakande during the Second Nigerian Republic. The initial Metroline project was cancelled in 1985 by Muhammadu Buhari at a loss of over $78 million to the state tax payers.
However, in 2003, the then-governor Bola Tinubu revived the rail network for Lagos State with a formal announcement of its construction.
After the commissioning, Tinubu will depart Lagos for a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on the invitation by His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.
Renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has said opposition political parties in Nigeria are not living up to expectations.
He said the opposition political parties should be at the forefront of protests against hardship and suffering in the country.
He said they have failed in their responsibilities as opposition parties as they standby while the ruling party gets away with disastrous management of the nation’s affairs as the citizens grapple with worsening economic hardship and cost of living crisis.
Utomi voiced his displeasure in a post on his X handle on Thursday.
He said labour unions are now the ones leading protests because political parties are failing.
According to him, opposition parties lead protests in other climes, saying it is why the building of real parties is imperative.
He said: “The protests have come and gone. Power says they are political. What did they expect them to be, apolitical. Labour Unions are acting because political parties are failing. Elsewhere opposition parties lead the protests.This is why the building of real parties is imperative.”
Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and other related unions protested the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and hardship in the country.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress had issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government over the failure to implement the agreements reached following the removal of the fuel subsidy
The Senate on Wednesday stepped down a bill seeking to confine to life sentence persons involved in drug-related offenses.
The bill which has passed the third reading in the House of Representatives and awaiting concurrence of the Senate seeks to Strengthen The Operations of the NDLEA, Empower the Agency To establish Laboratories, and Update the List of Dangerous Drugs
Presenting the proposed amendment for consideration, leader of the senate Opeyemi Bamidele says the bill will further review Penalty Provisions and enhance the power of the agency to prosecute drug-related Offences
The bill proposes that, any person who without lawful authority-
imports, manufactures, processes, plants, or grows drugs popularly known as cocaine, LSD, heroin, or any other similar drugs shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life.
The bill further states that exporters, transporters or traffickers of drugs shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life
It further stipulates imprisonment for life for anyone who sells, buys, exposes, or offers for sale or deals in drugs
It also proposes a term not less than fifteen years but not exceeding 25 years for inhaling or injecting drugs.
“Persons who unlawfully permit or use premises for the storing, concealing, processing or dealing in the drug will be liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 25 years”
Former Plateau State governor, Senator Simon Lalong in his contribution
says the Bill “is timely, as he also raised concern on the need for the classification of offenders based on the quantity of drugs caught with
Senator Lalong disclosed that the Drug Barons are patronized by high-class individuals in the society.
He called for a holistic approach in tackling the menace
The Senate thereafter tasked its committee on judiciary and narcotics to ensure wide consultation on the Bill ahead of the next legislative day.
The Bakers Association of Nigeria, AMBCN, has called off its strike following a discussion with the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, signed by its president, Mansur Umar, the union said it had reached some agreements with the Nigerian government.
Umar, in the statement, said some of the agreements reached between the union and the government include the immediate export of 25,000 metric tons of wheat to flour companies for processing and supply to bakers.
The two parties also reached an agreement on revising the plan to produce flour from cassava, potatoes and sorghum.
He said an agreement was also reached to support breadbakers under a program of the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture.
Recall that Bakery owners in Nigeria had gone on strike after struggling with the high cost of production and the unavailability of materials.
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the last general election, Mr Peter Obi, has criticized the recent decision of the Monetary Policy Committee to increase the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, to 22.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, to 45%, saying it will further worsen the economic situation of most Nigerian households.
Obi said the measure would be counterproductive as it would not address the intended purpose of managing money supply.
According to him, the development was bound to cause more job losses in the productive sector, especially manufacturing and other sectors that rely on bank loans and credit facilities for their funding needs.
DAILY POST reported that the MPC Policy committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria had increased the benchmark interest rate by 400 basis points to a record 22.75%.
The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced this while reading the communiqué of the first MPC meeting of the year on Tuesday in Abuja.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday on his X handle, Obi argued that tightening liquidity in the financial system does not improve productivity, especially food production, which he claimed was the major cause of inflation in Nigeria.
Suggesting on what to be done, the former Anambra State governor said the most critical way to manage the high rate of inflation and decline in production was for the government to address the issue of insecurity in the country.
He stressed that this would allow for increased food, and crude oil production, and an overall increase in production, which will make products, especially food, cheaper.
The statement read: “Let me confess that the label of being a vintage Onitsha-based trader does not in any way confer on me the status of an economic expert.
“With my vast trading knowledge and my involvement in the real sector, I am of the strong opinion that the recent decision of the Monetary Policy Committee to increase the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, to 22.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, to 45% will further worsen the economic situation of most Nigerian households as it is bound to cause more job losses in the productive sector, especially manufacturing and other sectors that rely on bank loans and credit facilities for their funding needs.
“Tightening liquidity in the financial system does not improve productivity, ie food production, which is the major cause of inflation in Nigeria. Moreover, only about 12% of N3.6 trillion of the total money in circulation is in the banking system which means that 88%, about N3.2 trillion is outside the banking system.
“So, this measure would rather be counterproductive as it would not address the intended purpose of managing the money supply.
“These new measures will worsen the fragile economy as the supply of funds would dry up for the real sector, and the new MPR rate hike will push the interest rate on loans to above 30%, which would be very difficult for the real sector operators especially manufacturers and SMEs to repay; resulting, obviously, in increased bad loans, and worsening the nation’s economic situation.
“The most critical way to manage our high rate of inflation and decline in production is for the government to address the issue of insecurity in the country, which will allow for increased food, and crude oil production, and an overall increase in production, which will make products, especially food, cheaper.
“This way, we would increase our productivity as well as restore the confidence of FDIs and FPIs to come back to the country.
“I must caution that what the Nigerian economy needs now is hard headed practical originality and results. Tinkering with classical economic theories can only deepen our crisis”.
WINBAFRICA @ 10: Experts call for renewed commitment to women's empowerment for nation-building
AdminAfrican countries have been urged to renew their commitment to women's empowerment as a crucial step towards nation-building.
This call was made by a former Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe, in his keynote address during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Omokungbe, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, aligned his advocacy with the broader initiative by WINBAFRICA for women's empowerment in Africa, which aims to improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation for women. He emphasized that this multifaceted effort aims to eliminate gender inequality, uphold women's rights, and create an environment where women can thrive socially, economically, and politically.
WINBAFRICA is a non-profit organization that implements various projects and interventions including Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back-to-School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and Monthly Newsletter production.
According to Omokungbe, the journey toward women's empowerment in Africa involves a comprehensive approach that spans various sectors, including education, healthcare, economy, and politics. By investing in women's empowerment, the scholar believes, African countries can cultivate a more equitable society where women can achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of their nations.
He said: "These renewed commitments would require collaboration and partnership among governments, Civil Society, the Private sector and International Organizations. They include the implementation of programmes and initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship, access to credit, land ownership, and participation in the formal economy including targeted support for women in agriculture and small businesses. Commitment to increasing women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making positions through measures such as quotas, training programmes, and support for women’s political participation at all levels of government and comprehensive strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence including legal reforms, support services for survivors and campaigns to change social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women."
President, WINBAFRICA, Dr Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi, said the event with the theme, Bridging the Gap: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” was designed to celebrate the legacy and advancement of women's course.
“Nation-building is an ongoing effort carried out by women of every generation. As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade, we remain committed to empowering future generations in all sectors of the economy. We provide tuition, teaching equipment, and other resources to young girls and boys to show them that we care about their education and that they are the ones who will continue this effort. Our ultimate goal is to promote unity and peace and to inspire hope for a better future,” she submitted.
A school debate competition between Steady Steps School in Lekki and Bomak International Schools in Surulere, Lagos highlighted the commemorative event. The two schools had made it to the final stage of the competition. Victoria Osademe of Bomak International Schools, Surulere, Lagos emerged as the best speaker of the day while Steady Steps School, Lekki won the WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders' Trophy (WYNBT).
During the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable, senior secondary students of Bomak International College in Surulere, Lagos discussed Environmental Responsibility. Additionally, 20 young girls and boys were beneficiaries of the WINBAFRICA scholarship program at the event.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Dr Kemi Akiyode Adebayo (BOT, WINBAFRICA), Toyin Joe Bassey (Secretary General, WINBAFRICA), Dr Oluseun Popoola (Panelist Chairperson) among others.
L-R: Dr kemi Akiyode-Adebayo, (BOT WINBAFRICA), Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe (Keynote Speaker), Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (founder WINBAFRICA), Dr Oluseun Popoola (Panelist Chairperson) during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos
L-R: Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (founder WINBAFRICA), Osademe Victoria, pupil of Bomak International School, Surulere (Best speaker WINBAFRICA School debates 2024), Ummi Bodede (Chairperson Debate panel of Judges) during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos
L-R Dr kemi Akiyode-Adebayo (BOT WINBAFRICA) Blissful Oke, Nyhero Pela, Kyala Michaels of Steady Steps School Lekki Lagos, winners of WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders Trophy (WYNBT) at WINBAFRICA schools debate 2024, Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (Founder WINBAFRICA), Barnabas Wasiu (Time Keeper), Mrs. Ronke Adeshoga, Ummi Bodede (Chairperson, Panel of Judges) Barr. Chigozie Chinwe, during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos
Pupils of Steady Steps School Lekki Lagos, Winner of WINBAFRICA Schools Debate 2024 and Founder, WINBAFRICA, Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos
L-R: Gift Shopade (Project Coordinator WINBAFRICA, Dr Toyin Joe Bassey (Secretary General WINBAFRICA), Mrs Mariam Oshodi, Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (Founder WINBAFRICA) Dr Kemi Akiyode Adebayo (BOT, WINBAFRICA)
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Honours Invitation to Visit Qatar and Participate in Business and Investment Forum
AdminHonouring an invitation by His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos State and embark on a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on Thursday, February 29, 2024, to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations in several areas, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development.
During the visit, President Tinubu will witness the signing of several agreements focused on boosting Nigeria's real sector and creating value-additive investments across the fields of trade, education, culture, solid minerals, digital economy, agriculture, and gas, as well as fostering cooperation on counter-terrorism.
The President will also participate in a business and investment forum that will bring together top-level executives in both the private and public sectors of Nigeria and Qatar to advance cross-sectoral opportunities for mutually beneficial growth and development.
The President will be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials for the signing of agreements.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 28, 2024
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A bill seeking to include Anambra among States in the Niger Delta Development Commission was on Wednesday, February 28, thrown out by the senate.
The Bill titled: A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act to make provision for the inclusion of Anambra State as one of the member state and for other connected matters thereto, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra state.
He stated that Anambra deserves to be a member of NDDC States having been collecting 13 per cent derivation since 2021 on account of oil production in the state on yearly basis.
Some senators debated against the bill by pointing out that states like Kogi and Lagos are not covered by NDDC operations despite being oil- producing States.
Senator Jibrin Isah popularly known as Echocho also noted that NDDC by its name, is more of a regional or geographical intervention body and not just an amalgam of oil producing states.
Nwoye responded by saying:
“Mr President and distinguished colleagues, Anambra as an oil producing state has been collecting 13% derivation from oil exploited from her wells by the federal government since 2021 and eminently deserves to be included in the operational radius of NDDC.
“Kogi State was also declared as an oil producing state but has not been collecting any 13% derivation.”
This was countered by Senator Isah who asked Senator Nwoye to limit his argument to Anambra State and allow the Senate to decide the fate of his bill.
He said;
“Senator Nwoye with all due respect, please stop dragging Kogi State into your argument for membership of Anambra State in NDDC. Kogi State is an oil producing State and has also been collecting 13% derivation since October 2022.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio who intervened, stated that if the argument of Senator Nwoye on proposed membership of Anambra State in NDDC is to be accepted by the Senate, then Lagos State which has two oil wells in Badagry, will also advocate for membership of the commission.
He also said that if NDDC is considered to be a geographical or regional interventionist body, Anambra State is qualified to be a member on account of its proximity to Niger Delta area. The Senate President further stated that the National Boundary Commission should be allowed to so decide.
Senators at the plenary voted against the bill when it was put to voice vote and it was subsequently threw away.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, says the security situation in Nigeria is getting better.
“The security situation is getting better; I don’t agree that it is getting worse. It is improving,” Adejobi told newsmen in Ibadan on Wednesday.
He stated this in Ibadan for the presentation of awards to the overall winner of boxing and archery competitions in the 14th Biennial Nigeria Police Game (BIPOGA 2024).
He said that most of the unfortunate incidents of insecurity being circulated on social media were old stories.
“They are being recycled to make people believe they are new or current incidents. Actually, they are not.
“You cannot see any conventional media house publishing these stories the way we have them on social media.
“The security situation in Nigeria is not bad. Let us always analyse the situation based on empirical facts and not just on speculation,” he said.
Adejobi said that the Nigeria Police Force collates data and has information on the security situation from all its offices.
“We shall tell Nigerians if the security situation is worrisome.
“We have issued statements to tell Nigerians that most of the kidnapped cases were fake and have given instances and even paraded some suspects for Nigerians to know.
“It is not in all situations that these incidences are real; some people fake and plan kidnappings to get ransom from their families.
“Let us always differentiate between the real and staged kidnapping,” he said.
Adejobi said that the force was not denying the fact that there are isolated cases of incidences of insecurity, but pointed out that the force had arrested and neutralised many kidnappers.
He said that the police and other security agencies in Nigeria would continue to collaborate towards securing the country. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, appealed for patience from Nigerians over the current economic hardship in the country, giving the assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel.
The President said he was fully aware and took responsibility for the difficulties Nigerians had been subjected to on account of government policies.
He said he would not complain but welcome all criticisms since he was the one who asked to be Nigeria’s President.
The President spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during his visit to the leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere,
He also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed on in December following a protracted battle with cancer.
The fuel subsidy removal and other economic reforms instituted by Tinubu have attracted public censure following the high costs of living, food inflation and other side effects.
The situation compelled the Nigeria Labour Congress to hold a nationwide protest on Tuesday.
The congress also threatened further mass action if the government failed to address the economic crunch within two weeks.
However, addressing public concerns over his economic policies, the President said, “Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.”
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled, ‘President Tinubu: I take full responsibility for the nation; we are building an efficient Nigeria that is inclusive and fair to all Nigerians.’’
Tinubu emphasised his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity, saying, “We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity.”
On reforming Nigeria, the President said his task would be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”
He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the harsh but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.
“But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.
“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.
“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.
“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.
Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.
“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.
Fasoranti also charged the President on institutional reforms, saying, “Mr President, please also seek institutional reforms that would strengthen our federation and make Nigeria safer and more prosperous. Try and balance the budget and execute capital projects that would create more employment. We thank you for welcoming the idea of state policing.’’
He added, “We want each of the geopolitical zones to have greater responsibilities for security, food production and infrastructural development. Since the removal of fuel subsidy, which was costing Nigeria $10bn yearly, the state governments have been receiving hefty allocations from the Federation account.
“Mr President should persuade the governors to allow this change of fortune for the states to reflect at the grassroots so that life can be better for our people. They should not just buy rice and yams for the people. They should create employment, improve education and build new infrastructures. Today, life is truly challenging for most people and the state governments have an important role to play to transform society.”
Fasoranti received the President in the company of some Afenifere leaders, who included a former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, Chief Kole Omololu, among others
Earlier, the President paid a condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Owo also visited the palace of the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
Speaking at the palace of the monarch, Tinubu eulogised the late Akeredolu as a statesman and a distinguished legal luminary who served his people with unwavering dedication.
“We lost an illustrious son. Akeredolu was very close to me and an ally. He was a son of the soil, and I have come to pay homage,” the President said.
He extended his prayers for the good health, progress, and prosperity of the traditional ruler and the community and thanked the people of Owo for their support to the bereaved family.
Accompanied by the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Tinubu also commiserated with the Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, the children, and other family members.
Addressing the widow and the family members, Tinubu said, “God will be with you. Your children will do well in life. May you all end well. May God be with you and uphold you,”
The wife of the late governor expressed appreciation for the President’s visit, describing Tinubu as a good friend and brother to her late husband.
She also thanked the South-West governors for their contributions to the burial of the late governor. She particularly thanked Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for single-handedly repatriating the remains of Akeredolu back to Nigeria.
She said, “On behalf of my family, I appreciate Mr. President. We understood he couldn’t attend the burial ceremony due to the dictate of Yoruba culture. He couldn’t have attended the burial of his younger brother.
“Coming today (Wednesday ) is a big deal because we are in a better atmosphere. I also express my profound gratitude to the southern governors for their immense financial contributions to the burial, most especially, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who singlehandedly brought Aketi’s remains back to Nigeria. We appreciate this huge show of love and we are grateful and forever indebted to him.
“I requested that Mr President see where Aketi has been laid to rest and he followed me. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He is indeed Aketi’s brother and friend.
“I told Mr. President, yes, Aketi has left but he lives because he left behind legacies. It is our wish that those legacies continue and are built upon where necessary.”
Special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has warned that cryptocurrency trading platform, Binance will destroy the country’s economy if it is allowed to continue to arbitrarily fix the country’s foreign exchange rate.
Making this assertion on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Onanuga argued that Binance was capable of destroying the country’s economy if the government dues not take decisive actions against the platform.
Naija News reports that Onanuga encouraged Nigerians to stop patronising the parallel market for FX rates, saying the website of the apex bank is the only legal platform.
He said, “If we don’t clamp down on Binance, Binance will destroy the economy of this country. They just fix the rate, We have saboteurs. Look at what Binance is doing to our economy. That is why the government moved against Binance. Some people sit down using the cyberspace to dictate even our exchange rate, hijacking the role of the CBN. They just sit down and fix anything they like. It’s a sabotage and we are trying to prevent that from happening henceforth.
“The parallel market is not the real gauge of Nigeria’s economic health. The parallel market is an illegal market. I don’t even know why Nigerians and the media are feeding on the parallel market. That is not where we should go; what’s the CBN rate? As at Friday, the rate for the dollar was about N1600. Even in the so-called parallel market, the exchange rate is stabilizing there and that is what this needs. Our economy is too much dollarised. Importers are looking at the exchange rate and using it to fix prices, some of them arbitrarily, some of them actually profiteering.”
His comment comes as President Bola Tinubu led the government’s continued effort to revive the plummeting value of the country’s currency.