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How not to assess Lagos under Ambode

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By Niyi Anibaba

 

I say without any equivocation that this young man who is there now-Akinwunmi Ambode- has raised the stake of performance (in Lagos State) especially in infrastructure.– Olabode George, chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party,( PDP).

About the time strident critics in Nigeria had begun to come to terms with the reality of Lagos as standing out of the pack in an environment of ill-performing states, posting distressing infrastructure-deficit indices, a global body has turned out a report suggesting the contrary. So on the one hand, we have the rare acclaim of a known censurer of the Ambode government; and on the hand we are being offered the partial picture of what is on the ground.

According to the 2018 Global Liveability Index released by The Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) World Bank, ‘’Lagos is the third worst city to live in.’’ It examined 140 cities and placed Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub at 138, Syria and Bangladesh being the only two lower.

Vienna, the Austrian capital, was ranked the most liveable city in the world. Melbourne in Australia came in second place after a seven-year at number one. Japan’s Osaka came in at third position.

The ranking was based on five parameters: Political and Social Stability, Education, Culture, Environment, Infrastructure and Access to Health. For Infrastructure among the other factors, ‘’the quality of road network, quality of public transport, international links, availability of good quality housing, quality of energy provision, quality of water provision and quality of telecommunications were considered.’’

Interestingly, by the reckoning of a widely-travelled and respected Nigerian financial expert Mr. Bismarck Rewane, these are areas where Ambode’s Lagos has fared excellently. Not known for flippant comments on political and economic matters because of his integrity, Rewane has become a favourite of newsmen on hot-button issues. So when the EIU report came up, he spoke what many have regarded as the objective view.

He criticized the world body for its judgment that Lagos is the planet’s third worst city to choose to live in. It’s an unfair and harsh verdict, Rewane told an interviewer on a leading TV News station operating from Lagos last week. He declared solemnly: ‘’First and foremost, I think the report is subjective and it is based on warped criteria. Certainly, in a survey that says that number 86 is Johannesburg when you talk about crime, terrorism, insurgency and Lagos is 138 out of 140, it’s unfortunate. I feel safer in Lagos than in Johannesburg…I must come out strongly that the EIU …is a bit subjective and does not reflect the truth. Lagos is definitely not the third worst city to live in in the world. I stand by that and I am ready to join issues with the Economic Intelligence Unit whom I respect anyway…’’

His stand tallies with those of most dispassionate observers who have taken keen interest in developments in this state growing by leaps and bounds every day. Adjudged the fastest growing and the fifth largest economy in Africa, Lagos is heading for the 20 million population mark, earnings it the mega polis epithet. That poses inherent security and infrastructure challenges characteristic of such climes.

But that is precisely where to dig deep to find out if the Lagos authorities are aware the world is watching them to know if they are tackling the issues appropriately and in accordance with global best practices. The world has become a small space, any corner of which you can access from the comfort of your room. What happens in your backyard or bedroom is in the world domain, not even public domain. So the world can’t but notice the mammoth activity of urban renewal in Lagos. The entire state has become a veritable construction site, where new roads are either being built or existing ones are experiencing a face-lift via expansion and modernization. And to secure lives, residential and office apartments which have failed safety are being pulled down to make way for befitting centres of commerce and habitation.

The transport sector is similarly being driven to the next level, with the phasing out of the ubiquitous molue. The more appealing luxurious Lagbus fleet are taking over on newly created corridors not only to add aesthetic beauty to the city landscape, but also to deepen the security of commuters.

There is now an unprecedented move by the Ambode government to trash the notorious slums in the state into the dustbin of the past. He has come under attack for attempting what his predecessors dared not to undertake: displacing the huge ghettoes and rickety markets to create for modern and affordable settlements and business centres.

But, as ex-Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings told complaining compatriots when he was rebuilding Ghana after years of decay, ‘’it is a bitter pill that must be taken for lasting relief’’. Time is proving him right, because Ghana has enjoyed a sane and equable political and economic history since his days. It was a challenge the current generation of Ghanaian would have been battling with if Rawlings hadn’t confronted it then.

I think when reports of the nature under review are coming up, their authors must also consider on-going projects of renewal in societies being assessed. That way, they would avoid producing halfway verdicts of the type being criticized by well-meaning Nigerians. The critics are not those in government or so-called sponsored commentators. They are those who believe the EIU has not been fair to an administration whose members are having sleepless nights in order to make Lagos safe and turn it into a tourism haven as well as the investors’ dream destination.

Anibaba, a journalist wrote from Ikorodu, Lagos State

celebrity radar - gossips

Mojoyin Fadaka: A Quietly Rising Voice in Nollywood* 

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*Mojoyin Fadaka: A Quietly Rising Voice in Nollywood* 

 

Since her debut in 2023, Mojoyin Fadaka has been carving out a steady path in Nollywood—one defined less by noise and more by intention. Rather than chasing visibility, she focuses on growth, craft, and understanding the depth of each role she takes on.

 

Trained at Del York Creative Academy and KAP Film and Television Academy, Mojoyin built her foundation on discipline as much as talent. For her, acting is not just performance but preparation and emotional awareness—an approach that continues to shape her work across film and television.

 

Her growing filmography includes titles such as *Instead Of Love*, *Crazy Wives*, *Campus Queen*, *The Last Paycheck*, and *Between The Rails*. Across these projects, she has worked with respected figures in the industry while steadily expanding her range and screen presence.

 

Beyond acting, Mojoyin also explores storytelling through writing, a passion that influences how she interprets characters. She is drawn to roles that feel authentic and meaningful, avoiding shallow portrayals in favor of emotional depth and purpose.

 

Her versatility is further strengthened by her ability to perform in English, Yoruba, and Pidgin, with ongoing efforts to learn Igbo. She is also developing physical skills like boxing and swimming to broaden her adaptability for future roles.

 

Influenced by performers such as Viola Davis and Kehinde Bankole, Mojoyin describes her approach as instinctive—focused on allowing emotion rather than forcing it.

Mojoyin Fadaka: A Quietly Rising Voice in Nollywood* 

As Nollywood continues to expand, she remains focused on consistency over pressure, growth over speed. For Mojoyin Fadaka, the journey is not about rushing ahead, but building something lasting—one role at a time.

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Court Summons Doris Ogala Over False Allegations Against Dr. Chris Okafor  

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Court Summons Doris Ogala Over False Allegations Against Dr. Chris Okafor

 

Contrary to the narrative actress Doris Ogala has sought to project on social media, the General Overseer of Greater Liberation City, Dr. Chris Okafor, is not behind her recent invitation or attempted arrest by law enforcement authorities.

 

Rather, sources indicate that the actress is being sought in connection with a pending criminal suit instituted against her by the Federal Government of Nigeria before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, over allegations linked to her social media publications concerning the cleric.

The case, filed as Charge No. FHC/L/2/220C/2026 – Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Doris Ogala, is said to be before Honourable Justice Aluko.

 

According to sources familiar with the matter, officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, attempted to reach Ogala because she was scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and remains on administrative bail.

“The officers only sought to serve the defendant with the charge and ensure her appearance before the court,” a source disclosed.

 

Court documents reveal that the Federal Government has filed a four-count charge against Ogala bordering on alleged cyberstalking, dissemination of false information, harassment, and attempted extortion under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The charges include allegations that she:

Published nude and intimate photographs of Dr. Chris Okafor without consent;

Made and disseminated allegations accusing the pastor of rape, ritual practices, and involvement in a death;

Published videos and electronic messages allegedly intended to harass, bully, and intimidate him;

Allegedly threatened continued publication of damaging materials unless compensated or provided with a house.

 

A source close to the matter insisted that Dr. Chris Okafor is not orchestrating the legal action and has no direct involvement in the prosecution beyond being the nominal complainant.

“Sadly, rather than addressing the issues before the court, Doris continues to drag Pastor Chris Okafor into the matter publicly,” the source said.

 

“The simple position is that whoever makes allegations must be prepared to substantiate them in court. That is all the court requires. Pastor Chris Okafor has moved on and is not pursuing any personal vendetta. She is the one who must answer to the law.”

 

The development underscores what insiders describe as a legal process driven by the state and not by personal influence, despite attempts to portray the matter otherwise online.

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SHOCKER IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: Jaiye Kuti & Pasuma Take Love to the Next Level

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SHOCKER IN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: Jaiye Kuti & Pasuma Take Love to the Next Level

 

What started as mere whispers in entertainment circles has now exploded into a full-blown headline story shaking both Nollywood and the Fuji music scene!

After weeks of speculation, multiple insider sources have finally confirmed that veteran actress Jaiye Kuti and Fuji icon Wasiu Alabi Pasuma are set to take their relationship to the next level — MARRIAGE!

The duo, who have long been linked in what many dismissed as mere friendship or industry camaraderie, are now reportedly preparing for a private but glamorous wedding ceremony that promises to be one of the most talked-about celebrity unions of the year.
For months, social media has buzzed with sightings, subtle hints, and cryptic posts suggesting a deeper bond between the two stars. While both camps maintained silence, insiders now reveal that the relationship has been years in the making — far from the sudden development many assumed.

As expected, the news has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape:
Some fans are thrilled, calling it a “perfect blend of class and culture.”
Others remain skeptical, questioning whether this is love or a strategic publicity move.
A section of observers insist, “In Nigeria’s entertainment industry, anything is possible!”

If confirmed officially, this union could mark the coming together of two powerful brands:
A respected Nollywood figure known for her elegance and strong screen presence
A Fuji legend with decades of musical dominance and loyal fan base
Together, they could redefine celebrity partnerships in Nigeria.

Will there be an official announcement?
Are wedding preparations already underway?
Or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
One thing is certain — all eyes are now on Jaiye Kuti and Wasiu Alabi Pasuma.
Stay tuned… because this story is far from over!

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