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LAGOS, MY LAGOS! BY FFK

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3 years ago

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THE AFRICOM COMMANDER - By Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

LAGOS, MY LAGOS! BY FFK

I make no apology for saying the following.

 

Lagos is NOT no-man’s land. It belongs to the Yoruba. Other than winning the Presidency, the most important thing for the Yoruba to do today is to ensure that Babajide Sanwo-Olu is re-elected as Governor of Lagos state.

 

Outside of that we are finished as a race and as a people.

 

 

LAGOS, MY LAGOS! BY FFK

 

 

 

The Labour Party candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, whose mother and wife are Igbo and who is running a patently anti-Yoruba and pro-Igbo campaign, is one of those that burnt properties and buses during the Endsars riots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is also in bed with IPOB and is hell bent on imposing an unashamedly Igbo agenda on the people of Lagos state including removing all our Yoruba traditional rulers and imposing Igbo ones.

 

Would the Igbo allow any Yoruba man to do such a thing in the east?

 

 

Our liberalism and willingness to accommodate others has become our biggest albatross.

 

We gave them land, food and shelter and now they want to take everything from us and rule over us.

 

They have even infiltrated our Churches and introduced a brand of religious intolerance which is alien to us.

 

They want to deny us that which our forefathers built, fought and died for and they want to decimate our identity and redefine who we are!

 

Please take this very seriously and take note that it is beyond politics.

 

Lagos is for Lagosians and Lagosians are YORUBA!

 

We welcome visitors and strangers with love, kindness and open arms because that is our nature but we will never let them rule over us in our fathers land, take our land and territory and deprive us of our patrimony, heritage and ancestry.

 

Anything short of this would be an abomination and would attract the wrath and curse of God.

 

We know who we are and we know what is ours. Nothing and nobody will take that from us.

 

It is time to reclaim Lagos and the first step to doing that is to vote for Jide in the Governorship election on Saturday.

 

I call on all sons and daughters of the West and all true friends of Lagos and the West to come out and vote for Jide and the APC on that day.

 

Permit me to add the following.

 

 

I have spoken up for the Ibo probably more than any other non-Ibo in my generation over the years and in the recent past and I did so when most people remained silent and watched them suffer the most extreme form of persecution, wickedness and barbarity.

 

I am also one of those that believes strongly in the ‘handshake across the Niger’ and I enunciated my position boldly and clearly at the famous Enugu conference in 2018 when others were scared to speak.

 

Finally my belief in the concepts of restructuring, self-determination, equity and justice remain unshakable.

 

I also remain a strong advocate of the unity and indissolable fabric of our rainbow coalition and beautiful union and our quest to establish an exemplary and enviable multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation where every individual, regardless of tribe or faith, finds a place under the sun.

 

That is the sacred vision of our forefathers and it is for that vision and preservation of the unity of that unique and marvellous rainbow coalition and great nation of bright and beautiful ethnic nationalities that millions of people died during our civil war.

 

A heavy price was paid for our unity and the butchers bill for the preservation of our union was very high.

That is all the more reason why we should preserve it at all costs so as not to belittle and mock the sacrifices made by so many and the oceans of blood that was shed to keep us one.

 

Nigeria is a great, powerful and beautiful nation with so much potential and we shall do all we can to make her even greater and better by striving to live in pace and unity with one another.

 

However this does not mean that we can take each other for granted or treat one another with contempt.

This does not mean that we must indulge in grabbing the land and coveting the homes of others in the name unity.

This does not mean that we are a nation of anything goes where only the loudest, strongest and most aggressive have their way or where anarchy, ignorance, fascism, ethnic nationalism, racial hegemony, primitive irredentism and barefaced domination reigns supreme.

 

This does not mean that we will tolerate and allow others to re-echo the expansionist dreams and divisive and weighty words of the late jurist, mamber of the Legislative Council and Ibo nationalist Charles Daddy Onyeama (the distinguished and respected father of our Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama) in 1945 when he told the Ibo State Union at the Island Club in Lagos that “the Ibo domination of Nigeria is only a matter of time” .

The angst and fears of the Yorubas, Hausa Fulani, Ijaw and other non-Ibos that heard those words at that time were further fuelled and re-kindled four years later in 1949 when, again in Lagos, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe himself, the Ibo leader of the NCNC, a great nationalist and the man who was almost elected Premier of the old Western Region and was later elected Premier of the old Eastern Region said,

“it would appear that the God of Africa has specially created the Ibo nation to lead the children of Africa from the bondage of the ages”.

I guess little has changed over the last 78 years when it comes to the desire of some to want to dominate others, lead them by force and take over their land and all that is theirs.

How sad that is.

Finally this does not mean that I will sit by silently or idly and accept the absurd notion, emotional blackmail and intellectual tomfoolery of those that say that Lagos, my Lagos, the city that I come from, that I was born in, that I grew up in, that I lived in for most of my life, that my parents and grandparents were buried in and that God-willing, when my time comes, I shall also be buried in, is a ‘no man’s land’ .

 

Lagos may be an increasingly racial and cultural melting pot but she is NOT a no man’s land.

 

The history is clear. Lagos is Yoruba territory and she constitutes a vital and integral part of the South Western states of Nigeria and the Yoruba nation.

 

Whether anyone likes to hear it or not this is an incontrovertible fact.

As Yorubas she is our pride and joy, our shining city on a hill, our New Jerusalem and a stellar example and reflection of our liberal, cosmopolitan, civil, accommodating and generous disposition to strangers and outsiders who, over the last few decades, have made her their home.

 

Yet no matter how kind and accommodating we Yorubas are as a people and no matter how many non-Yorubas we integrate with, we shall NEVER conceed one inch of our territory to them or allow them to claim our land, culture, values, patrimony and heritage as their own.

 

The day I, as a Yoruba man, can claim that Enugu belongs to me or that I can safely open a stall in Enugu market or that I can become Governor of Enugu state is the day that I shall review my position. Until then I will not do so.

 

Permit me to conclude with the following.

 

I am a proud father of 9 children, 6 of whom have mothers that are not Yoruba and 3 of whom have a mother that is only half Yoruba.

 

This proves that I am an intergrationist and I believe in building bridges and creating a society which allows for and encourages the mixing of ethnic bloodlines, racial tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

 

l am a liberal and I do not believe that it is right or proper for one race or ethnic nationality to look down on or discriminate against another. In my view we are all one, regardless of which ethnic nationality you come from or which faith you espouse.

 

However this does not mean that I am prepared to sacrifice my racial and cultural identity on the alter of historical revisionism. The history is clear and the facts speak for themselves.

 

For a non-Yoruba and particularly an Ibo to claim that Lagos belongs to them or that she is a ‘no man’s land’ is not only absurd but also deeply insulting.

 

Each time they say it they are slapping us in the face and spitting on the graves of our reverred forefathers.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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NATION MOURNS: 22 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SCHOLAR SHEIKH SIDI ATTAHIRU SOK

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April 16, 2026

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NATION MOURNS: 22 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SCHOLAR SHEIKH SIDI ATTAHIRU SOK

*NATION MOURNS: 22 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SCHOLAR SHEIKH SIDI ATTAHIRU SOK

 

 

Today marks twenty-two years since the demise of one of Nigeria’s most revered Islamic scholars, Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto, whose legacy continues to inspire millions across the nation and beyond.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto passed away on Friday, April 16, 2004, corresponding to the 28th of Safar in the Islamic calendar. In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, his son, Sheikh Aliyu Sidi Attahiru founder of the ASAttahir International Foundation, established in honour of his late father recalled the scholar’s life of piety, scholarship, and service.

Accompanying the tribute was a cherished photograph taken on Monday, December 2, 2002 (27th Ramadan 1423 AH), during the naming ceremony of Sheikh Aliyu’s son, Muhammad. The image captures a rare moment of familial joy and spiritual significance, reflecting the scholar’s deep commitment to faith, family, and community.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto was widely respected for his contributions to Islamic education, interfaith dialogue, and moral leadership. His teachings emphasised peace, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge, values that remain pillars for many Islamic institutions and followers today.

The Assattahir International Foundation, named in his memory, continues to propagate his vision through educational programs, humanitarian projects, and religious outreach, ensuring that his intellectual and spiritual legacy endures.

As the nation reflects on his passing, Muslim communities and leaders have called for prayers in his honour, with many echoing the plea: “May Allah have mercy on him, amen.”

Sheikh Aliyu Sidi Attahiru, in his online remembrance, urged the public to uphold the virtues his father championed compassion, integrity, and devotion as the most fitting tribute to a life well-lived.

Sheikh Sidi Attahiru Sokoto may have departed this world, but his influence remains a guiding light, reminding all of the enduring power of faith and scholarship.

 

 

NATION MOURNS: 22 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF RENOWNED ISLAMIC SCHOLAR SHEIKH SIDI ATTAHIRU SOK

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Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

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14 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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Why Gen. Buratai will always remain in the minds of Nigerians-Enyioma

Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

 

KANO, NIGERIA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), will chair the 24th Annual Symposium commemorating the 43rd memorial anniversary of Aminu Kano, with a strong focus on regional security and economic cooperation in West Africa.

Security, Economy in Focus as Buratai Chairs Aminu Kano Memorial Event

The high-level event, scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Sa’adu Zungur Auditorium, Mambayya House in Kano, is expected to convene policymakers, academics, and security experts to examine the evolving role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining peace and stability across the subregion.

 

With the theme “ECOWAS and Regional Peace in West Africa: The Security and Economic Implications for Nigeria,” the symposium comes at a critical time when West Africa continues to grapple with security threats, political transitions, and economic pressures.

 

Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, is expected to bring his extensive military and diplomatic experience to bear in steering discussions around collective security, cross-border threats, and the strategic importance of regional alliances. His leadership as Chairman of the Occasion underscores the significance attached to the symposium’s deliberations.

 

The event will be hosted by the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Haruna Musa, while the Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, will serve as Chief Host.

 

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, is billed as the Special Guest of Honour, adding further political weight to the gathering.

The symposium will also feature a keynote address by Nazifi Abdullahi Darma, a former Commissioner for Internal Services at the ECOWAS Commission, who is expected to provide insights into the bloc’s internal mechanisms and policy direction.

 

Other notable discussants include former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, and Professor Samaila Suleiman of the Department of History, Bayero University, Kano.

 

Organised by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, the annual symposium remains a key intellectual platform dedicated to preserving the legacy of Aminu Kano while addressing contemporary governance and security challenges.

 

Analysts note that Buratai’s central role as Chairman is particularly significant given Nigeria’s frontline position in regional security dynamics. His presence is expected to shape robust conversations on how ECOWAS can better respond to insurgency, military coups, and transnational crime while strengthening economic integration among member states.

 

 

The symposium is slated to commence at 9:00 a.m., drawing participants from across government, academia, and civil society in what promises to be a timely and impactful engagement on West Africa’s future.

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BOI, GIZ seals strategic partnership to drive enterprise growth, boost climate resilience*

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14 hours ago

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April 15, 2026

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*BOI, GIZ seals strategic partnership to drive enterprise growth, boost climate resilience*

 

 

Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria’s foremost Development finance institution and a globally recognised organisation specialising in international development cooperation with countries, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), on Wednesday April 15, 2026, signs a Partnership Framework Agreement to drive sustainable innovation and economic development for large enterprise, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria.

 

The partnership is hinged on delivering coordinated interventions across key strategic pillars including access to finance, entrepreneurship development, capacity building, and market access; and integrates focused support for climate finance and renewable energy investments; and a robust alignment with global sustainability priorities that enables MSMEs to as engines of economic development.

 

With this landmark agreement, BOI and GIZ are positioned to mutually ensure that capacity building efforts for businesses focuses on strengthening the technical and institutional capabilities of BOI’s Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), equipping them to deliver higher-impact advisory services to the Bank’s customers; as well as enshrine a structured vocational training provided under the ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start and Scale) entrepreneurship programme to enhance productivity, workforce quality and overall business competitiveness to MSMEs.

 

The central pillar of this year’s partnership framework is it women’s economic empowerment through targeted financing initiatives; agribusiness development and rural enterprise growth; and climate-focused investment imperative to scale its renewable energy and energy efficiency financing portfolio.

 

BOI will strategically deepen its efforts to secure endorsement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with support from GIZ, a German-led development agency.

 

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, MD/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said “This partnership is about closing the gap between enterprise potential and enterprise reality. Too many Nigerian businesses, particularly MSMEs, have the ideas, the drive, and the market opportunity, but lack the financing, technical capacity, or market access needed to scale. This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to constantly form new partnerships to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria. By combining our financing expertise with our partner’s international development experience, we are building a comprehensive framework that will directly translate into jobs, innovation, affordable, long-term financing and sustainable growth for MSMEs in Nigeria.”

 

In his remarks, Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Magnus Wagner, said, “This partnership demonstrates our joint commitments to strengthening Nigeria’s private sector and to advancing sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Through this partnership, we aim to support small and medium enterprises. We are trying more to look at SME, formalized business, which is the resilient backbone of Nigeria’s economy. So, we would like to work, we have decided in areas such as climate and sustainable finance, renewable energy and energy efficiency, entrepreneurship and innovation, women’s economic empowerment, agribusiness and rural transformation, and digital trade and market access. We look forward to a close and successful collaboration with the Bank of Industry, one that delivers tangible results for business, communities, and the country and the population as a whole”.

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