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ALPHA BETA: The Un- celebrated Catalyst of Lagos Accelerated Development
In a few years time, I will, by the Grace of God, attain the biblical three scores and ten years age-wise. However, only twice have I witnessed in Lagos a crisis and carnage in the same proportion experienced last week.
First, I want to commiserate with the families and friends of those who lost their lives during the protest whilst wishing those injured a quick recovery.
The traumatic experience of last week is my motivation for writing this piece which is intended to caution political mis-informants and promoters of falsehood whom we should all be wary of and collectively condemn so that their unholy acts do not precipitate another crisis and carnage. Mis- information or falsehood instigates agitation with un-progressive and dire consequences.
Therefore, I have over the years developed the habit of conducting investigations on sensational news items or headlines in order to determine their veracity and consequently mould my decision or opinion on such issues. It is with my experienced investigative aptitude that I decided to focus today on the controversy surrounding the Lagos State Revenue Consultancy Firm called ALPHA BETA and ascertain the factual correctness or otherwise of the aspersions cast on the company.
There have been multiple written attacks on Alpha Beta.
The first, by a “Dr.” Bolaji Akinyemi who alleged that Alpha Beta is a conduit and in one paragraph stated the Firm is paid 10% commission of Lagos State tax revenue but only to state in the following paragraph that it is 15%. However, I would not delve into that as it has been thoroughly addressed by Dr. Akanni, a public affairs analyst in his subsequent article in which he described the self-acclaimed “Dr.” Bolaji Akinyemi’s statement as falsehood from an intellectually- ignorant Farmer with an unknown educational qualification whose stock- in- trade is mis- information conceived to satisfy the political or business interest of his paymasters.
The second, a group calling itself “The Concerned Lagos Youths” stated that Alpha Beta is paid N5Billion every month. My investigations revealed that the allegations is false and it is a mis- information as Alpha Beta’s commission varies per month and is computed monthly based on the Company’s verified contribution/performance to IGR for each month.
The third, Chief (Commodore) Ibiyinka Olabode George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland held a world press conference and claimed that he did not want to speak with any partisan badge but wanted to speak as an elder stateman and Atona Oodua of Yorubaland. Among other things, Chief Bode George said our Ethos and norms have broken down but he then went on to attack the person of Tinubu and followed by stating that Alpha Beta is a mysterious Company that has been collecting 15% of Lagos Tax Revenue and the company does not do anything to enhance Lagos StateTax Revenue but siphons trillions of Naira from the State coffers every year. He further stated that the State generates an IGR of N50Billion every month whilst N400Million is generated from the two toll gates daily.
As an investigative journalist, I embarked to unravel the veracity of these foregoing statements by the Atona (a person who leads others to the right path) of Yorubaland and found that Chief Bode George is actually Asina (a person who misleads others to the wrong path) of Yorubaland as he has mis-informed and misled not only the Yoruba people but all Nigerians and, indeed, the world by the many dishonest statements contained in his world press conference. Or how do we describe the actions of Chief George who at the commencement of the press conference said he would not be partisan but started by attacking Tinubu only for my investigation to reveal that Chief George has been obsessed with attacking Tinubu for the past 20 years.
If not because I am of Yoruba extraction and, therefore, respects Chief George as an elder in line with the dictates of our culture, from my findings, I would have described Chief (Commodore) Ibiyinka Olabode George as dishonest and misleading. Or how else would you describe a man who was “Landlord” in Kirikiri Prison for some years for contract splitting and inflated contracts as Chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (Yes, the same Ports Authority that was burnt during the recent crisis and carnage) and who irresponsibly changes wives like one changes clothes – what moral justification does such a man have to guide or admonish anybody, especially the youths?
And now mis- informing Nigerians with easily detectable and illogical lies that Alpha Beta siphons trillions of Naira from Lagos State whereas the same Asina Bode George DISHONESTLY stated that Lagos State’s IGR is N50Billion per month (even though the average monthly IGR is about N35Billion) – Is N50Billion × 12 equals to NGN Trillions? Haba!!! Asina Bode George.
My investigation further revealed that his other allegations that Alpha Beta collects 15% of Lagos State Tax Revenue; that the two toll gates generate N400Million per day; that Alpha Beta does not do anything to enhance Lagos Revenue etc. are lies and mis- information conceived to re-ignite crisis in Lagos State specifically and Yorubaland in general.
Contrary to the lies and mis- information spread by Chief George, my investigation, supported by independent verification revealed the diverse resources deployed by Alpha Beta in executing their contract with Lagos State has over the years been critical to the accelerated growth of the State’s IGR and therefore resulted in the decisions of different Administrations in Lagos State over the years NOT TO CHANGE A WINNING TEAM – ALPHA BETA.
In addition to the over 500 quality staff members consisting of different professionals, Alpha Beta has provided complementary value added service to the State. Verified examples include but are not limited to:
Provision of products and services that help the government to capture data and bring more people into the tax bracket, automate billing and receipting for tracking and accuracy, reconcile accounts
Provision of database management support, reporting and analysis to aid decision making
Introduction of the first Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate in the state for taxpayers
Introduction of multiple channels of payment through strategic collaboration with banks, payment processors (PSSP, PTSP etc.) agent networks to ensure and aid convenient payment
Provision of interconnectivity between all the 50 Tax Stations and seventy three MDAs with wide area network (WAN) to aid online real-time communications and reporting amongst stakeholders
Development of the new tax administration system called (eTax) in collaboration with LIRS which enables online processing, brings more people into the tax bracket and increases the State revenue
Established a world class training center to train staff of LASG, collecting banks, agencies and MDAs on upgrades and continuous improvement of the system
Provision of value added customer service centers in nearly all the Tax Stations
Development of a suite of application for the tax revenue management of the Informal sector in conjunction with LIRS
Provision of automated revenue receipt through multiple channels as a verifiable proof of payment with security features to reduce errors and leakages, thereby promoting transparency and reliability
Provision of business advisory services to State Agencies leveraging research and data analytics to enhance policy development
Automation of major MDAs business processes to save costs, improve performance, eliminate manual processes and achieve seamless integration with centralised payment systems
Provision of IT equipments to support MDAs such as computers, printers, laptops, office appliances, internet connectivity, etc. to aid operations
Provision of logistical support for MDAs such as vehicles, support staff, fuel, training manuals, repairs and maintenance, etc. to enhance the quality of service delivered
Provision of an executive dashboard and report builder for senior management to enhance reporting and decision making
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Entrepreneurs in capacity building and scaling their business which leads to the economic development of the State
It is therefore not surprising that Lagos State in 2020 has significantly grown development-wise from what it was in 1999 (before Alpha Beta was contracted to manage the IGR) with now qualitative rapid expansion, galaxy of quality infrastructure, modern social services and phenomenal growth in commerce from which the neighbourhood of Chief Bode George in Victoria Island is a beneficiary, business-promotion urban renewal of Lagos Island, the world- class Lekki City, as well as the construction of two modern bridges and a general hospital in “Dr.” Bolaji Akinyemi’s Agege and many other modern developments highlighting the rapidly expanding landscape of Lagos State.
Of course, the obvious catalyst for these rapid developments and mordenisation of Lagos State which has now placed the Economy of the State fifth in Africa and home to over 21 Million people is the accelerated growth of the State’s IGR powered by the silent ALPHA BETA.
Finally in order to ensure that the foregoing development of Nigeria’ s and, indeed, West Africa’s Commercial nerve-centre is not further destroyed, Chief Bode George and his cohorts should without further delay be arrested for dishonestly inciting people into another crisis and carnage as well as investigated as a suspect for sponsoring the recent carnage in Lagos State.
Chief Emmanuel Olowogbowo, a Veteran Media and Communications Analyst wrote this piece from Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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