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AMBODE: A TESTIMONIAL

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8 years ago

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By Yemi Ajayi

Before the advent of the Fashola administration, driving through Oshodi, which I had to do to get to my office then at Fatai Atere Way, was one of the most harrowing experiences I had to go through five days a week.

The two alternative routes to my office, passing through Ikorodu Road to connect Ilupeju By-pass or through the Airport Road to link up Ladipo via Five Star, were to say the least equally unattractive. The traffic on those alternative routes was as hellish as that of Oshodi.

Then, one Sunday after the first New Year of having Fashola as governor, I drove through Oshodi on my way to work and my “flabber was gasted.”

The orderly chaos that was the defining persona of Oshodi was totally absent. I was confronted with a new Oshodi devoid of its characteristic heavy human and vehicular traffic. There were phalanxes of policemen here and there to prevent a breach of the peace after a dawn demolition of illegal structures that also provided habitats for criminals who tormented motorists and passers-by.

That singular act marked the beginning of my romance with Fashola. I became his implacable supporter. He had by restoring order to Oshodi not only reduced my commuting time from home to work, my daily fuel consumption dropped by as much as 55%.

In a nation devoid of a standard metric for measuring performance of public office holders, it also set for me a template in assessing leaders.

It is in that light I’m viewing the ongoing crisis of succession in Lagos State being championed by those trying to deny Fashola’s successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, the conventional right of first refusal.

Many reasons have been pushed into the public space on why Ambode must give way to Jide Sanwo-Olu, the favourite pick of Tinubu’s political machinery, the Mandate Group, and they range from the ridiculous to the sublime.

Unfortunately, none of the reasons I’ve come across so far has much to do with majority of Lagosians on whose votes Ambode is in office.

As someone who has lived in Lagos for almost 40 years, I can say that Ambode has added to the building blocks of the foundation laid by his predecessors. Lagos to me is better now in terms of infrastructure and service delivery in some areas than it was before.

The governor has wormed his ways into my heart, and those of millions of others, with the construction of inner road network especially within the Ifako-Ijaiye Alimosho corridor.

Within my Alakuko neighbourhood, there are at least nine ongoing inner road projects. Some of them are in areas where the residents had lost hope of ever feeling government’s presence.

He has made interventions in other areas such as tackling Lagos perennial traffic congestion through the construction of laybys, flyovers and pedestrian bridges.

I can’t forget my first day of driving through Ojodu-Berger in a bid to access the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It was a detour I had to grudgingly make as that route is one I avoid like a plague for its notorious traffic.

But on this day, I had to take my chances as all alternative routes to access the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway through Agidingbi to connect Otedola Underpass were choked with traffic.

Surprisingly, the Ojodu-Berger axis was not only uncharacteristically free from traffic, I could’ve missed my way due to the changed landscape that followed the reconstruction of the area. The reconstruction had not only led to the removal of all traffic impediments, but saw to the expansion of the road.

There is no doubt that while Ambode had done well in the area of infrastructure, his performance has been average in other areas, especially in refuse disposal. Many residents are also not happy with his administration with the hike in Land Use charges.

However, as a property owner, I can say that the hike in the Land Use charges isn’t as hurtful as it was made to be, especially after the governor bowed to public outcry and ordered a review.

Although what I paid as Land Use charges is now far higher than what I had been paying in the last eight years, I don’t need to rob a bank or take a loan to pay up.

But his performance notwithstanding, there has been an intense campaign to ensure he doesn’t return in an election that is his to lose.

The governor has been accused of not deserving a second term for not servicing the greed of APC leaders in the state, among others.

But in all this, where stands the interest of the electorate who put in Ambode in office and whose welfare is the purpose of governance?

Unfortunately, the electorate are being railroaded to rally behind his main challenger for the post, Jide Sanwo-Olu.

Certainly the APC leaders are pursuing a selfish agenda which they’re deceitfully dressing as a push for better life for Lagosians.

For what it’s worth, Ambode might not have done well in all areas of governance, but he has performed well enough to earn a second term in office.

Those who’re pushing the argument that he should go and test his popularity at the party’s direct primary are being disingenuous in their advocacy. The direct primary, abinitio, has been rigged for him to lose.

That argument would have had any veneer of credibility if all other elective posts had been thrown opened for contest.

So far, I’m not aware that Senators Remi Tinubu and Adeola (Yayi) have any serious challengers for their tickets. That is so because the party establishment has decreed it be.

If it’s sauce for the senators and others, it should be sauce for Ambode.

There is no doubt that the political fortune of Ambode and President Muhammadu Buhari are tied together, which is the more reason why good reasoning should prevail in this matter. More worrisome to me is the economic impact of this needless impasse when all of us know that instability in Lagos would have spiral effects on the national economy. 

It’s therefore morally and political expedient to allow the governor finish the good work he has been doing. 

 Ajayi, a journalist, writes from Lagos

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

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Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land ‎

Published

3 hours ago

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May 11, 2026

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‎Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
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‎By Ifeoma Ikem

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‎The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
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‎The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
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‎The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
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‎President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
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‎Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
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‎ The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
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‎“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
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‎ “Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
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‎ “ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
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‎He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
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‎Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
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‎Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
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‎“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
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‎“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
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‎According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
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‎“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
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‎He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
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‎“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
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‎“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
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‎Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
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‎He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
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‎“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
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‎According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
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‎Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
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‎She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
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‎“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.

 

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NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative

Published

21 hours ago

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May 10, 2026

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NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative

 

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.

The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.

This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.

For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.

It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.

The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.

The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.

Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.

NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.

We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.

NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.

Signed

Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907

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African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —

Published

1 day ago

on

May 10, 2026

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African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —

 

 

African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.

 

The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.

 

The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.

 

The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.

 

Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.

 

18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.

 

The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.

 

This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.

 

Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.

 

This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.

 

His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.

 

The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.

 

The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.

 

African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.

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