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FASHOLA BRINGS THE LAGOS IMPACT TO THE CENTRE- EMEKA ODIKPO

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Politics is not a game for the feint of heart. This truism has been reiterated in various shapes and forms. American politics is one of the most brutal. Nobody comes out of it with his reputation intact. Your political adversaries will pound at your name until it reeks of filth. Barack Obama confessed that he usually hides the Newspapers from his Children, because he hates their reaction when they read the hate filled diatribes against their father.  Nigerian politics has swiftly descended into a chasm where hate and filth are routinely hurled at people on the other side of the political divide. This has led to a situation where even though we have had more than 100 State Governors since 1999, not one single one of them is considered by our internet warriors of hate as being good enough for the highest office of the land.

 

Babatunde Raji Fashola was Governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015. The Chance to evaluate his performance by residents of Lagos came up in 2011. That election offered a clear window into his evaluation by the people of Lagos. The Peoples Democratic Party’s nomination of an opponent for him for the election turned into a non-event. This is apropos of the fact that no heavy weight in the then Federal Ruling party wanted the nomination. Musiliu Obanikoro did not bother to vie for the nomination, neither did the ebullient Jimi Agbaje. The only reason these Gentlemen did not want the poisoned chalice of an opportunity to run against Fashola was because they knew that the performance of the Governor was stellar and any contest against him was futile.

 

Fashola’s impact on Lagos despite all attempts by revanchists to change history has been phenomenal. In evaluating Fashola, you do not discuss tarring of roads, because he did this in their thousands of Kilometres, rather you discuss the reinvention of the multi modal means of transportation in Lagos. The reality of the Mass Transit Light rail lines steadily emerging and innumerable flyovers that are being constructed from Okokomaiko to CMS has been the defining issue for experts on modern city reconstruction. The construction of the first Cable Stayed bridge in West Africa from Ikoyi to Lekki brought a refreshing dimension to the idea of governmental vision and delivery of a beautiful and well designed project. The reinvention of water-ways transportation of Lagos clearly showed the trappings of counter-intuitive thinking. The sudden change of Lagos from a city of dirty dingy bus parks, such as Oshodi, Ojota and others to a city with beautiful gardens was the result of detailed planning and decisive actions. The ongoing constructions at the Eko Atlantic City that has created tens of thousands of construction jobs and is billed to eventually create a whole new city from the formerly flood ridden bar beach remain the stuff of legends.

 

 

 

 

It is impossible to capture a significant part of the works by Fashola in a short essay, therefore I will suspend the discourse for another day. The poser here is actually how the Fashola impact can be transferred to the National level. The onus will of course rest on the President and the role he decides to assign to the vision driven Fashola. Even more important will be a decision by the President to give this particular Minister some creative space. Any role that does not admit of counter-intuitive thinking and application will be a no-no for him.  Most of the problems we have in Nigeria emanate from the poor quality of thinking by our leaders. Every leader, even the most ridiculed, actually had an ambition to be hugely successful. The catch is that leaders with low quality thinking are soon overwhelmed by the problems they are meant to confront and they succumb to the easy part of regarding the problems as part of the “Nigerian Factor”. Great Leaders on the other hand realize that there is no such thing as the Nigerian Factor and that iron will ultimately melt at the right temperature. That is exactly where a man like Fashola will be useful to Nigeria. His uncanny ability to see solutions, where other Nigerians see problems have made him one of the most successful Governors in Nigeria’s history. A fitting evaluation of  Governor Fashola by Time Magazine op-ed writer, Alex Perry on May 2, 2011 illustrates this:

 

Fashola is not your usual politician. Rather than barging through his way across town with sirens blaring and lights flashing like other Nigerian leaders, he chooses to endure Lagos traffic with his fellow citizens. Also Fashola reads economic theory for fun. On his bedside table are books by development economists who see potential in poverty, people like C.K. Prahalad of the University of Michigan or Hernanado de Soto of Institute of Liberty and Democracy (ILD) in Lima.”

 

I can hardly evaluate the uncanny ability of Fashola in better perspective than Alex Perry. But I dare say that Lagos is a much better space because Babatunde Fashola happened to have been the Governor for eight years. A continuation of the constructions, vision and plans he and his team have clearly commenced and mapped out for Lagos will ultimately resolve the transportation conundrum that is the greatest problem of Lagos. The apposite hope herein is that the man will also affect an area of our National life positively at the National level if he is adroitly utilized.

 

 

Fashola1

IS A LAGOS BASED LEGAL PRACTITIONER

 

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“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

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Prudent Ludidi on Consequences of Unhealed Emotional Pain and Trauma

“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi

 

Let’s talk about a simple yet powerful truth, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it.

These five words hold the key to unlocking a happy and fulfilled life.

But how often do we forget that we have the power to create the life we want?

We get stuck in routines, relationships, and careers that drain our energy and dull our spark. We convince ourselves that this is just the way life is supposed to be. That we’re supposed to struggle, stress, and settle. But I’m here to tell you that’s not true. You have the power to change your life.

Think about it. You wake up every morning with a choice. A choice to stay in bed or get up and start anew. A choice to complain about your circumstances or take action to change them. A choice to let fear hold you back or push past it and take a leap of faith.

But change can be scary. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. And that’s exactly why most people don’t do it. They’d rather stick with what they know, even if it’s not working, than risk the unknown. But I ask you, what’s the cost of staying stuck? What’s the cost of living a life that doesn’t align with your values, passions, and dreams?

The truth is, you have the power to create the life you want. You have the power to pursue your passions, nurture meaningful relationships, and live a life that truly reflects who you are. So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear? Doubt? Comfort? Whatever it is, let me tell you, it’s not worth it.

You deserve to live a life that makes you feel alive. A life that makes you feel proud. A life that makes you feel fulfilled. So, take the first step today. Take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and start creating the life you want.

Start small. Make one change. Take one risk. Have one conversation. And watch how your life begins to shift. Watch how your confidence grows. Watch how your happiness increases.

Remember, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it. You have the power. You have the strength. And you have the resilience. So, go out there and create the life you deserve!

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

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Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions ‘Our Night of Heritage’ Show in UK Nov 29

London city will be agog on Friday, 29th of November 2024, as A-List Nigerian entertainers stage performance at this year’s edition of ‘Our Night of Heritage’ (Ale Asa Wa) show.

 

Aimed at recognizing outstanding achievements in concerts, shows, and cultural events, the event which promises to be a talk-of-the-town, will be held at LOG Hall Abbey Quilting Selinas Lane, Dagenham, RM8 1ES, London SE16 2BD, United Kingdom.

 

 

According to Princess Adetutu Jakande, the chief organizer of Ale Asa Wa and CEO of Angel Global Promotions UK, the 5th edition of the AfriCulture tradition and entertainment awards event serves as a platform for celebrating African culture and entertainment while highlighting the exceptional talents of individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the industry.

 

 

An array of entertainment performers have been lined up to give the night the touch of glamour and class while the event streams live in the media across the globe. They include Gospel star, Biyi Samuel; Alhaji Lateef a.k.a. Student Fuji; Kemi Alayo a.k.a. Idi Ope; Poly Mr Correct; Ekundayo Mr Manna; Alhaji Wasiu Adekunle Classical Fuji; MC Loko a.k.a. Omo Woli; Omoba Ademola a.k.a. Demo Performer, and a whole lots of other stars and side attractions.

 

 

With 30 Pounds entry fee, the organizers have announced that Ankara fabrics are available for smooth access to the event venue and numbers to call are +44745382120, +447960892460, +447308779733. Seasoned Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, will feature as special guest artiste.

 

 

According to the organizers, there will also be presentation of awards where selected individuals will be recognized for their impactful contributions to the entertainment industry.

Star Entertainers Set for Angel Global Promotions 'Our Night of Heritage' Show in UK Nov 29

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Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

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How Prophet Kingsley Predicted The Rumble In Pastor Adeboye Led RCCG

Oil Cabals crippled Govt Refineries, now working against Dangote Refinery – Pastor Adeboye

 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention in the face of efforts by unscrupulous oil marketers to thwart the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the previous sabotage of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries.

The respected clergyman made the call for nationwide prayers during the November 2024 Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service themed ‘Total Restoration’, which held in the capital city. While Adeboye did not explicitly name the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, his remarks echoed the ongoing attempts by oil marketers to prevent the refinery from functioning as it was designed to.

The Dangote Refinery based in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos is the only facility currently refining petrol in Nigeria, and Adeboye’s comments reflected the dispute between the refinery and oil marketers, who seek to continue importing fuel for personal gain.

Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that it was God who raised Aliko Dangote to establish a refinery after years of failed attempts to revive Nigeria’s four public refineries, which had consumed billions of Naira with little result. He questioned the persistence of fuel imports despite Nigeria’s status as a major crude oil producer.

“Are we under a curse?” he asked. “We have four refineries, we poured all kinds of money into them, none of them is working. But God raised someone to build a refinery that works. He is not my relative, he is not from my village. He is not even a Christian, but he is a Nigerian who says, ‘Why should my people suffer when I have the means to build a refinery that can work?’ Now he is refining petrol, and some people want to stop him from selling it, so they can keep importing.”

Adeboye also pointed out the damage caused by the fuel subsidy, describing it as a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources, contributing to the country’s mounting debts and corruption. He stressed that when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the end of the subsidy in 2023, Nigerians largely welcomed the decision, but oil marketers, who benefitted from the subsidy regime, were furious.

These marketers, the renowned pastor claimed, have formed alliances with some International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other powerful interests to obstruct the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This includes restricting access to crude oil, forcing Dangote to import crude from countries like the United States, among others.

He called for prayer for the total restoration of the country, noting that the Nigerian people are suffering the consequences, as the prices of essential goods have soared, pushing many items beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. “The masses are the ones suffering because these marketers, who are bent on keeping imports alive, already have more money than they can ever spend,” he said.

Despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet Nigeria’s entire demand for petroleum products – and even to export surplus fuel – oil marketers continue to pressurise the government to allow ongoing petrol imports. This has placed additional strain on the Naira, which has continued to depreciate.

Recently, the Crude Oil Refineries Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the government to protect local refineries from unfair competition posed by importers and international petroleum traders, in line with provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

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