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‘Fela’s spirit is still alive’-Gov. Ambode says as he unveils fela’s statue
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday eulogized the virtues of late Afrobeat legend and freedom fighter, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti describing him as an enigmatic artiste who used the platform of his art to agitate for social and human rights by challenging government and people to explore development through social and economic activities that are rooted in African values.
Speaking while unveiling the Liberation Statue in honour of Fela erected at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja as part of activities marking his 79th posthumous birthday and the 20th anniversary of his demise, Governor Ambode said aside from challenging people to free their minds of all inhibitions and actualise their true potentials, the late music icon also voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of the people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.
While insisting that the spirit of Fela was still alive as a movement of social consciousness and justice against oppression, the Governor said the late legend made the world sit up and take notice of the energy of African art and music, adding that he will forever be accorded his position in the global hall of fame of artistes.
He said: “The phenomenon that the world knows as “Fela” was deeply rooted in the evolution of Lagos State. The story of music, art, entertainment and tourism in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be told without an eloquent mention of the “Abami eda”.
“On this day, October 15th, which would have been Fela’s 79th birthday, the government and people of Lagos State celebrate ‘’Fela’’ with the unveiling of this Liberation Statue. It has been 20 years since he passed on but the memories he left us with remain evergreen. Today we celebrate a man who voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of our people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.
“This “Liberation” statue is not an image of Fela but a symbol of Fela’s philosophy. This artwork was created as a form of respect and remembrance to this legend; what he stood for and fought for with his music; his mythology; struggle for freedom; fight for human dignity; social consciousness; courage and Pan-Africanism,” the Governor said.
While reiterating the continued commitment of the State Government to fully harness the potentials of entertainment, creative arts and tourism to transform the economy of the State and generate wealth and job opportunities for the people, Governor Ambode said his vision is to create a vibrant arts and culture sector that would empower young and talented population to find their own voices and impact society positively.
He said though Fela was no more, but it was gratifying that he is still alive in his music and in the music of Femi, Seun and other artistes who have followed his style of music, assuring that the unveiled statue would be the first of many to celebrate the Afrobeat icon.
Responding on behalf of the family, Fela’s daughter and social commentator, Yeni Kuti commended Governor Ambode and the artist for coming up with such a monument to recognize and honour their father in a big way, saying that it was a good representation of their late patriarch.
She specifically justified the design of the monument, saying it was the expression of how the artist felt about the late legend.
She said: “Before people on social media will start to say the Fela has no head or it has no hand and so on, it is art and before you abuse us, let me answer quickly. It is art. How an artist feels is how he feels because if he had put a head and the head did not look like Fela, everybody will say the head did not look like Fela so now you cannot abuse the head because it is not even there.
“The artist has said it is a spirit and when Fela was alive, he hated statues and so I think this effigy is a good representation of what Fela would have wanted because he did not like statues and that is why at the Museum you will notice that there is no statue of Fela. Everybody wants to do his statue and I have fought against it. So, this one I can accept it and so I want to thank the artist who designed it and also thank Governor Ambode for recognizing Fela in a big way.”
The visual artist who designed the effigy, Abolore Sobayo said the work was an expression of how he feels about the late Afrobeat legend, saying that it was designed to generate discussion about the emancipation of the people.
While justifying the fact that the art work had no head, Sobayo said the design came out of extensive research on what Fela represented through his music, and how to use same to correct some of the things he complained about years ago that are still happening.
“For me as an artist, art transcends beyond beauty or aesthetics. For me, art should generate discuss; art should ask question and art should provoke our thoughts. For me, the creation of the Liberation Statue is to represent the essence of Fela by using his costume.
“For me, I believe that this should serve as a conscious to our subconscious that twenty years after Fela’s demise, most of the things he talked about are still happening. For me, this work should come to us not just as a beautiful work, but it should come to us as something that will ginger us to look at the positivity in our lives; positivity in the values of his music; for us to start to emancipate our people positively. Going forward, I have been able to use symbolism as a medium to represent Fela through his costume and to represent his essence,” Sobayo said.
The event was attended by notable members of late Fela’s family including Yemi Ransome-Kuti (Head of family), Seun Kuti, Kunle Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Motunrayo Kuti, Dotun Olukoye Ransome-Kuti, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana; veteran Nollywood actor, Pa Olu Jacobs and his wife, Joke Silva; Fela’s first manager, Chief Benson Idonije, among others.
Governor Ambode was also at the Kalakuta Museum on Gbemisola Street, Ikeja where he was received by Afrobeat star and Fela’s son, Femi Kuti, among other family and devotees of the late music icon.
He later hosted a Special Lagos Jump to formally round off Felabration 2017 at the New Afrika Shrine, thereby becoming the first Governor in his official capacity to visit the shrine to end the show.
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CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023
CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023
By: Boye Ola
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.
The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.
The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.
Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,
Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.
According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.
“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.
Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.
The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.
George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.
Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”
The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.
According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.
“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”
CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.
The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
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IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections
IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections
A Leading People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitates with women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.
The international Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement. It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.
In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said the role of the women in nation building cannot be over emphasised.
He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women like Mrs Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalization and the growth of the country and urges women to follow their footsteps by not only participate in the political process but seek more elective positions.
He urges the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.
Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying they are definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.
He said domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying they deserves respect for their role in moulding the future leaders.
According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.
“I equally called on them not only to be a passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections. They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions. The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.
“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments”.
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International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth
International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth
As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.
Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.
In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.
According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.
Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.
Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:
“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”
The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.
As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.
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