Politics

LAGOS PUTS NIGERIA ON GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

Published

4 years ago

October 1, 2020

Sahara Weekly

SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES LAGOS HOS, MURI-OKUNOLA AT 50

…Celebrates 60th Independence With 60,000 Cupcakes Mosaic

…Sanwo-Olu: Lagos State Is A Land Of Creativity And Innovation

Lagos State on Thursday put Nigeria on the world record by celebrating the 60th Independence anniversary with 60,000 cupcakes to produce the largest anniversary logo in the world, made with cupcakes mosaic.

The initiative by Lagos State Government in conjunction with Fly Africa aimed to put Nigeria in the Guinness Book of World Record as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic in the world.

Speaking at the historic event, held at Teslim Balogun, Surulere, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the State through the laying of the largest cupcakes mosaic, has sent a message to the world that Lagos is a land of creativity and innovations.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the wife of the State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat at the event monitored by the officials of the Guinness World Records, disclosed that the last largest cupcakes in the world was a 30,400 cupcakes made in Singapore in 2015.

The Governor in his address also commended all the founding fathers of Nigeria, independence icons and those who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains a united nation.

“I am sure that with this largest cupcakes mosaic today, we have sent a message to the world that Lagos State is a land of creativity and innovations. It is my belief that Lagos State and indeed Nigeria would continue to strive and record greater achievements.

“I call on everyone here today to join hands with our administration to build a Lagos that we would all be proud of.” the governor said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Phar. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said putting Nigeria in the Guinness World Record as holder of the world’s largest anniversary logo made with cupcakes mosaic, is very unique to Lagos being the trail brazier in every lofty initiative.

She said Lagos State Government through the event is once again putting itself before the international community, especially tourists across the world to see what the State can offer in terms of breaking new grounds and in creativity.

She said: “The relevance of Lagos State in Nigeria cannot be undermined as the State has been channeling its efforts into activities that have strengthened the nation economically, culturally, and socially. Our great State has no doubt been serving as the melting pot for Nigeria tradition and culture.

“The coming together of Fly Africa and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for this event which is one of its kinds in the history of this nation underscores Lagos’ rich attractions that have earned the Nation a global voice and respect, across the continent.

“It is also commendable that we are equally using this event to eye World Guinness Record through the laying of the Largest Cupcake Mosaic in different colors, being the first ever in the world.

“I appreciate the almost 150 volunteers who came together to make this Largest Cupcakes Mosaic possible as well as the various partners for this event.”

Akinbile-Yusuf also disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, has used the period of the lockdown in the tourism and entertainment industry to rethink a workable direction for the post-covid era, adding that going forward, efforts will be channeled towards the development of the State local tourism sites and the promotion of local creativity.

“Rather than enriching the economy of other countries through international tours, we want to change the narrative by making our State a more beautiful city to behold where international tourists can visit and invest their resources,” she said.

Commenting on the laudable achievements, the Managing Director of Outori Limited and lead Aviator of Fly Africa, Mr. Wole Olagundoye, said the record breaking event would inspire Nigerians and Africans to rise above the odds and strive for positive actions towards achieving great and transformational feats.

“Only Africans can make Africa succeed, our own destiny is not in the hand of other nations but right in ours and we must seize this moment to make the necessary changes,” he said.

Also joining Governor Sanwo-Olu in laying the largest Cupcakes Mosaic, which received wide jubilation immediately the sixty thousandth cupcake was laid, are members of the State Executive Council.

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El-Rufai’s Shock Defection Sparks Political Firestorm as Presidency, APC Hit Back

Published

1 hour ago

March 11, 2025

Sahara Weekly

El-Rufai’s Shock Defection Sparks Political Firestorm as Presidency, APC Hit Back

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has ignited a political storm with his dramatic defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP), a move seen as a direct challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

El-Rufai, in a scathing critique of the APC, accused the party of derailing from its founding principles and pledged to mobilize opposition forces to unseat the ruling government. “I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections,” he declared.

His defection letter, addressed to his ward in Kaduna State and publicly shared, detailed his frustration with the APC’s leadership. “Since 2013, I have hoped that my personal values and those of the APC will continue to align until I choose to retire from politics. Developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC do not desire to acknowledge, much less address, the party’s unhealthy situation,” he wrote.

The Presidency and the APC wasted no time in hitting back, dismissing El-Rufai’s move as an act of desperation driven by “an inordinate ambition destined to fail.” The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, downplayed El-Rufai’s influence, stating, “We will interrogate the motive in the coming days. Associating with sore losers to unseat the incumbent is not an ideology, neither is it progressivism.”

Similarly, the APC leadership in Kaduna brushed off El-Rufai’s defection as insignificant. Kaduna APC Secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, described it as “political gyration,” emphasizing that the party remains solidly behind President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027.

Beyond Kaduna, El-Rufai’s sudden political maneuvering has sparked intense speculation. His recent high-profile meetings with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, suggest broader realignments ahead of the next election cycle. At a recent conference on strengthening democracy, El-Rufai openly called for opposition unity against the APC, further fueling speculations about a potential mega coalition.

However, not all opposition figures are convinced. Salihu Lukman, a former APC chieftain involved in the proposed coalition talks, criticized El-Rufai’s defection as premature, stating that “we expected him to be more patient so we could walk out as a group.” Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed his move as a strategic blunder, while the Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front welcomed him as a key player in the anti-APC movement.

As political realignments intensify, El-Rufai’s defection sets the stage for what could be a fiercely contested 2027 election. While his ability to unify the fractured opposition remains uncertain, his departure from the APC marks a significant rupture within Nigeria’s ruling party. The coming months will reveal whether his bold gamble will reshape the political landscape or end in failure as his critics predict.

Politics

El-Rufai Resigns from APC, Joins SDP Citing Leadership Concerns

Published

13 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

El-Rufai Resigns from APC, Joins SDP Citing Leadership Concerns

Former Kaduna State Governor and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling party, citing fundamental concerns over its leadership and direction. According to ThisDay Nigeria, El-Rufai announced his resignation in a statement released on Monday, expressing disappointment in the party’s deviation from its founding ideals.

El-Rufai criticized the APC leadership for sidelining key members and neglecting pressing internal issues, despite his repeated efforts to address these concerns both publicly and privately. He lamented the party’s drift away from progressive values and stated that recent developments confirmed a lack of willingness among those in control to acknowledge or rectify the situation.

“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and that of the APC would continue to align up to the time I choose to retire from politics,” he said. “However, developments in the last two years confirm that there is no desire on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the party.”

El-Rufai played a crucial role in securing APC’s victories in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections. Reflecting on his tenure as Kaduna State Governor, he emphasized his administration’s commitment to education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and investment attraction. However, he asserted that these principles have been abandoned by the APC.

“These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable,” he added.

Following extensive consultations with political associates, mentors, and supporters nationwide, El-Rufai announced his decision to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which he believes presents a more credible alternative for progressive governance. He further called on opposition leaders and political parties to unite under a single democratic front to challenge the APC in future elections.

“As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027,” he declared.

El-Rufai’s departure adds to the growing list of prominent figures who have distanced themselves from the APC or voiced discontent with its leadership. His move to the SDP could signal a significant realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As El-Rufai embarks on a new political journey, the key question remains: will his defection trigger a mass exodus from the APC, or will the ruling party withstand yet another internal challenge? One thing is certain—his resignation has set the stage for a high-stakes political battle in the months and years ahead.

Politics

PDP’s Dwindling Fortunes Spark Concerns By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

1 day ago

March 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

PDP’s Dwindling Fortunes Spark Concerns

By Ifeoma Ikem

A member of the Lagos State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Committee, Prince (Dr.) Adedipe Ewenla, has raised concerns over the party’s declining influence in Nigeria’s political landscape since 1999.

Speaking on the party’s performance, Amb. Ewenla revealed that PDP’s representation at both the national and state levels has significantly dwindled over the years.

“In 1999, the PDP boasted 21 governors, 66 senators, and 200 House of Representatives members. However, by 2023, these figures had dropped to just 13 governors, 36 senators, and 118 House of Representatives members,” he stated.

Causes of PDP’s Decline

Dr. Ewenla attributed the party’s struggles to multiple factors, including internal divisions, weak candidate selection, and ineffective strategy. He noted that for the PDP to regain its lost ground, it must field strong, popular, and financially capable candidates who can effectively compete with the ruling party.

“The PDP must present candidates who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their opponents. We need to rebuild our internal structures and mend divisions within the party,” he emphasized.

He also highlighted Lagos State as a major challenge for the PDP, calling for a strategic approach ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections to build momentum.

“Winning in Lagos has always been difficult, but we must actively participate in local elections to strengthen our presence and gain relevance,” he urged.

Call for Party Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections

Dr. Ewenla further stressed that PDP must prioritize unity and cohesion to stand a chance in the 2027 general elections.

“We cannot afford to enter the next elections as a divided house. If we do not reconcile our differences and present a united front, our chances of success will remain slim,” he warned.

While the PDP leadership has yet to officially respond to these concerns, party members and supporters have begun expressing anxiety over the urgent need for reforms to restore the party’s influence.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP faces a crucial test—will it reclaim its former dominance, or will its fortunes continue to dwindle? Only time will tell.