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How not to assess Lagos under Ambode

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By Niyi Anibaba

 

I say without any equivocation that this young man who is there now-Akinwunmi Ambode- has raised the stake of performance (in Lagos State) especially in infrastructure.– Olabode George, chieftain of the opposition People’s Democratic Party,( PDP).

About the time strident critics in Nigeria had begun to come to terms with the reality of Lagos as standing out of the pack in an environment of ill-performing states, posting distressing infrastructure-deficit indices, a global body has turned out a report suggesting the contrary. So on the one hand, we have the rare acclaim of a known censurer of the Ambode government; and on the hand we are being offered the partial picture of what is on the ground.

According to the 2018 Global Liveability Index released by The Economist Intelligence Unit(EIU) World Bank, ‘’Lagos is the third worst city to live in.’’ It examined 140 cities and placed Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub at 138, Syria and Bangladesh being the only two lower.

Vienna, the Austrian capital, was ranked the most liveable city in the world. Melbourne in Australia came in second place after a seven-year at number one. Japan’s Osaka came in at third position.

The ranking was based on five parameters: Political and Social Stability, Education, Culture, Environment, Infrastructure and Access to Health. For Infrastructure among the other factors, ‘’the quality of road network, quality of public transport, international links, availability of good quality housing, quality of energy provision, quality of water provision and quality of telecommunications were considered.’’

Interestingly, by the reckoning of a widely-travelled and respected Nigerian financial expert Mr. Bismarck Rewane, these are areas where Ambode’s Lagos has fared excellently. Not known for flippant comments on political and economic matters because of his integrity, Rewane has become a favourite of newsmen on hot-button issues. So when the EIU report came up, he spoke what many have regarded as the objective view.

He criticized the world body for its judgment that Lagos is the planet’s third worst city to choose to live in. It’s an unfair and harsh verdict, Rewane told an interviewer on a leading TV News station operating from Lagos last week. He declared solemnly: ‘’First and foremost, I think the report is subjective and it is based on warped criteria. Certainly, in a survey that says that number 86 is Johannesburg when you talk about crime, terrorism, insurgency and Lagos is 138 out of 140, it’s unfortunate. I feel safer in Lagos than in Johannesburg…I must come out strongly that the EIU …is a bit subjective and does not reflect the truth. Lagos is definitely not the third worst city to live in in the world. I stand by that and I am ready to join issues with the Economic Intelligence Unit whom I respect anyway…’’

His stand tallies with those of most dispassionate observers who have taken keen interest in developments in this state growing by leaps and bounds every day. Adjudged the fastest growing and the fifth largest economy in Africa, Lagos is heading for the 20 million population mark, earnings it the mega polis epithet. That poses inherent security and infrastructure challenges characteristic of such climes.

But that is precisely where to dig deep to find out if the Lagos authorities are aware the world is watching them to know if they are tackling the issues appropriately and in accordance with global best practices. The world has become a small space, any corner of which you can access from the comfort of your room. What happens in your backyard or bedroom is in the world domain, not even public domain. So the world can’t but notice the mammoth activity of urban renewal in Lagos. The entire state has become a veritable construction site, where new roads are either being built or existing ones are experiencing a face-lift via expansion and modernization. And to secure lives, residential and office apartments which have failed safety are being pulled down to make way for befitting centres of commerce and habitation.

The transport sector is similarly being driven to the next level, with the phasing out of the ubiquitous molue. The more appealing luxurious Lagbus fleet are taking over on newly created corridors not only to add aesthetic beauty to the city landscape, but also to deepen the security of commuters.

There is now an unprecedented move by the Ambode government to trash the notorious slums in the state into the dustbin of the past. He has come under attack for attempting what his predecessors dared not to undertake: displacing the huge ghettoes and rickety markets to create for modern and affordable settlements and business centres.

But, as ex-Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings told complaining compatriots when he was rebuilding Ghana after years of decay, ‘’it is a bitter pill that must be taken for lasting relief’’. Time is proving him right, because Ghana has enjoyed a sane and equable political and economic history since his days. It was a challenge the current generation of Ghanaian would have been battling with if Rawlings hadn’t confronted it then.

I think when reports of the nature under review are coming up, their authors must also consider on-going projects of renewal in societies being assessed. That way, they would avoid producing halfway verdicts of the type being criticized by well-meaning Nigerians. The critics are not those in government or so-called sponsored commentators. They are those who believe the EIU has not been fair to an administration whose members are having sleepless nights in order to make Lagos safe and turn it into a tourism haven as well as the investors’ dream destination.

Anibaba, a journalist wrote from Ikorodu, Lagos State

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

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Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

Electrifying Night at The 17th Headies Awards: Rema, Davido, Odumodublvck, Tems Shine Bright in Lagos

 

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Africa’s biggest night in music reached dazzling heights on Sunday as the 17th Headies Awards lit up Lagos with an unforgettable celebration of excellence, culture, and rhythm.

Rising star Zerry DL kicked off the excitement, clinching the Rookie of the Year title, marking his arrival among the continent’s brightest talents. Meanwhile, superstar Davido reaffirmed his dominance in the digital space, grabbing the Digital Artist of the Year award.

In a powerful testament to the global ascent of Afrobeats, Rema’s groundbreaking album HEIS was crowned Afrobeats Album of the Year, while soulful songstress Tems delivered a touching moment, winning Best Recording of the Year for her poignant track “Burning.”

The arena erupted in cheers as Odumodublvck was named Next Rated Artist, a highly coveted honor, beating out a strong lineup of rising talents including Shallipopi, Qing Madi, and Ayo Maff. His win not only signals a new era but underscores the dynamism sweeping through Nigeria’s music scene.

Adding to the night’s prestige, Special Recognition Awards were presented to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, YouTube Africa’s Managing Director Alex Okosi, and sports executive Amaju Pinnick, celebrating their contributions to the growth of music, arts, and culture.

This year’s Headies Awards carried a historic weight — a double edition — with the 18th Headies already announced for December 2025, making up for the ceremony’s absence in 2024.

Other major wins included:

  • Song of the Year: “Lonely at the Top” – Asake

  • Soundtrack of the Year: “Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack” – TCJ & Abbey Wonder

  • Best Rap Single: “Cast” – Shallipopi & Odumodublvck

  • Best Vocal Performances: Lojay (Male, “Billions”) and Liya (Female, “I’m Done”)

  • Headies Viewers’ Choice: “Egwu” – Chike & Mohbad

  • Best Street-Hop Artiste: Mohbad – “Ask About Me”

  • Best Music Video: Director Pink for “EGWU”

  • Songwriter of the Year: Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma (Qing Madi – “Vision”)

  • Producer of the Year: London (OZEBA)

The Headies once again proved why it remains the gold standard in celebrating African artistry, creativity, and global impact.

As Lagos danced deep into the night, the message was clear: Afrobeats is not just a genre — it’s a global movement.

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Simon Ekpa Busted: Finland Says ‘Yes’ to Nigeria’s Extradition Request

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Simon Ekpa Busted: Finland Says ‘Yes’ to Nigeria’s Extradition Request

Finland Approves Extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria in Landmark Terrorism Case

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape regional security dynamics and test the bounds of international law, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a polarizing Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria. The extradition is scheduled to take place on July 15, 2025, following a ruling by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.

Ekpa, who controversially refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been at the center of violent separatist rhetoric and activities that have plagued Nigeria’s southeast in recent years. He was arrested in Lahti in November 2024 after an extensive investigation by Finnish authorities into his alleged role in inciting violence from abroad.

Though often mischaracterized in media and political circles as a factional leader within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), IPOB has publicly and repeatedly disassociated itself from Ekpa and his actions.

“Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence,” an IPOB spokesperson said in a firm rebuttal. “It is dangerous and deceptive to label him as part of IPOB.”

Ekpa leads a fringe group called “Autopilot”, and is allegedly linked to the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a shadowy militant outfit accused of deadly attacks, kidnappings, and violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeastern states.

Finnish police have accused him of inciting violence through incendiary online broadcasts, which are believed to have inspired multiple deadly attacks on Nigerian civilians and security personnel. Four other individuals have also been detained in connection with financing and supporting his operations.

The Nigerian government, which has been pursuing his extradition since early 2023, welcomed the Finnish court’s decision as a major diplomatic and legal victory.

“This is a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil,” a senior official from the Ministry of Defence remarked.

The extradition comes despite Finland’s general reluctance to extradite its citizens outside the European Union. However, officials cited exceptional circumstances and invoked provisions under the Rome Statute, which both Finland and Nigeria have ratified, to facilitate the process. The Finnish government stressed that the decision adhered to both international law and due process.

Upon his return to Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges including terrorism, incitement, conspiracy, and crimes against the state. His prosecution is anticipated to become one of the most closely watched legal cases in modern Nigerian history, with significant scrutiny from both local and international human rights organizations.

As July approaches, all eyes will be on the Nigerian judiciary and the government’s ability to manage the legal and political storm that is likely to follow Ekpa’s extradition and trial.

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