society
Ogun shops for N13bn to fix Failed Portions of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road
Ogun shops for N13bn to fix Failed Portions of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said his administration would shop for N13b to fix deplorable portions of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road.
The governor equally disclosed that plans had reached advance stage to build three new housing estates across the three senatorial districts in the state.
Abiodun stated these in his address at the virtual citizens’ engagement (town hall meeting) on 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2022 Budget for Ogun West Senatorial District, held on Thursday, in Abeokuta.
He explained that his administration had elected to decentralize and liberalize the space by ensuring that all our people from the three Senatorial Districts have equal opportunity to rub minds with those who hold the public trust to govern and for you the people to have inputs in their basic needs.
Abiodun added that the Town Hall meeting which kicked off on Wednesday in Ogun East, was to further ensure that critical stakeholders and people in the state express their views and expectations for the next year budget.
The governor declared that development of Ogun West senatorial district would continue to be of topmost importance to his administration, assuring the zone would continue to receive the deserved attention of his government.
Abiodun, who described Ogun West as the major outlet to other West African States and the Industrial Engine Room of the state, said his administration would remain irrevocably committed to making Ogun a truly investors’ first choice destination, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.
He added his administration would never toy with development and welfare of the inhabitants of the senatorial district, which is home to Agbara Industrial Estate with over 400 national and multinational brands.
“The people of Ogun West are priceless jewels. We are also the Industrial Capital of Nigeria because Ogun West has the largest concentration of factories and industrial hubs in the country. This Senatorial District is the home of Agbara Industrial Estate, which is one of the largest Industrial Estates in the entire sub-Saharan Africa; this same Industrial Estate is home to over 400 national and multi-national brands. In fact, it is this same Agbara Industrial Estate that attracted the location of the Ogun Guandong Free Trade Zone at Igbesa which is also in Ogun West Senatorial District and that Free Trade Zone remains a viable commercial hub till tomorrow. It needs no gainsaying, therefore, that our Administration is irrevocably committed to making Ogun State a truly investors’ first choice destination, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa and consider the welfare of its inhabitants non-negotiable”, the governor stated.
The governor said that no fewer than 196 projects had been executed in Imeko Afon, Yewa North and Yewa South local government areas in Ogun West senatorial district, by his administration.
He further stated that his government has commissioned the Raypower and Ikola/Osi-Ota road to open up Ota and other towns along Alagbado/Ipaja border line for more investments and continued socio-economic development in the area.
He added that the reconstruction of the 19km Atan-Lusada-Agbara road had started, while the 10.25km Lusada-Igbesa road had also been commissioned.
“We are assiduously working on the Ilaro-Owode–Idiroko Road, which is a Federal Road, like we do on Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road in the East Senatorial District and Sagamu-Abeokuta Road in the Central Senatorial District. As we await the Federal Government’s approval on transfer of the reconstruction of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta, we are daily on that road to fix the failed portions.
“It is noteworthy that Otunba Mike Adenuga has already committed to reconstruct the 64 kilometre Ota-Idiroko International Road through tax credit. Ditto for Alhaji Aliko Dangote who has been granted leave to reconstruct the 100 kilometre Ilaro- Papalanto-Sagamu Interchange Road also through tax credit, amongst roads that we hope to fix through Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP).
“We will continue to improve our PPP programme to identify necessary funding options for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major roads in our dear State”. Abiodun pointed out.
While pleading for the patience, understanding and fortitude of the people, the governor said that the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA) has been empowered and mandated to continually do palliative works on bad roads so as to make them passable.
“We are turning the state to a massive construction sites with road projects across 18 of our 20 LG Areas. Needless to say that we are in all the 5 LGAs of Ogun West. In Yewa North Local Government, our men are working on Imasayi-Igan Okoto-Ayetoro Road; in Imeko Afon, we are reconstructing Oke Ola and Ago-Oshoffa Roads; in Ipokia, we are fixing the Oke Afa Road and Bridge at Agosasa; the Joju-Oju Ore Road in Sango-Ota road is on-going while we have decided on another approach to expedite the completion of the construction of Owode to Ilaro road.
“Hosting this Town Hall meeting, today and I believe, will further strengthen the partnership of our Administration with our good people of Ogun West and your contributions will accelerate development due to good representation of the people’s needs and desires in the year 2022 Budget of our dear State and beyond.
“In the Housing sector, we are building an affordable Housing Estate in the heart of Ilaro. Work will also commence in earnest as we have secure space for units of Medium Income House for Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government. The icing on the cake is that I have ordered that local masons, labourers, electricians, suppliers, artisans and all that would be involved must be locally sourced, to underscore the need for fair and even handed development, as well as improved prosperity for our people across all sectors and sections across our Senatorial Districts. For me, no section of this State will be developed at the expense of the other”, the governor stated.
Abiodun, however, thanked the royal fathers, community leaders, Baales and members of the Neighbourhood Watch and Hunters, who have been supporting the state’s security architecture to ensure safety of lives and property across the Ogun West in particular, and the State in general, especially during the farmers-herders skirmishes early in the year
He also assured that his administration would take copious note of people’s comments, recommendations, proposals, submitting “all of these will be taken as an important factor in the preparation processes of the year 2022 Budget of our dear state”.
society
Wisdom of a Mature Believer: Don’t Judge What You Don’t Know — Dr. Chris Okafor
Wisdom of a Mature Believer: Don’t Judge What You Don’t Know — Dr. Chris Okafor
“To provoke mercy, keep sowing mercy.”
Mercy is often defined as compassion shown to someone who deserves punishment. It is the conscious decision to forgive when one has the power to condemn.
This formed the core of the message delivered by the Generational Prophet of God, Christopher Okafor, during the Grace Nation Glorious Sunday Service held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Act and Power of Mercy
Preaching on the topic “The Act and Power of Mercy,”
Dr. Okafor emphasized that mercy is the believer’s escape from judgment. Referencing Psalm 136:1–20, he explained that mercy does not appear randomly; it is activated by deliberate spiritual actions and attitudes.
According to him, many people forfeit divine privileges because they are quick to judge.
A mature believer, he warned, must resist rushing to conclusions. In some cases, what appears to be clear evidence may not reflect the full truth.
“Don’t judge what you do not fully understand,” he cautioned, stressing that premature judgment can shut the door to mercy.
What Provokes Mercy?
Dr. Okafor outlined key spiritual principles that activate divine mercy:
Prayer
Prayer in deep and sincere dimensions attracts mercy. At the throne of grace, God considers the petitions of those who remain committed to Him. Even when a believer falls short, consistent prayer and kingdom partnership can move God to show mercy.
Total Repentance
Acknowledging wrongdoing and genuinely turning away from it provokes mercy. When a person presents their case before God with sincere repentance, divine compassion is released.
Sowing Mercy
Mercy operates like a seed. What a person sows is what they reap. Showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others creates a harvest of mercy in return.
Unjust Hatred
Dr. Okafor also noted that when individuals are hated without cause, God may respond with mercy and divine elevation. What others fail to see in a person, God recognizes.
Conclusion
In closing, the Generational Prophet reiterated that mercy is both a principle and a harvest.
“To provoke mercy,” he declared, “keep sowing mercy.”
The service was marked by strong prophetic manifestations, including testimonies of deliverance, miracles, healings, restoration, and solutions to diverse challenges presented before God.
The Glorious Sunday Service concluded with a special thanksgiving celebration by members born in the month of February.
Sunday Adeyemi writes from Lagos
society
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
NOVO Announces Spring 2026 Launch: The World’s First Diamond-Backed Digital Currency and Wealth Platform Devoted to Feeding Africa
February 2026 — NOVO, an emerging global leader in diamond manufacturing, crypto‑banking, and ethical wealth management, today announced the upcoming Spring 2026 launch of NOVO Coin, the world’s first digital currency fully backed by certified, lab‑grown, cut, and polished diamonds stored in secure vaults in Singapore and Switzerland.
Designed for stability, transparency, and humanitarian impact, NOVO represents a new class of asset‑backed digital currency engineered to serve both global markets and vulnerable economies facing inflation, currency instability, and limited access to banking.
A Currency With a Mission: Feeding a Continent.
In a groundbreaking commitment, NOVO has pledged 50% of all corporate profits to support nonprofit micro‑finance organizations across Africa that specialize in food production, farming, fishing, and sustainable agriculture.
This initiative aims to:
Expand access to affordable capital for small and mid‑scale food producers
Strengthen local food systems and reduce dependency on imports
Dramatically lower grocery prices across African markets
Build long‑term economic resilience for millions of families
NOVO’s leadership believes that empowering Africa’s farmers and food‑producing cooperatives is the fastest path to stabilizing regional economies — and ultimately driving down global food prices.
Diamond‑Backed Stability for a Volatile World
Unlike speculative tokens or inflation‑prone fiat currencies, every NOVO Coin is backed by real, verifiable diamond reserves, manufactured through advanced laboratory processes and held in audited international vaults.
This structure provides:
Intrinsic value tied to a globally recognized commodity
Transparency through third‑party reserve verification
Security via geographically diversified vaults
Long‑term price stability for users and institutional partners
NOVO’s diamond‑reserve system is designed to offer a safe, durable alternative for nations and communities seeking protection from currency devaluation.
A Full‑Spectrum Financial Ecosystem
Beyond the currency itself, NOVO is launching a vertically integrated platform that includes:
Diamond manufacturing and certification
Crypto‑banking and digital asset management
Wealth management and life‑insurance services
Humanitarian micro‑finance distribution channels
This unified ecosystem positions NOVO as one of the first fintech institutions to combine commodity‑backed digital currency with large‑scale social impact.
A New Era of Ethical Finance
“NOVO was built on a simple belief: a currency should serve the people who use it,” said the organization’s founder. “By backing NOVO with diamonds and dedicating half of our profits to African food producers, we are proving that financial innovation and humanitarian responsibility can — and must — coexist.”
Spring 2026: A Global Debut
NOVO Coin will be available to the public in Spring 2026, with early institutional partnerships already underway across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
For more information. Here is the organizations website TOPOFTHEPYRAMID.org
society
Tinubu Mourns Rear Admiral Musa Katagum: A National Loss for Nigeria’s Military Leadership
Tinubu Mourns Rear Admiral Musa Katagum: A National Loss for Nigeria’s Military Leadership
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“President Tinubu Pays Tribute as Nigeria’s Naval Command Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Strategic Maritime Leader at a Critical Security Juncture.”
Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially mourned the death of Rear Admiral Musa Bello Katagum, the Chief of Naval Operations of the Nigerian Navy, who died on February 19, 2026, after a protracted illness while receiving treatment abroad. His passing has sent ripples through Nigeria’s defence establishment and national security architecture, marking the loss of one of the most experienced and respected maritime commanders in recent memory.
In a statement released on February 20, 2026 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Rear Admiral Katagum’s death as a “significant blow to the military and the nation,” noting the late officer’s vast experience and “invaluable contributions” to both the Nigerian Navy and the broader “Armed Forces of Nigeria”. The President extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, naval personnel and the nation at large, while praying for solace and strength for colleagues and loved ones.
Rear Admiral Katagum’s career was marked by distinguished service in several strategic capacities. Before his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations in November 2025, he served as Director of the Presidential Communication, Command and Control Centre (PC4) and Chief of Intelligence of the Nigerian Navy-roles that placed him at the nexus of naval operational planning and intelligence gathering. His leadership was widely credited with enhancing the Navy’s capacity to respond to growing maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including piracy, illegal bunkering, and transnational crime.
Security policy experts emphasise that Katagum’s loss comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria. Dr. Adebola Akinpelu, a defence analyst at the Institute for Security Studies, observes that “Nigeria’s maritime domain remains a frontline in the broader security challenges facing the nation; the loss of an adept operational leader like Rear Admiral Katagum is not just a personnel change but a strategic setback.” His insight reflects broader concerns about continuity in military leadership amid intensifying threats.
The Nigerian Navy’s own statement, confirmed by the Directorate of Naval Information, affirmed that Katagum’s “exemplary leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering loyalty” were central to boosting operational readiness and national defence. According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, “His legacy remains a source of inspiration across the services.”
As Nigeria grapples with complex security landscapes at its land and maritime frontiers, the death of Rear Admiral Katagum underscores a broader national imperative: strengthening institutional capacities while honouring the service and sacrifice of those who defend the nation’s sovereignty. In the words of military scholar Professor James Okoye, “Leadership in security institutions is not easily replaceable; it is built through experience, trust and strategic clarity; qualities that Katagum embodied.”
Rear Admiral Musa Katagum has since been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites, leaving behind a legacy that will inform Nigerian naval operations for years to come.
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