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Okada ban: provide alternative job, residents urge Lagos state govt.

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Okada ban

Okada ban: provide alternative job, residents urge Lagos state govt.

By Ifeoma Ikem

Okada ban

Residents of Alimiosho area of Lagos state have advised the state government and house of Assembly to provide alternative job before banning the commercial motorcycle operations also known as “okada’’ to avoid creating more hardship for those who depend on it as means of livelihood.

The residents and motorcyclists spoke with our correspondent yesterday during a protest staged by Human right activist Comrade Iche Savior at Jakande gate, Ijegun /Isheri area in Alimiosho local government council.

 

 

 

They expressed fear that the Okada ban will create more difficult times for the communities.

Some of the commercial motorcyclists in the area also added that the government should have involved them in the policy making that led to the ban.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the residents, immediately the ban of okada was enforced, people started trekking for long distances to get to their destinations due to non accessibility of good roads in the community.

Mr Williams Okeize, a resident, said the development would worsen the current situation as some people who ride the bikes would now have to trek down to their various destinations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to him, majority of these residents are under abject poverty and do not have vehicles of their own, the ban will further make them miserable and worse.

“Many of these okada riders feed themselves and their families with the little they earn from riding these okadas, some of these okada riders are graduates with no jobs, there is a need for the government to provide alternatives before such ban.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ominyi Odinaka, a Civil Engineer and Unizik graduate decried the already high rate of unemployed youths in the country, saying that the ban would cause more hardship to majority of us that graduated and with no job.

According to him, ‘I graduated two years ago, I had savings of three hundred thousand to set up a business so as to earn a living but could not because of the economic situation before I had to switch to Okada riding for sometime to make up the money I need for the business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“this ban of Okada affected some of us negatively which added more unemployed youths to the labour market.

A mother of four, Mrs Faitha Idris laments that her husband rides Okada within the axis of Kudeyibu Estate Ijegun and they manage to have two square meals on daily basis but since the enforcement began, the police has been taking advantage of it by arresting the riders and extorting them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘I’m pleading with Gov. Sanwo -Olu to help in lifting the ban, many other families whose husbands and fathers operate Okada are dying of hunger.

” Where are we going to start from, school is resuming on Monday, meaning our children can’t go back to school because there is no other job for my husband, I am a petty trader but there’s no sale like before people are not buying again “, she added

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reacting to the ban, Comr Iche Savior advised the state government that instead of banning them especially in the rural area places like Alimiosho area “it is better to register them and integrate them into the ever expanding transportation .

Iche said the government and house of Assembly should have a rethink about the ban in some areas because it would increase the rate of suffering and unemployment in the state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We are already having challenges in the country already; the government should provide alternatives to those Okada riders before banning their activities.

” Even though the Okada operators are not happy with the job but that is the only work they do since government have no job for them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

” Okada riders covers a larger population in the state, they provide the needed services to the residents in some area that are not motorable”, he said.

Miss Peculiar Chimeremma, a youth said that the ban would increase more crimes and lead to a lot of youths eventually join criminal groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Some of the operators were honest business men seeking daily income to sustain their families and were not depending on government or anyone else.

She said stopping these people from their means of livelihood would not only affect their businesses but also force the users of these commercial means of transportation to trek to their destinations where other commercial vehicles cannot access

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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