society
Oniru Of Iruland Rolls Out 12 New Developmental Plans For Iruland, Empowers 2,000 Women
Newly-installed Oniru of Iruland, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal is arguably a pacesetter and line crosser with his plans and projects for the Oniru kingdom through his foundation for peace and development (HAIIF) which is an Independent, Non-partisan organisation, established to contribute to the sustainable development of the Iru kingdom and Lagos state at large.
The paramount ruler through the Foundation, therefore, seeks to empower sons and daughters of the Kingdom as well as other well-meaning Lagosians especially young people and women; to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State and country.
According to Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, the project coordinator, she attests to the fact that the project is ongoing and some women have already been empowered in the kingdom.
“Iru empowerment project is set to empower 2000 women in our kingdom in the next one year, but have started already with 32 women. And already tracking and monitoring the process of empowered women.”
“We are running the project on a partnership drive. We have received a lot of positive responses from private organizations and individuals who key into the project. So we are going to disburse on a quarterly base so we are dependent on the ability of the press to propagate the message to enable more people to lash on this project so we can achieve the 2000 women as projected this time next year.”
The HAIIF Foundation for Women’s Empowerment seeks to empower women and help them thrive both on the personal and professional levels, regardless of nationality, religion, and political affiliation. Since women represent about half of the world population, the more we help them, the better our whole world will be!
We plan to help women reach their fullest potential and achieve their personal best by identifying the challenges they face, providing relevant immediate solutions, and creating and implementing action plans via our Steering Committee, in addition to Leadership Committees for Women’s Empowerment, Executive Teams, and Support Committees that we set up.
Some of its key initiatives include Women and Youth capacity building, Tourism and Development via its beautiful Oniru Beach, Climate Leadership, Wellbeing and sustainable livelihood amongst its people in the community, Health and thought leadership which is one of the key factors that His royal Majesty have been known for and lived all his life.
In just two months, precisely July 26, 2020, the foundation launched its Empowerment Hub Pilot project by supporting 32 women with seed funding of 50,000 each to start trading in agro produce. And the beneficiaries were also supported with entrepreneurial skills and training by experienced mentors, while also the team had already put in place a tracking and monitoring scheme to evaluate the growth of the seed funds.
The foundation also promises to conduct quarterly recruitment of more beneficiaries with a regular convergence of different stakeholders particularly the business community within the Iru Kingdom to identify constraint to ease of doing businessFurthermore, we learnt HRM is set to rolle out 12 new developmental initiatives to develop, promote and reposition Iruland as a commercial hub and a world-class tourist center.
Below are the 12 Agendas as listed:
IMPROVED ROADS & DRAINS
Consultants are reviewing the entire estate from a topographical and distribution viewpoint to reduce flooding and improve roads.
IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY
A power company is currently being engaged with a view to providing power within the estate for a minimum of 23 hours daily.
STREET LIGHTING
To improve security and create a more pleasing estate for pedestrians, an aggressive street lighting project has commenced.
WASTE RECYCLING
Waste disposal is a major issue in Lagos as a whole. We are critically looking into a recycling alternative for the estate.
IMPROVED SECURITY & ACCESS CONTROL
The safety of lives and property is key. Best practices in other estates worldwide are being critically reviewed, to activate the best model for Oniru estate.
PHYSICAL PLANNING CONTROL
It has been noticed that a lot of developments have flouted simple planning regulations thereby creating discomfort for neighbours and defacing the estate. Consultations are ongoing for improved and enforceable regulations for the benefit of all.
UPDATE OF TITLES
Data on title documents/deeds to be centrally collated at a Central Estate Management office.
CONVENIENCE
Ease of payment of ground rent/development levy to be introduced.
TRAFFIC CONTROL/ROAD MANAGEMENT
Traffic flow strategy to be created for bottle-necks such as the entry from new market road and Ozumba Mbadiwe. Separate weekend arrangements to be made for the water-front event center zone and the alternative access road.
TECHNOLOGICALLY COMPLIANT ESTATE
Plans are underway to engage service providers for broadband internet services within the estate.
ECO FRIENDLY & FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
The Oniru waterfront is set for a change. We must create a healthy family-friendly environment for all.
A tree-planting campaign will be commenced by HRM in Sept. 2020.
ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY
Adequate water supply to ensure consistent maintenance of cleanliness and greenery of the environment will be prioritized.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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