society
SHOMOLU LOCAL GOVT., LAGOS: A LAND OF MANY TROUBLES
On Wednesday 25th of April, 2018, I was invited as an identified stakeholder by the United State Institute of Peace (USIP) to a forum at the Human and Environmental Development Agenda headquarters in Lagos State, on Election Violent Risk Assessment tagged “Identifying Opportunity for Peace”.
The program was aimed at getting the view of identified stakeholders, mostly Nigerians across board, on the possibility of a violent free election in Nigeria and necessary preventive measure.
Anyone with the slightest interest and sentiment for Shomolu local government, among few others identified, would have been really embarrassed seeing Somolu being used as a case study on possible outburst from intraparty grievances. But as a leader and public administrator, I represent no single local government, but all. So I could not afford to be sentimentally biased and so must admit the fact that Shomolu local government is a good case study of “a land of many troubles”, as painted, hence this report and writeup.
Although there are many issues in Nigeria i.e the Senate drama; Killing in Benue; even the dormancy or better called betrayal of peoples’ trust by the Lagos State House of Assembly by giving automatic rubber stamp to every anti people and exploitative policies and laws by the executive e.t.c. All these would be addressed in future and the leadership of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) is deliberating day and night on way forward.
The focus at present is how to avoid possible breakdown in Shomolu local government as recently identified by distant speculators.
To start with, the Secretariat of Somolu, just like others in Lagos, is identified to be under the supervision and control of some professional politicians with professional area boys that are better referred to as “Abobaku”, the unprincipled sycophantic loyalists.
As rightly described by Comrade Soetan (Baba Sho) in his recent write-ups: “Between ABOBAKU and a SUPPORTER!”
A major difference between a Supporter and Abobaku of a reigning King is that a Supporter keeps silent when the King is wrong but Abobaku jumps up in jubilation and praises the King! Long live the King, the King can never be wrong!
Though our office is aware and agreed that there are many problems in Shomolu and we have also conducted some research on way out, I never knew Somolu is being watched by many unknown and from a distance.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria stated clearly, what should be the primary aims and objectives of government under Chapter 2 that speaks on “Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policies”. The security of lives and properties is clearly identified.
Section 14 (2b) States: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
Section 17 speaks on “Social Justice” and in subsection 3(d) states: The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons.
Although the Executive Chairman, Hon. Salaudeen, appears to be cool headed and one with listening ears, on the above matters he seems to have failed and as well confused.
The once functional General Hospital is now distressed with no room for admission. People die regularly for this reason with no solution from any end other than promise by the ruling elite since no direct family member of theirs is or could be affected.
On the area of security, the gentle looking poor Dullar, chairman of Somolu local government, who is supposed to be the number one and chief security personnel of the L.G was recently attacked by someone from and within his territory, yet nothing done on the matter till date.
The question people ask till date is “who attacked the chairman and why is the matter not fully investigated? Are these people now playing politics with the lives of the citizenry in the territory, then what becomes of ordinary poor citizens.
By and large, the U.S Institute initiated forum see this part of the country, Lagos State, as not seem to be brutally violent, come 2019 general election, if the intraparty issues are well managed.
The forum identified Lagos state as the melting point of Yoruba politics, which is what Ibadan used to be. As regards the ruling party, most people are identified to see the APC in Lagos, as representing their cultural values.
More so, based on precedence, election in Lagos has not been so violent, though there are recorded cases of politically motivated killing i.e the killing of Funsho Williams in 2003 by God knows who.
Intraparty issue cannot however be ruled out, especially when it comes to imposing unpopular candidate on the people. But the party leadership seem to have control over its subject in the party
It is however unfortunately observed that Somolu L.G among few other areas was identified as territory where even the apex leadership (Jagaban) has not been able to solve the intraparty issues as some elements are still protesting since the last L.G election.
Serious state and party intervention was suggested as to prevent possible peace breach in Somolu community.
One of the most brutal experience in Yoruba land was linked to an attempt to impose the late Akintola on the people of the Southwest by the F.G in 1964 and possible reoccurrence of similar event is envisaged where imposition is seen as the order of the day.
The vice chairman of Somolu local government is observed to not have resumed the office given to him in a silent protest since the last L.G election and yet the highest Oracle of Apc is yet to completely resolve the crisis in the Secretariat.
Reason identified for the internal grumbling was that some are not pleased and are silently protesting the stolen candidacy of a chairmanship aspirant, Bowale, who celebrated his primary victory across the entire local government, but only to be sidelined from a kangaroo arrangement by members of Lagos House of Assembly (LAHA) as dictated by the man on top, to fulfill some hidden agenda.
He is said to have been supported locally for the L.G primary election by a man identified to be most popular in Somolu politics, in person of Hon. Olowo Rotimi, a member of LAHA whose generosity is said to be confirmed by even his enemies. Rotimi Olowo is said to be more popular than the entire local government councillors, even in their various street, but rumor has it that he may not be on the good list of Jagaban, the king maker, with a resultant effect that may not be palatable on the entire community and beyond.
The man Bowale was later made vice but never resume office for ones.
The recent attack on the easy going chairman of the local government was however linked to the candidacy issues above, perhaps by some abobakus.
From the above observations by non political observers, it is glaring that people in the territory may be sitting on a keg of gun powder and truly requires urgent attention.
On a personal note, among what come to my mind on the above sceneries are two major questions:
1. Why would a so called sincerely generous and truthful Hon. Olowo support the removal of his candidate in the first instance, 2 days to election at LAHA?
2. On the Vice Chairman of Somolu L.G, Hon. Bowale, who has refused to resume office since swearing in, who takes his salaries?
On a serious note, our office, HURMA, may assist, with transparency and proper accountability, in judicious distribution of the rejected monies among the oppressed and poor who troop our office on daily basis, if given the opportunity.
May I sincerely hereby advice all members of Nigeria political class or associate, especially in the ruling APC, for the sake of their future, if they care for any. Party members must see the parties as their own and seize the initiative for collective ownership beyond reducing themselves to beggars living on hands outs from their corrupt leaders. This I see as minimum responsibility expected.
Finally as a revolutionary activist in the now more popular Local Government, but unfortunately with possible future violent trait, I would rather refer to the all key political players as same of same. They all belong to the bourgeois capitalist ruling class whose interest is to hold the people down for perpetual oppression and exploitation.
Only a genuine revolution, which we regularly discourse and mobilise people to, at our regular meeting can liberate the poor masses.
For democracy and good governance to thrive in Nigeria, as observed by a leader in struggle, Comrade Adeola Soetan, it is better to be an Abobawi, that is, those who correct the king when he is wrong because he is not infaliable, than to be an Abobaku, that is those who are ready to die with king, rightly or wrongly.
To be an Abobaku is to worship the king as a sycophant and falsely projects the king”s infallibility naively or consciously for whatever personal reason or bandwagon affliction. And in that process, an Abobaku suffers from a self inflicted or contagious debilitating disease of mind closure and anal reasoning complex.
Such tragic human commodities die with the king because they have no souls of their own.
A word is enough for the wise.
Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak is the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA).
A public affairs analyst and a certificated trainee on Anti Corruption by the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime.
Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
“Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
“ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.
society
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.
The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.
This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.
For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.
It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.
The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.
The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.
Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.
NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.
We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.
NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.
Signed
Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907
society
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.
The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.
The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.
The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.
Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.
18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.
The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.
This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.
Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.
This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.
His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.
The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.
The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.
African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.
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