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Side Chick Sues Sugar Daddy

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2023

Side Chick Sues Sugar Daddy

Deborah Seyram Adablah, a resident of Accra, has filed a lawsuit against the man she claims to be her “sugar daddy,” Ernest Kwasi Nimako, for allegedly breaching an agreement to care for her.

She has also accused the “sugar daddy” of abuse, sexual harassment, maltreatment, exploitation, and degrading her reputation, as well as claiming that she was forced into the relationship during her national service. Deborah Seyram Adablah, in a suit filed on January 23, 2023, at the Accra High Court, claims that her “sugar daddy” [name withheld] agreed to buy her a car, pay for her housing for three years, give her a monthly stipend of GH3,000, marry her after divorcing his wife, and give her a lump sum to start a business.

Her claim is that although the “sugar daddy” purchased the car and registered it in his name, he has taken the car back, denying her access to use it after about a year of using the Honda Civic worth GH120,000 while he also paid for only one year’s worth of housing.

Reliefs

the plaintiff seeks a court order directing the “sugar daddy” to transfer the title of the vehicle into her name and return the vehicle.

She also asks the court to order the defendant to pay her the fixed sum so she can “start a business to support herself, as agreed upon by the plaintiff and the defendant.”

The court should also order the “sugar daddy” to pay the two years of unpaid rent, as agreed upon by the plaintiff and the defendant.

Again, she requests that the court order the defendant to pay her medical bills as a result of a “side effect of a family planning treatment” that the defendant advised her to undergo in order to prevent pregnancy.

a) An order requiring the first defendant to transfer title to vehicle No. GC-7899-21 in the name of the plaintiff and/or an order directing the DVLA to register the vehicle in the plaintiff’s name.

b) A GH10,000.00 refund of the cost of repairs that the first Defendant promised to refund to the plaintiff but neglected to do so.

c) An order requiring the defendants to pay the following to the plaintiff:

(i) The 1st Defendant pays a lump sum to the plaintiff, as agreed upon by the plaintiff and the 1st Defendant, so that the plaintiff can establish a business to support herself.

ii) The 1st Defendant pays the remaining two (2) years of rent for the Plaintiff’s housing or pays the same amount for the remaining two (2) years at the same rate for alternative housing.

(iii) The first Defendant shall pay the outstanding arrears of the Plaintiff’s monthly allowance from July 2022 to the date of judgement, as well as all medical expenses incurred as a consequence of the Family Planning treatment’s side effects.

General damages were awarded against the defendants.

(d) Any additional relief the court deems appropriate, including legal fees

The plaintiff contends that in exchange for the first defendant’s assurances that he would leave the bank and not enter into a contract, the first defendant made the following representations and promises to the plaintiff:

• Lump-sum working capital for business startup

• Pay her housing or rent for three years.

• Acquire her a car.

• Provide GH3,000.00 per month.

• Give the plaintiff a ring.

• Pay her medical and other bills, including the cost of a family planning treatment to prevent her from becoming pregnant in the near future.

• To marry Plaintiff after divorcing his wife during their parlour relationship because the first defendant’s relationship with his wife was challenged with irreconcilable differences and the marriage had broken down beyond repair or reconciliation.

Affirmation of Claim

1. The plaintiff is a jobless woman living in Labadi, Accra.

2. The first Defendant is a director of finance at the Accra headquarters of the second Defendant bank.

3. The second Defendant is a bank or financial institution registered under the laws of the Republic of Ghana with its registered office in Accra, which employs the first Defendant and where the plaintiff worked as a National Service employee until she left the bank.

4. Plaintiff asserts that she worked for the 2nd Defendant bank as National Service personnel and that the 1st Defendant was her supervisor as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the 2nd Defendant bank.

5. Plaintiff asserts that on or around 10/10/2020, she was assigned to the 2nd Defendant bank’s Head Office to perform her National Service, where the 1st Defendant worked as the Head of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

6. The plaintiff asserts that she and the first Defendant engaged in a parlour relationship during her national service. Plaintiff asserts that the relationship began as a result of persistent sexual harassment and abuse by the 1st Defendant, a superior officer who exerted a great deal of power, to which the plaintiff eventually gave in, without which she would have found working in the office of the 2nd Defendant to be a living hell.

7. Plaintiff asserts that when she began working for the second Defendant bank, she witnessed persistent sexual harassment by senior male officers against female bank employees and that if you refused to comply with their demands, your life in the bank became unhappy, uncomfortable, and hostile. Plaintiff asserts that virtually every senior manager has a fiancée at the bank and that they are free to switch partners with the knowledge of the managers of the second defendant bank. They also use us, the female staff, to make sexual advances on extremely wealthy customers with the intention of seducing them into opening bank accounts to our detriment.

8. Plaintiff asserts that she had no choice but to fall victim to the 1st Defendant and consent to a parlour relationship with the 1st Defendant in light of the persistent sexual harassment and abuse perpetrated by the 15th Defendant against her. The second Defendant allegedly did nothing to stop the harassment and abuse but instead encouraged it through her inaction. Plaintiff asserts that, as her employer, 2nd Defendant owed her a duty of care, which 2nd Defendant breached, and, to make matters worse, 2nd Defendant also pressured her to reach out to male customers in exchange for opening bank accounts with intercourse.

9. Plaintiff asserts that her relationship with the Parlour was open and known to nearly all employees of the 2nd Defendant bank and the 2nd Defendant. Not only was the 2nd Defendant aware of the plaintiff’s unholy and problematic work relationship, but it was the norm in the 2nd Defendant’s bank, and the 2nd Defendant did nothing to protect his or her female employees, including the Plaintiff.

10. Plaintiff asserts that, at the time she joined as National Service personnel, there was a married woman employee who was also harassed and gave in, and that this was an open secret in the bank, known by all the employees, and that no one can question this because you risk losing your job with the second defendant bank.

11. Plaintiff asserts that no employee is willing to testify to this effect because they all fear losing their employment. This is a single battle that the plaintiff fights in the hope that many female workers will be liberated from their servitude.

Plaintiff asserts that, at all relevant times, the 2nd Defendant owed a duty of care to its employees, particularly female employees who were perpetually sexually harassed and abused in the workplace with the knowledge of the 2nd Defendant, who watched and encouraged the same since all the top executives were involved in these sex matches, including the Plaintiff’s own with the 1st defendant.

According to the Labour Act of Ghana, the second defendant owed certain duties to her employees, and the employees’ rights were violated by the second defendant.

12. The plaintiff asserts that she was not the only person performing National Service during the period in question. She had other coworkers performing National Service at roughly the same time. Plaintiff asserts that when National Service was about to conclude, National Service personnel, including herself and her colleagues, were about to be hired by the bank as Contract Employees.

13. Plaintiff asserts that the 1st defendant, having abused his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), harassed her into accepting a parlour relationship and persuaded her to leave the bank despite the fact that she and her coworkers had the opportunity to continue as Contract Staff so that they could continue the parlour relationship at an enticing compensation.

14. Plaintiff received all assurances from the first defendant to leave the bank and not sign a contract, and in exchange, the first defendant made representations and assurances to the plaintiff that he would provide the following:

• Lump-sum working capital for business startup

• Pay her housing or rent for three years.

• Acquire her a car.

• Provide GH3,000.00 per month.

• Give the plaintiff a ring.

• Pay her medical and other bills, including the cost of a family planning treatment to prevent her from becoming pregnant in the near future.

Typically, to care for the plaintiff

15. Plaintiff asserts that based on these representations, when her colleagues were hired on Contract, she did not even apply for the position and left upon completion of her National Service in July 2021. The plaintiff also consented to a parlour relationship with the first defendant prior to their marriage.

16. Plaintiff asserts that, having undertaken and agreed to carry out her portion of the agreement as stated in paragraphs 14 and 15 of this complaint, the 15th defendant also agreed to carry out his portion of the agreement.

17. Plaintiff asserts that, in accordance with the 15th defendant’s representations and assurances, he provided the plaintiff with a two-bedroom flat at a monthly rental rate of GH1,500 and paid the first year’s rent, leaving an outstanding two years’ rent of H/No.GL-010-0745 Labadi, Accra, which the plaintiff is still occupying at the time of the issuance of this Writ and which is due to be renewed. The plaintiff has been taken to the rent control office for eviction.

18. Plaintiff asserts that the 1st Defendant also began paying the Plaintiff a monthly stipend, allowance, or salary of GH3,000 per month and continued to do so until July 2022, when the parties began having differences and the 1st Defendant is now in arrears of payment at the time of issuing this Writ.

19. Additionally, the first Defendant asked the Plaintiff to search for a vehicle so that he could pay for it. Plaintiff contacted a car dealer and purchased a vehicle, i.e., A home-used and unregistered Honda Civic. Plaintiff negotiated a price of GH120,000, after which she referred the car dealer to the 1st defendant, who paid for the vehicle, registered it, and gave the keys to the Plaintiff, who has been driving it for about a year.

20. Plaintiff further alleges that the 1st Defendant, in order to ensure that he monitored Plaintiff’s movement and to have a monopoly over her, installed a monitoring device, i.e., a tracking device, in Plaintiff’s car and monitored Plaintiff everywhere she went, even when he was out of the country. He can stop the car at his whim.

21. Plaintiff asserts that, in furtherance of the First Defendant’s desire to engage in carnal activity, the Second Defendant had intercourse with her without protection from the 1st defendant and subjected the plaintiff to a hazardous medical family planning treatment, despite the parties’ knowledge of the risk, which she brought to the 1st defendant’s attention. Therefore, the first Defendant paid for the plaintiff’s family planning treatment at Marie Stopes Clinic Kokomlemle, Accra, as well as her medical expenses each time she experienced excessive bleeding as a result of the Family Planning injection.

Recently, the plaintiff experienced similar excessive haemorrhaging and contacted the first Defendant, who refused to pay for treatment. The plaintiff has been experiencing complications and has sought treatment at both Trust Hospital and 37 Military Hospital.

22. Plaintiff had to appear to be a secretary in the office called Emefa whenever the 1st Defendant’s wife called, per the instructions of the 1st Defendant, to confirm to the plaintiff that his marriage had indeed been challenged.

Insofar as the wife contacted the plaintiff to verify the story.

23. The plaintiff alleges that she and the first defendant have been having relationship-related disagreements as of late. 15 The defendant desired abnormal carnal knowledge of the plaintiff, but the plaintiff refused.

This continued recurrently, and the parties’ differences widened.

24. Plaintiff asserts that the first defendant made requests of a similar nature that were not in accordance with societal norms. The plaintiff and the first defendant subsequently met and decided to terminate their relationship.

25. The parties reached an agreement for the first Defendant to compensate the Plaintiff at one of these meetings held at Brasa Restaurant. Fearing that this may be denied in the future by either party, the plaintiff requested that an audio or video recording be made of the understanding or agreements reached at the meeting. Plaintiff and the first defendant sent Plaintiff text messages indicating that their agreement is available and will be presented at trial.

26. Plaintiff asserts that on one occasion, while the first defendant was out of the country in Dubai, the first defendant used the tracking device to forcibly stop his vehicle while he was driving on the road, posing a life-threatening situation. Plaintiff agreed to repair the car or be reimbursed by the first Defendant. However, when the plaintiff repaired the car and informed the first Defendant, he instead went to the Mechanic and sprayers and showed them the documents of the car, indicating his name as the owner of the car. The first Defendant insisted on retrieving the vehicle, but the mechanic, welder, and sprayer denied him access. The plaintiff asserts that the Welder was paid GH10, 000.00 in total. The plaintiff paid GH500.00 for the mechanic’s parts and labour, GH6500, and GH3, 000.00 for the sprayer, but they have not issued a receipt despite repeated requests.

27. Plaintiff asserts that it wasn’t until this time that she realised the vehicle was not registered in her name. The plaintiff asserts that this was unexpected. The plaintiff also instructed the mechanics and sprayers to file a police report, which they did. However, the first Defendant has threatened them, so they will not want to be involved in this case.

28. Plaintiff asserts that she instructed her attorneys to discuss this with the 1st defendant’s attorneys, but that the 1st defendant was willing to change the title of the car he purchased for the Plaintiff into the Plaintiff’s name and pay a portion of the medical expenses, but not all of them, resulting in this lawsuit.

29. The plaintiff also went to the DOVVSU at the police headquarters, but the police did not provide her with the necessary assistance.

30. The plaintiff then instructed her attorney to assume the case, and her attorney wrote to the first Defendant in an attempt to reach a settlement, but the first Defendant failed, refused, or failed to settle.

31. Plaintiff asserts that after 1st Defendant received the notice from her Lawyer, 1st Defendant filed a theft complaint at a police station and was accompanied by the head of 2nd defendant’s security, […], who led the police team to besiege her house, forcibly take the vehicle, and tow it to the Greater Accra Regional Police Station on a working day. Plaintiff possesses photographs and videos of the 1st Defendant and the 2nd Defendant’s representative (Daniel Afrifa), who led the police to invade Plaintiff’s residence, humiliated her, and left her in a constant state of shock, tarnishing her reputation in the eyes of the law-abiding members of her community, Labadi-Lamptey George.

32. The plaintiff was shocked to learn that she was being accused of stealing the automobile that the first defendant purchased for her during their relationship. Police met both parties, including the director of the second Defendant’s security, who participated actively and at one point challenged the crime officer, who condemned the arrest of his officers and the defendants. After listening to the parties, the police determined that the defendants misled them into acting since they believed that was not theft, and they returned the vehicle to the plaintiff.

33. Plaintiff asserts that the police and the defendants humiliated her at her residence, causing her acquaintances to stare at her, the police to assault her, and the incident to be reported to the Labadi Police Station. All of this was done in bad faith, and the defendants led the police to maliciously arrest and prosecute her for a crime they knew she did not commit.

34. As a result of the malicious behaviour demonstrated by the defendants, the plaintiff has experienced a shock, and this treatment has affected her for some time and continues to haunt her. Fingers continue to be pointed at her.

35. Plaintiff asserts that the police released her vehicle days later. The attorney for the first defendant then responded to the letter by denying the claims.

36. Plaintiff alleges that she has been used, abused, maltreated, exploited, deceived, disappointed, failed, and degraded as a result of defendants’ actions. Plaintiff was also repeatedly verbally threatened by the first Defendant, who also sent her threatening text messages that placed her life in danger, as evidenced by her Statement to the Police.

37. The conduct of the Defendants has harmed the Plaintiff and diminished her reputation and standing in her community. Furthermore, the first Defendant has failed to carry out their understandings, arrangements, promises, and/or agreements, and he will continue his permanent refusal unless compelled by this honourable court.

38. Therefore, the Plaintiff asserts the following claims against the defendants:

39. a) An order requiring the first defendant to transfer title to vehicle No. GC-7899-21 in the name of the plaintiff and/or an order directing the DVLA to register the vehicle in the plaintiff’s name.

40. b) A GH10,000.00 refund of the cost of repairs that the first Defendant promised to refund to the plaintiff but neglected to do so.

41. c) An order requiring the defendants to pay the following to the plaintiff:

(i) The 1st Defendant pays a lump sum to the plaintiff, as agreed upon by the plaintiff and the 1st Defendant, so that the plaintiff can establish a business to support herself.

(ii) The 1st Defendant pays the remaining two years of rent for the Plaintiff’s housing or pays the same amount for the remaining two years at the same rate for alternative housing.

General damages were awarded against the defendants.

(d) Any additional relief the court deems appropriate, including legal fees

conclusion, If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, it’s important to take it seriously and seek help if needed. Sexual harassment is unacceptable behaviour, and it can have serious consequences for the victim’s physical and emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that sexual harassment can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or occupation. It can take many different forms, from unwanted touching to inappropriate comments or gestures. If you or someone you know has been sexually harassed, it’s important to speak up and report the behaviour to the appropriate authorities. You may also want to seek counselling or support from a trusted friend or family member.

It’s also important to remember that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and is illegal in many countries. Victims of sexual harassment have legal rights and protections, and they may be entitled to compensation for any harm they have suffered as a result of the harassment. Sexual harassment is a serious issue that should not be ignored. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, it’s important to take steps to address the behaviour and seek help if necessary because the case stated above is a clear example of what ladies or young ladies go through in Ghana.

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

Published

13 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

Majority of Deltans are unanimous in their submissions that the name of
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a celebrated top civil servant and retired permanent secretary in Delta State Government House has been recorded in the good side of history.

As he clocked 60 today, family members, friends, associates and well wishers have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to a kind hearted and jolly good fellow.

Edwin, a scion of the famous Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, a family noted for producing top bureaucrats and influential public servants.

For 35 years until he retired in January 2024, he added values to Delta State civil service, deepening its positive nuances and was one of the people that nurtured the civil service of the young state upon creation in 1991 to its now enviable heights, setting it along with others on a trajectory that has made it one of the best in the country.

Gbegbaje’s story is far from the proverbial rags-to-riches . He was born into comfort and high society, but suddenly lost his affluent parents in his first and third years at the University of Jos, but with good counsel and guidance of relatives who were bureaucrats, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje made a career choice that saw him becoming a permanent secretary at 46, a very rare feat in those days.

In an interview conducted three years ago to celebrate his 57 years, he offered a glimpse into his life, challenges and triumph. “I come from the larger Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. We have quite several branches of the genealogical tree. We have the Abesan. The patriarch of the family is Chief Gbegbaje Dasone.

“We have Oloyo Gbegbaje and Ogidi Gbegbaje. My parents were civil servants like myself. My mum was a social welfare officer who rose through the ranks.During the late Ambrose Ali administration in Bendel State, she was appointed permanent secretary. My father was a medical doctor.

“He was the first radiologist in the defunct Bendel State and second in the country. My father was the chief consultant radiologist in Bendel State. I also have an uncle, Mr. K Gbegbaje who was a permanent secretary. When he retired, he became the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission. I have an uncle who was the first Accountant-General of Kwara State. He was in the northern civil service in the 60s.He later became Chairman of National Oil. I am from a family of bureaucrats. I attended Emotan Primary School in Benin.

“I proceeded to Edo College. When I left Edo College, I had the desire to leave Benin. Even when I was admitted into UNIBEN to study Economics and Statistics, I wasn’t enthusiastic. So, I got admission to study Political Science in Jos in 1981. Prof Emovon from UNIBEN was the Vice-Chancellor in Jos at the time. As I was entering, Jos ceased being a campus of the University of Ibadan. I was there from 1981 -1985. I graduated before my 21st birthday.

“Unfortunately, I lost my dad as I was entering the university in 1981. When I was just getting into my third year, I lost my mum.

It wasn’t easy being the eldest among my siblings. In fact, I was encouraged to come for Christmas holiday in Benin without knowing that the evening of my arrival in Benin was the period of my mum’s service of songs.

“I didn’t have an inkling that such a thing had happened. I didn’t even hear that she was ill. I was shocked when I saw canopies in my compound at Ovie Whiskey Avenue close to Ekhewan Campus. A prominent Jos-based businessman from Ughelli encouraged me to visit home for Christmas.

“I graduated in 1985 and taught at a secondary school in Iko-Eket, Cross River State. Just as I was finishing, there were some advertisements for jobs. I didn’t see the one for NNPC early enough.Towards the end of 1988, my uncle who was the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission, said since I couldn’t get a private sector job, I should participate in extended interviews, especially since I had sat for ASCON examination.

“He advised me to start a career in the civil service. By the end of 1988, letters of appointment were out. I wasn’t conscious of the fact that the person who resumes first becomes the senior in service. I didn’t resume early. My uncle said I was supposed to have resumed instead of waiting to resume in the New Year. A few of my friends who were conscious of it had resumed and they became my seniors in service. I resumed on January 3, 1989.

“That was how my career started. We were supposed to come in as administrative officers Grade 7, but at that time there was a decree. So, by the time we came in, we were designated as personnel officers. We were regarded as the special class.

“Upon the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, we all had to move to Asaba. In fact, the movement was swift.
We were all not fully prepared for the swift movement. There was a surge of human beings into Asaba with the state creation. A lot of us couldn’t get accommodation in Asaba when we came. In fact, I stayed in Ibusa for nine years. It was when I met my wife that we moved to Asaba. A lot of my colleagues were sleeping in the offices then.

On his retirement, the Delta State governor praised Gbegbaje’s contribution to the growth of the state.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the retirement thanks-giving service of Gbegbaje, urged civil servants in the state to emulate his virtues.

Speaking at a grand reception in honour of the celebrant at the Events Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an intelligent, humble, diligent, transparent, process driven, selfless, accountable and compassionate bureaucrat.

While congratulating the retired Permanent Secretary for his diligent and patriotic service to the state, Oborevwori said Ogidi-Gbegbaje was very helpful in the last seven months of his administration.

According to him, “a lot has been said about Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje and I also have a personal experience about him while I was Speaker and in the last seven months as Governor of Delta State, we have worked very closely and he helped me to settle down quickly.

“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje played his role very well, he is diligent in his duties and was always giving good and useful advise wherever he worked.

“Your service to humanity is something worth emulating and I must say that I enjoyed working with you. I congratulate you for 35 years of unblemished and meritorious service to the government and people of Delta State.

“We are going to miss you, the civil service will miss you, the machinery of government will miss you, you are retired but you are not tired, and your service is still needed.

“I want other civil servants to emulate your commitment to duty. So my message to other civil servants is that they should emulate Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje.

“If you look at his journey in the civil service from Bendel to Delta, you see his commitment to duty. Today, he has finished strong and we rejoice with him and his family”.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated the celebrant for a successful retirement from service and urged other civil servants to emulate his kind virtues and commitment to duty.

From all indications, Edwin Ogidi-Gbagbaje is worth celebrating, he has touched numerous lives in the last six decades.

At the cusp of his 60th anniversary, the social and the civil service landscapes pulse with milestones he has achieved thus reasserting his worth as a rare force of nature. As family and friends join him in celebrating his 60th birthday, the image that pops into head is that of his genius and the passionate intensity he possesses, literally squizing water from stone as far as the public service is concerned. His brilliant performance as a permanent secretary, Delta State Government House, has earned him another appointment. He is currently the Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pension and has been giving a splendid account of himself.

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“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

Published

15 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

Let’s talk about a powerful tool that can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope. That tool is your smile.

Life can be tough. It can throw us curveballs, test our resolve, and push us to our limits. But in the midst of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We forget to smile, forget to laugh, and forget to live.

Your smile is more than just a facial expression. It’s a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. It’s a beacon of hope that shines brightly, even in the darkest moments.

When life gets tough, it’s tempting to frown, to cry, or to give up. But I urge you to do the opposite. Smile. Smile through the tears, smile through the pain, and smile through the struggles.

Smiling doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your problems or pretending everything is okay. It means you’re choosing to rise above, to find the silver lining, and to focus on the good.

Your smile has the power to transform your mindset, inspire others, diffuse tension, and heal emotional wounds. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and fear.

Think about it. When was the last time you smiled? Really smiled? Not just a polite smile or a forced grin, but a genuine, heartwarming smile?

Smiling can:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost your mood and energy
Improve your relationships
Increase your resilience

So, how can you keep your smile shining bright, even in the face of adversity?

Find the humor in difficult situations. Laughter is a powerful way to shift your perspective and lighten the load.

Practice gratitude daily. Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem.

Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and support you.

Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care.

Remember, your smile is contagious. It can light up a room, brighten someone’s day, and change the atmosphere.

In all life’s hardships, keep your smile. It’s a reminder that better days are ahead, that you’re stronger than you think, and that you’re not alone.

Your smile is your superpower. Use it to overcome obstacles, to uplift others, and to create a ripple effect of joy and positivity.

Don’t let life’s challenges steal your smile. Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep pushing forward.

You are stronger than you think.

You are braver than you feel.

And you are capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

So, smile. Smile with confidence. Smile with courage. Smile with hope!

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.

He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.

In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.

He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.

He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.

While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.

Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.