Laffmattazz: E-Swift PropertyMart partners with Gbenga Adeyinka
…to give out plot of land tomorrow

As Akure, the capital of Ondo State hosts Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends tomorrow, June 12, E-Swift PropertyMart, the biggest property company in Akure, and one of the best in the entire southwest Nigeria has promised to give out one plot of land to a lucky winner during the show.

Mr Ezekiel Omolayo, the CEO of E-Swift while revealing his company’s partnership with the Laffmattazz brand, said the June 12 edition will be different as his firm will be rewarding a lucky attendee with the chance to become a land owner.

Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends will be held at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure, Ondo State tomorrow, Thursday, June 12.

“Being the edition that marks the significance of our democracy in Nigeria, we are delighted to add more value and make it memorable by giving people the privilege to become land owners. Laffmattazz is a global brand, and we are glad to be part of them in making history,” Omolayo said.

E-Swift PropertyMart is a leading digital real estate company with branches in Akure, Lagos and Abuja offering a comprehensive range of services to buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants through its innovative online platforms.

It would be recalled that the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa had pulled his weight behind the comedy event, disclosing that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),
Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

Faruk Abdullahi: Energy Consultant, Financial Analyst and Entrepreneur

Faruk Abdullahi is a distinguished energy consultant, accomplished financial analyst, and visionary entrepreneur with over 15 years of diverse experience spanning energy, finance, information technology, and international business consultancy. Renowned for his leadership in Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) revolution, Faruk is a leading advocate for sustainable energy adoption and economic transformation in Nigeria.

Advocacy in Energy and CNG Leadership

Faruk Abdullahi is a vocal and proactive proponent of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel in Nigeria. He frequently features on national television, using his media platform to passionately advocate for the widespread adoption of CNG due to its environmental sustainability and economic affordability. In May 2025, he led a delegation of CNG conversion center operators to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), where he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his visionary leadership in the energy transition space.

Under Faruk’s leadership and frontline advocacy, the CNG initiative has attracted over $500 million in investments, created over 10,000 direct and 90,000 indirect jobs, and strengthened public-private partnerships in the energy sector. His work in this area positions him as a strategic voice and policy influencer in Nigeria’s quest for a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.

Financial Expertise and Policy Analysis

In addition to his influence in the energy sector, Faruk is a respected financial expert and public policy analyst. He is widely recognized for his insightful commentary on Nigeria’s monetary policies, particularly during pivotal national moments such as the 2023 general elections. He was a strong critic of the naira redesign and associated cash scarcity, which he argued was poorly timed and detrimental to the average Nigerian.

Faruk also strongly advocates for exchange rate unification, a strategy he believes will eliminate market inefficiencies and attract foreign investment. Furthermore, he is a vocal supporter of policies encouraging the consumption of locally manufactured goods and services, positioning this approach as a cornerstone for improving Nigeria’s non-oil exports and foreign exchange inflows.

Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership

Faruk’s professional journey is a remarkable story of resilience, rising from modest beginnings to national and international influence. He is the Chairman of Ultimate Spectrum Ltd, a diversified firm with operations in energy, finance, and IT. He is also the Pioneer Managing Director of Farkim Oil & Gas Lt. He sits on the board of Kriskos & Associates, an immigration investment firm with a footprint across the Middle East and Europe.

His corporate experience includes serving as Chief Compliance Officer and Service Executive at Innovate 1Pay Ltd (Kano Branch)—a fintech company involved in foreign exchange operations in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also made his mark in Dubai, where he rose from salesman to Executive Director at Metropolitan Insurance within a single year.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Faruk holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Actuarial Science) and a Diploma in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He further earned a Master’s in Finance from Heriot-Watt University, Duba,  and another Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from ABU, Zaria.

He is a Fellow of the:

– International Organization of Management Professionals (FIOMP)

– Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management (FCILRM),

– Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).

He also holds multiple certifications in forensic accounting, finance, and risk management, reinforcing his multidisciplinary expertise.

Faruk Abdullahi exemplifies a rare blend of visionary leadership, technical expertise, and patriotic dedication. His influence across Nigeria’s energy, financial, and entrepreneurial landscapes continues to grow, inspiring a generation of professionals and policymakers to pursue sustainable solutions, sound economic reforms, and impactful ventures. With an unwavering commitment to national development, Faruk remains a trailblazer in shaping a resilient and prosperous Nigerian future.

The Real Enemy of Nigeria: Tribal Politics, Ethnic Hatred and the Failure to Unite

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. More than six decades after independence, the country remains shackled (not by external forces or faulty governance alone) but by a deeply entrenched, corrosive enemy within: tribal politics, ethnic hatred and the persistent failure to forge genuine unity. This is the real disease crippling Nigeria’s potential.

For decades, political discourse has revolved around the presidency, government policies and economic management. Yet, these are mere symptoms not the root cause of Nigeria’s malaise. The real disease is a collective mindset rooted in ethnic insecurity and sabotage, the toxic belief that “if it’s not my tribe, it can’t be trusted.” Until this insidious mentality is confronted head-on and eradicated, no amount of political restructuring, constitutional amendments or economic reforms will salvage the Nigerian project.

The Peril of Tribal Politics
Tribalism in Nigeria is not merely an identity marker; it is a weapon wielded to divide, marginalize and manipulate. It poisons the political landscape, turns governance into a zero-sum game and sows seeds of mistrust among Nigerians. As political scientist Prof. Akin Oyebode of the University of Ibadan once remarked, “Nigeria’s greatest threat is the refusal of its people to see each other as compatriots rather than competitors.”

The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the 2022 Afrobarometer survey, over 70% of Nigerians identify strongly with their ethnic group rather than the nation as a whole. This fragmentation undermines national cohesion and fuels competition for resources, appointments and political influence along ethnic lines. Instead of uniting for the common good, Nigerians often retreat into parochial enclaves, fostering resentments that ignite violence and conflict.

The tragic consequences are evident in the repeated cycles of communal clashes, such as the persistent violence in the Middle Belt and the ethno-religious tensions in the North-East. The Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder conflicts are often exacerbated by ethnic and religious fault lines, reflecting the deep societal fractures.

Ethnic Hatred: The Poison That Destroys
Ethnic hatred fuels a dangerous paranoia, convincing groups that their survival depends on dominating others. This paranoia manifests in exclusionary politics and discriminatory practices, as communities jockey for power and control. The political elite exploit these fears for electoral gain, often by stoking ethnic antagonism.

Dr. Chido Onumah, a respected Nigerian journalist and analyst, emphasizes that “ethnic hatred is the cancer eating away at the soul of Nigeria. It creates suspicion where there should be trust and erects barriers where bridges are needed.”

This has led to the rise of separatist agitations such as Oduduwa Republic in the Southwest, Biafra in the Southeast, Niger Delta militancy and calls for Arewa autonomy in the North. While the grievances behind these movements are often legitimate (ranging from political marginalization to economic neglect) the common denominator remains ethnic distrust and the failure to see Nigerians beyond tribal affiliations.

Why Unity Is Nigeria’s Only Way Forward
Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength if harnessed correctly. The vast cultural, linguistic and religious mosaic offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation, resilience and global influence. But unity is not just an idealistic slogan; it is a practical necessity for national survival.

Professor Claude Ake, the late Nigerian political economist, famously stated, “Nigeria is a complex society, but without unity, complexity becomes chaos.” He understood that the country’s multiplicity could only flourish in an environment where ethnic boundaries were transcended by a shared national identity.

The failure to build such unity has led to a “balkanization” of the Nigerian psyche. As ethnic mistrust deepens, Nigerians are essentially creating smaller “countries” within Nigeria (Oduduwa, Biafra, Niger Delta, Arewa) each pursuing its agenda at the expense of the whole. This fracturing weakens the country, making governance difficult and economic progress elusive.

Structural Reforms Are Insufficient Without Mindset Change
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has undergone various attempts at restructuring: constitutional reviews, state creation, power devolution and federal character principles aimed at ethnic balance in appointments. Yet, these structural changes have failed to eradicate ethnic politics.

Why? Because these reforms address symptoms but not the disease. Restructuring cannot heal minds poisoned by tribal suspicion and hatred. No constitution or law can force people to abandon their fears and prejudices.

As Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observes: “You cannot legislate unity into existence; it must grow from the people’s hearts.”

The solution lies in deliberate, sustained efforts to build national consciousness. Education systems must promote Nigerian history and values that emphasize unity in diversity. Civic education must confront ethnic stereotypes and promote mutual respect. Political leaders must champion national interest over tribal loyalties.

Voices from Within: Calls for Unity and Healing
Across Nigeria, thought leaders and citizens alike have called for an end to ethnic divisions.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, has repeatedly warned: “Nigeria is at war with itself, but the real war is in the minds of its people. Until we kill the demon of ethnic hatred, peace will remain elusive.”

Similarly, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka noted: “Tribalism is the enemy of progress in Nigeria. The nation’s destiny depends on the willingness of its people to rise above ethnic particularism.”

President Muhammadu Buhari, despite controversies, acknowledged this in 2021 when he said, “We must learn to see ourselves as Nigerians first and members of ethnic groups second.”

Yet, words alone are insufficient. Nigerians must act by rejecting tribal politics in elections, promoting inclusivity in governance and cultivating inter-ethnic cooperation in everyday life.

The Way Forward: Healing the Nigerian Mind
True progress demands confronting uncomfortable truths about identity and loyalty. It requires honest self-reflection and collective commitment to change.

Educational Reform: Curriculum must emphasize national heroes, history and values that unite rather than divide. Early education should teach children to appreciate Nigeria’s diversity as an asset.

Political Accountability: Politicians must be held accountable for stoking ethnic tensions. Electoral reforms should discourage ethnic vote-banking and promote issue-based politics.

Media Responsibility: Media houses and social platforms must combat hate speech and misinformation that inflame ethnic divisions.

Community Engagement: Grassroots initiatives that promote dialogue and cooperation among ethnic groups should be supported and scaled up.

Inclusive Economic Development: Addressing economic inequalities that fuel ethnic resentment is critical. Development programs must be fairly distributed and designed to bridge ethnic divides.

Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s greatest enemy is not geography, resources or governance alone. It is the fractured mindset of its people and the tribal politics, ethnic hatred and failure to unite. Until Nigerians confront and heal this mental disease, the nation will continue to fracture into smaller entities, each echoing the same broken mentality.

The challenge before Nigeria is clear: to build a new Nigerian identity that transcends tribe, religion and region; to forge unity from diversity; and to place the nation’s interests above ethnic loyalties. This is the only path toward peace, progress and a truly prosperous Nigeria.

As George Omagbemi Sylvester writes, “We can rebuild our country’s institutions, but unless we rebuild the Nigerian mind, we will be trapped in an endless cycle of division and decay. The real battle for Nigeria is fought in the hearts and minds of its people.”