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When the Worst of the Best is better than the rest By Kehinde Bamigbetan

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The set theory is a commonsensical heritage of arithmetics. By defining a selection from a universe as a set, it makes value judgments that could relate to the mass. The Economist Intelligence Unit, the research arm of the highly prestigious Economist newsmagazine experiments with the set theory every year. To execute its livability survey, it selects 140 cities out of millions of cities across the world. This means a set of 140 cities out of a million plus universe of cities.

That a city qualifies to be among this chosen few is a loud announcement of its arrival in the league of international destinations of commerce, industry and tourism. It means it is being benchmarked in its region as the most important place people are likely to visit and companies are likely to open shop in that region. That is the positive message for Lagos: that its struggle to modernize its infrastructures and services has attracted the attention of the international players so much that is has been recommended for this study.

Curious to know why and how Lagos got into the select group of 140 cities, I sent a tweet to Roxanna Slavcheva, the head of the City Practices Unit of the EIU, who put together the research. Her reply: “To answer your question simply, the inclusion of Lagos in the survey was motivated by client demand. Currently we have a fixed list of cities that we conduct the liveability survey for. The ranking is globally focused on business centres around the world. That is why our survey is global and seeks to quantify tangible challenges to lifestyle according to the same set of criteria across all 140 locations.”

The liveability report is an advisory data motivated by the need to give multinational companies seeking to send their staff to locations across the world a guide on what to pay them while there. How does the rating work? Read the EIU: “The concept of liveability is simple: it assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions. Assessing liveability has a broad range of uses, from benchmarking perceptions of development levels to assigning a hardship allowance as part of expatriate relocation packages. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability rating quantifies the challenges that might be presented to an individual’s lifestyle in any given location, and allows for direct comparison between locations.

Every city is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability; healthcare; culture and environment; education; and infrastructure. Each factor in each city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. For qualitative indicators, a rating is awarded based on the judgment of in–house analysts and in–city contributors. For quantitative indicators, a rating is calculated based on the relative performance of a number of external data points.

The scores are then compiled and weighted to provide a score of 1–100, where 1 is considered intolerable and 100 is considered ideal. The liveability rating is provided both as an overall score and as a score for each category. To provide points of reference, the score is also given for each category relative to New York and an overall position in the ranking of 140 cities is provided.”

The EIU, a private research consultancy, did not survey all the cities in the world.Rather, it looked at locations “around” the world. Therefore, it couldn’t have reported on an assignment it did not undertake. It chose 140 cities across regions and ranked them based on its liveability indicators such as social stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructures. This report is an annual research product or book sold to countries, companies and individuals. In marketing the report to attract the patronage of this global clientele, the EIU put a nice spin on it by branding it as a “world” report.

That is not the problem. The problem is that the media gullibly swallowed it hook, line and sinker and misrepresented a survey of 140 cities as a survey of the world’s millions of cities.This hasty generalization is logically fallacious and calls to question the failure of rigour among the gatekeepers who are responsible for interrogating information disseminated by a company in a bid to sell its product before uploading for public consumption.

It is more depressing that no controversy over the indices used is trending on Facebook, blogs and twitter handles of the country’s commentariat. For instance, this report uses New York, United States as its reference city. To demonstrate thecontradictions of this modernization model which has been criticised by Third World scholars such as Samir Amir, Bade Onimode and others, resource mobilization influences the provision of infrastructures and services by cities. Considering prudent management as a constant factor between Lagos and New York, the massive difference in the resources available to both cities already shows which lags behind the others. In 2017, New York City Council budgeted $82.2 billion (N29.5 trillion). Same year, Lagos budgeted N7.2 trillion.

Or consider population. With hourly migrant figure of 186 persons, Lagos chokes under a population weight of 22 million people. New York’s most current census of 2015 puts its population at 8, 556,405. Let us add the increase over the years generously to estimate as 10 million today. Matching both resource and the population for both cities, we can see where the pendulum swings. Vienna, the best of the report’s 140 countries, spent 4 million US dollars to service its population of 1,800,000 residents in 2017.

The failure to critically review the report from the perspective of economic development and appreciate the location of each of these cities in the international system of trade and development is a recent handicap of Nigeria’s media scholarship. It is indeed surprising that few, if any has bothered to read the report .The drawbacks in Lagos’ strive to catch up with the world such as the neglect it has suffered since the movement of the federal capital to Abuja and the denial of resources needed for its development due to its political distance from the party controlling the federal government for 16 years of the current democratic dispensation are well known. Today, 37 of the 57 local authorities of Lagos State still demand and deserve federal allocation.

Despite these challenges, the reality is that Lagos is not resting on its oars. With the bold and daring push of its helmsmen-Bola Tinubu and Raji Fashola- since the resumption of democratic rule, the megacity has been experiencing transformation in all spheres and playing catch up with centuries –old metropoles. This momentum has been scaled up in the last three years under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode with the massive investment in infrastructures earning the city the description of “a huge construction site”.

Lagos not only means business, it is reforming its processes digitally and humanly to set up shop as the most desirable destination for commerce, industry and tourism. The emerging landscape of the 10-lane Murtala Muhammed Airport Road, Oshodi Transportation Interchange, the JK Randle Cultural Centre, the development of waterways and rail infrastructures, Oshodi-Abule-Egba Bus Rapid Transport route and first DNA centre in West Africa gradually rises into view.

But it is not all about brick and mortar. More powerful testimonies are being recorded in entrepreneurship as billions of credit to small and medium scale businesses through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund drive the jobless from the streets to factories. The deployment of massive security personnel and equipment, including CCTV technology and street lights elongate the city’s business into the wee hours of the morning. Social inclusion policies have brought the disabled, the youth and the women closer to public resources. Town hall meetings have shown an administration committed to good governance and transparency. These have contributed to the resilience that was globally acknowledged last year.

Ranking 138th among business locations across the world is the recognition that Lagos has left behind millions of many other cities, including the federal capital, Abuja, to be among the 140 demanded by businessmen. And that is enough reason to conclude that the allegedly worst city among the world’s best 140 is, indeed, better than the rest.

…Bamigbetan is Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

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Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)

 

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.

 

The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.

 

Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.

 

“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.

 

He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.

 

“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.

 

Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.

 

“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.

 

Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.

 

Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.

 

“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.

 

Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”

 

Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.

 

Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.

 

With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.

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Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)

 

Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.

The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.

However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.

In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.

“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”

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This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.

“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”

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This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?

Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.

“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”

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Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.

“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)

All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

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Nigerian Prophet Begs Federal Government to Stop Killing of Christians, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term

 

Abuja – Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun, Founder of Celestrial Deliverance Church of Christ in Zhidu Village, Abuja, has made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government to stop the killing of Christians across Nigeria while also throwing his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

 

Speaking from his Abuja headquarters, the Prophet declared that leadership is a continuum and that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms require stability and time to bear fruit. He said, “Politics has nothing to do with religion. The ballot box is not the altar. Whether you are from the East, the North, the West, or the Yoruba community, we are one people under God.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun used the opportunity to make a special appeal to the Federal Government, saying, “I beg the Federal Government, in the name of God and for the sake of humanity: Please help stop the killing of Christians across this nation. From the villages to the cities, too much innocent blood has been shed. Targeted attacks on Christian communities must stop. We plead for stronger protection, justice for victims, and lasting peace.” He acknowledged the pain of insecurity, especially the killing of Christians and farmers across the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria, but also noted verifiable security gains under President Tinubu including over 3,000 hostages rescued from bandits and terrorists in the last 12 months, deployment of new attack helicopters and surveillance drones to flashpoints, and a reduction in oil theft from over 400,000 barrels per day to under 200,000 barrels per day.

 

He said, “The issue is security, and security is everybody’s business. We cannot build a nation if our people are not safe. But we must also acknowledge progress.” He added that a second term would allow the administration to consolidate its security architecture rather than restarting with new leadership.

 

On economic reforms, Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun argued that President Tinubu’s first term has witnessed the most audacious economic reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, including fuel subsidy removal saving the nation over ₦400 billion monthly, a unified exchange rate attracting over $2 billion in foreign portfolio inflows, the Student Loans Act benefiting over 100,000 students, and local government autonomy. He argued that no major economy in the world has successfully reversed course after landmark reforms within a single term, adding that abandoning the reform agenda now would plunge Nigeria back into uncertainty.

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun stressed that President Tinubu’s emergence broke a dangerous cycle, noting that Tinubu is the first Southern Muslim to lead Nigeria since 1993, balancing power after eight years of a Northern President. He pointed out that under Tinubu, the South holds the presidency of the Senate but the Speaker of the House is from the North-West. He urged, “Let the East join hands with the West. Let the North embrace the South. Let the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and all 250 plus tribes say: ‘Nigeria first.’”

 

Drawing comparisons to global examples such as India’s Narendra Modi, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo, the Prophet argued that second terms deliver long-term prosperity. He said, “Nigeria is not an exception. If we change leadership every four years, we will remain a building site forever.”

 

Rev Prophet Dr Hungbenu Michael Olusegun closed with a prayer and a charge: “Nigeria will only rise when we rise above division. I am not speaking as Ogu, Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa. I speak as a Nigerian, and as a minister of the gospel of peace. God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He urged all Nigerians to pray for the nation, support security agencies, and give President Tinubu the opportunity to complete what he has started. The press release was issued on 20th April 2026 from his church in Zhidu Village behind Piwoyi Village off Lugbe Airport Road, FCT Abuja.

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