Nigeria Times

Youth Bureau has passed a vote of confidence on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for accelerating development in education, environment, Infrastructure, and transportation in the state since assuming office.

Governor Sanwo-Olu is also receiving commendations for empowering initiatives and the planned return of the monthly sanitation programme in the state.

Youth Bureau’s Advisory Chairman, Razak Olokoba gave the remarks following a periodic governance review under Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in Abuja.

In his assessment, Olokoba described the governor as a trailblazer and leader whose legacies is impacting the country as a whole. Adding that Sanwo-Olu has set a high standard with the level of transformation going on in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He noted that the World Bank’s recent commendation of Sanwo-Olu for the significant transformation witnessed in the state over the past five years was a clear testament that the governor is doing exceptionally well. At the same time, highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s exploits in the education sector, environmental protection, youth employment, and entrepreneurship, amongst others.
12“When a global financial institution like the World Bank is singling out a governor for praise that says a lot, and I can confirm without a doubt that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has performed in enhancing the quality of life for residents and his commitment to upgrading infrastructure to boost socio-economic development is second to none.

“Lagos State Government under his leadership is transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has become a model for a modern city. The administration’s delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways have greatly enhanced the state’s economic prospects.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and today has been actualized through the EKOEXCEL program, designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools.

“As we talk, the program has uplifted pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In over five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.
“Lagos government under Sanwo-Olu also aligned with the urgency for actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon footprints. The signing of two waste conversion initiatives secured significant foreign investments.
The idea of returning to monthly clean-up exercises in Lagos state is a cheery development and shows that the Lagos state governor is a listening leader.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu also came up with a novel idea which has the potential to transform the fortunes of the youths. The initiative tagged, ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ was part of economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower artisans, indicating that residents have the chance to learn technical and vocational skills that open the door to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
I can confirm to you that millions of Lagosians are benefitting from this programme, jobs have been created in millions since the initiative took off, “He stated.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been commended for raising the bar in governance and giant strides in infrastructure, education, empower initiatives as well as the planned return of the monthly sanitation program in the state.

Convener, Transparency Initiative Project Yemen Ngutor, gave the remarks following a periodic review of governance under Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in Abuja.

In his assessment, Ngutor described the governor as a trailblazer and leader whose legacies is impacting the country as a whole. Adding Mr Sanwo-Olu has set a high standard with the level of transformation going on in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He noted that the World Bank’s recent commendation of Sanwo-Olu for the significant transformation witnessed in the state over the past five years was a clear testament that the governor is doing exceptionally well. While highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s exploits in the education sector, environmental protection, youth employment and entrepreneurship, amongst others.

“When a global financial institution like the World Bank is singling out a governor for praise that says a lot, and I can confirm without a doubt that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has performed in enhancing the quality of life for residents and his commitment to upgrading infrastructure to boost socio-economic development is second to none.

“Lagos State Government under his leadership is transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has become a model for a modern city. The administration’s delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways, which have greatly enhanced the state’s economic prospects.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and today has been actualised through the EKOEXCEL program, designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools.

“As we talk, the programme has uplifted pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In over five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.

“Lagos government under Sanwo-Olu also aligned with the urgency for actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon footprints. The signing of two waste conversion initiatives secured significant foreign investments.
The idea of returning to monthly clean-up exercises in Lagos state is a cheery development and shows that the Lagos state governor is a listening leader.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu also came up with a novel idea which has the potential to transform the fortunes of the youths. The initiative tagged, ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ was part of economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower artisans, indicating that residents have the chance to learn technical and vocational skills that open the door to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
I can confirm to you that millions of Lagosians are benefitting from this programme, jobs have been created in millions since the initiative took off, “He stated.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been commended for raising the bar in governance and giant strides in infrastructure, education, empower initiatives as well as the planned return of the monthly sanitation programme in the state.

Executive Director, Women Democratic Foundation Awakulu Galadima gave the remarks following a periodic review of governance under Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in Abuja.

In her assessment, Galadima described the governor as a trailblazer and leader whose legacies is impacting the country as a whole. Adding that Sanwo-Olu has set a high standard with the level of transformation going on in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He noted that the World Bank’s recent commendation of Sanwo-Olu for the significant transformation witnessed in the state over the past five years was a clear testament that the governor is doing exceptionally well. At the same time, highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s exploits in the education sector, environmental protection, youth employment, and entrepreneurship, amongst others.

“When a global financial institution like the World Bank is singling out a governor for praise that says a lot, and I can confirm without a doubt that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has performed in enhancing the quality of life for residents and his commitment to upgrading infrastructure to boost socio-economic development is second to none.

“Lagos State Government under his leadership is transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has become a model for a modern city. The administration’s delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways, which have greatly enhanced the state’s economic prospects.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and today has been actualized through the EKOEXCEL program, designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools.

“As we talk, the programme has uplifted pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In over five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.

“Lagos government under Sanwo-Olu also aligned with the urgency for actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon footprints. The signing of two waste conversion initiatives secured significant foreign investments.
The idea of returning to monthly clean-up exercises in Lagos state is a cheery development and shows that the Lagos state governor is a listening leader.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu also came up with a novel idea which has the potential to transform the fortunes of the youths. The initiative tagged, ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ was part of economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower artisans, indicating that residents have the chance to learn technical and vocational skills that open the door to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
I can confirm to you that millions of Lagosians are benefitting from this programme, jobs have been created in millions since the initiative took off, “She stated.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been commended for raising the bar in governance and giant strides in infrastructure, education, empower initiatives as well as the planned return of the monthly sanitation programme in the state.

A civil society group, Pan African Society for Social and Economic Change gave the remarks following a periodic review of governance under Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in Abuja.

In his assessment, the Executive Director of the group, Basah Mohammed described the governor as a trailblazer and leader whose legacies is impacting the country as a whole. Additionally, Sanwo-Olu has set a high standard with the level of transformation going on in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He noted that the World Bank’s recent commendation of Sanwo-Olu for significant transformation witnessed in the state over the past five years was a clear testament that the governor is doing exceptionally well. At the same time, highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s exploits in the education sector, environmental protection, youth employment, and entrepreneurship, amongst others.

“When a global financial institution like the World Bank is singling out a governor for praise that says a lot, and I can confirm without a doubt that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has performed in enhancing the quality of life for residents and his commitment to upgrading infrastructure to boost socio-economic development is second to none.

“Lagos State Government under his leadership is transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has become a model for a modern city. The administration’s delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways have greatly enhanced the state’s economic prospects.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and today has been actualized through the EKOEXCEL program, designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools.

“As we talk, the programme has uplifted pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In over five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.

“Lagos government under Sanwo-Olu also aligned with the urgency for actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon footprints. The signing of two waste conversion initiatives secured significant foreign investments.
The idea of returning to monthly clean-up exercise in Lagos state is a cheery development and shows that the Lagos state governor is a listening leader.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu also came up with a novel idea which has the potential to transform the fortunes of the youths. The initiative tagged, ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ was part of economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower artisans, indicating that residents have the chance to learn technical and vocational skills that open the door to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
I can confirm to you that millions of Lagosians are benefitting from this programme, jobs are created in millions since the initiative took off, “He stated.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been commended for raising the bar in governance and giant strides in infrastructure, education, empower initiatives as well as the planned return of monthly sanitation programme in the state.

The Convener of Campaign for Dignity in Governance, Razaq Olokoba gave the remarks following a periodic governance review under Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in Lagos.
In his assessment, Olokoba described the governor as a trailblazer and leader whose legacies are impacting the country. Additionally that Sanwo-Olu has set a high standard with the level of transformation going on in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

He noted that the World Bank’s recent commendation of Sanwo-Olu for the significant transformation witnessed in the state over the past five years was a clear testament that the governor is doing exceptionally well. At the same time, highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s exploits in the education sector, environmental protection, youth employment, and entrepreneurship, amongst others.

“When a global financial institution like the World Bank is singling out a governor for praise that says a lot, and I can confirm without a doubt that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has performed in enhancing the quality of life for residents and his commitment to upgrading infrastructure to boost socio-economic development is second to none.

“Lagos State Government under his leadership is transforming the transportation landscape of Lagos, which has become a model for a modern city. The administration’s delivery of intra-city rail infrastructure and investment in waterways have greatly enhanced the state’s economic prospects.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving education was a central promise of his campaign and today has been actualized through the EKOEXCEL program, designed to address the learning crisis in Lagos public primary schools.

“As we talk, the programme has uplifted pupils from low-income families to performance levels comparable to their peers in upper-middle-income countries. In over five years, EKOEXCEL has dramatically reduced learning poverty, transforming the educational landscape of Lagos State.
“Lagos government under Sanwo-Olu also aligned with the urgency for actions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce carbon footprints. The signing of two waste conversion initiatives secured significant foreign investments.
The idea of returning to monthly clean-up exercises in Lagos state is a cheery development and shows that the Lagos state governor is a listening leader.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu also came up with a novel idea which has the potential to transform the fortunes of the youths. The initiative tagged, ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ was part of economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower artisans, indicating that residents have the chance to learn technical and vocational skills that open the door to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
I can confirm to you that millions of Lagosians are benefitting from this programme, jobs have been created in millions since the initiative took off, “He stated.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has firmly advised the suspended chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon, and his lawyer, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, to prioritize legal principles over emotional responses regarding the recent suspension. This statement comes in light of Mahmud’s criticism of the Assembly’s unanimous decision to suspend Sulaimon during a plenary session on October 7, 2024, and the subsequent legal action he has initiated against the Assembly.

In a response signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, the chairman of the Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, the Assembly emphasized the importance of understanding the legal framework governing local governments in Lagos State. The Assembly highlighted that the creation and governance of local governments must adhere to established laws, particularly referencing Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

The Assembly asserted its legal authority, noting that the Local Government Administration Law grants it the power to suspend officials after conducting investigations, requiring only a simple majority of votes from Assembly members. The Assembly stressed that the recent suspension was justified and adhered to the rules governing local government administration in Lagos State.

Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, has criticized Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process, attributing the country’s challenges to voters’ focus on ethnic, religious, and geopolitical biases. Speaking at the 11th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Yaba, Lagos, Oyebanji expressed concern over the nation’s tendency to choose leaders through a “try-by-error” system.

He argued that many leaders in Nigeria rise to power without the right aptitude or merit, often selected based on privilege or geopolitical factors, rather than experience and proven ability. Oyebanji urged Nigerians to prioritize merit in leadership selection to improve governance.

On the 30th of September 2024, a video surfaced online, featuring the notorious terrorist Bello Turji—this time, not with his characteristic bravado, but in a startling display of vulnerability. The once-defiant bandit was seen pleading for forgiveness and calling for dialogue with the Federal Government, signaling his desire to end armed violence in Zamfara State. He accused the Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, of politicizing insecurity, yet conveniently neglected to acknowledge the undeniable military gains made since Matawalle led the Service Chiefs to Sokoto.

Governor Lawal, despite his criticisms of Matawalle, has repeatedly traveled to Abuja, over 500 kilometers from his state capital, to launch a series of unfounded accusations against the Minister, blaming him for the state’s security challenges while conspicuously omitting recognition of the notable victories that have been achieved since Matawalle’s intervention.

In response, Dr. Bello Matawalle delivered a candid and unyielding rebuttal, presenting the facts to the Nigerian public. He reminded the nation that he is the only political figure from Zamfara State who has taken a solemn oath on the Holy Quran, categorically denouncing any association with banditry or its supporters. In a bold challenge, he called upon his critics, including Dauda Lawal and Gen. Aliyu Gusau, to do the same—if indeed they are free from any connections to the bandits. To date, none have accepted this challenge, leaving much to be inferred about their support for the insurgency in the region.

But I digress. Let us return to the matter at hand—the sudden shift in Turji’s stance. For a terrorist leader who, only weeks ago, boasted of his capacity to challenge the Nigerian Armed Forces, this reversal is no coincidence. Something significant has clearly shaken him.

Consider the context: six days before Turji’s plea, his associate, Kachalla Sani-Black—a feared bandit leader commanding over 150 loyal men—was neutralized in a precisely executed ambush by the local police in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Not only was Sani-Black eliminated, but his sons also met their demise alongside him, sending a powerful message to other criminal elements.

Before Sani-Black’s elimination, another key bandit leader, Baleri Fakai, along with 30 of his strongest fighters, was taken down in the same region. Days prior, on the 12th of September, the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces struck a decisive blow by eliminating the infamous Halilu Sububu, a terrorist whose attacks on a military base in Katsina in 2021 resulted in the deaths of numerous soldiers. Sububu had since unleashed terror across Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States. His demise, followed by the neutralization of another bandit, Halilu Buzu, demonstrated the coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s military forces in dismantling the leadership of these insurgent groups.

Then came the elimination of Sani Wala Burki, a notorious terrorist responsible for years of violence in the Safana and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State. His death on the 14th of September was yet another major victory achieved by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

So, what explains this sudden spate of victories? What transformed the tide of battle in the North-Western region, where terrorists have been neutralized one after the other?

The turning point came on the 1st of September 2024, when Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, led the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior military leaders to Sokoto on a Presidential directive. Tasked with the mission of eradicating banditry in the North-West, Matawalle, a leader known for his courage and resolve, embarked on an intensive operational tour with the service chiefs. He spent over a week on the ground, receiving strategic briefings and collaborating with troops to craft a comprehensive plan to restore peace in the region.

It was in the aftermath of this high-level visit that Nigerians began to witness the cascading military successes that have since garnered national attention. Whatever strategic directives Matawalle provided to the troops, they executed them with precision, delivering the results he has since reported back to President Tinubu.

For those observant enough to read between the lines, the attacks on Dr. Bello Matawalle by his predecessor, Dauda Lawal, reek of jealousy—an attempt to detract from the remarkable progress achieved under Matawalle’s leadership. The spate of victories over banditry is undeniable, and attempts to undermine these achievements are little more than distractions.

Even Senator Shehu Sani, a known critic of Nigeria’s political elite, commended Matawalle’s efforts. In a recent statement, he dismissed the criticisms aimed at the Minister of State for Defence and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as counterproductive distractions in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “Why are some people unhappy that bandit leaders are being eliminated?” Sani asked. “Anyone genuinely committed to ending the reign of kidnappers and murderers should support these efforts, not engage in frivolous criticisms.”

It is evident that individuals like Governor Dauda Lawal are less than pleased with the recent military successes in Zamfara and beyond. But as history has shown, true leadership rises above such petty grievances.

In the coming days and weeks, it is widely expected that the once loquacious Bello Turji’s fate will be sealed, and the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue their pursuit of him until he, too, is eliminated. The momentum generated since Dr. Matawalle’s strategic tour of the North-West has reinvigorated the morale of our troops. This is the unmistakable hallmark of effective leadership.

On the 2nd of October 2024, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed for his annual leave in the United Kingdom, he was seen exchanging firm handshakes with Dr. Bello Matawalle and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The confidence in their exchange was palpable, and one could almost imagine the President’s words: “Whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it right. Finish the job, Matawalle. Bring Turji to his knees and secure our nation.”

Nathaniel C. Adoji writes from Kaduna State.