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Olokooba celebrates Sanwo-Olu at 60, applauds governor’s achievements, quality service
The Director General of South West Initiative (SWI), Razaq Olokooba, has extended warm birthday wishes to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing his life as ‘fulfilling and well spent’ on the occasion of his 60th birthday celebrated on June 25, 2025.
Olokooba issued a tribute on Wednesday, praising the governor’s exceptional leadership and describing his six-year tenure as a blueprint for progressive governance and sustainable development.
He noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu has remained steadfast in delivering people-centered programmes and driving the state towards Eldorado with results evident to everyone.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Olokooba commended Sanwo-Olu’s focus on infrastructure, education, environment, youth empowerment, entertainment, agriculture, and food security, all of which have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for Lagosians.
He emphasized that The THEMES+ agenda under Sanwo-Olu in Lagos state has become a symbol of disciplined and visionary governance, adding that efforts of the Lagos government in the last six years have transformed Lagos into a 21st-century economy, making it a model state for others to emulate.”
Part of his goodwill message reads: ‘’Today, we specially celebrate our darling Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a quality life of service, and a life well spent in service for humanity.
“We have all been touched and impacted by your vibrant leadership, your people-oriented programmes, and your disciplined adherence to the progressive principles of the THEMES+ agenda. Without a doubt, the center of excellence has been propelled to a greater and more prosperous height under your watch in the last six years.
“Your massive impact within the agricultural and food systems sector, particularly the Logistics Food Hub Projects and the Middle-Level Markets (MLM), is already setting standards, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
“Your unwavering commitment to public service and the advancement of our great nation remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity.”
Olokooba speaking on some of the governor’s main six years of developmental achievements in Nigeria’s commercial capital had these to add: “We commend Sanwo-Olu for the transformation of Lagos’ transport infrastructure by giving us the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project—a 37-kilometer rail line, with 27 kilometers now operational from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in central Lagos.
“The Red Line’s rollout was complemented by five new flyovers in Yaba, Oyingbo, Agege, Mushin, and Ikeja. Sanwo-Olu also expanded marine transport by commissioning 15 locally built ferries, each with a 40-passenger capacity, to improve access to Lagos’s waterways. This initiative underscores the state’s push for a multi-modal transport ecosystem—rail, road, and sea.
“Similar to the rail, road infrastructure has seen significant investment. By mid-2024, the state had completed and commissioned 172 roads covering nearly 178 kilometres. An additional 253 projects, amounting to over 298 kilometres of roads and 5.64 kilometres of bridges, were under various stages of completion.
“Following Lagos state’s launch of Economic Development Update, revealing a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $259bn making it the second-largest city economy in Africa after Cairo. Recall that in the first half of 2024 alone, the Lagos economy grew from N19.65tn to N27.38tn —demonstrating resilience in the face of national economic headwinds.
“Sanwo-Olu’s initiative of structural reforms by converting the Lagos State Polytechnic into the Lagos State University of Science and Technology and merging two colleges of education into the Lagos State University of Education enhanced the capacity and streamlined academic governance.
We at South West Initiative as a pro-democracy and good governance organisation are happy to have been supportive all the way, and as our amiable Governor Sanwo-Olu marks this Diamond milestone, we join your family, associates, and the good people of Lagos State and Nigeria in honouring your achievements and legacy of service. May the years ahead bring continued health, joy, and enduring peace,” Olokooba further asserted.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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