NEWS
Gov Sanwo-Olu Inaugurated For Second Term, Promises Inclusive Lagos
In a heartfelt address on his official Twitter account, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed immense gratitude to the people of Lagos State following his second-term inauguration as their Governor.
Reflecting on the past four years, he acknowledged the challenges faced and the unwavering resilience of the Lagosian spirit.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized his commitment to a brighter future for Lagos, promising to continue fostering transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.
The post reads “Four years ago on this day, I stood before you for the first time as Governor, to ask you to join me on the journey to a Greater Lagos. Four very eventful years have since passed, and here I am again, privileged beyond measure, to take a second and final oath of office as your Governor.
“Immense gratitude goes to the Almighty God for He alone deserves all the thanksgiving for sparing our lives to see this day, and for making it a joyful day, and a day to celebrate the gains of the last four years. Four years ago, we promised a better future for ourselves and our children.
“We did not think it would be easy, or effortless. In fact, we knew it would require a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and innovative thinking.
“There were also many things we did not expect or anticipate. Nobody could have foreseen that just ahead of us lay the most disruptive and devastating global health challenge of our lifetime. And yet, we saw the triumphant spirit of Lagos shine through. We saw a people that cannot be defined by the tragedies that confront us.
“We saw a city that proudly wore its resilience and had mastered the art of bouncing back, regardless of what it faced. That is our Lagos, our home, our city, our pride. Dear Lagos! We promise not to let you down.
“Four years ago, I remember assuring you, that, “It is possible!” Indeed, it is possible. It is always possible. I can assure you that our administration will continue to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and participatory governance.
“We are confident, as we have always been, that even if you do not believe what we say, you will not disbelieve what we do, because it will be as clear as day. It is in line with this resolve that I am pleased to announce that we are taking our THEMES governing agenda to the next level.
“T.H.E.M.E.S, as you already know, stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.
“Henceforth, it will be known as “T.H.E.M.E.S+”, the “plus” representing the incorporation of an intensified focus, in these next four years, on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth. In other words, we are strengthening and reinforcing THEMES with a ‘No One Left Behind’ philosophy.
“No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or age; we will design all our policies and programs to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to.
“This is our solemn promise to you. To my hardworking, dedicated, and loyal Deputy Governor of Lagos State, @drobafemihamzat who has been my friend and partner-in-progress for the last four years, I say Thank You!
“I equally acknowledge Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat who has been a dependable partner and pillar of strength to her dear husband. Your invaluable contribution, grace and dedication are not lost on us.
“To my darling wife, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for being a sure source of support, strength, and inspiration.
“To all the proud and resilient people of Lagos State, I am pleased to inform you all that indeed, our best days lie ahead of us. Let us take this message and be inspired by it and let these words be heard loud and clear, in every nook and cranny of this land; from Ijegun-Egba to Abule-Egba; from Orile to Onipetesi, Olowogbowo to Igbogbo; from Ilashe to Ibeshe; from Okota to Ikota; from Amukoko to Okoko-maiko; from Bariga to Agege; Agbowa Ikosi to Ikosi Ejirin, Alagbado to Alakuko; Ajeromi Ifelodun and all other parts of our dear state that our best days truly lie ahead of us.
“And May the Almighty God grant us the grace to truly believe in, and pursue this best, every waking moment of our lives. Amen. Thank you, and God bless Lagos State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.” It added.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.