The Nation Newspaper

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  • Google Map reveals five favorite Lagos bars, restaurants, tourist attractions

    Lagos is famous for being a city that never sleeps, that is always changing, evolving and moving onto the next big thing. Food is important to Nigerians. The array of flavours and dishes available reflects the cultural melting pot that is Lagos. Outings and partying are also important, as the city’s lively nightlife scene and many attractions show. Keeping up can be tricky. You know you want to go, but you’re not sure where it is best.
    Google Maps is turning 15 and, to celebrate, Google Maps has revealed its users’ top 5 most rated bars, restaurants and tourist attractions in Lagos.

    Restaurants

    Foodies – Patrons love the variety of food and the decor, rating Foodies as good for everything from casual dining with kids to taking a new lady out on a date. The service is also highly-rated, with reviewers commenting on the professionalism of the Foodies team.

    Salma’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine – With authentic and delicious Lebanese food on the menu, Salma’s offers something different. For those with more conservative palates, Salma’s also serves more familiar foods. Whichever you prefer, you’re guaranteed a great dining experience.

    Vestar Coffee – Cosy and casual, and reputed to be a favourite of the social media in-crowd, Vestar Coffee is that perfect mix of great place to get some work done as well as a good place to hangout and meet people.

    Circa lagos – From breakfast to late night hangouts, Circa lagos is lit. Good food, good service and nice drinks – what more could you want on a Friday night? For those who are not night owls, it does great breakfast and lunch too.

    Frozen Rolls Icecream – What is life without ice cream? Frozen Rolls ice cream is open 10am to 9pm to cater for those moments when you just have to have ice cream in your life. Reviewers love the unique tastes and flavours and great decor and service.

    Bars

    MILIKI – MILIKI is a hangout for the artistic and creative, the intellectuals and the free thinkers. With good cocktails and outdoor seating, it’s a great place to go and talk, relax, watch live music and enjoy the discerning and exclusive atmosphere.

    W Bar Lounge – A waterfront bar with ample parking, great decor and good ambience – W Bar is a firm favourite in Lagos. Patrons rate its food, DJs and location – in the middle of Ikoyi. Add it all up and you have a soothing haven, which is well worth a visit.

    Circa lagos – Not just popular for its food, Circa lagos is also highly-rated as one of the bars to be at. It serves food late, which is always a plus, and features a classic, elegant decor that invites you to stay a while.

    Crossroads – Located in the Eko Hotel, Crossroads serves premium beers, exotic spirits and cocktails to an upmarket crowd. Highly-rated for its musical entertainment and food, Crossroads, some of its patrons say, is definitely the place to be, where there is always something happening.

    THE HOUSE Lagos – THE HOUSE is, literally, a house that’s been converted into an entertainment venue. Pick a room that suits your mood, relax and get into the chilled vibe on a Friday night. With good food and a serene ambience, you might even want to hangout during the day when it’s quieter and just soak it all in.

    Tourist attractions

    Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park – A family-friendly attraction, Hi-Impact Planet features food, bumper cars, an arcade and go-kart track, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. There’s also a resort that offers accommodation, in case you’d like to take your time exploring all the attractions.

    Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park – Situated in the heart of the seat of the government of Lagos State in Ikeja, the Park features jumping castles, face painting, ice cream, swings, slides and everything else you need for the perfect day out for you and the kids – even boat rides!

    Oba Elegushi Palace – The official residence of Oba Yekini Elegushi, Oba Elegushi Palace is open to visitors daily. It is highly-rated for its historical value and its aesthetic as a modern architectural treat.

    Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens – A beautiful, lovingly cared for park and gardens that’s perfect for picnics, Jhalobia Recreation Park & Gardens can be booked for events or used by casual visitors. Just don’t forget to call ahead!

    Freedom Park, Lago Island, Lagos – A leisure and memorial park, Freedom Park was formerly a prison and now hosts live events from music festivals to stage performances. There’s always something happening at Freedom Park and the exhibition centre is well worth exploring if none of the bands on offer take your fancy.

  • Most expensive items in the world that will surprise you

    Chinyere Okoroafor with agency report

    It is true that we cannot put money in a plate and eat it. Therefore, paying for an item that we like is one of the ways in which we literally eat our money. So, if we hope to own beautiful things or get our hands on these pricey possessions, it is only wise that we start saving.

    •  The Passion Diamond Shoe
    Passion Diamond Shoe

    This world most expensive shoe can be found in Jada Dubai store in Dubai.

    Even when you flood your home with Christian Louboutins shoes, you would not still come close to reaching the price of these diamond-encrusted golden heels that goes for a whooping sum of $17 million.

    Each stiletto is lined with 118 smaller diamonds and finished with a 15-carat D-flawless diamond.

    • JK7 Rejuvenating Serum
    JK7 Rejuvenating Serum

    If you really hope to look young, JK7 Skincare’s Rejuvenating Serum-Lotion is the cream to do that for you.

    You will have to pay $1,800 for 1 fl. Oz, to have a feel of the most expensive anti-aging serum in the world.

    According to the company claim, the lotion can “stop the degenerative processes of the body.”

    The serum has some 70-plus ingredients, which JK7 founder Jurgen Klein spent a decade testing to get the formula just right.

    • The Golden Giant Burger
    The Golden Giant Burger

    This world most expensive burger is sold at the Oak Door Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Japan.

    The monstrous burger which is poised of a 2.2-pound beef patty, Wagyu beef slices, foie gras, black truffle shavings, and a gold-dusted bun cost $914.

    Each purchase comes with a magnum-sized bottle of your choice of Champagne or wine.

    • Sennheiser HE 1 Headphones
    Sennheiser HE 1 Headphones

    Sennheiser HE 1s which cost $59,000 is disputably the ne plus ultra (the best example) of high-class headphones in the world and not Apple Airpods.

    It was reported that the development of the electrostatic headphones took nearly a decade

    This world most expensive headphone is manufactured by Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG. It was founded by a German man called Fritz Sennheiser in 1945.

    • Graf Von Faber-Castell Whitegold Perfect Penci
    Graf Von Faber-Castell Whitegold Perfect Pencil

     

    If you think Montblanc is the world classiest and pricier writing instrument then you have not heard of Whitegold Perfect Pencil made by Graf von Faber-Castell, a writing instrument company by a German stationary manufacturer, Faber-Castell.

    Made with a diamond-and-white-gold instrument, the pencil is available for $10,000.

    • No.1 Imperial Majesty Perfume
    No.1 Imperial Majesty Perfume

    With this No.1 Imperial Majesty perfume by Clive Christian, you are sure to feel like a million cash, as well as smell like it too.

    Sold at the sum of $205,000 for 500mL, this limited edition quintessence is the most expensive perfume in the world. The perfume is absolute oil, and the case polished crystal that houses it has an 18-karat-gold collar with a five-carat white diamond in the center.

    Clive Christian is a British designer best known for his designer kitchens and his creation of Clive Christian No. 1, the world’s most expensive perfume

    •  City Steamer MM Crocodile Hand Bag
    City Steamer MM Crocodile Hand Bag

    Made with authentic crocodilian leather by Louis Vuitton, the LV signature bag is sold for $55,500, making it one of the world’s most expensive hand bags.

    Louis Vuitton Malletier, commonly known as Louis Vuitton, is a French fashion house and luxury retail company founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton.

    • Opus 14 Watch
    Opus 14 Watch

    Opus 14 white gold watch is made by an American iconic jeweler, Harry Winston.

    The timepiece was released in 2015 and there are only 50 pieces of it in the world.

    To get your hands on one of it, you will need to save a whooping sum of $600,000.

    • Luxuriator Diamond Sunglasses
    Luxuriator Diamond Sunglasses

    All Franco shades are expensive, but none is compared to his Canary diamond glasses known as Luxuriator, which are coated with high-quality diamonds and sold for $65,000.

    Celebrities like Elton John and Oprah Winfrey have been spotted wearing this world most expensive sun shade.

    The collection is by a Los Angeles based eyewear and jewelry designer Franco.

    Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Rose Gold 1996

    Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Rose Gold 1996

    There are only 35 bottles of this gold-plated Dom Perignon Rose Champagne in the world.

    Produced in 1996, it is sold today at $52,785.

    It is arguably one of the most expensive Champagnes.

    • Titan Zeus 370-Inch 4K TV
    Titan Zeus 370-Inch 4K TV

    Titan screen have televisions the size of a living room wall. They are the world’s largest television on the market.

    Built in British the Titan Zeus 370-Inch 4K TV is sold for $1.6 million, making it the most expensive television set in the world.

    Measuring at 26 feet by 16 feet, some mega-mansions would have a hard time finding adequate wall space for this huge piece of equipment.

    There is also an outdoor version of this gargantuan for a similar price.

    • Goldvish Eclipse Desiring Arcadia Cell Phone in Onyx Alligator
    Goldvish Eclipse Desiring Arcadia Cell Phone in Onyx Alligator

    Goldvish Eclipse Desiring Arcadia is world’s most expensive cell phone.

    Embellished with 320 diamonds, stainless steel parts, and exotic alligator leather, the Android-operated device is worth $119,282 with a built-in case.

    Goldvish is a Swiss manufacturer of premium luxury mobile phones.

    The Old Homestead Steakhouse Catered Thanksgiving Dinner: $150,000

    • Baccarat Zénith Chandelier
    Baccarat Zénith Chandelier

    The Zénith Chandelier is one of the most expensive light fixtures in the market. The $491,700 Chandelier, depending on the size of your home, can be customized to have eight lights to 84, and the fixture can weigh as much as 800 pounds. It is characterized by an added Crystal Champagne color created by a union of gold and crystal.

    • Devialet Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris Speaker
    Devialet Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris Speaker

    If you want to own the most expensive Bluetooth speaker in the world, you will have to save $3,500. Devialet Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris speaker is a thin white speaker with gold leaf gills and a titanium tweeter that has a 4500-watt peak.

    • To’ak Vintage Chocolate Bar
    To’ak Vintage Chocolate Bar

    This Ecuadorian chocolate from To’ak cost $375.

    The chocolate is derived from Nacional cacao, an uncommon variety that was thought to have died out until recently.

    To’ak Chocolate is an Ecuadorian company founded in 2013 by Jerry Toth and Carl Schweizer.

    Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn

    Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn

    Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn is garnished with some of the world’s finest ingredients, such as butter from Vermont Creamery, Nielson Massey bourbon vanilla, salt from the Danish island Laeso, and 23-karat edible gold flakes.

    You will have to pay $250 for 1 gallon of Berco’s Billion Dollar luxurious popcorn.

     

     

  • Four ways to survive Lagos Keke/Okada ban

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    Lagosians are lamenting the restriction of tricycles and motorcycles, popularly called Keke and Okada in 15 local governments of the commercial nerve of the nation.

    The restrictions, which took effect on 1st February 2020, has left commuters trekking long distance and finding alternative ways to get to their offices or places of businesses.

    Arguments have gone back and forth on whether it is right or not to ban these local means of transportation in the Centre of Excellence with the proponents insisting that there will be a huge reduction of crime and accidents with the ban.

    As stated on the twitter handle of the Lagos State Government “Okada has been used by criminals to rob and terrorise innocent citizens. Police figures are scary. When it was banned in Kano and Edo, for instance, crime rates dropped. The law enforcement agencies are ready to fix anybody who wants to take to crime because he has lost his okada job,”

    But there are other ways to survive in Lagos without the “Keke” and “Okada”. Some of them are:

     

    (1) Uber

    You can actually shuttle a private car/taxi to take you wherever you want with a private car, popularly called “Uber” in Lagos. With your phone, you can call up a taxi to your place of residence, to take you from one place to another at a cheaper rate.

     

    (2) Danfo

    The popular yellow buses, called “danfo” is another option to take feom one place to the other. They are all around Lagos, and without hold-ups on the way, they can take you to your destination very quickly.

    Read Also: Okada ban or transport revolution?

     

    (3) BRT

    The BRT buses, inaugurated during the Babatunde Fashola administration is another option, aside the Keke/Okada that can take you places. It is safer and cheaper.

     

    (4) Yellow Taxi

    A few of them still exist but they can be handy these days to take you wherever you want to go.

    It is uncertain if this ban will ever be lifted.  But Lagosians are determined to survive with or without these means of transportation.

    It is however important to note that waking up early from be is no loner negotiable, to catch up with these means of transportation.  Lagos is a very busy city, and only the smart ones can survive in the city.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Eight prominent Nigerians who died of cancer

    By Praise Olowe

     

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually.

    On World Cancer Day celebrated every February 4, here are prominent Nigerians who have died of different forms of cancer:

    (1) President Umaru Yar’Adua

    Former President Umaru Yar’Adua fell victim of the disease in May 2010 after years of battling with it. The ailment kept him away from his constitutional duties for a long period of time

    (2) Dr. Olusola Saraki

    Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, also died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that political giant of Kwara politics “battled cancer for about five years” before he breathed his last on November 14, 2012.

    (3) Maryam Babangida

    Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009.

    She had to leave behind her Better Life Programme for Rural Women which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programmes.

    (4) Gani Fawehinmi

    The doggedness with which renowned activist and social crusader, Gani Fawehinmi fought successive and oppressive military dictators was not enough to survive the monster called cancer.

    He died on September 5, 2009, of lung cancer.

    (5) Yinka Craig

    For two years, ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008, when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America. He received treatment for cancer of the immune system.

    (6) Yusuf Jibo

    Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer in December, 2010.

    (7) Sonny Okosun

    For Sonny Okosun, one of greatest musicians, the music stopped playing when he died on May 24, 2008, at 61 in the United States after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had gone to seek medical advice on his deteriorating health.

    (8) Clara Oshiomhole

    Clara, the wife of the Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC), Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter’s wedding.

  • Three reasons why US travel ban may not last for Nigeria

    By Gabriel Ogunjobi

    The recent policy of President Donald Trump-led US government to restrict Nigeria, alongside five other countries from acquiring immigrants’ visas into the United States, has been greeted by rude shock and reactions in the last 48 hours.

    As expected, political bigwigs have joined the train to widely express dissatisfaction and find the inclusion of the largest West African country ‘a big slap’.

    Interestingly, some misconceptions about the new policy have also surfaced.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in an attempt to make a case for the country, had claimed Nigeria joined forces with the US during the Gulf War code-named ‘Operation Desert Shield/Storm’ in the early 1990s.

    The assumed participation of Nigeria was subsequently refuted by the Presidency on Saturday night.

    Some also misinterpreted the restriction to mean Nigerian passport holders may not be able to fly to the US for whatsoever reason.

    To clarify on such controversies, below are some reasons why Nigeria may soon exit the travel ban list:

    • Actual travel ban:

    According to the acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Friday,  the restriction only implied a suspension of the issuance of visas that can lead to permanent residency for nationals of Nigeria, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, and Myanmar.

    Sudanese and Tanzanian nationals will also not be able to apply for “diversity visas”, which are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US.

    The reason given was due to the countries’ failure to comply with its established identity-management and information-sharing criteria. The restriction became imminent for the security of the Americans.

    So, non-immigrant visas given to people for temporary stays – including visitors, those doing business or people seeking medical treatment – would not be impacted by the new rules.

    • US lawmakers’ stand:

    On the other hand, the US Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, has frowned at Trump’s travel ban.

    The Speaker stated the house will soon -in the coming weeks – establish an act to limit the president’s “ability to impose such biased and bigoted restrictions”, as she condemned all forms of anti-immigrants agenda which do not conform with US convention.

    Read Also: Travel ban: We’ll do better without foreign interference – APC Chieftain

    It can be noted that President Trump is still undergoing impeachment trials before the Senate on the two charges brought by the House of Representatives which led to his impeachment (different from removal from office) in December last year.

    US Travel ban

    • Nigeria’s position:

    In 2018, the US issued more than 8,000 immigration visas to citizens of Nigeria – twice as many as all the other five nations combined.

    In a quick reaction to the new policy, Femi Adesina, the spokesman to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday afternoon announced the establishment  of a committee to be headed by Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to “study and address” the new visa requirements.

    In the statement, President Buhari said he wants Nigeria to have “productive relations” with the US.

    Notably, Nigeria is a counter-terrorism partner for the US.

    Also, the travel ban will not take effect from February 21. If the government’s committee is fast-tracked, Nigeria may even exit the list a short while before it kicks off or just scarcely a few days into it.

     

  • PHOTOS: Buhari, Uzodinma meet in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday received new Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma in Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the New Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodima accompanied by the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during a visit to formally introduce the Governor at the State House Abuja.
    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the New Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodima accompanied by the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during a visit to formally introduce the Governor at the State House Abuja.
    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the New Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodima accompanied by the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during a visit to formally introduce the Governor at the State House Abuja.
    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the New Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodima accompanied by the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during a visit to formally introduce the Governor at the State House Abuja.
    President Muhammadu Buhari Received the New Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodima during a visit at the State House Abuja.

  • Six things to know about new CBN Deputy Governor Obiora

    By Praise Olowe

     

    The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Dr Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Here are a few things to know about the new CBN deputy governor:

    •  Obiora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin.
    •  He had his Masters in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Doctorate in Monetary and International Economics, also from the University of Ibadan.
    •  He is currently an Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, United States of America.

    Read Also: Senate confirms Obiora as CBN Deputy Governor

    • · Since he joined the global lender as an Economist in 2007, Obiora has worked in various countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
    • · While on leave from the IMF, he worked with the Nigerian Government as Special Assistant to the President’s Chief Economic Adviser and Technical Adviser to the National Economic Management Team.
    • · He also worked as a Special Adviser on Economic Matters to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between October 2011 and July 2018.

  • Major winter transfer deals

    2020 winter transfers have been uncharacteristically high, especially in Europe when clubs are reluctant to allow players move.

    Here are some of the major January transfers so far:

    Victor Moses

    Victor Moses joins Inter Milan on a six month loan. The Nigerian International moved to former manager’s side, Antonio Conte from Fenerbache on a loan deal with an option to buy.

    Lo Celso

    Lo Celso signed a permanent deal at Spurs that will keep him at the club till 2025. The Argentine joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan from Spanish side, Real Betis. Spurs have signed the former Betis player on a permanent deal for €27m.

    Christian Eriksen

    Christian Eriksen completed his move away from Tottenham Hotspur to Italian side, Inter Milan. The Danish playmaker signed for Spurs in the summer of 2013 for €11.5m and went on to become one of the finest players to feature in the English Premier League.

    Inter Milan secured the signing of the midfielder for €20m.

    Takumi Minamino

    Minamino signed for Liverpool FC from Red Bull Salzburg for €7.25m. The midfielder became the first Japanese player to sign for Liverpool. The Reds acquired the Japanese player after his impressive display against them in the group stages of the Uefa Champions League.

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Ibrahimovic rejoined former Italian club giant, AC Milan after his spell at MLS side, LA Galaxy. The Swedish player agreed a deal with the club until the end of the current season with an option to extend the contract.

    Ashely Young

    The England defender joined Inter Milan on a six- month deal from Manchester United.

    Wayne Rooney

    Wayne Rooney

    Derby County secured the signing of ex- England international, Wayne Rooney from DC United. The former Manchester United
    player returned to the championship side on an 18- month contract as a player-coach.

    Haaland

    Haaland moved from Red Bull Salzburg to join Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortumund. The Norwegian International impressive display in the Austrian league and group stages of the Champions League made Dortmund sign him. Borussia Dortumund paid the sum of €20m for the young promising player on a four and a half year contract.

    Other Transfers;

    . Alexander Nubel (Schalke 04 – Bayern Munich)

    . Mario Manduzkic (Juventus – Al Dulhali) Free

    . Julian Weigl (Dortumund – Benfica)

    . Gedson Fernandes (Benfica – Tottenham) Loan

    . Louie Barry (Barcelona – Aston Villa)

    . Alvaro Odriozola (Madrid – Bayern Munich Munich)

    . Mbwana Samatta (Genk- Aston Villa)

    . Reinier Jesus (Flamengo – Real Madrid)

    . Pepe Reina (AC Milan – Aston Villa) Loan

    . Rhian Brewster (Liverpool – Swansea) Loan

    . Alexander Nubel (Schalke – Bayern Munich) deal to be completed on July, 2020.

  • 10 things you probably didn’t know about Kobe Bryant

    By Praise Olowe

    US basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California.

    Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were on Sunday travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames.

    Here are few things you probably didn’t know about the Basketball legend.

    · Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978. He was an American professional basketball player. Bryant played his entire 20-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Los Angeles Lakers.

    · Bryant was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of three children and only son of former NBA player Joe Bryant and Pamela Cox Bryant.

    · Bryant earned national recognition during a spectacular high school career at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, located in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion. He played on the varsity basketball team as a freshman

    · He entered the NBA directly from high school and won five NBA championships.

    · He attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as the top high-school basketball player in the country.

    · At 34 years of age, Bryant became the youngest player in league history to reach 30,000 career points. He became the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history on February 1, 2010, when he surpassed Jerry West.

    · He was the first Guard taken out of high school, In 1996, Bryant was drafted with the 13th pick by the Charlotte Hornets.

    · At the age of 16, Kobe beat his father who was also an NBA player

    · Bryant’s United States national team career finally began in 2007. He was a member of the 2007 USA Men’s Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team that finished 10–0, won gold and qualified the United States men for the 2008 Olympics.

    · According to sportswriter Mark Heisler of Forbes, “circa 2004–2007, Bryan was the most alienated superstar the NBA had ever seen.

  • Five main arguments for Amotekun

    By Adeyinka Akintunde

    On Tuesday, January 21 2020, there were protest and rallies in various parts of the South-Western states of Nigeria with people calling for endorsement of the Western INigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed “Operation Amotekun” by the Federal Government.

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami had described the security outfit, created by the six governors of the Western States in Nigeria, as “Illegal”.

    For him: “No state government whether single or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent party,”
    A closer look however shows that there are benefits of the security outfit, including:

    * It will bring security closer to the people

    The police is doing their bit but with the way things stand now, the police cannot do everything. Crime, kidnapping and banditry are on the increase, and “Operation Amotekun” is another option in combating these social menace, especially in South-West Nigeria

    * It serves as a means of job creation

    For the unemployed, who could not make it to the Nigerian police or army, joining the “Operation Amotekun” could serve as an option. If recognised by the federal government, every member of the force will take something home at the end of every month, and that would in a way eradicate poverty

    *Allows natives to fight crime easily
    Unlike the police where it is possible for a Yoruba man to be posted to the North, and it will take time before he adjusts to his new society, Operation Amotekun is meant primarily for the Yoruba people, living and working in Yoruba land.

    READ ALSO: Why Amotekun can’t be rolled back, by Fasanmi, Okunnu

    A local Yoruba man is not lost in his language, and can easily detect if crime is about to be committed in his area, and he arrests the situation

    * Enhances community policing
    Ordinarily, the generally accepted police to civilian ratio is 1:450 or approximately 225 police officers for every 100,000 people. But this is fast becoming unrealistic in Nigeria today, as the Nigerian population is fast increasing, and the police force is reducing

    Operation Amotekun can fill in for citizens of South West Nigeria

    * It promotes self-defence

    The Nigerian constitution allows for right to life. It means that everyone has a right to live. If a person is attacked, he/she has the right to defend himself from external attack.

    Amotekun stands as self-defence for the Yoruba race. It is not a means to break away from the country as explained in Politics Today on Channels Television by Prof. Banji Akintoye, the Leader of the Yoruba World Congress, it is just a means to protect the Yoruba race, the people of the South-West, from any unforeseen, external attack