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  • GNI building fire: Traders lament losses, bleak future

    GNI building fire: Traders lament losses, bleak future

    • Lagos Island CBD environs overdue for urban renewal – Expert

    It is no longer news that the Great Insurance building, located on Lagos Island, was razed on Christmas Eve. What is news, however, is that more than two weeks after the incident, the fate of traders and business owners in the Central Business District hangs in the balance, as demolitions continue. GBENGA ADERANTI reports.

    It was a Monday morning, and a group of people gathered at a corner, talking in hushed tones; however, their gesticulations and facial expressions were very loud. Visibly written on their faces were pains of loss.

    When our correspondent attempted to talk to a few of them, he was met with a rebuff; clearly, they preferred to be left alone to bemoan their losses.

    They were traders and businessmen who lost millions of naira in the Great Nigeria Insurance building fire that engulfed many other buildings around it on Lagos Island on last Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, precisely.

    But sitting quietly in a corner not far from the site of the incident was Tochukwu, who had his shop near the GNI building. Deep in thought, with his hand on his chin, a gentle tap on his shoulder by our correspondent jolted him from his deep thoughts. “How you dey? Are you one of the victims?” The reporter asked. “Yes, I have a shop here, he answered, even without looking up to see who was talking to him.

    “My plaza is opposite the GNI building, and my own goods were not affected. I removed and kept them in a store before the fire escalated.”

    With the demolitions ongoing, Tochukwu is afraid that he might lose his shop and be moved to other areas. “If they can bring the building that got burnt down, we will continue our business here. We don’t have any issue with this place; this place is okay. Bring the building that was burnt down so that people can have access to their businesses. We are happy with this place,” Tochukwu said.

    Tochukwu’s fear could be genuine, considering the volume of demolition that is currently ongoing at the site.

    While traders like Tochukwu are afraid that the action of the government might adversely affect the traders and the business owners, another trader, Chukwu Moses, whose shop has been cordoned off, told The Nation that the governor should act as governor to bring sanity to the environment.

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    One of the responders at the site told our correspondent that the firefighters had to empty two trucks of water in one of the stores before they could put out the fire in one of the sections of the building.

    He also explained further that assessing some of the stores was a herculean task, adding that the amount of clothing materials and some combustible items also made putting out the fire very difficult.

    “It was difficult for us to access some of the stores. This made the job difficult. I had to beg one of the boys living here to help navigate this difficult terrain.

    “The clothing materials that are kept inside the shops also did not help matters, as they helped the fire to burn more.”

    It was gathered that some of the shops had no fire extinguisher, though one of the traders told our correspondent that the availability of a fire extinguisher played a major role in stopping the fire from spreading.

    But for fire extinguishers…

    Speaking to The Nation, Joseph Okike, whose business was on Oluwole Plaza close to the burnt GNI building, was lucky. He said it was the fire extinguishers they had in place that helped; the plaza would have been completely razed.

    He said he lost a substantial part of his goods in the process of moving them out of the store to a safe place. “As we were bringing our goods out, because we didn’t have anybody to help us look after them, other people made away with them.”

    While giving kudos to the firefighters for their efforts, he said, “We were able to manage the ones that would have engulfed Oluwole Plaza, but those buildings around the Great Nigeria House got burnt. Oluwole was only partially affected.

    “Our Iyaloja had mandated every shop to have a fire extinguisher. When the thing escalated and was coming to Oluwole, those who were around brought out fire extinguishers, while the firefighters were trying to put out the major one,” Okike said.

    He disclosed that if the management of the plaza gets its fire-fighter truck in the near future, it would surely help because part of the firefighters that were available came from the United Bank for Africa building.

    Unfortunately, while places like Oluwole had fire extinguishers, the majority of the stores and offices had none.

    Another trader, still sorrowing over his loss, told The Nation that his goods were stolen. He was, however, lucky that some of them were arrested and were being detained at Zone 2 Police headquarters.

    “They burgled my business. I sell ladies’ wear; some of them have been arrested.”

    Even days after the fire incident, The Nation noticed that big generators were still being kept on their decked shops.

    This reporter counted up to four generators placed on decked buildings. Some of the decked houses had industrial generators on top of them.

    It was also observed that traders and residents had started decongesting the vicinity, many of them demolishing extra structures which were not part of the original plan of the building, but constructed for business purposes.

    Before the incident, all the available spaces had been turned into shops and stalls, with many having ‘shoot out’. All those were being demolished, not by the government, but by the property owners themselves, irrespective of whether the building was affected or not.

    Last Monday morning, when The Nation visited the site, there was near commotion between some hoodlums, traders and the security agents, as security personnel tried to evict them from the adjoining shops, in compliance with the order of the Lagos State Governor that all the traders should vacate the scene of the incident.

    The Nation gathered that most of the traders were not happy with the situation in the Central Business District, but could only complain in silence.

    One of the traders, Chukwu Moses, confirmed that the fire that destroyed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance building started around 3-4 pm, and by 8 pm, it had escalated.

    Moses, while sympathising with those who lost their goods in the fire, disclosed that he was lucky; he did not lose anything in the fire, but worried that his means of livelihood had been suspended.

    He, however, expressed support for the governor for bringing sanity to the area.

    He explained that the ongoing private demolitions by the property owners were on Governor Sanwo- Olu’s orders.

    A visibly angry Moses said the governor should do what he ought to do because “most of these fire incidents are always caused by shoot–outs (building extension) and ‘facing generators’ in addition to wrong wire connection. I would advise that the governor should act as a governor.”

    Sanwo-Olu reads the riot act

    The governor was appalled by what he saw; many of the shop owners and traders had contravened building codes, he lamented.

    Sanwo-Olu said he observed reckless flouting of the State’s building regulations to an unacceptable level, noting that the traders were lawless. He said each time people flouted the rules and refused to obey regulations, the effects were always greater in impact.

    He said: “In the last hour, I have gone round the streets within the market. From a non-professional assessment, it was clear that most of the buildings in the market are completely distressed. But we will conduct a professional assessment on all the buildings to ascertain our findings. We will not sit back and listen to people doing as they like. Lives have been lost, properties destroyed, and means of livelihood shattered.

    “We have seen that there has been a lot of recklessness and carelessness on the part of the traders. Going round the market, I personally counted over 14 industrial generators placed on the fourth and fifth floors of some buildings. We saw unapproved structures built on original floors approved in certain buildings. I saw shops built next to electric transformers, which goes to show how traders have been careless with their lives.

    “This is an opportunity for us to embark on the complete regeneration of the whole area. We are sending messages to property owners and developers to come forward; we will be evaluating all the buildings in the market. Regenerating the trading space is going to be a tough decision for us, but it is a proper step to take to preserve lives and properties. We will not shy away from taking this responsibility.”

    Sanwo-Olu, therefore, ordered a complete regeneration of the market for the restoration of its aesthetics and space.

    He also said trading in unapproved areas made vehicular movement difficult in the market, which hindered the first responders from getting access to the scene on time.

    “When the fire was raging, people were told to leave the building and the nearby buildings, but some of them stayed back to salvage their goods at the risk of their lives,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor designated the site as “active site”, disclosing that emergency responders comprising Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), NEMA, police, Department of State Service, the Army, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and Central Business District (CBD) Office would remain on the site to assist families seeking information.

    For continuous emergency management at the scene, Sanwo-Olu on Friday directed that all shops and buildings within 100 metre radius of the fire site should remain shut until further notice, stressing that the area was still not safe for movement.

    While the environment has currently been cordoned off, one clear signal this reporter got was that many traders were anxiously waiting to restart their businesses. It took the efforts of the police and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) to stop them.

    Most ironic was the fact that many of the traders on the ground that Monday morning were eager to enter the site of the fire accident.

    One of the traders disclosed that the fire would have been curtailed if necessary actions had been taken. The Nation learnt that on that evening of December 24, some people who were having a party around 4 pm had noticed smoke coming out of the GNI building, but overlooked it, thinking it was not something serious. “Unfortunately, by 8pm, the fire had escalated. If only they had acted promptly or drawn the attention of the firefighters to it, we would not be where we are today,” a source said.

    Probably without the prompt response by LASEMA, NEMA, firefighters, police, and neighbourhood watch on that Christmas Eve, things would have been worse.

    Fire emanated from fourth floor – LASEMA

    In an update on December 25, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), in a preliminary report signed by the Permanent Secretary of the agency, said preliminary investigations showed that the fire originated from an apartment on the fourth floor before rapidly escalating to the sixth floor and beyond.

    As of last Friday, eight people had been confirmed dead.

    As of the time of writing this report, investigations were ongoing into what caused the incident.

    While the demolitions are ongoing, this reporter observed that the surroundings of the fire incident looked much like a place just ravaged by war. Curiously, one of the nearby building owners was seen trying to carry out some renovations, but he was promptly stopped by LASBCA officials, amidst stern warnings.

    Although the 25-storey building was still standing at the time of the visit, it was looking grotesque. The faint sound of debris dropping intermittently from the building could be heard, an indication of a disaster waiting to happen.

    In the same vein, smoke still bellowed, while fire continued to rage within and outside the GNI building that Monday noon.

    Explaining the complexity of the area, one of the residents told The Nation that probably the damage could have been minimised if the firefighter had easy access to the site.

    Aside from the crowd and hoodlums that made the job of responders a bit difficult, it was also gathered that it was difficult for the responders who had no knowledge of the area to navigate through shops and stores, which had little or no space for vehicular movements.

    It was also gathered that, beyond what many see at the surface, the GNI building is a building that has many business interests.

    Underneath the 25-story building were stores where traders kept different goods, especially textiles. “Clothing material in some of the stores and shops aggravated the fire. That is why you see fire still burning in certain places,” one of the responders at the site said.

    While many had blamed the Great Nigeria Insurance for not adhering to safety measures, it has come out to say it had no control over the property with no office in the razed building.

    Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc. says it does not have an office in the building that was gutted by fire.

    In a statement dated December 26, 2025, GNI clarified its position on the property, expressing sympathy with those affected by the inferno.

    GNI said it was granted a long-term lease of bare land at the address by the Shitta-Bey family, which is expected to expire on December 31, 2036.

    The company said it erected a 25-storey building on the land for strategic investment purposes.

    “It is noteworthy that GNI has since been in court with the Shitta-Bey family on the property because the family instituted three separate suits against GNI at both the Lagos State High Court and the Federal High Court,” the statement reads.

    “All the suits were decided in favour of GNI.

    “Thereafter, the family filed separate appeals in the Lagos Judicial Division of the Court of Appeal. In the year 2020, during the pendency of these appeals, the Shitta-Bey family, in utter disregard of the court orders in the suits between it and GNI, and during the subsistence of the unexpired leasehold of GNI, resorted to self-help, forcefully entered, and took over possession of the property.

    “The Shitta-Bey family also proceeded to lease out the property to tenants without recourse to GNI. A responsible (sic) corporate organisation with its cherished corporate image to protect, GNI followed the legal path by approaching the High Court of Lagos State through a trespass action.

    “The High Court ordered the Shitta-Bey family to vacate possession of the property and also restrained the family from continuing with further acts of trespass on the property.

    “The family, being dissatisfied, appealed against the said ruling of the court.

    “In the interim, the substantive suit challenging the family for trespass is still pending at the Lagos Judicial Division of the High Court of Lagos State.

    “Consequently, GNI has for over five years been denied physical possession of the property.”

    Before the Christmas Eve fire accident, multi-million naira businesses were ongoing around the vicinity with traffic of people, except on Sundays. That has changed right now as many of the traders are not sure of the fate that would befall their business.

    The excavator drivers continue to pull down the walls of distressed buildings that were affected by the fire.

    Although the GNI building is located on 47/57 Martin Street, The Nation observed on Monday that other adjacent buildings on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street were not spared, including the iconic Shitta Bey Mosque, which was opened in 1891. The charade of the mosque was looking grotesque. Scaffolding has been erected in front of the dilapidated building, indicating that renovation could start anytime soon.

    While the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) continued to demolish distressed buildings, LASEMA was still at the scene of the incident with its search and rescue mission team. “We have been here since the incident happened, and we will continue to be here,” said one of the LASEMA staff members.

    Though the possibility of rescuing survivors from the scene of the fire incident had become grim, LASEMA still maintained the registry of missing people.

    ‘Lagos Island CBD environs are overdue for urban renewal’

    Dr Olabode Jegede (fnia, FOSHA), is an Architect, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, also a Fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, United Kingdom and Principal Partner at Archiworth Associates, reacts to the Christmas Eve fire.

    GNI building and the surroundings…

    According to Dr. Jegede, “It is sad, but obviously, the building has to come down. Visual impression of the burnt edifice on Martins Street already shows an unstable relic of a once-bubbling activity centre. It is not a good sight to behold.

    “Martins Street, Balogun and Idumota markets and Lagos Island CBD environs are overdue for urban renewal. Beyond the demolition, it is the government that has a statutory responsibility for urban renewal. You cannot just look at an urban space continually experiencing negative growth and do nothing.

    “The government began some urban renewal projects in the Central Business District on the island, and there was a barrage of complaints from affected dwellers. People were complaining as expected, but there must be civil handshakes for the right thing to be done. The neglect has been there for ages, but something has to be done to prevent further calamities in that axis.

    “There is no shortcut to these things. People have built beyond their statutory spaces and made both vehicular and pedestrian flows quite a nightmare. Walkways became extensions of shops, and all sorts of commerce were going on everywhere without regard to other road users. It is a shame this scenario played out for so long, but this GNI fire incident should inspire the government to correct the wrongs.

    “We cannot continue this route of reckless disregard for our urban spaces. It affects our quality of life, the air we breathe in and of course, our wellbeing. It is time to say no to reckless abuse of our air corridor.

    “The poor vehicular access and raging mob contributed to the inability of the firefighters to arrive at the spot early enough. How could a fire truck navigate a space that even tricycles struggle to pass in the daytime? It is impossible!

    “The government obviously needs to build fire stations within 150 meters radius of that neighbourhood, considering the recurrent incidence of fire outbreaks in the Lagos Island CBD. But building Fire stations is not enough; those stations should be ready with water and support from other Fire stations and the fire departments of other buildings in the neighbourhood. We remembered how some of the banks on Martin Street used to bring out their fire trucks to help during outbreaks on the island.

    “The government showed up with Fire Brigades, LASEMA, and NEMA for emergency services, but they can improve on the response time, and the public should offer more assistance rather than taking videos and pictures.”

    On the legal status of the building

    “The legal status of the building in terms of ownership might have contributed to the maintenance of the services and preparedness for emergencies in the building itself. It was in the public domain that there were issues with subsisting ownership between the management of Great Nigerian Insurance and a popular Lagos family with respect to the lease agreement. Such disagreements could have a remote effect on the scheduled maintenance programme of the building.

    “A 23-storey building obviously has a maintenance manual which should be religiously followed. There are scheduled checks on the fire preparedness through fire drills, Fire pumps, extinguishers and dedicated water tanks for the fire equipment. No one could ascertain the status of all these primary fire prevention and fire-fighting facilities in the building. There is a possibility of a compromise of such an important exercise due to distractions on the legality of the lease agreement.

    “It was mentioned during the stampede that the fire outbreak began at one of the lower floors, yet it consumed the whole building without a sustained capacity to curtail the spread. It was a big shame and quite devastating that this situation occurred.

    “As an architect and a safety practitioner, one wonders what the Safety, Health and Environmental (SH&E) factors were in place before this fire incident. To extend this further, all high-rise companies should take a lesson from this loss, then evaluate and upgrade their SH&E compliance as a matter of urgency. The best time to prepare for a fire outbreak in a building is purely at the design stage of the structure. This could be effectively done, proactively, through design layout, choice of building materials and technical specification of fire equipment and installation.”

    Why buildings have to come down

    Jegede would go on to say that the state government has declared that the building has to come down. “That building needs to be brought down for two other reasons. There is what we call Post -Occupancy Evaluation (POE) of a building. When a structure is designed and built for a specific purpose, there is a limit to which such a building should be stressed beyond the design resilience.

    “The Great Nigerian Insurance had commissioned their architects and the design team to design an office space, and it was primarily built for that purpose. However, in recent years, POE shows that the building has transitioned from formal use as an office complex to a typical village market in which everybody appropriates their space, and uses it the way they like because there is no central control, turning them to warehouses for the storage of heavy tonnage of goods even on the higher floors. This implied that the structural integrity of that building has been stretched far beyond the design function.

    “Secondly, the building was abandoned for a while, possibly due to legal issues with the lease agreement. However, it got renovated later and became a commercial nerve centre for all sorts of businesses. The implications are more structural partitions for different shop owners with their attendant storage purposes and the possibility of reckless use of power generation at different levels, which was at variance with the designed centralised power supply from a unitary source.

    “Also, electrical cables, both low voltage (LV) and high voltage installations in the building, have been exposed to intensive heats which must have denatured them. The concrete and reinforcement bars installed have limits to intense heat exposure, thereby compromising their properties and function.

    “The Lagos state government has constituted a technical recovery and demolition committee to ensure safe and controlled demolition of the 23-storey GNI building on Martins Street. It is my prayer that the committee also includes as part of their terms of reference a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and structural integrity of adjacent buildings and ensure their compliance with SH&E.

  • Why I want to become Awujale – Adekunle Hassan

    Why I want to become Awujale – Adekunle Hassan

    • By Tunde Olaleye

    Present myself for the highest royal stool in Ijebuland to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past Awujale and serve humanity. I believe I have the capacity, the competence, the character as well as the contact to bring transformational leadership, attract global partnerships, and maintain the cultural dignity of the throne.”

    With these words, Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Olubola Hassan proclaimed his ambition to mount the throne vacated on July 13, 2025 by the renowned monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona after reigning for 65 years.

    The dateline was Sunday, November 9, 2025 and members of the Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House gathered at the historic Igboburo compound in Ijebu Ode to witness Dr Hassan’s formal declaration. The hall was packed with princes, princesses, chiefs, and community leaders. From the Aladeken of Oke Ako, Oba Adenola Osunsanmi, to the Baagbimo of Ijebuland, Professor Fassy Yusuf, and the head of the Jadiara royal family, Prince Akinola Odedina, the attendance reflected both tradition and a cautious hope for continuity.

    The stool of the Awujale is one of the most respected traditional positions in Nigeria. The late Oba Adetona transformed it into a symbol of dignity, reform, and modern governance. His legacy of education, institutional development, and cultural promotion has set a high standard that many believe only a well-prepared, well-exposed, and deeply rooted successor can sustain.

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    In his speech, Dr Hassan began with a request for a minute of silence in honour of Oba Adetona, noting the late monarch’s monumental contributions to Ijebuland and Nigeria. He spoke about his long relationship with the palace, his work within the Council of Otunbas, and his desire to build on the foundation laid by the late Awujale.

    “I present myself for the highest royal stool in Ijebuland to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past Awujale and serve humanity,” he said, promising to bring transformational leadership, attract global partnerships, and maintain the cultural dignity of the throne.

    Endorsements followed his declaration. Both Professor Fassy Yusuf and Prince Odedina described him as “most qualified,” highlighting his global exposure, professional accomplishments, and community service. The declaration made Hassan the first Ijebu prince to formally announce his interest, giving him a strong early presence in a race still taking shape.

    Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Hassan is a highly distinguished ophthalmic surgeon whose life and career reflect a rare blend of global medical excellence, entrepreneurial leadership, deep community commitment, and royal pedigree, qualities that position him not only as a respected son of Ijebuland but also as a potential bridge between tradition and modernity. Born on January 26, 1951, he pursued his early education at Ilesa Grammar School and Ijebu Muslim College (Ijebu-Ode), before earning his medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos in 1976. He then underwent advanced training in ophthalmology abroad, including at the prestigious Western Infirmary, Glasgow (Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology) under internationally renowned mentors.

    On returning to Nigeria in 1993, Hassan founded the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, establishing by far the country’s first private postgraduate training institution for ophthalmologists, and later adding the Deseret Community Vision Institute in 2006. Through these institutions he not only provided world-class eye care to thousands but also trained scores of ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic nurses, and mid-level eye-care professionals, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and treat visual impairment. His surgical expertise spans complex subspecialties: vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma, anterior-segment surgery, cataract, and ocular plastic surgery, making him a pioneer of modern ophthalmic practice in Nigeria.

    But his influence extends far beyond medicine. Hassan has been recognized globally: he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow (UK), the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK), the West African College of Surgeons, and the Nigeria Institute of Cost Management. He served in high-level international ophthalmology bodies: including as President of the African Ophthalmology Council for several years, as a Board Member of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO), as Regional Advocacy Coordinator (Africa) for ICO, and as a Council Member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB/WHO), leadership roles that underscore his global influence and commitment to public health. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to ophthalmic education, he became the first African and Nigerian to receive the prestigious ICO “Mark Tso Golden Apple Award.”

    Dr. Hassan’s leadership extends into corporate and institutional governance. Over the years he has held board positions in major institutions, including serving as a director at Diamond Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), and chairing boards such as those of Summit Healthcare Group, Deseret International Hospitals, and even the governing council of a major tertiary institution, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (Sagamu), demonstrating his administrative capacity, financial acumen, and institutional experience.

    On the community side, Hassan’s roots in Ijebuland have earned him deep respect. Over the years he has been honored with traditional chieftaincy titles including Otunba Obaruwa (Ba’amole) of Akile Ijebu and has been recognized by the then-Awujale of Ijebuland, in acknowledgment of his services, a testament to his standing among the Ijebu people. In 2025, he was appointed as the head (Olori Ebi) of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, placing him squarely within the inner circle of Ijebuland’s traditional succession dynamics.

    Beyond titles and institutions, Hassan is regarded as a quiet philanthropist and servant-leader, someone committed to uplifting lives, especially through accessible eye care and social welfare programmes. His broad exposure, across continents, cultures, institutions, coupled with his deep understanding of both modern governance and traditional values, suggests a worldview that could harmonize development and heritage in Ijebuland.

    Hassan’s life story, one of global medical distinction, entrepreneurial and institutional leadership, community service, and authentic rootedness in Ijebu tradition, paints him as more than just an accomplished professional. He emerges as a figure who could bring prestige, modern development, compassion, and unifying leadership to the Awujale stool. In a time when traditional leadership increasingly demands the ability to navigate both heritage and contemporary challenges, his profile presents a compelling case for royal consideration.

    As Awujale, Hassan envisions a revitalised Ijebuland, one where heritage and tradition form the proud foundation for transformation; where culture, health, education, enterprise, and communal solidarity combine to elevate the welfare and dignity of every Ijebu man, woman and child. His vision is guided by four interlinked pillars: Health and Well-being; Education and Human Capital; Economic Opportunity & Infrastructure; Unity, Heritage & Good Governance.

    Hassan would seek to transform Ijebuland into a center of excellence for healthcare, starting with eye health, but expanding to comprehensive community health. Drawing on his founding of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group and recent endowment to the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) to establish eye-health training and research institutions, he would champion health infrastructure development across Ijebu communities. Under his reign, regular outreach programmes, preventative health campaigns, subsidised ophthalmic (and general) care, and rural health-worker training could become normalized, ensuring that even remote areas benefit from quality care, reducing avoidable blindness and improving general health outcomes.

    Believing that the future of Ijebuland lies in its human resources, Hassan would prioritise education at all levels, with a focus on health sciences, technical skills, and entrepreneurship. His philanthropic investment in higher-education institutions signals a commitment to training the next generation of professionals capable of leading Ijebu and Nigeria. He would use the royal platform to attract scholarships, build technical-training centres, promote research, and encourage diaspora professionals to return or invest, turning Ijebuland into a hub for talent development.

    Recognizing that modern traditional leadership must engage with governance realities, Dr. Hassan’s reign would aim to foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare. His corporate background and experience in institutional governance could help forge partnerships with government, private investors, and NGOs to build roads, support healthcare, education, and small-medium scale enterprises. With a renewed emphasis on public-private partnerships (as demonstrated through his medical institutions), he could channel resources to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and ensure equitable development across Ijebu communities.

    As Awujale, Hassan’s leadership would emphasize unity, inclusivity, and respect for Ijebu heritage. He would seek to strengthen communal bonds among the various towns, age-groups (regbe-regbe), diaspora, and ruling houses, promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and collective identity. Given the sensitive nature of succession dynamics (with multiple ruling houses eligible for the throne), he would champion fairness, transparency, and neutrality. His reign would aim to harmonize tradition with modern sensibilities, preserving festivals, customs and identity (such as supporting cultural events tied to the crown), while also promoting progressive governance and social justice.

    Finally, Hassan’s reign would be anchored on moral integrity, accountability, and forward-looking leadership. Drawing from his professional ethics, global exposure, philanthropic legacy, and administrative experience, he could lead the palace with dignity, transparency, and a development-oriented mindset. His global networks could be leveraged to attract investments, partnerships in health, education and infrastructure, putting Ijebuland on the map as a model of a modern, yet culturally grounded traditional kingdom.

  • When US visa denial becomes death sentence for sickle cell patient

    When US visa denial becomes death sentence for sickle cell patient

    Sickle cell disease is one of the most devastating inherited conditions in the world, yet it remains one of the least understood and least prioritised. It affects millions globally, but nowhere is its burden heavier than in West Africa — home to over 75% of the world’s sickle cell births. The genetic mutation, originally a protective adaptation against malaria, has become a cruel paradox: a trait that saves lives from one disease but condemns millions to another.

    Across Nigeria, Ghana, and other parts of the region, thousands of children are born every year with the severe form of this illness, known as Hemoglobin SS. Many never live to see adulthood. Those who do, often endure a lifetime of excruciating pain, recurrent hospitalisations, and organ damage. While medical research in countries like the U.S. and U.K. has made significant advances — including gene-editing trials and bone marrow transplants — access to these lifesaving treatments remains a distant dream for most Africans. The reason is simple: geography and poverty.

    For one Nigerian woman, this cruel reality has taken on an even darker turn. She has lived with sickle cell disease since childhood, defying the odds through sheer resilience. But years of relentless crises, hospital stays, and blood transfusions — many poorly managed — have left her body failing. After developing a dangerous iron overload from repeated transfusions in South Africa, doctors confirmed that a bone marrow transplant is now her only chance at survival.

    A Nigerian-American physician in the U.S. reviewed her case and agreed to take her on for treatment. Her uncle, based in America, paid in full for the transplant and hospital stay — an extraordinary act of love and sacrifice. Every document was verified. Every payment confirmed. Yet, when she applied for a visa to travel for the surgery, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria denied her application — not once, but repeatedly.

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    Officials claimed to doubt the authenticity of her hospital documents, even after the hospital reissued new receipts and letters of confirmation. They questioned whether she had already undergone the transplant — an impossibility for a procedure that can only be performed once in a lifetime. Despite appearing at the embassy in a wheelchair, frail and barely able to stand, her pleas were met with indifference. Her uncle even wrote directly to the U.S. Consulate, but received no response.

    Her story is not an isolated case — it reflects a broader pattern in how U.S. visa policy under the current Trump administration continues to burden applicants from developing nations. Since Trump’s return to office in 2024, U.S. immigration and visa protocols have tightened. New requirements include expanded vetting, shorter visa validities, and record-high rejection rates for applicants from poorer countries. In fiscal year 2024, Nigeria’s B-visa refusal rate jumped to 46.51%, meaning nearly half of all applicants were denied. For someone like her — seeking not leisure or opportunity but life itself — these barriers are more than bureaucratic. They are lethal.

    Unholy silence

    But her ordeal doesn’t stop there. Even in her own country, help has been painfully absent. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which should be the first line of support for citizens in distress abroad, has remained silent. Repeated attempts to contact government officials have gone unanswered. She has reached out to social media influencers, written to the Nigerian Consulate in the U.S., even appealed to the United Nations — yet no meaningful action has been taken. It is this silence — from both home and abroad — that is killing her as much as the disease.

    Today, her iron levels have reached a staggering 8,000, far beyond the normal range of 500. Her health has declined so much that she can no longer work. She lives with her unemployed mother, entirely dependent on her uncle’s financial support. Every day lost to bureaucracy is another step closer to a preventable death.

    Her story should shake us. It exposes how global indifference, bureaucratic coldness, and government inefficiency can combine to destroy a single human life — quietly, almost invisibly. It’s a reminder that compassion should never be subject to geography or passport privilege.

    This is not just a plea for one woman; it’s a call to conscience.

    The U.S. Embassy must review her case urgently. The Nigerian government must intervene decisively. And the world must stop looking away from the silent suffering of those born with sickle cell disease — a condition that has stolen far too many young African lives. Because no one should have to beg for the chance to live.

  • ‘My relationship with late Governor Isiaka Adeleke, Davido, and other Adelekes’

    ‘My relationship with late Governor Isiaka Adeleke, Davido, and other Adelekes’

    • Visually impaired Emiola Tade says late governor was his benefactor till death
    • Speaks of how bouncers have frustrated his effort to reconnect with Davido

    Emiola Ladipo Tade, a trained pilot who lost his sight almost four decades ago to glaucoma, speaks with Gboyega Alaka on his struggle to pick the pieces of his life, founding Society for the Welfare of the Blind (SWBN); how the  late former governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke literally adopted and gave him the best of life. He also spoke of his relationship with Davido, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and billionaire businessman/industrialist, Deji Adeleke.

    For 35 years, Emiola Ladipo Tade has lived in the dark. He lost his sight to the dreaded glaucoma, aggravated by an auto accident back in 1987.

    First, he said it was the right eye, and later the left. This was in spite of two surgeries at the Guinness Eye Clinic at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A trained pilot, Tade had graduated from the Civil Aviation Training Centre and was looking forward to a career in the air, flying, when the calamity befell him.

    “I wasn’t fully into commercials yet, I still had to go for some conversion courses,” Tade recalled. But that was never going to happen. The dreaded thief of sight, glaucoma, put paid to it.

    However, this has not deterred Tade from accomplishing landmark achievements.

    In those 35 years, he has gone through rehabilitation at the Blind Centre, Oshodi, Lagos and qualified as a switchboard operator and braille reading and writer. He has also got married, had five children – all boys. His first, Jeremiah Eniola has graduated from the Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State. He has also founded his charity organisation, Society for the Welfare of the Blind in Nigeria (SWBN), traveled to the United States of America on several occasions, even registered his NGO in America.

    For a huge chunk of these accomplishments, however, Tade says he owes a lot to the Adeleke family of Ede, Osun State. Yes, the same Adeleke family that has produced two governors/senators in Late Governor Isiaka Adeleke and incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke; produced a multi-billionaire businessman/industrialist in the person of Dr. Adedeji Adeleke and produced Afro-beat music global super-star, David Adeleke aka Davido among several quiet others.

    Dogged by nature, Tade had survived the usual initial trauma and despair that come with sudden loss of sight, and decided to pick up the pieces of his life. But there was a snag. He lost his dad and couldn’t raise the funds to attend rehabilitation at the Blind Centre. Along the line, he met Chief Babatunde Afolabi of AMNI, who sold him the idea of starting an NGO. He also met Dr. Godwin Oboh, then GM Operations of Union bank before he became MD. He also encountered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (then Governor of Lagos State) at his late dad’s friend, Pa Solanke Onasanya’s residence in Surulere, who later sent a message directing him to see Segun Daodu, then Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Welfare.

    “He gave us N80,000 as support for the organisation,” Tade recalled. 

    Chief Afolabi, he recalled sold the idea of the NGO to him in 1999, even made the first donation, with which SWBN gave out braille wristwatches and N5,000 to each graduating students of the Blind Centre back then.

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    He also met Chief Babajide Rogers of the defunct Gulf Bank, who got the organisation an office among other supports.

    Unrelenting, Tade applied to Exxon Mobil for support and in April 2001, got a grant of N500, 000, with which the organisation did a zebra crossing at Cappa bus stop, did some sign posts, got apron for about 40 students, and also paid school fees of students amongst others. That Zebra crossing alongside the signposts, had become imperative, he recalled, as many visually impaired students were getting killed by vehicles while trying to cross the highway to get to the Blind Centre.

    In 2006, Tade’s SWBN again applied and got another Exxon Mobil grant (N1.8), with which they transcribed print textbooks to braille for schools in Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River State.

    Benefactor by miles

    However, Tade singles out the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, whom he and other admirers fondly call the Gov, as his benefactor by miles.

    First, it was he who bankrolled his rehabilitation at the Blind Centre. He had been discussing his challenges with friends, when one of them suggested that he went to see Gov. The Adelekes, he recalled, had once lived on Aborishade Street in Surulere, not far from his own residence; so he knew them from a distance. Long story, short, he met him at his Oduduwa Crescent, Ikeja GRA residence, told him his challenge at funding his rehabilitation efforts, having just lost his sight, and he gave him money.

    Years later, following the registration of his Society for the Welfare of the Blind in Nigeria, Tade in October 2008, applied and got an invitation to attend the World Congress on Disability Expo in Fort Lauderdale, USA. He applied and got a visa, but couldn’t raise funds for the ticket until the programme was held.

    Gulf Bank, which had supported him until that moment, was no more, following the then CBN Governor Charles Soludo’s bank recapitalization programme, which saw smaller banks being swallowed by bigger banks; so he was stuck.

    “In the first week of April 2009, one of my nieces who came from Oshogbo to stay over at my place said to me, ‘Uncle, I learnt you have a US visa, when are you going?’ When I told her I had no money for ticket, she look at me and said, ‘There is a man in Osun, a very nice man, they call him Gov.’ Immediately, I said would that be Isiaka Adeleke Serubawon? She said do you know him? I said yes. I told her the story of how he paid my fees to the school of the blind.

    Immediately, I called one of his aides, Taofeek, who linked me up with another close aide, Remi Omotosho, who told me Gov was going to be in Ede on the16th, and if I would come along. They wondered where I had been, and I told them I didn’t know he was back in government.

    “On the said date, we got to Ede around 7pm, but there were lots of people waiting to see him, so we couldn’t see him until around 11pm. As we approached him, the security men made to stop me but he signaled to them to let me. Immediately, he said ‘This face looks familiar.’ After a brief introduction, he said he wouldn’t be able to attend to me that night but called on his men to take me to somewhere to sleep and give me food. Eventually I was able to meet him much later the following day. I reminded him of our first contact, showed him my passport and my finance challenge and the first thing he said was, ‘but you’ve had this visa for too long, do you want it to expire?’ It was a two-year multiple. I told him about my NGO, and my plans to set up a rehabilitation centre for the blind. I told him the cost of ticket was N215,000; he took the passport, went in, and when he came out, he said ‘I have a cheque of N250,000 here for your ticket.  I couldn’t hold back my tears. Then he asked, ‘where are you going to stay in Atlanta? I told him I was actually going to see somebody in New York but I wanted to see somebody in Atlanta before moving on. He said ‘I will send my children’s guardian who stays in my house in Atlanta to come and pick you at the airport. You will stay in my house until you go to New York. Then he asked if I had money with me, I said no; he said, ‘Oooh, why didn’t you tell me?’ He went back upstairs; and when he came back, said ‘here is a thousand dollars, one hundred dollar bills.’

    “I couldn’t hold back. I prostrated and started crying. You know the funniest thing? This man cried too. Gov! He was so humane. Then he said, ‘Don’t worry, three days to your departure, send me your flight details, I’ll send somebody to pick you up at the airport.’ In fact he was the one who called to remind me. I left Nigeria on May 8, we met April 16.

    “True to his word, as I got wheeled out of the plane, I heard somebody tap me. He said I’m Akin from Senator Adeleke. Incidentally, the person I was going to see in New York said he wasn’t going to be around until Monday, but the guy said I should relax, that Gov had no problem with that. In New York, I met the president of the American Society for the Blind; told him of the programme I missed and asked how I could get support for my NGO in the States. He, however, told me it may not be easy because of the reputation of my country, plus I didn’t reside there. So I went back to Atlanta. Meanwhile some of Senator Adeleke’s friends would come over. Sometimes, Akin took me out, and they were all very nice to me. One of them, an elderly man, Chief Alani Ogunlade, who was into insurance in Atlanta, was particularly nice and offered to assist me.

    “On my return, I went to thank Senator Adeleke and updated him on what transpired. He encouraged me to go ahead and register the organisation in the US, and that I could use his house address as office.

    “I went back in October 2009; he again gave me money to buy ticket. I saw chief Ogunlade, he invited Dr. Titus Olowokere, the president of ANOG Association of Nigerian Organisations in Georgia, to lunch.  He also said it was near impossible but urged me to give it a try. So I got some money and we started. Chief Ogunlade was part of the board that got it registered, also Akin (Odejobi) as secretary. Akin made available social security card when they were asking for an ID.”

    “On that occasion, I spent about five moths I the US; I had to go for training before registering my charity.”

    Meeting Davido

    “In 2010, I went back again; Gov again gave me money. That was when I met Davido. Then we all knew him as David. He came to see his cousin; Gov had a son, Tunji Jnr; and friends. Akin introduced me as his uncle’s friend. Then he would always make a lot of noise with his music and Akin would caution them. I think that was when he was preparing for his first album. At about that time too, I had been meaning to meet his dad, Uncle Deji Adeleke, of which he was aware. One day, I think his father came around briefly, but I missed him; so  he came upstairs to where I was staying and said to me, ‘Uncle have you been able to see my dad?’ I said no. And he was like,’Oooooooh’ in disappointment. He was such a caring boy. He probably thought meeting his dad would benefit me in some way. Like the other Adelekes, he had that milk of kindness in him. One other thing I noticed was that most of the younger Adelekes, including Davido, preferred Gov’s house, and they were always there. Most times, I would just sit and listen to them- their gist and music.

    “Much later, during my son’s graduation from Adeleke University, I met him again, though briefly. He was billed to perform a day before the convocation ceremony, and I told Gov that I would like to see him. Gov in his usual manner, made a joke about which eyes I wanted to use to see him. Earlier, he had made a joke about me wearing agbada. My wife and I had gone to thank him for the role he played in my son getting admission and scholarship to studying at his brother’s university. Anyway, he went out of his way to ensure I saw Davido. As we approached, he tapped Davido and said, ‘David, look, remember him?’ Immediately, Davido screamed with delight, ‘Hey Uncle!’ We hugged, while Gov left. Davido knew the charity thing I was registering back then, so we got talking about it, what we had done so far and our plans. Then he said, ‘Uncle you know what, this is my media person, please give uncle my number; get in touch with me,’ and left. Unfortunately, since then, I have not been able to reach him.  I called and called, using the number give tome to no avail. The media guy never picked. I even went to his house three times, but the security personnel at the gate rebuffed me. They probably saw me as some impostor blind beggar. After a while, I just stopped.”

    On why he wanted to see Davido

    “I needed Davido to endorse Society for the Welfare of the Blind in Nigeria. We want him to be our ambassador, or assist us in whichever way he can. We’re also aware he has lots of influential friends who could help. The visually impaired are going through a lot. Presently, we have close to 25 blind persons in secondary schools and universities, who write to us soliciting for assistance regarding equipment and scholarship. We also have a major plan to build a hospital that will cater only to visually impaired persons; or people with sight issues; have them access glasses and medication. We are also looking at the possibility of a rehabilitation center. One more of such wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

    My relationship with Deji and Ademola Adeleke

    “I will trace my encounter with Dr. Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke to when my first son, Jeremiah Eniola was seeking university admission. After being rebuffed by UNILAG and FUTA, somebody said to me, ‘Sebi you are close to the Adelekes, why not give them a try. I hesitated but eventually gave it a try. This time, I did not call Gov but Dr. Deji Adeleke himself. He rarely picked his calls but due to some divine intervention, he picked it. I introduced myself; he knew me from a distance. Remember I told you they once lived in our neighbourhood in Surulere, plus my closeness to his brother. He told me they were writing the final batch of the post JAMB that afternoon and if I could get the boy to his Pacific Holdings, Oregun venue. We did, the boy passed and Gov again played a huge part in him getting a scholarship.

    “One major thing I’d say I learnt from the Adeleke family was their unity and support for each other. They lifted each other. Dr. Deji Adeleke did not push aside his siblings. So also their children!  And that lesson is what I’m impressing on my boys: If one of you is rich and the others are poor, you’re not rich.

    “Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke knew me very well too. We used to call him KD (King David). On one occasion, we were the only two in the house in Atlanta for days. On several other occasions, we met at Gov’s residence in GRA, Ikeja. They all saw me as Gov’s brother and showed me love. The last time I encountered him physically before he became governor was in 2016 in Ede. I was leaving for Lagos and met him on the way. We exchanged greetings, and he said, ‘You came to see your brother?’ I said ‘yes’, and he said ‘Bye-bye’.

    Back to Gov

    “In late 2011, somebody gave me an Arik Air ticket to the US; out of courtesy, I told Gov, still he sent me money. He had become more like an adopted father. He made me feel so wanted. If I went to his country home in Ede; even if he was talking to a thousand people, he would stop and say to them, ‘Look at that boy, you would think he’s blind o; but I bet you he’s not. He can walk to anywhere.

    Two incidents happened that I would never forget in my life.  One day, I went to see him in Ede and sat with so many other people waiting to see him. However, the moment he came into the room and saw the huge crowd, he flipped ad shouted, ‘Can’t you guys give me a breathing space?’ But as all of them were leaving, I made to leave as well, but he stopped me, saying ‘Tade, your matter and my own is different, you stay’. That really got to me. I looked at him and wondered: ‘What did this man see in me?’

    “He even left a standing instruction to his aides that anytime I came, they must always welcome me and treat me well. Meanwhile, we were not related. My dad was from Idoani in Edo State while my mum was from Epe, Lagos State.

    “On another occasion, we were in his house in Atlanta and I made to go upstairs to take my camera, so we could take a photo, and he burst into laughter and said, ‘You want to take photograph, with which eyes are you going to see them?’ later we were eating at the table and I noticed his cutlery would just stop, then he would continue. Then he said, ‘Tade, when you finish, leave your plates, just go and wash your hands, I will pack them.’ Awestruck, I said, ‘No Gov, pack my plates ke?’ I finished eating ahead of him, packed my plates, went to the sink, washed and placed them in the rack. He was looking at me. Then as I made to go downstairs, he called out: ‘Tade, just wait there, don’t go and fall.’ Then I laughed and said, ‘Fall ke’. I then I told him the only place I was not familiar with in the house was his bedroom. He was such a good man, I tell you. And then he laughed and said, ‘I’ve always thought you’re not blind. You’re just pretending.’”

    Our last encounter

    The last time I saw him was when Rauf Aregbesola invited him to Lagos for the unveiling of a bridge. Then he had just defected to the APC from the PDP. I went to meet him at his house in GRA. On that occasion, he gave me a cheque of N40,000; and I remember that as I was going, he called me back and said: “Tade, I see all your efforts. Don’t worry; let me become governor next year and all your effort will be rewarded. I thanked him ad left.

    “I think it was on the 17th of April, a Sunday that somebody just called me and said, ‘Have you heard the news?’ I said ‘what news?’ He said they said Senator Adeleke had died. I said, never! I called my wife, told him what I just heard and said I was going to Ede right away. All the people I was calling, none of them picked my call. They were all sad. I got to his country home in Ede, everywhere was quiet. The reality dawned on me. It was a dark day in my life. I had lost a benefactor. A true and loving one.

    “I stayed through his burial, wished him my prayer. He was a good man. He was buried near the mosque in his compound. After that, I have never been to Ede. I just wouldn’t be able to come with the emotion.”

  • Demolition: Oworo residents appeal for compensation

    Demolition: Oworo residents appeal for compensation

    As the dusts settled and the reality of their new situation dawned on them, residents of the hitherto bustling Ojileru Street in Oworonsoki, Lagos State, now a stretch of rubble, count their losses amidst tears and despair. The demolition of their homes has no doubt left a huge mark on them, albeit, negative. In the ensuing pandemonium, two people reportedly lost their lives while several others landed in the hospital. Zainab Olufemi, who visited the community, traces how a disputed official demolition has left a community in ruins and how residents are now appealing to the Lagos government for compensation.

    On that Friday night, September 5, bulldozers tore through concrete as armed security operatives fired tear gas. Residents said the operation began without notice and left them no chance to salvage their belongings.

    Mrs. Adeye Dosumu, whose late husband built their family home more than 80 years ago, recounted her heart-rending ordeal in tears.

    “They just appeared at midnight and started demolishing buildings. The bus they brought had no plate number; they covered their faces, used tear gas and guns. We only managed to pack a few things, and even those were stolen by thieves,” she said.

    Since that night, Adeye has been sleeping in the open, on a plain mat, on her husband’s grave, exposed to cold and mosquitoes. The children staying with her cannot resume school because their uniforms and shoes are buried under the rubble.

    “Even the clothes I am wearing have been on me for days,” she said.

    Her pain is deepened by irony. Her late husband was a loyal party man.

    “The only thing you could do to offend him was not to vote. Every election, we voted. Now, they have taken our shelter away from us. Government should at least compensate us for what we have lost,” she said.

    ‘We watched our church fall before our eyes’

    A mother of eight, Elizabeth Ojo, was in her father’s church on Ojileru Street when the bulldozers arrived with police escorts.

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    “They came around 11 p.m. and told us they wanted to demolish the house. We pleaded with them, and they said they weren’t coming to our side. But after pulling down other houses, they later came to ours and began demolishing the church too,” she said.

    Elizabeth said she and her children were not allowed to take anything before the machines moved in.

    “They demolished a lot of things along with the house, and there was nothing we could do,” she added.

    Now, she and her children sleep in the open, sometimes inside a bus, sometimes under a mosquito net.

    “The wood I am picking from the rubbles is to sell, just to look for money to fend for myself and the children,” she said.

    Her children remain traumatised. “When the bulldozers came, they brought guns and tear gas. We just ran. They didn’t allow us to take anything,” she said.

    Elizabeth had lived in the community for about five years, paying ₦300,000 in rent annually. While she admits their house had no Certificate of Occupancy, she insists the church did, and had recently been renovated.

    Her only plea now is simple: “Government should help us and compensate us, at least to put a roof over our children’s heads.”

    Families count their losses, beg for relief

    For Gbenga Michael, who had lived in his only storey building on Ojileru Street since 1986, the night was one of betrayal.

    “I borrowed ₦1.5 million to renovate my house,” he said.

    “I am still in debt, only for them to come and demolish everything. They started by 12 midnight. I was inside when the bulldozer came. I only managed to pick two clothes, which I have been wearing since then.”

    Gbenga had eight tenants who paid between ₦170,000 and ₦300,000 annually. Now, both he and his tenants are homeless. His wife, overwhelmed by the shock, has relocated to Mowe.

    The demolitions also claimed lives. “There’s a 95-year-old man that died of stroke when he heard his house had been demolished. There’s also a herb seller who collapsed while running as they demolished houses. She was rushed to the hospital but didn’t make it,” he said.

    According to Gbenga, at least 95 houses were pulled down that night, including a cathedral church that had stood for decades.

    “Everything I worked for is gone. Government should not just leave us like this. They should compensate us, even if it is not all, at least something to start again,” he said.

    Midnight shock: ‘They never warned us’

    Apostle Jeremiah Ola, pastor of one of the demolished churches, said the exercise left both his congregation and family stranded. “This church has been here since 1985. There was no prior information before they came at midnight. The first time we saw anything like a notice was April 9, when some officials came. They told us to modernise our buildings and submit documents, which many of us did. But we never heard back,” he said.

    According to him, another notice was pasted on May 12, but without any specific date for demolition.

    “By September 5, around 11:30 p.m., we saw a bus filled with uniformed men. At first, we thought they came to work on the canal, because we had been battling with drainage issues. But they suddenly began waking people up, saying we should move out so they could demolish.”

    He said five churches, including a multi-storey CAC church, were pulled down. “We went to the government office, but they said they were not aware of this demolition. Our suspicion is that the land has been sold to some influential people. Even the palace told us to modernise our houses when we complained.”

    Appealing to the state governor, he said: “We want Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a father, to come to our aid and fight for our rights. Those with Certificates of Occupancy should be compensated. This land belongs to my late father, who founded this church. I took over as his successor. We don’t see any reason why the government should demolish our buildings without dialogue.”

    ‘This is our land, not water’

    Residents also dismissed government’s claims that their homes were built on water channels. “We are not close to the water at all. When we first saw them, we thought they wanted to help us clear canals, until they started pulling down our houses,” they said.

    For many, the demolitions felt like betrayal. They had attended festivals, paid dues, and voted loyally for both the state government and the traditional ruler.

    “At the very least, government should give us compensation to start afresh,” they said.

    Government’s stance

    But the government has said that the demolitions followed due process.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Gbolahan Oki, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) had repeatedly warned residents and given them ample opportunity to regularise their structures.

    “The amnesty began with a 90-day window from May 2024 to July 2024, and was extended twice, until December 2024. Only two or three persons in that community took advantage of the programme, and their buildings were spared. Others ignored all warnings,” he said.

    He added that LASBCA officials held sensitisation meetings with residents and community leaders, insisting that most of the demolished structures were distressed, blocking drainage channels, and unsafe for habitation.

    “The government cannot allow people to live in houses that are not fit for habitation,” he stressed.

    A video presented by the state government also showed marked buildings and community engagements before the exercise. Officials argue that the demolitions were necessary to safeguard lives, improve drainage, and enhance security in the area.

    Between rubble and survival: plea for compensation

    For Adeye, Elizabeth, Gbenga, Apostle Ola and dozens of others, those explanations bring little comfort. They remain homeless, mourning loved ones, and uncertain of tomorrow.

    Ojileru Street today is more than a pile of broken bricks, it is a community displaced, caught between the hammer of government policy and the anvil of survival.

    Their plea is simple: compensation, not abandonment.

  • Adeleke deserve forgiveness from Osun residents, not second term — Ex-IPAC chair

    Adeleke deserve forgiveness from Osun residents, not second term — Ex-IPAC chair

    As the 2026 Osun governorship race gathers momentum and stakeholders warm up, ex-chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Hon. Adewale Adebayo, speaks with TOBA ADEDEJI about the opposition’s preparedness for the forthcoming election, among other issues. Excerpts.

    You seem to have gone underground since your tenure as the chairman of IPAC in Osun State lapsed. What happened?

    That is not correct at all. Finishing my tenure allowed me to focus more on the opposition role. I have been playing an active opposition role more than ever because my responsibilities as the IPAC chairman were impeding this, but now our party, APM, is even more active in criticising this government in a very reasonable manner than ever before. You are a journalist; you can fact-check my claims.

    Since the government of Ademola Adeleke came on board, APM has commended the government in the areas where it needs to be commended and condemned the action of the government where it is necessary to put them on their toes. I and my party,  the APM, never went underground. We are engaging more, mobilising more people, especially youths, into our fold, especially with the ongoing CVR in the state. I can tell you categorically that our party is the future of Osun State, especially the way the incumbent government is running the state with impunity, nepotism and favouritism.

    How is the current governor running the state? What is your assessment of his performance?

    This is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. The government lacks accountability, excellence and fails to prioritise the welfare of the people. If you focus on Osun under Adeleke, he is running a government of Ede, by Ede, and for Ede. Since he assumed office in 2022, his administration has consistently shown that it places little value on the collective will of the Osun people who voted him into power.  One of his earliest actions was the erection of a statue of his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, at the entrance of the Osun State Secretariat in Abere, while also changing the official address of the Secretariat from Osogbo, the state capital, to Abere in Ede land. This symbolic gesture alone revealed his intentions—shifting the identity and pride of Osun’s capital toward his hometown.

    Months ago, when the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) raised concerns that Adeleke’s infrastructural projects were being disproportionately concentrated in Ede, we were dismissed and ridiculed. Today, it has become undeniable. Every road in Ede has either been rehabilitated or newly constructed under Adeleke’s watch. Roads are being opened to private homes—both prominent and obscure. In less than three years, Ede’s infrastructural development has outshone Osogbo, the state capital, as massive, high-quality roads are being strategically routed into the Governor’s hometown.

    I challenge anyone who may want to oppose my claim to first take a drive through Ede because I did, and the truth will hit you in the face. Roads everywhere — from major expressways to inner streets — roads have been constructed or rehabilitated with precision and quality.

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    Can you give an instance?

    Sure! A dual carriageway from Akoda–Redeemer University junction to Oke-Gada 8.6km, multiply it by two, it is 17.2km. Another dual carriageway from Abere to Ede spanning over 5km, it is 10KM, then 10km Ofatedo–Ede dualisation project, yet another dual carriageway from Oke-Gada road to Ara Junction. No other town in Osun has received this scale of attention, not even Osogbo, the state capital.

    Meanwhile, the administration attempts to cover up its nepotism by announcing flyover projects in Osogbo and Ile-Ife—projects that appear more like political distractions than genuine commitments. Recently, after a gale of defection hit his inglorious party, the PDP, to distract from these moves, the government dishes out politically timed, token projects in Ilesa because of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who is from Ijesaland. He rushed to flag off a token dualisation project in Ilesa—barely 3km long—just to buy sympathy.

    Similarly, after Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi of Ila-Orangun left the PDP, the Governor hastily approved another ill-conceived dual carriageway there, ignoring the far more critical Ila–Ora–Kwara boundary road, which remains impassable and has effectively cut off communities. Even Iwo, all the governor could offer was a 3km dualisation project. These token projects are nothing but Greek gifts—unfinished promises to be recycled as campaign tools in 2026.

    The truth remains clear: in three years, Adeleke has ensured that Ede enjoys over 40km of quality road construction and rehabilitation, while no other town can boast of even 3km under his administration.

    This is happening despite Osun reportedly receiving nearly ₦1 trillion in federal allocations for the state alone, aside from Local Government, within this period. With such resources, one would expect balanced development across Osun. But what do we see? Ede reaping gold, while other towns get crumbs.

    Governor Adeleke’s discontinuation of Ipade Imole, his supposed town hall accountability session, is no coincidence. He has chosen opacity over transparency, refusing to face the people and answer for the lopsided governance style that benefits Ede above all. He is evading public scrutiny. When challenged, his administration hides behind shallow PR while Ede soaks up the dividends of collective resources.

    Osun people are no longer deceived. If Governor Adeleke can be this intentional about building only his hometown, the people of Osun will be just as intentional about returning him home in 2026.

    But the present government is doing roads, launching N100 billion and N156bn Infra plans, paying salary arrears for workers, among others…

    You are a journalist who should fact-check these. It is nauseating to count them as achievements, and it is even absolutely irresponsible of that government to come out and openly tell us that they are doing well while, in the real sense, they are doing next to nothing.

    Let me start with the road construction, which dovetails with the mirage called Infra plan. On October 28th 2023, Adeleke unveiled a N100bn infra plan, stating that he will build five overhead bridges within one year and construct 45 roads within this period. As a journalist, how many of those bridges have they completed or commissioned, and how many roads have been done?

    I ought not to do this but let me do it because I should not be their spokesperson, they started with Oke-Fia bridge which is less than 70 percent completed since about two years, work has stopped in Ile-Ife and Lameco, but recently they started work in the latter because of second term bid and two others are missing, nothing was done in both Ikirun and Owode-Ede proposed flyover bridge till today despite that the money was encapsulated in the N100bn infra plan.

    Talking of the 45 roads, how many have been completed, except the Old-Garage to Lameco dual carriage way, which was commissioned by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and that was haphazardly done because of his second term in office. Remember that one of the roads was awarded to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. I wonder if EFCC and ICPC are still working in the country because by now, he should be facing prosecution.

    But the government has launched another N159bn Infra plan, which attracted commendation. What is your take?

    This present government is a joke; if there is no yesterday, there can’t be today, and tomorrow will be impossible. What is the state of the N100bn infra project? Fiction! Nothing to show for it, then they come open to declare another N159bn infra plan, they are just taking us for a ride.

    Let me even point this out: if you add up the breakdown of what they said the infra plan will address, you will see what is involved. From the speech of Adeleke, N101,799,993,595.05 was earmarked for road and lighting, N1,989,433,956.69 was billed for the education sector, and the health sector gulped N2,763,124,364.50. When you total these, it is in the region of N104 billion. He failed to tell the Osun people what N55 billion would be used for. They assume that we don’t know, but we know.

    Do you remember that he collected N5 billion from the Federal government for palliative? We never heard anything about it till today.

    But are there other local roads receiving adequate attention by the administration?

    Sure, those roads are local government roads which were done to justify the money of the local government that they have squandered. Imagine, between November 2022 to November 2024, N183,196,629,321.19 was credited to the 30 local government councils, and nothing to show for it, which forms part of the reasons why they don’t want to obey the Court of Appeal judgement reinstating the 2022 elected chairmen.

    But is the governor doing well in the aspect of workers’ welfare?

    Evaluating Governor Adeleke’s administration since his swearing-in in 2022 is akin to applauding with one hand—there are notable achievements, but significant shortcomings remain. One of his commendable actions was the clearance of salary arrears owed to civil servants and pensioners from the Rauf Aregbesola administration, demonstrating his commitment to workers’ welfare.

    However, while he prioritised wage payments, other sectors of governance have suffered severely. Upon assuming office, Adeleke sacked over 20,000 workers employed under his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, without hiring replacements. These included health workers, exacerbating the crisis in the state’s healthcare system.

    Many hospitals and health centres, including general hospitals, are critically understaffed. A tragic example was the widely reported death of a pregnant woman in Iwo due to the absence of a doctor and qualified nurses. Even teacher recruitment suffered, with no replacement to date. His administration has also faced allegations of breaching procurement laws. Most ongoing projects were neither advertised nor subjected to a bidding process.

    Contracts were reportedly awarded to political allies, with one particularly controversial case involving a contract worth about N5 billion awarded to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. Details of such transactions have surfaced on Governor Adeleke’s official Twitter page.

    On fiscal management, concerns persist over transparency. Last year, Osun State’s budget stood at approximately N317 billion, yet the government received around N450 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), excluding internally generated revenue (IGR).

    The whereabouts of the surplus N100 billion remain unclear, raising accountability questions that anti-corruption agencies should investigate. Adeleke’s administration has also been accused of undermining the independence of the judiciary by his attempt to unlawfully remove the Chief Judge, later reversed by the National Judicial Council (NJC), is a case in point. Similarly,  his executive order to depose six monarchs who were selected by kingmakers. But Adeleke came on board, sacked them, and appointed Warrant chiefs who were PDP members. But thank God, the court is restoring some level of stability.

    Local government autonomy remains a contentious issue. Allegations that the administration is suppressing local government operations have only been reinforced by ongoing crises at that level. Furthermore, Adeleke’s government has defied legal and institutional frameworks, opposing the Court of Appeal’s verdict and the Federal Government’s stance on local government elections.

    Press freedom has also come under threat. Journalists critical of the administration have reportedly faced intimidation, with some allegedly receiving direct threats to their safety—an alarming trend in a democratic system. While there

  • Brain drain in health sector driven by poor remuneration, working conditions – Fidson MD Felis Ayebae

    Brain drain in health sector driven by poor remuneration, working conditions – Fidson MD Felis Ayebae

    • Says: Tinubu is revatilising health sector
    • 98 percent of fake drugs imported
    • Explains why drugs are expensive

    The outgoing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Fidelis Ayebae, spoke with Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU and Health Reporter CHINYERE OKOROAFOR on the challenges confronting the pharmaceutical industry, why drugs are costly, how regulatory authorities are combating the menace of fake drugs, strategies for stemming the tide of HIV-AIDS and how the Tinubu administration is repositioning the health sector for better service delivery.

    WHAT is your assessment of the country’s health sector?

    The health sector, generally speaking, is improving; yes, I would say so. What drives any sector under a good government is policy, and this current administration, through the Minister of Health and the Minister of State for Health, has articulated sound and fundamental policies that are poised to drive the growth of the health sector. They’ve tackled virtually every factor responsible for improving health outcomes, whether it’s access to health commodities, the training of medical professionals, or other critical components. The Health Minister, Professor Ali Pate, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, are very hands-on. We see them practically every month. Honestly, they are among the most active and engaging health ministers I’ve worked with in the past 30 years. So, for me, the sector is on the right path, largely because of these well-thought-out policies. That’s one.

    Secondly, they’ve made strong moves in the area of pharmaceutical commodities. They recognised that no matter how many consultations are done, or how skilled the consultations are, without the necessary medical commodities to back them up, it’s all just talk. It’s the commodities that treat and heal, and they started well in addressing this. One policy pronouncement by the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Mrs. Salma Anas, really stood out to me. She said the government aims to raise the contribution of locally manufactured health commodities to 70%, up from the previous 30%. Importantly, they backed this with a policy that removes import duties on raw and packaging materials used in pharmaceutical production. This kind of policy is a game-changer for the health sector. As we speak, I am almost certain that the contribution of local manufacturers to the supply of health commodities has risen to nearly 50%. Every one of us in the pharmaceutical space is reinvesting and expanding capacity. Across the board, we’re seeing real progress.

    Would you say that government policies and programmes are now bridging the gap between expectations and reality in the health sector?

    You see, government plays a huge role in the life of any nation. One of the major tools it uses to fulfil that role is policies and programmes. So, yes, the sound policies and programmes that this government has introduced and announced since coming into office are what’s currently driving change and helping bridge the gap between expectations and reality in the health sector. Now, regarding the challenge of manufacturing in the health sector; manufacturing is one of the most difficult sectors to operate in, in any country. That’s why many nations remain unindustrialised, because production is not easy. It demands enormous capital, planning, and resilience. Only someone with the heart of an elephant like Dangote or a crazy person like me would venture into that lion’s den. It is very, very tough. The capital investment is massive, and the return on that investment is a long, slow, and often painful journey. It might take 20 or even 30 years before you break even or begin to see meaningful returns. But once manufacturing is established and properly managed, it becomes a lasting legacy. That’s the beauty and long-term value of investing in production.

    How would you address the problem of quackery in the sector?

    Quackery is indeed one of the challenges in the health sector. However, it’s important to clarify that the major manufacturing challenges are not necessarily internal; they are universal to manufacturing across the world. The real issue is quackery in the form of fake or falsified drugs, and that is not a locally manufactured problem. It is, in fact, an imported one. About 98 to 99 percent of fake or substandard drugs in Nigeria are imported. They are not produced locally. Why? Because the regulation of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Nigeria is extremely stringent. If you are a registered manufacturer, certified by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria or NAFDAC, and even one of your products falls short of the required standard, you risk being shut down. This year alone, NAFDAC shut down about four local manufacturers, and not even for quality-related issues, but for minor housekeeping lapses. That tells you how tight the regulation is. So, the real problem lies with traders who import falsified versions of popular, locally produced brands from countries like India, China, and Pakistan. These products make their way into the Nigerian market. But I must say, NAFDAC is doing its job. Out of ten containers, they’ll likely catch eight. Yes, two might slip through, but they are definitely working hard to protect the system. This is why we must manufacture more of our own pharmaceutical products. People complain about the rising cost of drugs, but that price increase isn’t unique to healthcare. Food prices, for instance, are rising even faster; and we grow our own food. Drugs, however, rely heavily on imported raw materials, excipients, packaging, machinery, electricity, and taxes. When you factor in all of that, it’s not surprising that drug prices are high.

    But let me assure you: Nigeria still has the cheapest drugs in Africa. I’ve travelled across the continent, and up until about two years ago, I was the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN). We export our products to other African countries. A card of paracetamol that costs ₦200–₦300 in Nigeria might sell for ₦600 or more in Benin Republic, Togo, or Ghana, because those countries don’t have the capacity to produce their own drugs. So, despite everything, Nigeria remains one of the most affordable pharmaceutical markets in Africa.

    You seem to have a lot of good words for this administration.

    I must commend this administration for doing what it can to prevent a total collapse of the real sector. Two major policies made a significant impact. The removal of fuel subsidy forced us to deal with actual costs and helped put the economy on a more sustainable path. Also, devaluing the naira to reflect its real value removed a lot of corruption and manipulation. In the past, manufacturers had to lobby and beg at banks just to access foreign exchange. Now, it’s a level playing field. If forex is available, you buy it. If it’s not, you source it elsewhere. Yes, the country is in pain, but it’s a necessary pain for a brighter future. We were living a lie; fuel was subsidised; electricity was underpriced, and school fees were unrealistic. These things made the system unsustainable. Look at education, for instance. Public university tuition used to be around ₦100,000 per session. That amount cannot educate one student, yet we expect miracles. Professors earn little, and their retirement packages are poor, despite being the ones shaping the future of the country.

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    If we continue to live in denial, we’ll never fix the system. Today, fuel is no longer subsidised, and the market is beginning to self-correct. The same principle should apply across all critical sectors. People will adjust. I personally drive one car, not because I’m the MD of Fidson and should drive ten. But because I need to manage resources wisely. When prices reflect true costs, people will naturally begin to live within their means. It’s tough, yes, but necessary. With these steps, we’re slowly but surely building a more honest and sustainable Nigeria.

    What measures can be taken to curb medical tourism and strengthen our domestic healthcare services?

    It happens everywhere in the world. Even in countries like England and Canada, which have some of the best publicly funded healthcare systems, though not fully 100% funded, you still find elements of medical tourism. Due to delays and systemic constraints, often tied to their welfarist structures, some citizens seek treatment abroad. So, it’s not unique to Nigeria. However, in Nigeria, medical tourism will gradually decline. Why? Because fewer people can afford to travel abroad for treatment. As a result, they will have no choice but to rely on local healthcare. Fortunately, our hospitals are improving. Every day, we see new facilities springing up, and more investments are being made in the sector. Many Nigerian doctors who had practiced abroad are returning to establish specialty hospitals here, covering areas like cancer care and other non-communicable diseases. As more of these specialty centres emerge, and as they increase in number, the cost of healthcare will begin to drop, and quality will improve. Over time, this will make local healthcare more accessible and attractive. Of course, those who can afford to travel will continue to do so. That’s not something we can stop. But for people like me, and most Nigerians, who may not be able to afford a $10,000 medical trip abroad, we’ll rely on competent local professionals. For instance, if Dr. Ogbamide is in my neighbourhood and can give an accurate diagnosis, I’ll follow his advice, buy my medication, and get well. Even the president, if he chooses to go abroad for treatment, it’s not necessarily a vote of no confidence in Nigerian doctors. Sometimes, it’s about long-standing relationships with personal physicians or accessing specialists familiar with one’s medical history. Confidentiality also plays a role, especially at that level. So, we shouldn’t be in a hurry to eliminate medical tourism. With time and the right investments, it will reduce on its own as confidence in local healthcare grows.

    How can we reduce brain drain in the health sector?

    We cannot completely stop brain drain. These are young people with dreams, aspirations, and expectations, and Nigeria, at the moment, is struggling to meet those expectations. How much are we paying our doctors? Brain drain is largely driven by poor remuneration and poor working conditions. So, the moment a better opportunity presents itself abroad, it’s only natural they would take it. It’s like asking your own son, who is a doctor, to stay back in Nigeria when he has the chance to work abroad simply because you want to curb brain drain. It’s unrealistic. What we need are better policies. But beyond that, Nigerians are naturally brilliant, ambitious, and restless. They won’t wait around. They’ll go wherever opportunities exist, especially if their own country isn’t providing them. That said, brain drain isn’t entirely a bad thing. It’s a double-edged sword. Many who leave get exposed to modern practices and better systems. Some eventually return and bring those skills and experiences with them, which then benefit our health system. Others may stay permanently—and that also happens in places like India and Pakistan. These are developing nations that, like us, are yet to find a way to fully engage their youthful, energetic population. So, honestly, I don’t think we can stop it, not until we improve the reward system and working environment. All my children studied abroad. Their brains were trained there. But now, two of them are back, working with us here, because we’ve created a conducive environment that assures them of a dignified life. That’s the only way.

    The Federal Government has announced a loan facility for big businesses. Are operators in your sector taking advantage of this opportunity?

    Yes, the government has introduced loan facilities for big businesses, but the institutions meant to disburse those loans, like the Bank of Industry (BOI)—don’t seem to have enough funds. BOI has historically been one of the best partners of the manufacturing sector, but as I speak, they appear underfunded. Many of us have been expecting loan disbursements for about a year now, but nothing has come through. Commercial banks are willing to give out loans, but the interest rates are very high. Even BOI and Nexim, which used to offer loans at 9% for qualified manufacturers, have raised their interest rates to around 10% or 11%, possibly more now. This is largely due to inflation and the global increase in borrowing costs. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s situation is particularly difficult due to the economic state inherited from the previous administration, which implemented unsustainable subsidies across sectors and nearly bankrupted the nation.

    Why has Nigeria not conquered HIV/AIDS?

    No country in the world has fully conquered HIV/AIDS. It remains a complex autoimmune disease. But the truth is, it’s preventable. If people are disciplined and avoid unsafe sexual practices, the risk of infection is significantly reduced. Using condoms or having a single sexual partner drastically lowers the chance of transmission. That said, science has made great progress. Transmission from mother to child is now much lower, and the overall population growth rate of the disease has declined. I’m not an expert in mortality rates, but one thing is clear: people who stick to their antiretroviral drugs can live long, healthy lives, well into their 80s or 90s. There are also newer medical developments, like long-acting injectable treatments that may be taken once or twice a year to prevent HIV infection entirely. Science evolves slowly, but it is moving forward. However, these gains can be reversed if the Nigerian government does not commit to consistently funding HIV programmes. The government has allocated funds, yes, but payments must be timely. Without timely disbursement, mortality and transmission rates may increase again. Back in 2003, Fidson was the first Nigerian company to locally manufacture HIV drugs. We were patronised by the government at the time, but that support was short-lived. The government shifted focus and began relying heavily on free support from organisations like USAID, PEPFAR, and the Global Fund. Unfortunately, the Global Fund only buys from WHO-prequalified manufacturers, and we were not prequalified at the time. As a result, our investments became obsolete. Now, with the support of the current administration and encouragement from the new Minister of Health, we are investing again to revive our HIV drug manufacturing line. By the end of this year, Fidson will resume local production of antiretroviral medications. We’ve also entered into a technical collaboration with a foreign manufacturer to align with updated standards and processes. Interestingly, as the U.S. begins to scale back programmes like USAID, it’s a wake-up call for Africa to take ownership of its healthcare. And I agree with that. It’s time we stopped relying on free aid and started managing our own systems.

    What has been your experience with supplying products to government agencies or grocers and then facing difficulty recovering your payments?

    It’s slow, our experience with recovering payments has been slow. But that said, I won’t put a gun to the government’s head. I simply take it as one of the realities of doing business, especially in this country. I manage a private business, and I know firsthand how challenging it can be. There are times we ourselves default on payments to our own suppliers. We say “30 days,” but end up paying on the 40th day. If a small business like ours can struggle to meet deadlines, imagine what it’s like for a government with enormous financial commitments across all sectors. I’m not making excuses for the government, but I believe this administration deserves some time. They inherited a mess. They just couldn’t come out to say it because it’s the same party, APC. APC can’t publicly blame APC. That’s why they’ve remained largely silent on the true state of what they met on ground.

    Really?

    The previous administration, in my view, was more of a sleeping landlord. The former president had a socialist philosophy, everything subsidised. That’s what he promised, and that’s what he delivered. But unfortunately, those policies nearly bankrupted the country. No serious government in today’s world runs on that kind of structure, not even China. In fact, China is a perfect example of what can happen when a country shifts toward a market-driven economy. In the last 30 to 40 years, they’ve transformed into a global superpower. Despite a population of 1.4 billion, they’ve largely eradicated hunger, provided housing for nearly everyone, and created a proud, self-reliant nation. That’s how countries should be built, on sustainability, not on unsustainable subsidies. Now, this current government is trying to fix deeply rooted structural problems. If they move too fast, people complain. If they move too slow, people still complain. So, what are they supposed to do? Personally, I’m willing to give them time. In fact, I’m willing to vote for them again in 2027, because I see courage and genuine intent to build a better Nigeria. As a country, we need to reorient ourselves. That’s the first thing. My advice to the government is simple: only procure what you can pay for—or what you already have funding secured for. If possible, to reassure suppliers, government agencies should be required to present some form of financial backing—like a bank guarantee—and where feasible, offer an advance payment of 50%. Why is this important? Because government debts can easily bankrupt any company. Even the strongest firms can go under when they are owed large sums by the government. And the frustrating part is: government knows who they owe, and yet they delay payments. You chase them, they ignore you. Sometimes, you’re left helpless. This has to change.

  • My banking experience made me understand everyday needs of Nigerians – Banker-turned politician Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar

    My banking experience made me understand everyday needs of Nigerians – Banker-turned politician Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar

    He is one of the growing inspirations to the youths in Kaduna state and beyond. A banker-turned politician, Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar is a young man in his prime, who has elected to undertake the challenges of making better life for youths in his home state. In this interview with Gboyega Alaka, he shares his childhood, training, philosophy and the lifestyle that prepared him for the leadership role he is undertaking.

    You were once a banker now venturing into politics, tell us about that aspect of your life?

    I spent over a decade in the banking sector, precisely 11 years, working across corporate and retail banking. That experience shaped me tremendously. It taught me discipline, resilience, structure, and how to manage people and resources. I also spent a year in the pensions industry and another year in human resources. Altogether, these years helped me understand the needs of everyday Nigerians and the importance of responsible leadership.

    What inspired your venture into politics? Is it deliberate or happenstance?

    It has always been deliberate. I was born into a politically active family, and from an early age, I admired the impact that true leadership could have on people’s lives. I’ve always seen politics as a tool for service and transformation. So, for me, politics isn’t just a career move, it’s a calling to contribute to nation-building and give a voice to the youth.

    Why do you want to lead the youths and why do you have a special interest in the African Democratic Congress (ADC)?

    I want to represent the youths because I believe we are the strength and engine of this country. But to unleash that potential, we need strategic representation, strong structures, and intentional leadership. My interest in ADC stems from the party’s ideology; it is youth-friendly, inclusive, and reform-driven. ADC provides the right platform for young people to grow politically and lead effectively.

    Tell us about your early life. Where did you grow up?

    I was born in Kaduna, at the former Nursing Home Hospital (now Barau Dikko Hospital). I grew up in Kaduna North Local Government, Gabasawa Ward. I had a relatively stable upbringing, surrounded by values of hard work, humility, and service. I began my education at Gray’s International School, Kaduna, and proceeded to FGC Keffi before studying at Ahmadu Bello University.

    Who are your inspirations?

    My parents were my first inspirations. Their discipline, dedication to community service, and belief in education shaped my outlook in life. I also draw inspiration from national leaders who have made personal sacrifices for the good of society, like President Murtala Ramat Muhammed, General Sani Abacha, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and President Barrack Obama.

    Is it safe to say that you were born with a silver spoon? Can you expatiate more on your educational background?

    I wasn’t born with a silver spoon, but I was raised with solid values. I had to work hard for everything I achieved academically and professionally. I hold a B.Sc. and Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University. I’ve also earned fellowships and memberships in various professional institutes in Risk Management, Public Diplomacy, Economics, Strategy and Banking & Finance.

    Are your family – parents, wife; comfortable with your decision to go into politics?

    Initially, there were concerns, especially about the risks involved in politics. But over time, with honest conversations and their understanding of my passion for public service, my family became my strongest support system. They understand that this is a purpose-driven journey for me.

    As a youth leader, which areas would you want to impact the youth demographic?

    I would focus on political education, capacity building, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and access to opportunities. I want to equip young people with tools to succeed, not just politically, but economically and socially.

    Would you say that Nigerian youths are really interested in politics?

    Yes, Nigerian youths are interested, but they are often discouraged by the system and lack of inclusion. However, we’re beginning to see a shift, with more young people seeking office, speaking up, and organising. What we need now is a structure that sustains that momentum and that’s what I hope to help build through ADC.

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    Do you think politics is a dirty game?

    Politics in itself isn’t dirty; it’s the players who often make it seem so. If we have more people with integrity and genuine purpose in leadership, politics can become a noble avenue for change and nation-building.

    What inspires you? Tell us of the Kaduna of your dreams.

    I’m inspired by impact – seeing lives transformed, opportunities created, and systems improved. The Kaduna of my dreams is peaceful, economically vibrant, youth-driven, and inclusive. A state where talent is nurtured and the government is truly people-focused.

    Have you ever held any public office before in Nigeria?

    No, I haven’t held public office yet. But I have gathered extensive experience in the private sector and have been involved in community-based initiatives and advocacy that have prepared me for public leadership and representation.

    What’s your most challenging moment in life so far?

    One of my most challenging moments was transitioning from a structured banking career into the uncertainty of politics. It required a leap of faith, but I trusted in my purpose and was ready to embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership and representation.

    What vanities of life appeal to you?

    I’m not driven by vanity. For me, the real value of life is in service, legacy, and fulfillment. However, I do appreciate the simple joys of life, peace of mind, meaningful relationships, and the ability to inspire others.

    What do you value most and what does success mean to you?

    I value integrity, loyalty, and impact. To me, success is not just about personal achievements, but about how many lives you’ve touched; how much good you’ve done, and the legacy you leave behind.

  • ‘My passion for widows call from God – Alakija

    ‘My passion for widows call from God – Alakija

    It’s not all the time that billionaire businesswoman and acclaimed richest black woman on earth, Folorunsho Alakija, makes public speeches, which is why whenever she does, her voice and message resonate. This was the case recently as she led her team of Rose of The Sharon Foundation executives to commemorate this year’s International Widows Day and share her thoughts on plights of widows in Nigeria as well as unveil a report on research findings on challenges faced by this demographic across the country. She also spoke about her inspiration to champion the course of widows and why the government and society need to do more to stem the tide. Gboyega Alaka reports.

    CAN you imagine someone telling you ‘Okay, your husband is dead but to be sure you don’t have a hand in his death, you have to bath your husband’s corpse and drink the water from the bathing? How can man be so wicked to another human being? Why should any human being go through any such exercise? Why are you forced to marry somebody you don’t want to marry just because the husband you loved died? Why are you mandated to marry his brother by force? And then the roof is being lifted off your head because your husband died. They say you have to go. Sometimes they take the children away from you. Children that you were raising together with your husband. And sometimes, they leave you to it. Somebody died, and the first thing that we heard was, ‘Where is his ATM card? Give it to us? Where did he buy land, give us the papers…?’ Meanwhile, the corpse was still lying there. The person died just a few hours earlier. What do we call that?”

    Loaded words, you’d say, but above was part of billionaire businesswoman, Folorunsho Alakija’s opening speech, as she led the executives of her pet organisation, The Rose of Sharon Foundation to commemorated this year’s International Widows Day with the unveiling of the report of its research finding on the current state of widow’s rights in Nigeria to the media in Lagos recently.

    For one who rarely makes public speeches, Alakija’s compelling voice held the room comprising journalists, The Rose of Sharon officials, FIDA (The International Federation of Women Lawyers) officials and widows, spellbound.

    Hearing her reel out these scenarios at once evoked deep emotions while also drawing admiration for her person; for here was one woman who has never travelled the widowhood route, and who with her clout as the richest black woman on mother earth, has been lifted way beyond such condition.

    For the records, Folorunsho Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist with interests in oil, real estate, fashion, and printing. While her exact net worth fluctuates, she has been recognized by Forbes as one of the wealthiest women in the world, and her wealth is primarily derived from her company, Famfa Oil.

    But Mrs. Alakija was not done. As far as she was concerned, the whole dehumanisation of widows is about money and inheritance.

    “It’s all about the money. They strip the woman bare, either physically or materially. If he had any cars, they jump into them and drive off. House? They chase her out. ‘What do you think you are doing? You can’t remain here. It’s our brother’s house!’ Oh, the trauma that she suffers! Her husband is dead; she’s mourning; they don’t care. The children’s education, they don’t want to know, they don’t care! And then they keep chorusing, ‘He’s our brother!’ They don’t care about the financial challenges that the woman is going to face after stripping her of all that her husband left behind. They grab, grab, grab and continue to grab. When is this going to stop?”

    A cry to the government

    And then she turned to the government: “We say we’re Nigerians and we’re governed by a constitution; how is that constitution helping widows? We say we have laws, how are those laws being implemented? We say they are already being implemented in Abuja, but there are many states that say: ‘Wo (Look), that’s Abuja; we do our thing here. We are a state by ourselves; we do as we want’. The report that has been gathered has been gathered nationwide. A lot more needs to be done; and there are people who need to be prosecuted. They’re doing all these harmful things, and they’re getting away with them. There is need for a lot more awareness. This report that has been gathered is not something that should be left on the shelves, collecting dust. We need to provide attention. We are all responsible; and we need to be responsible citizens – by being our neighbours’ keeper. We are aware that this person is suffering, but we’re taking our ears and our eyes away. We need to assist one another. There is always something more to do, especially in the rural areas, where the widows don’t even know their rights. VAPP (Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act)? What’s that? They’ve never even heard about it. They are marginalised, they’re discriminated against. Society turns its back against them. They’re beaten, they don’t have money. They face all sorts of inhumane activities in this clime. When is it going to stop?”

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    Way forward

    “That’s the reason why we partnered with FIDA, so that we can find ways and means of bringing this to a halt. Letting the whole world know what these women go through. Awareness is key – letting the women know what their rights are; ensuring that they even have rights that can be implemented. We need to let culture do what it needs to do, but not use it to kill our women, because we’re sending them to the grave.

    “We want our government to listen, and stop turning deaf ears to the plight of these women. They have their rights; they’re Nigerians; and they should benefit from these laws. Those laws need to be enacted and implemented. The public needs to know what these people’s rights are. When some things happen that are not right, those around them should be able to cry foul; they should be able to report. We’re living in a civilised society, and we should keep it that way. But right now, I think it’s an uncivilised society, with the way they are being treated. And this needs to be corrected. Those that need to be charged to court should be charged to court.”

    Criminal penalty for perpetrators

    Asked if she would support criminal penalties for perpetrators, Alakija was express in her reply.

    “Of course! Aren’t they criminals? They are criminals. They are sending people to their graves. Directly or indirectly, that’s where their victims end up. They start off as widows, and then before we know it, they’re dead. How much can we do? The suffering is too much. Those who make them suffer should be made to suffer for what they do!

    Passion for widows

    But why did she choose this line of advocacy? From all indications, she’s neither a widow nor could she ever be indigent, even if life happens and she finds herself in that demographic.

    “It is a call from God. Back in 2006, I was in my prayer room, and I said ‘Lord, you’ve done so much for me, what can I do for you?’ And He said, ‘Look after my widows and orphans’. James Chapter 1, verse 37. Go and look into their plight. Can you imagine waking up every day, with nowhere to go but to just sit down and cry? Because you don’t even know where to start! Because so much is stacked on you. And society is not making it better. They’re making it worse! And sending them to their graves! That’s why I have that passion. God called me and I answered the call.”

    Since then Alakija said The Rose of Sharon Foundation has been doing the best it could with regards to taking care of widows and orphans. And she insisted that it goes beyond tokenism such as ‘sharing cooked rice and ankara’. “We’re doing a lot more than that. We’re sending them to school, we’re sending their children to school, we’re sending orphans to school, up to university level. And we’re giving accommodation to orphans.”

    As an aside, she lamented the nonchalant attitude of the public to the call to support the mission.

    “Years back we announced for people to adopt a child, adopt a widow; nobody has come forward to adopt nothing.”

    This, she said, explains why the foundation may not be able to take up more people at the moment.

    “What we do is put your name on the list; when we do start, you can be sure we’ll start from the top of the list,” she said.

    On partnering with FIDA

    Throwing more light on the research report titled: ‘Advocating for Specific Socio-legal Protection Framework for Widows,’ Alakija said, The Rose of Sharon Foundation took the decision to collaborate with FIDA, because they’re the lawyers, and the widows, with what they face, “need an arm of the law, and an arm of the government to do something about it.”

    Journey so far

    According to the Country Manager of the foundation, Dr. Ndudi Bowei, the organisation in 2008 commenced operation with just three widows but has now grown into a large network of thousands of beneficiaries.

    “Our numeric data stands at 2446 current beneficiaries, whose lives we are impacting daily. This number comprises 994 widows, 1207 widows’ children (currently on educational scholarships), and 245 orphans, out of which we have produced 461 graduates,” she stated.

    The organisation’s long-term goal, according to Bowei, is to expand and reach out to more beneficiaries across West Africa, while the short- and medium-term goals are to create value-based partnership and increased visibility.

    State of Widows’ Rights

    Reeling out a summary of the report of the research findings on current state of widows rights in Nigeria, Bowei said: “The research findings reveal that widows still face forced eviction, coercion, disinheritance, forceful remarriage, confinement, exclusion, sociolegal discrimination, and trial by ordeal due to harmful cultural practices, despite existing laws aimed at protecting their rights.”

    Key findings include: Harmful Traditional Practices, Socioeconomic Exclusion and Discrimination, Inadequate Legal Framework, and Poor Media Advocacy for Awareness and Empowerment.

    Recommendations and immediate call for action

    The foundation called on the government to, among other things, Strengthen Legal Protections, Enforcement, Review and Update Policy Documents- this will include effective domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act and the Child Rights Act; and a review of existing gender and social protection policies.

    Enactment of a National Law Specifically for Socio-legal protection of Widows- this should speak to the eradication of all forms of harmful practices against widows.

    Need for the media to organise awareness programmes in rural areas, engaging the populace on the dangers of harmful widows’ practices; engagement of Traditional and Religious leaders in accelerating action towards protecting rights of widows in their domains.

    Other recommendations include: promoting Mindset Restructuring, Social and behavioural Change Communication (SBCC); Empowerment of widows, Support Organisatiobn and Integration of government and partner intervention; inclusive Social Safety net programs; and development of Local Government Accountability structures with a Clear reporting pathway.

    Research was conducted across the 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory in collaboration with the International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA).

  • My 22 years story of assuaging fertility issues – Ajayi

    My 22 years story of assuaging fertility issues – Ajayi

    In a field where science meets human emotion, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, Executive Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, has journeyed through 22 transformative years. In this interview with ADEOLA OGUNLADE, he shares experience founding Nordica, the lessons learned, challenges, and the future of fertility treatment in Nigeria.

    IT’S been 22 years of Nordica Fertility Centre; how does it feel reaching this milestone?

    Honestly, it feels surreal. It just seems like yesterday when we started at VGC, then opened a clinic in Yaba. Later, we moved VGC to Ikoyi and Yaba to Surulere. It has been a topsy-turvy journey, but we owe everything to God and to the amazing people who have supported us over the years.  There have been some ups and downs. There’ll be some days when especially at the beginning where you start asking yourself, are you really doing the right thing? Today, we now have so many IVF clinics, but we thank God despite the number that we are still regarded as a top brand.

    Can you share highlights of Nordica’s expansion?

    Certainly. We began in 2003, and by 2009, we had opened a clinic in Asaba. In 2012, we expanded to Abuja. One major milestone was introducing High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in 2021, and by 2024, we also brought HIFU to our Abuja centre. We currently perform over 1,000 IVF cycles and 500 endoscopic procedures annually. Our goal remains delivering world-class fertility services and reversing medical tourism in Nigeria.

    That’s impressive. So how many babies has Nordica helped bring into the world?

    It’s difficult to give an exact number because we don’t take deliveries, and not everyone returns to report their success. However, we conservatively estimate that we’ve helped bring over 5,000 babies into the world.

    What would you say has changed in reproductive health over these two decades?

    A lot has changed. Globally, the advent of genetics has revolutionised reproductive science. We can now test embryos for genetic conditions, determine gender, and even analyse embryo culture media for genetic makeup. Egg freezing has also advanced significantly, especially with vitrification technology.  We now know that in Nordica, if we freeze about 10 eggs, we know that at least nine of them will be able to recover. So those are the things that have changed, and they made life very good. But locally, it might not be all good news, because there’s been fragmentation of clinic locally; however, the growth hasn’t been without challenges. Many under-qualified practitioners have flooded the market. Patients often choose clinics based on cost alone, without checking the standards. That trend needs to change.

    Looking to the future, what developments do you anticipate in fertility treatment?

    I believe AI will enhance success rates by helping us identify the most viable sperm, eggs, and embryos. We may see artificial ovaries and lab-grown eggs and sperm, potentially reducing reliance on donors. Endometrial research will likely improve embryo transfer outcomes. We are witnessing groundbreaking changes, and the future is promising.

    How does Nordica plan to stay ahead in the next decade?

    By remaining at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. We are currently developing something new and impactful, though I can’t reveal details yet. What I can say is that we’ll continue adopting global best practices to improve access and success for our clients.

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    Can you share a standout testimonial that has stayed with you?

    Every baby born through our assistance is a testimony. But cases where couples waited 16 or 20 years or had multiple failed cycles before success stand out. One client told us, “What America couldn’t do, Nordica did in Lagos.” Those stories inspire us.

    What major challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

    Okay, I think the first one actually started when we wanted to establish the clinic. And it’s still ongoing. And it’s this problem with the Customs, with importation of things. You know, I’m sure I’m not the only one. Everybody faces them. But in the medical field, and then to my greatest delight, coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, announced, I think it was sometime last year, that they were going to consider doing an executive order from President that medical things should have zero import duty. Well, of course, till today, that has not been implemented, because I’m just bringing some things in now. And I’m paying through my nose to the Customs. So this is one of the things you buy, you don’t forget that. In Nigeria, you make naira. When you’re going to buy your equipment, you’re buying in dollars, euros or pounds. The first thing is you do that. You face that hurdle. Now you are bringing it in again. Customs is charging you based on pounds or dollar. So it’s as if you’re bringing a car, which is a luxury item.

    But this is what we’re faced with within the medical field. So I pray and hope that the federal government can implement what the federal executive order that President Tinubu in his wisdom signed. So that’s one.

     Two, infrastructure. Of course, that’s also not peculiar only to me. When people go to clinics that don’t even have light, I don’t know what you’re going to do there. Because you can’t play with power in this kind of business. You cannot say the price of electricity went up, so we’re spending a lot on diesel. In each of our clinics, you have three generators, two big ones, one small one. We have a transformer for each of our clinics – because we don’t want power to start fluctuating. Now we are running to solar. So the cost of providing power is a big thing in Nigeria. Now the JAPA thing also happened. Manpower has become an issue. Not only doctors and nurses. I hope we take this more seriously, as a people, because it’s like a slave trade all over again. And we need to be more serious about it.

    People are calling for Nordica to expand to other states. Are there any plans for new branches?

    That’s a tricky one. IVF clinics are not like McDonald’s—you can’t open one on every corner. What I’m focusing on now is consolidation, not expansion. After taking many calculated risks over the years, I’m more interested in strengthening what we’ve already built. We’ve achieved certain standards, and now it’s about maintaining them.

    That’s why processes and quality control are so critical to us. We’re ISO-certified and have structured systems for nearly everything. In the next five years, I hope to play more with technology, remain as an emeritus, if need be, and let the next generation take the reins. If they want to expand, that will be their decision.

    Beyond finance and education, what challenges do couples face in accessing fertility treatment in Nigeria?

    Good question. One major factor is fear. Some people have the money and education, but they’re afraid—will the IVF baby be normal? Will people find out? Religion also adds pressure. Some religious leaders—who have no experience with infertility—place spiritual burdens on people that drive them into silence or even deception. We’ve reached a point where people buy babies. That’s how desperate some become. The societal premium placed on childbirth, especially for women, is enormous. Another issue is misinformation. People equate education with knowledge, but they’re not the same. We’ve had people walk into our clinic demanding a male child, not understanding what sex selection or IVF really entails. Some think we’ve got babies stored somewhere and we’re refusing to give them one. It’s ignorance, not illiteracy.

    What would you say to those still hesitant about trying IVF?

    IVF is now responsible for over 12 million babies globally. It’s a proven solution. While no medical process is 100% perfect, we now have genetic screening to improve outcomes. But if you want absolute certainty, you’ll never have a child—even natural births aren’t guaranteed perfect. What matters is finding a clinic that upholds quality. Don’t just go for the cheapest—that’s never the best. But expensive doesn’t always mean best either. Choose based on credibility, expertise, and consistency. Also, you must take charge of your health. Nigerians often see healthcare as the doctor’s responsibility, but it’s your body. Learn about it; take ownership of your wellness. Don’t just wait till there’s a crisis.