OPINION: State of the Nation: Original Sins

By S.O.K. Shillings There is a global economic crisis, the immediate cause of which the Russia-Ukraine war can be fingered. There is a ‘swing’ crisis in Nigeria which is a consequence of systemic failure that has been there all along. The cries of anguish is becoming musical. It is hunger with no signs of abatement. Like the Israelites of the Mosaic epoch, there will be respite and everything will look normal until it swings again perhaps finally when we will have to settle it by war or a cry for…

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Embracing Renewal: A Message from Aarebirin Princess (Hon.) Dr. Folashade Olabanji Oba On Ash Wednesday

Introduction:As Ash Wednesday initiates the Lenten season, it holds profound significance for Christians worldwide. Aarebirin Princess Hon. Dr. Folashade Olabanji Oba, a devout Christian, shares heartfelt insights on the essence of Ash Wednesday and the importance of embracing renewal in our spiritual journey. The Symbolism of Ash Wednesday:Ash Wednesday, marked by the application of ashes in the form of a cross, commences a period of fasting and introspection known as Lent. It serves as a poignant reminder of mortality, urging repentance and spiritual growth through humble acknowledgment of our flaws.…

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OPINION: Between Ayangbure and Ikorodu Local Government Chairman: Iya Oloja, A Grey Area

By S.O.K Shillings There is an ongoing feud between the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina and the Ayangbure of Ikorodu over the appointment of Iya Oloja. This should be of interest to the indigenes of Ikorodu and I hereby offer my one penny intervention. In a Press Statement recently released by the LG Chairman, he espoused the duties of the local government as stated in the constitution as “establishment, maintenance and regulation of slaughter slabs, markets, motor parks and public conveniences”. Reading in simple English, it does…

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The Asiwaju – Paramole Duality: Tribute to Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun

By Nurudeen Oshinlaja Today, 15 October 2023, marks the 85th glorious birthday of ‘our’ patriarch, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun. I am enthused to join millions of well-wishers to felicitate him on this landmark achievement and wish him happy birthday. When the thought of penning this tribute cascaded into my mind yesterday, I felt a gushing trepidation like one feels before a major examination. I took a short walk to calm my nerves and the trepidation subsided. Then, I started the writing. I felt the trepidation because the celebrant is quite simply…

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OPINION: A Formula for an Economy 9: Waste

By S.O.K. Shillings Waste here refers to all actions and omissions that are negative and opposite to productivity; a big burden and negative reading in the GDP which must be eradicated. For a developing nation (since aeon), a political system that involves budgeting #300 billion annually on elections and another #50 billion on presidential election in which formidable political parties spend half trillion is a waste. Still on the political system, I reiterate that the country is *over-governed* particularly with the proliferation of states and local governments. The US budget…

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Between the Oba and the Governor: Rejoinder to General Obasanjo’s Repose

By S.O K Shillings A video is making rounds in the public domain showing General Olusegun Obasanjo in at a state function commanding the traditional rulers of Osun State to stand up and greet their Governor because the Governor and President are senior to the traditional rulers in state hierarchy and Yorubas respect age and positions. Aside the disservice that the Owu High Chief has done to his image especially as an antithesis and meltdown on his effort at promoting the traditional institution by himself prostrating to the Oni’risha on…

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OPINION: IN THE FACE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP IN NIGERIA :THE DETERIORATING STATE OF IKORODU

By Matti Olakunle The famous protest among the aggrieved youths and elders of communities in Ikorodu division of recent on the serious marginalisation of Ikorodu indigenes/residents from the state and federal appointments is worthwhile Yes! It is right to seek for our constitutional rights as a people. Apparently, the recent distribution of appointments particularly the position of special advisers and commissioners in Lagos State is unfair, embarrassing and clearly did not demonstrate regards and encouragement for the hardworking voting class of the people of Ikorodu who turned out en mass…

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OPINION: Obasa’s Lagos House of Assembly prioritising politics above competence, performance

By Abraham Ajewole In what appears to be a power tussle between the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and some political and religious gladiators on the proposed members of the State Executive Council, the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), in an unprecedented move on Wednesday failed to confirm 17 out of the 39 nominees submitted by the Governor for the position of commissioners and Special Advisers in his cabinet. Governor Sanwo-Olu last month presented 39 cabinet nominees to the Lagos State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.…

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OPINION: THE POLITICS OF LAGOS STATE – A NEED FOR AN INDIGENOUS GOVERNOR

By Ola Animashaun Lagos State was created on 27 May 1967 by virtue of the State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967. It was created from what used to be the Lagos Colony or the Colonial Province before 1954. It was Lagos Colony that metamorphosed into Lagos State. The Lagos Colony was made up of Lagos Island and the mainland – ceded to the British in 1861, Badagry – ceded in 1863, Epe – ceded in 1892 and Ikorodu – ceded in 1894. At the time of…

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A Formula for an Economy 8: Productivity

By S.O.K. Shillings Nigeria is the richest country in Africa having the highest GDP. Conversely, it is ranked 17th by its Per Capita Income. We are rich because of oil, our manna from nature. We are poor because we do not produce. Even the refined product of the oil we got from God is imported. Lack of productivity is the greatest problem of an economy. National economy is equal to natural resources plus productivity minus waste. Productivity begins with getting virtually every citizen economically engaged. We indulge in too much…

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