SSE Lab hosts MBA Business Showers Cohort

founder and Chief Executive Officer of Small-Scale Enterprise, Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, is set to host the second MBA Business showers, to celebrate the cohort 2 graduates and heighten conversation on role of MSMEs in the economy.

The event: ‘Innovation. Inclusion. Impact: Redefining MSMEs in Nigerian Economy, holds tomorrow in GRA Ikeja, Lagos. Keynote address will be delivered by Mr Charles Odii, director-general and chief executive of SMEDAN, and Ms Esther Obiekwe, group head of Retail and SME Banking at NOVA Bank.

There will be a fireside chat, featuring Bunmi Kola-Dawodu, state manager of SMEDAN; Meksley Nwagboh, divisional head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity; Afolabi Solebo, general manager of LASCOPA; Ayomide Olofinjana, founder of Florence Richards Africa; and Adanna Uche, founder of Ady’s Agro Processing, to be moderated by Founder of Moore Organics, Mrs. Adebisi Odeleye.

At the programme, Jimmy-Eboma said, ‘participants will examine role of policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on need to collaborate and unlock finances, strengthen quality and consumer protection, and accelerate international competitiveness.”

According to Adesola, ‘Nigeria has enormous potential locked within her people. If every state intentionally develops its local resources into finished goods by turning cassava into packaged flour, hibiscus into export tea, and shea butter into global beauty products, we can transform our economic narrative.

‘The MBA Business Showers has rapidly become a leading platform spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in Nigeria’s small-scale manufacturing sector. Powered by SSE Lab, the initiative bridges the gap between vision and venture by equipping founders with practical structure, market-ready knowledge, and strategic support to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

‘The Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA) is a 90-day intensive transformation program tailored for product-based founders and micro-manufacturers. Over three months, participants progress through a disciplined pathway of conceptualisation, product validation, branding, packaging, regulatory compliance, and market launch, transforming raw ideas into proudly made-in-Nigeria brands capable of competing globally.

‘Through the MBA Business Shower, we have built entrepreneurs who can make vision real because we have seen ordinary individuals like; traders, artisans, and dreamers become structured, compliant, export-ready businesses within 90 days. This is a statement of possibility.’

Tinubu excludes serious offenders from pardon list, signs instrument of clemency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Instruments of Clemency and Pardon, formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy while directing the exclusion of individuals convicted of grievous crimes from the list of beneficiaries.

The President’s final approval, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, came after consultations with the Council of State and extensive public input.

It followed a comprehensive review of an earlier list of 175 names, which had generated public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted for serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.

Following the review, the list was pruned to 120 beneficiaries distributed across four categories: 15 persons granted full pardon (including pre-independence nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay and the Ogoni Nine), four whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, 15 granted clemency, and 86 inmates whose prison terms were reduced.

Onanuga said the President’s decision was guided by ‘the seriousness and security implications of some offences, the need to respect the feelings of victims, to sustain public trust, and uphold Nigeria’s bilateral obligations.’

He added that the President viewed justice as a ‘three-way traffic’-balancing the rights of offenders, victims, and society.

Among those whose sentences were reduced under the Instrument of Presidential Prerogative of Mercy (Reduced Terms of Imprisonment and Sentence, 2025) are several inmates convicted of manslaughter, culpable homicide, fraud, firearms, and conspiracy offences.

Notably, Maryam Sanda (37), convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to death in 2020, had her sentence commuted to 12 years imprisonment ‘on compassionate grounds, in the best interest of her children, and for good conduct.’

Others include Yusuf Owolabi (36) and Ifeanyi Eze (33), both serving life sentences for manslaughter, now reduced to 15 years each; Markus Yusuf (41), whose 13-year term was cut to 8 years; and Alhaji Abubakar Tanko (61), whose 30-year sentence was reduced to 20 years.

Under the drug and narcotics category, Patrick Mensah (40) had his 17-year sentence cut to 13 years, while others such as Obi Edwin Chukwu, Tunde Balogun, Lima Pereira Erick Diego, and Uchegbu Emeka Michael received reduced terms of 12 years each.

Dias Santos Marela Christiana (44), a foreign national convicted of importing cocaine in 2017, had her sentence cut from 15 to 12 years ‘for remorsefulness and deportation.’

In financial and fraud-related cases, Buka Adamu (40) saw his 20-year term reduced to 9 years, while Mustapha Ahmed, Inibong Imayen Nuikidem, Ada Audu, Chief Jonathan Alatoru, and Umannah Ekatte received varying reductions for age, remorsefulness, and good conduct.

In firearms-related offences, Abubakar Mamman (38) and Muhammed Bello Musa (35) had 10-year sentences cut to 7 years, while Nnamdi Anene (67)’s life sentence was commuted to 20 years.

Under maritime and conspiracy offences, 10 convicts – including Bright Agbedeyi, Babangida Saliu, and Jude Saka Ebaragha – had their 12-year terms reduced to 8 years, with fines waived ‘based on remorsefulness and impecuniosity.’

For unlawful mining, at least 45 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Oyo State – including Yusuf Alhassan, Abdullahi Isah, Zayanu Bello, and Habeeb Suleman – had their sentences reduced from three to two years following rehabilitation assurances facilitated by Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis.

The President also approved a major structural reform: the relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

He directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to establish new, stricter guidelines for future clemency exercises, including mandatory consultation with prosecuting agencies to ensure only deserving individuals benefit.

Onanuga said the reviewed list and signed instruments have been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation.

According to the statement, President Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and engagement on the issue, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to strengthen the justice system and ensure that the prerogative of mercy ‘remains a symbol of fairness, not a loophole for impunity.’

Alaafin visits Habeeb Okunola, advocates for development in Yoruba land

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwunmi Owoade, made a significant courtesy visit to High Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, the Akosin of Yorubaland on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

This meeting took place at High Chief Okunola’s private residence in Lekki, Lagos, and underscored the intention to strengthen collaboration between the Alaafin and his chiefs, with the aim of fostering development in Yorubaland.

During the visit, High Chief Okunola reflected on the historical significance of the occasion, noting that the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had also paid him a visit while offering prayers and counsel.

He expressed gratitude for the new Alaafin’s visit, seeing it as a pivotal moment that heralds a fresh chapter in the partnership between himself and the Alaafin throne. ‘I consider myself fortunate to have received this visit,’ he stated. ‘The implications of this meeting extend beyond mere formality; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to foster development and empowerment for the people of Oyo and, indeed, all of Yorubaland.’

High Chief Okunola emphasized that he shares a vision aligned with the Alaafin’s mandate for the advancement and prosperity of Yoruba land. His long-standing efforts through the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, dedicated to community development and empowerment, will be invigorated by the discussions held during this visit. ‘This engagement strengthens my resolve to work toward the greater good of our community,’ he added.

In response, Alaafin Owoade articulated the importance of the visit, highlighting that Chief Habeeb has been a steadfast supporter since his accession to the throne. ‘My visit to Chief Habeeb’s residence is one that brings me immense joy. His insights have been invaluable to me, and our discussions have addressed critical issues facing our communities. This meeting is an opportunity to deepen our bond and enhance collaboration aimed at promoting development throughout Yoruba land,’ he added.

As a gesture of respect and tradition, the Alaafin offered prayers to his ancestors by breaking kolanuts, bitter cola, and alligator pepper, seeking divine blessings for peace, growth, and prosperity across Yoruba land.

This visit is poised to mark a new era of partnership between the throne of Alaafin and its chiefs, signaling a mutual dedication to uplifting the Yoruba people and fostering a progressive future for their rich cultural heritage.

JUST IN: Senate begins screening of Service Chiefs

Senate has commenced the screening of newly nominated Service Chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This followed the arrival of the nominees into the Senate chamber alongside their family members and other senior members of the Armed Forces.

The delegation was led into the Chamber by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Basheer Lado.

This followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele suspended Order 12 on floor privileges to allow strangers into the chambers and for the Senate to resolve into a Committee of Whole to do the screening.

The motion was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

The new Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation include the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas.

Before the screening commenced the Senate Leader moved that since the Senate earlier screened General Oluyede for the position of Chief of Army Staff, he should be regarded as a class captain leading the other nominees for the screening.

After the motion was seconded by Senator Ngwu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said it would be right to allow Oluyede to relieve his experience in his previous office as COAS and his perspective on the way forward as the CDS.

Thereafter, Oluyede took the podium and began introducing himself.

He said his experience as COAS was both challenging and rewarding.

On the challenges, he said: ‘We know the resources are not enough. The enablers are not enough. It makes it difficult to prosecuting the fight against bandits and terrorists.’

He said it is incumbent on the country to develop its own equipment to prosecute wars and other forms of insecurity due to skyrocketing cost of importing arms and armament.

He said there is something special about being a soldier. As a soldier you have to sacrifice your entire life. As an ordinary person, when there is a threat you are expected to retreat but as a soldier you are expected to go forward.

He also called for strengthening the Nigeria Police Force to be able to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

‘At present, the military is doing some of the work the police are supposed to do,’ he said.

At this point, Senate President Akpabio requested senators that Oluyede be allowed to take a bow since he was formerly screened and approved by the chamber as CDS.

The request was approved by the Senators.

Rear view

Lagos had a storied past of water commerce – Ebute-Ero, Ebute-Elefun, Ije, Oja Oyingbo, Ebute Ejinrin, Badagry, the Lagos Marina, etc – all jetties, linked to markets. Boats berthed at these jetties to discharge and convey buyers and sellers, on weekly market days. More than roads, the vast Lagos waterways powered this traffic.

If the proverbial ‘Oja Oyingbo’ was packed to the brim – as the Juju music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey crooned in one of his great numbers – it was the Lagos Lagoon, more than the roads, that ensured that commercial mobility and opportunity.

Now, ‘Omi Eko’, the waterway shuttle project that the Lagos State government just launched, at the Three Cowries Jetty, near Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, is set for a glorious encore – but with much more value-added.

It’s an innovative project to further integrate water transportation into the government’s THEMES-plus policy framework. It’s also set to modernise the waterways as choice Lagos commuter hub, thus reducing pressure on the over-flogged roads.

Omi Eko, planned over two phases, is well and truly ambitious. It could alter the Lagos transportation – and economy – for good. Omi Eko, with its smart ferries, could also boost water-driven tourism, now the near-monopoly of the well-heeled. That putative expansion is a win-win for the Lagos economy.

The first phase is an infrastructural-support push: the dredging and adequate marking of a marine track, covering 140 kilometres. That track covers 15 priority ferry routes. Under that phase, 25 ferry jetties and terminals will be put in place, with old ones upgraded – all fitted with electric charging points, for the electric ferries soon to be deployed.

Also attached to jetties/terminals are boat maintenance depots. This phase will also build roads connecting the jetties/terminals to the main arteries linking the final commuter communities and destinations.

Obvious and paramount in this first phase is the all-crucial question of safety, in these days of boat mishaps, in some parts of the country. Safety is critical for commuter confidence; and it’s reassuring that the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), the implementing agency, is giving safety due attention.

The second phase is the business side: the ‘make-or-mar’ of the dream. It plans to infuse 75 electric ferries, fool-proof and fraud-resistant ticketing, and sound shuttle information management to give a rich travel experience that would keep commuters trooping back for more.

If management makes the difference between failed and thriving ventures, LASWA should develop the capacity to handle the business. Also imbued in the plan is adequate technology transfer to strengthen LASWA’s technical capacity: for prompt maintenance and repairs, as well as forging spare parts.

Aside drawing passenger traffic to some 25, 000 yearly, Omi Eko is projected to cut travel times by some three hours per trip. Funding for the informal boat sector, outside the government-backed ferry services, will also be taken care off. Indeed, building an integrated lagoon economy is logical thinking, as 15 local governments in the state are linked by water. That should provide more jobs for the youth.

Omi Eko came under the EU Gateway Initiative, with the French Development Agency (AFD); and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which provided a ‘subsidised’ pound 360 million, out of a pound 410-million loan. LASWA’s ability to grow a lean-and-mean water transport business is vital. For this upgrade, LASWA should draw inspiration from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which already runs the Lagos integrated road and rail services, with the Blue and Red urban rail lines.

So, LASWA should brace itself to make Omi Eko a thriving business, sustainable and profitable to pay off its loan. If that is well done, LASWA should, in no time, sit back as industry regulator, while private sector players, big and small, drive the business.

But there is another aspect that should also be emphasised: marine security. While safety is clear from the infrastructure plan, security is muted. In this era of kidnapping for ransom, security should receive that added attention. As more commuters get drawn to water transport, there is likelihood for opportunistic crimes, targeting the busy commuter channels. Robust marine security should, therefore, form a doughty part of the mix.

With Lagos defined by water – the Lagoon and its mightier cousin, the Atlantic Ocean – not integrating this mass of water into its transport mode is a clear waste. Though Omi Eko is picking up from a storied past, using every resource of the state to boost citizen wellbeing is smart policy thinking.

Leakingmouth makes history, sells out Jos’ biggest hall with comedy show

Fast-rising Nigerian comedian, Leakingmouth, has reached another milestone in his career after selling out the biggest hall in Jos with his much-anticipated comedy show tagged ‘JOS LIKE DAT.’

The event, held on Sunday, October 26, attracted a massive crowd of comedy lovers, celebrities, and entertainment enthusiasts from across Plateau State and beyond.

The record-breaking performance comes just months after Leakingmouth thrilled audiences at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja with his debut show – a feat that cemented his place among Nigeria’s top-tier comedians.

Speaking after the Jos show, Leakingmouth described the experience as both emotional and fulfilling.

‘After doing my show for the first time at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, taking the comedy show to Jos is such a fulfilling experience for me and my team,’ he said. ‘Jos has always been special to me – the energy, the love, and the people are simply amazing.’

Fans at the event were full of praise for the comedian’s creativity, relatable jokes, and captivating stage presence.

A fan, Gloria Bitrus, said, ‘Leakingmouth is different. His jokes connect with everyday life, and that’s why we love him. The show was totally worth it.’

Another attendee, Samuel Danjuma, added, ‘It’s not every day you see a comedian fill a hall of this size in Jos. He made history tonight.’

With ‘JOS LIKE DAT’ now a resounding success, Leakingmouth has once again affirmed his growing influence in Nigeria’s entertainment scene.

His team hinted that the comedian plans to take the show to more cities across the country in 2026, continuing his mission to spread laughter and joy nationwide.

Ikoyi-Obalende, stakeholders meet on budget

The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bola Oladunjoye, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development.

He made this known during the 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the council sectetariat, Obalende.

Oladunjoye described the meeting as an important platform to strengthen collaboration between government and residents, as well as to ensure transparency, accountability, and people-driven decision-making in the budgeting process.

He explained that the purpose of the forum was fourfold – to gather input and feedback from stakeholders on priority needs for the 2026 fiscal year, ensure transparency in the budgeting process, facilitate effective communication between government and the public, and identify critical needs such as infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities for inclusion in the new budget.

‘We are a government of the people, and we value the input of our people in the administration. Our open-door policy is evident in today’s event, where we seek direct input from you in developing an inclusive budget for the 2026 fiscal year. We want to know your priorities, not what we think you need,’ he said.

The council boss emphasised that his administration is guided by the principle of participatory governance, where the people’s voices determine the focus of government actions. He urged residents to actively participate in the consultative forum, noting that democracy thrives when citizens take ownership of governance.

‘This government is your government. It is what you say we should do that we will do. As citizens, you have the power to steer the ship of governance in the direction that you want it to go,’ he noted.

Highlighting the council’s achievements, the chairman listed the ongoing rehabilitation of Lugard Avenue, which is 90 percent completed, and the reconstruction of Polo Club Road, Ikoyi, which has already commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony.

He also noted that the administration had intensified efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through efficient, transparent, and accountable measures. These include branding of revenue officers, purchase of revenue buses, introduction of an electronic billing and payment system, and a comprehensive enumeration of all revenue sources within the council.

On security, Oladunjoye commended residents and security agencies for their cooperation and vigilance in maintaining peace and reducing crime rates within the council area.

He further reiterated the council’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy for environmental infractions, stating that Street Marshals have been deployed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

While assuring residents of continued delivery of people-oriented projects, the council boss appealed to all ratepayers to fulfill their civic obligations, stressing that prompt payment of levies and dues is vital to sustaining developmental efforts.

‘Your contributions are crucial to our community’s growth and development. Together, we can build a better Ikoyi-Obalende,’ he said.

Stardust Media rewards young innovators with cash prizes at abuja children’s creativity carnival

Stardust Media Services Limited has rewarded outstanding children with cash prizes at the maiden edition of the Abuja Creativity, Innovation, and Nutrition Gathering, aimed at unveiling and nurturing the unique abilities of young Nigerians.

The event, themed ‘Igniting Creativity, Innovation and Nutrition for Young Minds in Nigeria,’ brought together over 1,000 children from schools and families across the Federal Capital Territory and other states.

Speaking at the colourful occasion, the Chief Executive Officer of Stardust Media Services, Queen Irene Onwuka, said the programme was designed to provide a platform for children to showcase their technical skills, inventive ideas, and nutritional awareness.

The carnival featured cultural dance performances, innovation exhibitions, traditional food displays, and a creative cultural march-past that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity and young talents.

The event climaxed with an award ceremony recognising exceptional young innovators. Igbabee Terkuma from Philips St. Dominik School, Makurdi, Benue State, emerged the overall winner in the Creativity category, receiving a star prize of ?1,000,000.

Chukuma Miracle of JSS Kuje Central, FCT, won ?500,000 as the first runner-up in the Nutrition category, while Isaac Oluwatobiloba Faloye received ?300,000 for his outstanding performance in the Innovation category.

Queen Onwuka expressed delight over the success of the event, describing it as a milestone in empowering children to think creatively, eat healthily, and dream boldly. She said the initiative was a step toward nurturing future innovators who will drive Nigeria’s growth and cultural vibrancy.

Dignitaries from the public and private sectors attended the occasion, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Niger State SUBEB, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding.

Why dating below my ‘class’ hard – Kiddwaya

Kiddwaya, son of billionaire Terry Waya and reality star, has opened up about why he avoids dating women who are financially unstable.

In a podcast appearance on Off The Record, he stated that women from lower-income backgrounds often develop a sense of entitlement when exposed to his affluent lifestyle.

The billionaire heir said they may be humble and appreciative, but over time, they start comparing themselves to others and expecting luxury items and experiences.

Kiddwaya noted that this shift in attitude can lead to relationship issues, with entitlement sometimes manifesting as rudeness.

He further opined that bringing someone from a lower financial background into his world can be challenging, and he’s learned to prioritise relationships with individuals who share similar values and energy.

He said: ‘At first, they’re thankful everything feels new and exciting. But after a few months, they start comparing themselves to others.

‘They want the same bags, the same trips, and soon, what was once special becomes expected. The entitlement sets in and sometimes turns into rudeness. That’s been my biggest issue dating someone from a lower class and bringing them into my lifestyle.’

Abiodun: all parts of Ogun will feel my administration’s presence

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reassured residents that no part of the state will be left undeveloped.

He promised that ongoing infrastructure upgrade will spread to all communities across the three Senatorial districts.

The government, according to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, is simultaneously working on four major highways in the Ifo, Sango Ota and Idiroko axis of the state.

He dismissed as mischief the claim in certain quarters that the government had left some bad portions on other roads unattended to, saying that the administration has plans to spread development as dividends of democracy to all parts, including the roads in Lafenwa-Itele Ayetoro areas of the state.

The special adviser noted that the 140-kilometer Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway is being fixed by the state government despited being a federal road.

He added that the, Sango- Ido Iroko, also a Federal Government road,is under construction by the state government.

He added that the government is attending to the Sango-Idiroko Highway, while it had completed about 22 kilometres between Ijoko, Agbado and Alagbole road

‘The area being mostly complained about -the Ota-Itele-Lafenwa stretch, which is about 24 kilometres – had been incorporated into the 2026 budget long before social media hoopla’ Akinmade clarified in the statement

The decision, he said, was a confirmation of Governor Abiodun’s determination to spread even development to all books and crannies of the state as fast as he is allowed to do by time and resources.

Akinmade further said the underlisted roads have been completed in Ifo- Ado Odo-Ota axis of the State.

1. Ikorita Meta, Adenrele/Olose Titus Vespa Road (3.1km)

2. Old Bank Road-Orita Meta – Coker Junction, Olumo Spur Road (1km).

3. Olusegun Osoba, Toyin, Agbado Road(2.4km).

4. Reconstruction of Sango, Ota- Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road, Lagos end (Yakoyo to Mr. Biggs) Phase 6(1.6km).

5. Reconstruction of Sango Ota, Oke Aro, Ojodu Abiodun Road (Sango Roundabout to Ijoko bridge) phase 1, (8.5km)

6. Akute, Denro, Ishasi Road (4.8km).

7. Alhaji Kosoko Street, Ojodu Abiodun (Sectional Rehabilitation,Resurfacing (1km)

8. Ajulo-Akute Road (3km).

9. Hercules-Giwa Road (1.3km).

10. Alagbole-Ajulo Road (1.7km).

11. Akute bridge- Oke Aro bridge)9.2km).

12. Atan – Lusada- Marogbo Toll Road (19.2km).

13. Lanfenwa – Osi, Ikola Road (7km).

14. Reconstruction of Bible College, Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (3.89km).

He said: ‘While recognizing the rights of the good people of Ogun State to continue to demand for the dividends of democracy, the government warned the public to be wary of the antics of opposition politicians and their quest to call a dog a bad name in other to hang it.

‘In its determination to run a transparent and people-driven government, the Dapo Abiodun led administration will never fail to respond to public scrutiny. However, we are not unaware of the ongoing move by political detractors to tarnish the image of the government by whipping up unnecessary incitements.

‘The road is in question, like many others in Sango-Ota axis, had been in that deplorable state for many years before the coming of Governor Abiodun. They are part of the huge infrastructure deficit inherited by this administration in 2019.

‘Aside from the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa road, other very important roads, including Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road; Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road and Sango-Idiroko road were in terrible states of disrepair when Governor Abiodun took office.

‘Today, however, the story is different, as can be attested to by the good people of the area who daily pour prayers and appreciation messages on the current government in the state.

‘The Dapo Abiodun administration, rising up to the challenges posed by the huge road deficit in the axis, and moved by the cries of the people, embarked on a massive reconstruction of three out of the four major roads in the axis, almost at the same time. The remaining one, which is the now trending Ota-Itele-Lafenwa, is covered by the 2026 budget.

‘The Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke Aro-Lambe-Akute road, which is about 30km; and 140km Sango Ota-Papalanto-Abeokuta road; as well as Sango-Idiroko road that stand at 63km, have all been turned into massive constructions sites where not less than 50 per cent progresses have been made.

‘But for the rains, work would have moved on at a much higher pace. Governor Abiodun has never left anyone in doubt of his determination to work assiduously till the very last minute of his tenure. The good people of Ogun State should be rest assured that the ongoing widespread development that is sweeping across the state will not exclude any part of the state.

‘At a time when our dear state is in the news for numerous never-seen-before feats, including a world class airport, a global standard Sports Complex, the largest cement factory in West Africa, and many others, we must not lose sight of the many reasons to be proud of our home state due to the antics of a few naysayers.’