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Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Adewale Faith, simply known as Faith, was disqualified from the recently concluded reality TV show for his inability to control his anger in public after an altercation with fellow housemate, Sultana. In a viral video of the incident, he was seen engaging in physical violence, forcefully dragging a bucket from Sultana until she fell.

The development, which came just three days before the grand finale on Sunday, led to Faith’s disqualification despite being tipped as one of the favourites to win the show. Faith’s disqualification further emphasised the importance of anger management.

There is no doubt that everyone gets angry from time to time, but the way it is expressed, especially in public, can leave a lasting impression.

Outbursts can damage relationships, harm reputations, or even escalate situations unnecessarily. That is why learning how to control anger in public is an important skill for maintaining self-respect and earning the respect of others.

Staying calm when emotions run high does not mean suppressing feelings; rather, it means responding thoughtfully and managing reactions constructively.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to control anger in public without losing your cool.

1. Take deep breaths

Breathing deeply helps slow down the body’s stress response. When anger rises, your heartbeat and blood pressure increase, making you feel ready to explode. A few controlled breaths calm your nervous system and give you a moment to think before reacting.

Try inhaling slowly through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and exhaling through your mouth. This simple practice can quickly help you regain control when tensions rise in public.

2. Walk away if possible

This is another way to control your anger in public. If a situation feels overwhelming, stepping away can prevent things from escalating. A short break creates space between your emotions and the trigger, making it easier to respond calmly later.

Walking away is not weakness, but it’s wisdom instead. Whether it’s moving to another room, stepping outside, or even counting to ten silently, this pause allows your mind to reset.

3. Think before you speak

When emotions are high, words often come out sharper than intended. Taking a brief moment to process your thoughts prevents saying something you may regret.

Instead of reacting instantly, pause and consider the consequences of your words. This short delay can make the difference between resolving a conflict and creating a bigger one.

4. Focus on solutions

Staying angry at the problem often fuels more frustration. Shifting your energy to finding solutions helps reduce negative emotions and creates a sense of control.

For example, instead of shouting about a mistake, suggest ways it can be fixed. This approach makes you look composed and proactive, even under pressure.

5. Practise relaxation techniques

Techniques such as repeating calming words, visualising a peaceful scene, or gently stretching your muscles can reduce tension in the heat of the moment. These strategies help your body counter the physical signs of anger. The more often you practise relaxation methods, the easier they become to use when anger strikes.

Former lawmaker who once represented Bayelsa East in the National Assembly, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ben Bruce, has declared that the landmark achievements of the present Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration informed his decision to abandon the erstwhile ruling party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former Director-General of Nigerian Television Authority from 1999 to 2003, under the PDP led Olusegun Obasanjo administration declared on his X handle adding that Nigeria has witnessed phenomenal growth in all sectors under the present administration.

His post reads:’ I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998. I know the man’s mind, his courage, and his conviction. He is not driven by applause, he is driven by results. And today, I can boldly say to you that he is on the right track.

‘For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who truly understands finance, who sees the economy not as a political slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe.

‘The painful reforms we face today are the very foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity. We are moving into a free-market economy, one that rewards hard work and innovation instead of dependency and distortion.

‘Look around you: under this administration, the appointment of the National Security Adviser has redefined our national safety architecture. Insecurity is being quietly and systematically dismantled. The Central Bank, now professionally steered, is stabilizing the economy, rebuilding confidence, and restoring the dignity of the naira.

‘Our foreign policy is again respected. Our fuel supply is deregulated. We will never again live through the humiliation of fuel scarcity. The numbers are beginning to speak, investments are returning, and the world is watching Nigeria rise again.

‘And beyond economics, Bola Tinubu’s infrastructural drive is unprecedented; from massive road networks to modernized ports, airports and housing schemes springing up across the nation. These developments are not just concrete and steel; they are the arteries through which growth and opportunity now flow.

‘I know it is still a difficult season for many families. But as history teaches, reform is never painless. Yet, it is in these moments of sacrifice that nations are reborn.

‘That is why today, I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress. Because I believe that Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of.

‘Mark my words: in the full term of eight years, Nigeria will witness phenomenal growth. I choose to stand with that vision. I choose to stand with reform. I choose to stand with the future.

‘Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said that Nigeria would need over $23 billion to expand energy access and connect millions of Nigerians who are still living in energy poverty.

Shettima, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Power, said Nigeria’s energy transition presents an investment opportunity of over $410bn between now and 2060.

Tribune Online reports that NREIF 2025 is an initiative designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators in the country’s clean energy sector.

He said, ‘This is an invitation to establish Nigeria as the hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Africa. Nigeria’s energy transition presents an investment opportunity of over $410 billion between now and 2060. Of this, more than $23 billion is required to expand energy access and connect the millions of Nigerians who still live in energy poverty.

‘But beyond access lies our grander ambition, which is to deliver a power system capable of 277 gigawatts of total installed capacity by 2060. This ambition demands more than investment. It demands innovation, local capacity and commitment.’

According to the vice president, Nigeria’s path to achieving a sustainable energy future must be driven not only by ambitious policies but also by the ability to transform ideas into practical solutions that guarantee availability, affordability and sustainability for every Nigerian. He assured investors, development partners and other stakeholders at the forum of President Tinubu’s commitment to consolidating policy foundations that would lead to a renewable energy market that is self-sustaining.

‘We are enhancing incentives for local manufacturing, streamlining regulatory frameworks and deepening collaboration with state governments, investors and development partners to de-risk private capital and accelerate the emergence of a self-sustaining renewable energy market,’ Shettima added.

The vice president also stated that over $400 million in new investment commitments had been mobilised into Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain through engagements facilitated by the forum saying the investments would fund the establishment of solar panels, smart meters, battery storage and recycling facilities which will create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, earlier in his remarks, described NREIF as a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy transformation pathway which showed the role of innovative partnership in targeting significant amount of local solar energy production capacity.

The minister described the Integrated National Electricity Policy as a comprehensive sector-wide policy framework aimed at strengthening gains recorded in the sector.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the NREIF is a forum that connects policy and vision with research efforts as well as accelerate Nigeria’s aspirations to developing a sustainable green energy ecosystem adding that Africa cannot be left behind in the global energy transition.

Aliyu described NREIF as Nigeria’s bold and energetic step towards the actualisation of the country’s goals in global energy transition.

As part of effort to strengthen its industrial base, the Ogun State Government has signed an agreement with two leading renewable energy service companies (RESCOs) to generate about 1,100 MW of solar power in the state.

The companies are: Tranos Contracting Limited, which is to establish a 600MW solar panel manufacturing plant and battery pack in the state, and Vision Gas and Power Limited, which is also to establish a 500MW solar panel manufacturing plant with potential expansion to 1GW.

The partnership was sealed at the instance of the Vice-President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum(NREIF) 2025, held in Abuja.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the forum was convened under the Federal Ministry of Power and co-organised with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima as Chairman for the year 2025.

With the theme: ‘Implementing the Nigeria first policy: Facilitating Local Content Development and Manufacturing in the Renewable Energy Ecosystem NREIF2025’, the forum, according to the statement, is Nigeria’s premier platform to shape the future of renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria by bringing together global leaders, investors, and policy mas, among others.

‘These partnerships will ultimately spotlight Ogun state as a leader in innovation, industrial readiness, and inclusive growth, while affirming our state’s commitment to economic diversification and environmental sustainability.

‘This is in tandem with our vision to attract investments that drive a robust economic base, create jobs, and ensure that our State remains a model of innovation and sustainability.

‘By expanding local capacity for clean energy production, we are reducing dependence on imports and laying a foundation for inclusive industrial growth,’ the statement read.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a five-member committee to address issues of land grabbing and related offenses in the city.

The committee, which will approach the problem from a legal perspective, includes Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Barrister Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman Abiodun AbdulRaheem, and Tunji Thomas.

According to a statement by the monarch’s media aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja authorised the committee to co-opt experts from other fields – including town planning, surveying, security, and the legal sector – to support their work in combating land grabbing.

Barrister Musibau Adetunbi, one of the members, was in court during the inauguration, which took place in the presence of the Olubadan-in-Council.

Oba Ladoja said both the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council shared the same commitment to rid Ibadan of the land-grabbing menace.

According to him, ‘land grabbing is like an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that need to be unravelled. I know each of you very well. While we entertain no illusion as to the gravity of your responsibility, I have no doubt in my mind that you have the capacity to carry out the responsibility.’

The monarch directed the committee to begin work immediately and submit its recommendations within 21 days. He clarified that the legal advisory committee would work alongside the existing land matters committee led by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.

Supporting the Olubadan’s position, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, said it was time for decisive action against land grabbing, which had repeatedly endangered residents.

He said, ‘If it were possible, we should seek the establishment of anti-land grabbing tribunals in all eleven local government councils in Ibadanland.’

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) thanked the Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-Council for the opportunity to serve. He described the appointment as a call to duty and appealed for cooperation from the Oyo State Government and Ibadan residents in tackling land grabbing.

He added that the committee’s work would align with the state government’s position, as the administration also opposes land grabbing.

The meeting, presided over by Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was attended by several members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Otun Olubadan-Designate, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Osi Olubadan-Designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Olubadan-Designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; and Ekerin Olubadan-Designate, Oba Adebayo Akande.

Also present were the Bobajiro of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu, as well as the Ajiroba, Professor Soji Adejumo.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum across the country, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohamed Ndarani Mohammed, has called for the investigation of retired civil servants and former public office holders before they are allowed to contest elective positions.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndarani expressed concern over the growing trend of former public servants amassing unexplained wealth toward the end of their tenure in preparation for political ambitions.

According to him, while the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) mandates all public servants to declare their assets, there is often no follow-up investigation after they leave office, adding that, ‘After retirement or resignation, no one checks whether their post-service assets align with what they declared when they joined public service.

‘This lack of scrutiny allows many to plunder public funds with impunity’, the senior lawyer said and lamented that many public officials exploit their positions to divert public resources into private accounts, using such funds to finance expensive election campaigns.

He noted that despite the provisions of Section 88(2-7) of the Electoral Act 2022, which sets limits on campaign expenses, politicians continue to flout these laws without consequence.

The senior lawyer expressed worry that politicians are not being sanctioned for violating campaign finance limits, which he said explained why so many public servants, as their retirement nears, resort to corrupt practices in anticipation of their entry into politics.

Outlining several measures to curb this trend and promote transparency ahead of the 2027 polls, Ndarani said, retired civil servants and former political office holders should undergo a thorough investigation to determine the sources of their assets and income after leaving office.

‘Retired public servants should be barred from contesting elections for at least one year to allow anti-corruption agencies sufficient time to investigate them. Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) who have retired or been relieved of their duties should also face financial investigations, regardless of whether they plan to contest elections’.

He called on Nigerians to play active roles in holding their leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance, and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should invoke Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to strengthen the fight against corruption.

Ndarani emphasized that Nigeria’s political class must begin to view public service as an avenue for nation-building, not personal enrichment.

‘Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,’ he said, and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to begin proactive investigations into potential political aspirants well ahead of the 2027 elections.

He appealed to President Tinubu to create an enabling platform that would prevent retired public officials from using ill-gotten wealth to contest for political offices, stressing that such reforms were vital to Nigeria’s progress and democratic integrity.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast, projecting a 3.9 per cent expansion in 2025 and 4.2 percent in 2026, reflecting renewed optimism about the country’s reform-driven economic rebound.

The revised figures were announced on Tuesday during the launch of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) 2025 at the ongoing World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

In its July 2025 update, the IMF had forecast Nigeria’s economy to grow by 3.4 percent in 2025. The new projection marks a 0.5 percentage point upward revision, signaling increased confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic policies and reform momentum under the Tinubu administration.

The IMF also upgraded Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.2 percent, compared to 3.2 percent previously predicted in July.

The improved outlook places Nigeria ahead of South Africa, whose growth is expected to edge slightly from 1.0 to 1.1 percent in 2025, but fall to 1.2 percent in 2026, while the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average was lifted to 4.1 percent in 2025 and 4.4 percent in 2026.

The IMF attributed Nigeria’s stronger growth prospects to ‘supportive domestic factors,’ notably higher oil production, improved investor confidence, and a more favorable fiscal stance projected for 2026.

‘Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors-including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, and given its limited exposure to higher U.S. tariffs-many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape,’ the IMF stated.

The upward revision follows a period of key policy adjustments in Nigeria, including exchange rate unification, subsidy reforms, and a tightened monetary stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb inflation and stabilise the naira.

Globally, the IMF projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, slowing slightly to 3.1 percent in 2026. Although this represents a modest improvement from the July 2025 update, it remains 0.2 percentage points below forecasts made before the October 2024 global policy shifts.

‘This is an improvement relative to the July WEO Update-but cumulatively 0.2 percentage point below earlier forecasts, with the slowdown reflecting headwinds from uncertainty and protectionism, even though the tariff shock is smaller than originally announced,’ the Fund noted.

Advanced economies are expected to grow by around 1.5 percent during 2025-2026, with the United States slowing to 2.0 percent, while emerging markets and developing economies are projected to expand just above 4.0 percent.

Global inflation is forecast to ease to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026, as world trade volume grows at an average rate of 2.9 percent-down from 3.5 percent in 2024, reflecting ongoing trade fragmentation and weaker global demand.

In July, the IMF concluded its 2025 Article IV consultation with Nigeria, reaffirming confidence in the government’s reform agenda and forecasting 3.4 percent growth for the year. The Fund also backed the CBN’s tight monetary policy stance, describing it as crucial for containing inflation and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

The latest WEO update suggests that Nigeria’s ongoing structural and fiscal reforms are beginning to yield measurable gains, setting the stage for stronger, more sustained growth over the medium term.

The Nigerian equities market sustained a cautious advance at the midweek session as renewed buying interest in select large- and mid-cap stocks lifted the benchmark index marginally.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 0.02 per cent to close at 147,742.22 basis points, maintaining year-to-date returns at 43.54 per cent.

Similarly, market capitalisation appreciated by ?19.84 billion to close at ?93.78 trillion, reflecting sustained investor optimism in market fundamentals despite a slowdown in activity.

Market sentiment remained positive, as 33 gainers outpaced 27 decliners. On the performance board, Royal Exchange gained 7.4 per cent, International Energy Insurance rose by 6.1 per cent, while SFS Real Estate Investment Trust, Julius Berger, and Omatek Computer also led the gainers’ chart. Conversely, Tripple G shed 9.9 per cent, Industrial Medical Gases dipped by 9.9 per cent, while UAC Nigeria, Ellah Lakes, and Japaul Gold topped the losers’ list.

Across sectors, performance was broadly mixed. The Consumer Goods, Industrial Goods, and Oil and Gas indices each advanced by 0.1 per cent, buoyed by gains in Transnational Corporation, which rose by 4.2 per cent, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings, which appreciated by 1.6 per cent.

Conversely, the Banking and Insurance indices declined by 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively, following mild profit-taking in tier-one lenders and insurers. The Commodities index closed flat.

Trading activity weakened across all indicators, as the total volume traded fell by 21.41 per cent to 389.11 million units, valued at ?12.48 billion, exchanged in 23,017 deals – representing a 10.25 per cent decline in the number of transactions.

Fidelity Bank emerged as the most traded stock by volume with 46.87 million shares, while Zenith Bank led by value at ?1.42 billion.

Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Warri-Sapele-Benin Dual carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe local government areas, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the federal and state governments for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the project represented ‘another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State government.’

He described the Warri-Sapele-Benin road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.

‘The section we are flagging off covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users,’ he said.

Governor Oborevwori noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasising that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people.

‘Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,’ he said.

The governor further disclosed that the Delta State government had paid ?10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha and adjoining communities.

He lamented the hardship long suffered by commuters and transporters on the Warri-Sapele-Benin route due to its deplorable condition, noting that the reconstruction will enhance mobility, reduce travel time and spur economic growth.

He said: ‘Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies.’

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of the safest states in Nigeria through strategic investments in infrastructure, peace and security.

He also promised that the requests of the people of Uvwie Kingdom partaining to the Mother and Child Hospital and provision of 500KVA transformer, will be looked into.

‘At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by-spare parts market to after Ohore, before Ometan bridge.

Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.

‘This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,’ Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.

He said the project will be completed within 12 months, adding that the state will celebrate another landmark achievement that will enhance trade, transportation and community life.

General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Thomas Feng, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.

Earlier, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Area counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun will be named as ‘Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way’ in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.

Also, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritising key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.

He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.

Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion.

A former governorship candidate in Lagos State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, has urged the Igbo living in the state to disabuse their minds of the perception that the Yoruba in Lagos hate them and, therefore, should not see their hosts as enemies.

Jandor, who addressed Igbo leaders and members of Team Jandor from the South-East resident in the state at the Liberty House, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, on Tuesday, gave the assurance, urging the Igbo living in the state to forget the past and discard such perceptions.

While giving the assurance, Jandor asserted that Lagos State had been hospitable to all, adding: ‘What you cannot get in many other states, we freely give you here.’

He said: ‘I want to let you know that the people and government of Lagos State don’t hate you. Forget what happened at the opposing camp then.

‘Let me first remind you of how hospitable we have been in this state. What you cannot get in many other states, we freely give you here.

‘We sell our lands to you, which shows how hospitable we are. Lagos is the first state that accommodated non-indigenes in the state cabinet.

‘We are all living witnesses to it. You might have issues with the then governor, now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; it doesn’t change the fact that he is a nice man.

‘Other states have started copying him. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has Yoruba people in his cabinet, just like Imo State. It started from here,’ he said.

The former governorship candidate, who is also the Lead Visioner of Lagos4Lagos, urged the audience not to listen to politicians who, he said, were instigating the belief that the Yoruba don’t like them, stressing that if the state government didn’t like them, they would not sell land to them.

Jandor, who hails from Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, said the majority of people doing business there are Igbo, pointing out that they were making money because the Yoruba sold land to them and allowed them to live and work there.

‘If we have issues because a few of you have gone to the wrong side of the law and the government takes action, people should not think it is about the Igbo.

‘The demolition going on in Lagos is not targeted at the Igbo. The office of the Oba of Lagos was demolished because it was built under power lines, yet he is a Yoruba man.

‘We may have people in government who are overbearing, but the law is the law. If Yoruba people in other states go on the wrong side of the law, it would not stop the government from taking action. We should use whatever is happening at this moment to our own advantage.

‘It was not the entire Trade Fair that was demolished – only a few structures that went on the wrong side of the law were affected.

‘We want to appeal that we should know that the government and the people of Lagos State don’t hate you. It is only here that we have made someone who is not from Lagos a local government chairman.

‘Don’t see us as enemies. If we hate you, we would not admit your children into our primary and secondary schools or allow you to work as teachers or civil servants in our state,’ he said.

Jandor, however, said that some of the issues bothering Igbo people living in the state were sensitive and promised that an avenue for dialogue would be created.

He also promised to visit all the places affected by recent demolitions to explain where wrongdoings occurred and to present his observations to the state government.

He said the parley was not about politics but about ensuring that the APC continued to win in Lagos State after the 2027 general elections, irrespective of who was on the ballot.

While promising to take the lead and finance the process, he urged them not to allow outsiders to destabilise the state.

Responding, a leader of the group, Chief (Dr) Sunday Udeh, who said he had been with the progressives since the days of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through to the APC, said the body of the Igbo-speaking community in Lagos State was not partisan.

Udeh said they knew where they were going and could never fight the government or the party in power, assuring that the Igbo were ready to work and were already working.

He said the Igbo and Yoruba had been working together and should continue to do so.

‘Igbo are ready to work and they are working. I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning under him, as Lagos State governor, was an Igbo man.

‘Igbo and Yoruba have been working together. In Igbo-speaking communities during the time of the late Lateef Jakande and Sir Michael Otedola as governors, we worked together.

‘Igbo and Yoruba work together and there is nothing that should stop that. Your message will go round because we have our leaders here,’ Udeh said.

‘After the 2023 general elections, those of us on the field understood what was happening. It was as if there was a demarcation between the Igbo and Yoruba. It is not hatred, but the election created that demarcation. We know that demolition happens everywhere once a structure is in the wrong place.

‘We, however, believe that it got worse after the 2023 general elections.

‘We used to have an Igbo man in the State House of Assembly; we had a Special Adviser to the Governor and an Igbo commissioner, but after the 2023 general elections, we don’t have anyone. We want you to help us pass our message to them,’ he added.

Also speaking, HRH Eze Dr Okey Anorue, Eze Ndigbo Igbogbo/Baiyeku LGA, and the Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, told Jandor that the remaining peace would start from him, urging him to protect them and propagate the ideals of peaceful coexistence in the state.

Dr Anorue prayed that God would help Jandor accomplish his dreams during his political journey, promising to work for his success.