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From October 18-19, 2025, Terra Kulture Arena in Victoria Island, Lagos, will play host to lovers of stage performance as the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ enthralls the audience for two days.

The opera, directed by Muyideen Oladapo, popularly known as Lala, and written by Taiye Adeola, a PhD holder, will feature a collection of top Nollywood actors and actresses including: Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Branch, Tunji Sotimirin, Omowunmi Dada and Lizzy Jay.

Speaking on the forthcoming opera at a media parley in Lagos recently, Oladapo, who is drawing strength from his successful directing of ‘Kurunmi’, a play by Ola Rotimi, said that the collection of stars for the opera was a deviation from the norm, as the audience would be seeing the cast members in a different element for the first time.

Describing the opera of ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ as a must-see, Oladapo noted that with a 40-page script, over 140 pages of music and over 80 actors and crew members for the performance, the opera is simple breathtaking.

‘Opera is a play in the form of music and art where the singers and instrumentalists perform in a theatrical way. Every line will be acted out in the form of a song,’ Oladapo explained. He confessed that he chose to perform ‘The Gods Have Spoken’ because the message mirrors the society, even more today. ‘It is a story that gives hope to the common man in their pursuit of destiny,’ he said.

On his part, Tunji Sotimirin, a veteran actor and academic, assured the audience of a spectacular experience at Terra Kulture come October 18th and 19th.

‘This is a tiny script with a unique, significant message and dialogue being rendered for a spectacle to behold. This is to celebrate the common man’s voice to equip themselves,’ he said.

Also speaking during the media parley, Segun Adefila, choreography director of the opera, explained that the story which is about destiny and character teaches how man can influence the voice of the gods to bring destiny to life.

Adeaga Mofopefoluwa, the music director, said that, The Gods Have Spoken is a peculiar play with a unique message for the audience.

‘We have been working on the music scoresheet written by the writer and the arranger of the play, orchestrating the performance of this play. I assure the audience of a captivating performance different from what they have experienced,’ Mofopefoluwa said at the performance rehearsal.

However, Olamide Oladapo, the producer of the opera and daughter of the director, assured that the performance will also feature something special, while urging the audience to be on the lookout.

‘This is a satire and total theatre: dancing, acting, singing, with actors saying their lines in the form of songs,’ she said.

‘This will captivate and engage the audience. And I would like to add that we have something special coming on stage. I want everyone to watch out and come and see,’ Olamide, a Theatre Arts graduate, said.

She invites all to visit Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos from October 18-19, 2025, between 3pm and 6pm to see the highly anticipated opera performance.

On September 29, 2025, Africa Magic stepped up its efforts at offering original content for its growing viewership across Nigeria, the continent and the globe.

That day, at an exclusive movie premiere at Filmhouse Cinemas, Landmark MX4D, Oniru, Lagos, Africa Magic unveiled its new content slate premiering next quarter.

The slate includes four new original drama series: The Low Priest (130 episodes); Mother of the Bride (39 episodes); Etiti (26 episodes) and Rise Again, which were unveiled to a select audience including; movie lovers, cast and crew members of the new movies and the media.

Starting with The Low Priest and Mother of the Bride, which both premiered on September 29, 2025 on Africa Magic Showcase, the new original drama series feature diverse storytelling across drama, fantasy, and music-inspired narratives, while reinforcing Africa Magic’s commitment to delivering fresh and engaging African content.

The remaining two; Etiti and Rise Again will premiere on October 2 and 19, 2025, respectively also on Africa Magic Showcase.

The event, which is aptly an exclusive evening with Africa Magic, also was a sort of celebration of the directors of the movies and their creative ingenuity.

From Femi Ogunsanwo, Basketmouth and Unlimited LA, the directors and producers truly lived up to the expectation of Africa Magic that commissioned the movies and the viewers, who have been anticipating their release. Moreover, the storylines are quite intriguing.

Starting with the already premiered The Low Priest, the new drama series offers 130 exciting episodes. It is directed by Femi Ogunsanwo and stars the likes of: Paul Nnadiekwe, David Eyo and Oluchi Amajuoyi. The series follows two rivals who trespass into a sacred shrine, triggering a twist of fate where one is chosen by the gods and the other cursed. The show premiered on September 29, 2025, and airs weekdays at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase.

On its part, Mother of the Bride (39 episodes), is a family drama about a Lagos matriarch who, after her husband’s death, discovers she has 45 days to marry off one of her four daughters or lose her inheritance to tradition. Starring Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Ibrahim Suleiman, Wendy Lawal, Kalu Ikeagwu and Gloria Anozie Young, the series airs Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:30 pm on Africa Magic Showcase.

Also, Etiti, a 26- episodes drama series, directed by Daniel Oriahi and produced by Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), premiered on October 2, 2025. The fantasy drama tells the story of a fearless warrior hunter trapped in the afterlife, where he must work with a goddess, Nwa Ala, to save his bride and expose his killer. The series stars Uzoamaka Onuoha, Bryan Okoye, Elma Mbadiwe and Paschaline Ijeoma Alex. It airs Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m.

Directed by Unlimited LA, an award-winning music video director, Rise Again is one of the four new titles to place a bet on.

The series follows a gifted dancer’s journey of resilience and redemption as he battles betrayal, loss and injury in a bid to reclaim his dream. Featuring Liquorose, Hermes Iyele, Kaffy, Do2dtun, Femi Branch, Saskay and Dada Boy Ehiz, the show will premiere on October 19, 2025, and airs Sundays at 8 pm on Africa Magic Showcase.

Apart from the four titles are yet another three new titles on the indigenous channels, which are set to debut on October 11, 2025. They include: Kukoyi, which will debut on Africa Magic Yoruba. It tells the story of Aremu, who accepts the ominous post of Abobaku in his quest for wealth, knowing it ties his fate to that of the king. Mgbuka on Africa Magic Igbo explores loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance in the scrap business through the lives of two childhood friends turned rivals.

On Africa Magic Hausa, Sabon Tauraron Arewa, a new music reality competition, will spotlight emerging vocal talent from northern Nigeria in a contest for fame and a grand prize.

However, the premiere event was an exciting outing for Atinuke Babatunde, new executive head, Content and Channels, West Africa at MultiChoice.

Expressing her excitement on the quality of the output by the directors and producers, Babatunde said, ‘Africa Magic remains committed to telling authentic African stories that resonate with audiences both at home and abroad. With this lineup, we are not only spotlighting some of the industry’s most visionary directors and talent but also reinforcing our promise to deliver premium, relatable entertainment to our viewers.’

Babatunde reiterated MultiChoice’s commitment at offering Nigerian and African creatives the needed platforms to showcase their talent, and most importantly, changing Africa’s narratives with original contents, directed and produced by Africans for the world.

Following the premiere, she urged movie lovers and subscribers to hook onto Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151, GOtv Channel 8) to enjoy all four titles, which will also be released on Showmax soon.

Plastic bottle homes are, increasingly, becoming common features of Nigerian cities. Besides the northern state of Kaduna, particularly around the village of Sabon Yelwa, where they stand as a tourist attraction, such homes can also be found on the Kaduna-Zaria Road.

Another instance is reported near the federal capital, Abuja. A recent report by BusinessDay cited a study which revealed these homes are gaining traction in the South East region of Nigeria, with an increasing number of residents adapting to the housing arrangement.

BusinessDay gathered that these novel homes come with a lot of upsides, especially with the construction method and cost. Builders, who are involved in the supply of these homes, say the construction method is simple, while the cost is relatively cheap.

‘The houses are built using discarded plastic bottles that are filled with sand and then bound together with mud. The bottles are placed on their side, one on top of another,’ Yahaya Ahmed of Nigeria’s Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE), disclosed. A firm, concrete foundation is laid to ensure that the structure is firm and stable, and the sand is sieved to make sure it is compact.

Dolly Ugorchi, who has been trained in bottle house building, explains that builders need to sieve the sand to remove the stone,s otherwise it will not be nice and it would not be able to pass through the mouth of the bottle.

Unlike conventional houses that require going to the market to buy cement, iron roads, among others, bottles for these houses are mainly sourced from hotels and restaurants, but they require a large amount of sand to produce.

In terms of cost, Ahmed estimates that a bottle house will cost one third, that is about 30 percent, of what a similar house made of concrete and bricks would cost, adding that a house of this nature, with one bedroom, living room, bathroom, toilet and kitchen, uses an estimated 7,800 plastic bottles. Besides the simple and cheap construction method, plastic bottle homes also have positive environmental impact as they aim to reduce plastic waste and address housing deficit in a cost-effective way.

Its structural properties are top-notch as developers claim the houses are fireproof, bulletproof, and earthquake-resistant, although some of these claims lack scientific validation or proof.

Like every other residential building where aesthetics are fundamental, plastic bottle homes also possess beautiful façade on their outside wall as the round bottoms of the exposed bottles produce a lovely design.

These homes are durable because ‘compacted sand inside a bottle is nearly 20 times stronger than bricks,’ Ahmed says, adding, ‘we are even intending to build a three-storey building.’ ‘The bottle houses are also ideally suited to the hot Nigerian climate because the sand insulates them from the sun’s heat, helping to keep room temperatures low. And because of the compact sand, they are bullet-proof, which may also prove another attraction in more insecure parts of the north,’ he added.

Available record shows that the ‘bottle brick’ technology started nine years ago in India, South and Central America, providing a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional building bricks.

The technology made its debut in the northern part of Nigeria, with Kaduna State as the earliest and most publicised location for plastic bottle homes. DARE initiated the project in the village of Sabon Yelwa near Kaduna.

A well-known house built with nearly 15,000 bottles is located on the Kaduna-Zaria Road. According to DARE, the project is a model for addressing housing shortages and environmental issues.

World Breastfeeding Week was commemorated at Ajeromi General Hospital in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, bringing together mothers, nutrition experts, and health professionals for a sensitisation programme.

Themed ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems’, the event featured discussions on breastfeeding practices, maternal nutrition, and the importance of workplace support for nursing mothers.

Glory Chinaecherem Uzoigwe, Nutrition and Health Coach, Feeding Specialist and Breastfeeding Consultant, emphasised the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and highlighted the need for sustainable systems to support working mothers. She also referenced the World Health Organisation’s code on infant formula, explaining why breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for babies.

Uzoigwe noted that many working-class mothers are often forced to rely on infant formulas due to the short duration of maternity leave and the lack of workplace facilities such as lactation rooms and child-friendly spaces. ‘These challenges force mothers to drop off their babies at day care or with relatives and then supplement with formula. Breastmilk requires constant stimulation to sustain supply, and with the stress of commuting and work, many women get home too exhausted to express milk for the next day,’ she said.

She further called for policies to normalise breastfeeding in public spaces, extend paid maternity leave, and provide designated breastfeeding areas in offices. ‘Offices that can afford it should also consider child-friendly spaces as part of employee welfare and negotiations,’ she added.

Chioma Nwachukwu, another speaker, demonstrated correct latching techniques through practical and illustrative sessions with dummy babies.

Following the sensitisation, the organisers met with the hospital’s Medical Director to discuss the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in the local community

If there is one promise Nigerians have heard too often, it is that the promise of a free, fair and credible elections. Now, with less than two years before the 2027 vote, the House of Representatives says it is serious about change.

The Green Chamber have drawn a December deadline to deliver a package of electoral and constitutional reforms that, if passed, could reshape the way Nigerians choose their leaders.

Over a dozen bills are on the table, tackling everything from the timing of elections to who gets to run for office, and even how political parties are allowed to operate. Taken together, the reforms could mark the most ambitious attempt in years to address long-standing complaints about the credibility of Nigeria’s polls. First, lawmakers want to hold all elections in one day. In practice, this would mean that presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly contests are all decided in a single outing. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives believes this could slash election costs by up to 40 percent and boost voter turnout, as citizens tend to show up more for the high-stakes presidential vote than for state-level polls.

Second, the proposals would open the door for independent candidates. This has long been a demand of civil society groups who argue that Nigeria’s political parties are gatekeepers that shut out credible contenders. Allowing independents could give voters more choice – though it may also splinter the ballot.

Another proposed shift would be transferring the power to appoint the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) away from the President and into the hands of the National Judicial Council. The thinking is simple: fewer political fingerprints on the appointment process could strengthen the perception of INEC’s neutrality.

Lawmakers are also pushing for stricter rules on party politics. For instance, party executives would be barred from holding elective offices at the same time, reducing conflicts of interest.

Other ideas on the table include establishing an Electoral Offences Commission, ensuring that all pre-election matters are resolved before officeholders are sworn in, creating a Local Government Elections Commission, and even reserving parliamentary seats for women and persons with disabilities.

The politics of timing

The big question, of course, is whether all this can be done in time. Electoral reforms are notorious for dragging on in Nigeria, often getting caught in partisan crossfire or slowed by the cumbersome process of amending the constitution, which requires approval from two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. But the Speaker, meeting with a visiting European Union delegation in Abuja last week, promised that things would be different this time. He revealed that both Senate and House leaders had agreed to isolate electoral amendments from other constitutional issues and push them through by December.

‘We agreed that because of some of the amendments that we want to bring forth , some are by way of Act of Parliament, some are by constitutional amendment – we will fast track and isolate the electoral issues and take them as one, single entity; and push them forward for the National Assembly to deliberate and take a position; and then send them to the sub-nationals (state Houses of Assembly) to also consider them within a short timeframe, between now and December,’ he said.

‘We will not be late,’ he stressed with confidence, stressing that the reforms would give INEC enough time to implement changes well before the 2027 polls. His assurance was a direct response to EU concerns.

The delegation, led by Barry Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament, welcomed the reform push but warned that INEC requires at least a year to adapt to any new laws. ‘Time is of the essence’, Andrews said.

Why this matters

The 2023 elections were a mixed bag. While some praised the introduction of technology such as the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System), many voters and observers complained of late arrivals, logistical failures, violence, and a lack of transparency in result collation. For a country with Africa’s largest democracy, the credibility of elections is not just a domestic issue; it shapes Nigeria’s international standing and the legitimacy of its leaders. Ultimately, the reforms will test not just the National Assembly’s legislative agility, but also its political courage. Many of the proposals, from curbing decamping to reserving seats for women strike at entrenched habits and power structures.

Passing them will require lawmakers to put national interest above partisan calculation, something Nigerian politics does not always deliver.

Still, the fact that a December deadline has been set is significant.

It creates a sense of urgency and gives Nigerians something concrete to hold their lawmakers accountable to.

If the reforms succeed, 2027 could be a turning point for Nigerian democracy: cheaper, fairer, and more inclusive elections, with less room for manipulation.

If they fail, Nigerians may once again head to the polls with old frustrations intact, and the familiar promise that things will surely be better ‘next time.’

Following recent deadly attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and their rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), around the Bama and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has expressed concern that the security situation could deteriorate further if the military fails to strengthen its presence around border communities.

Recently, BusinessDay reported how the terrorists attacked several locations, including Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area, also Banki and Kirawa on fringe of Nigeria-Cameroon border community in Bama and Gwoza Local Government Areas, claiming the livies of over 65 civilians aside wanton private and public structures raze down.

Last Wednesday, October 1, Governors Babagana Zulum of Nigeria’s Borno State and Brig.Gen Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma of Niger Republic’s Diffa Region held a closed-door meeting in Diffa, to, among others, re-strategize for lasting security around the Lake Chad shores.

Their discussions reportedly centered on joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and sustaining the recent gains that have pushed insurgents out of many of their former strongholds. Zulum, last Friday, October 3, undertook a commiseration and assessment visit to Kirawa community where the violent extremists killed one person and torched the district head’s palace, reportedly sending the district head to flee to the neighbouring Cameroon.

Following the frightening resurgence of terror attacks, Zulum charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to scale up military operations in Borno State to avert the possibility of terrorists reversing the gains recorded so far.

‘??’???? ???????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ????e??e ????????s ?????????????? ???????????????? which are Wulgo, Kirawa, Baga, Damasak, Malamfatori, and others are borders community that has to be protected because of the significant of these communities.’

He continued by expressing his frustration, ‘?????? ??????????????????????????, ???? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? and two days ago you have seen these terrorists come to this town and destroyed everything.’ Zulum said while addressing journalists at Kirawa town on the spot assessment.

Governor Zulum noted that border communities in Borno State were recently attacked by insurgents after repeated warnings to Nigerian authorities went unheeded.

‘I am appealing to the Nigerian Armed Forces to be more committed. Above all, we need military operations. For sometime, military operations were not conducted in Borno State. ‘This has been instrumental to the renewed insurgency. We need to take note of one very important thing, continued military operations. There is need for us to sustain our military operations,’ Zulum said.

The governor sympathised deeply with residents over the tragic incident and condemned the attack in the strongest terms, assuring the people of his administration’s commitment to their safety and well-being.

He announced concrete steps that can improve security in the area, revealing that plans are underway to deploy additional security personnel and establish a new Civilian JTF post to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities in and around Kirawa.

Reacting to the latest development, Dauda Illiya, Governor Zulum’s spokesperson was optimistic that the recent setback would not deter the committiment of the current administration to resettle displaced persons.

Dauda pointed out that Governor Zulum has always emphasized the nexus between resettlement programme and development is adequate security which it is vital to defeating the terrorists. He added that the Governor’s two-day confidence building visit to the area further demonstrate and underscores his repeated statement.

Dauda said, ‘However, the border town of Banki is showing encouraging signs of recovery, with its population steadily increasing each day. Governor Zulum has consistently stated that the resettlement of displaced people, along with resilience and peace-building initiatives, are central to defeating the insurgency in the region.

‘His hands-on approach and connection with local communities have continued to earn him the trust of the people he serves. He is widely recognised for his close identification with the citizens of Borno.

‘This latest visit to the border area demonstrates Governor Zulum’s clear commitment to rebuilding a stronger and more prosperous Borno State.

‘The urgency for change of approach and strategy is highly imperative, not only to enable Borno State government safeguard and consolidate the significant success it has achieved in the resettlement of returnee communities in their ancestral abodes, but also to check further advances by the terrorists who seem hell-bent on reconquering liberated territories.

‘Liberation of all territories, (except Guzamala, Abadam, and parts of Marte and Kukawa) hitherto under the grips of the terrorists by the Nigerian military and the multinational joint task force restored the sufficient security that facilitated the state government’s reconstruction and resettlement programme tailored towards the rapid rebuilding of the state economy.

‘The current resurgence of terror activities across the Northern, the Central and parts of the Southern zones of the state glaringly shows the determination of the terrorists to halt the resettlement programme and this is the right time for the military to rise to the occasion by defending the territorial integrity of this country by protecting and safeguarding the borders communities in the northeast and northwest where these violent extremism are wrecking havoc on helpless civilians.’

The economic horizon for the growth and expansion of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the South-South and South-East got brighter recently with the engagement of a popular SME growth facilitator in the region, Larry-Goodwill Akintoba Ajiola, for higher global tasks.

Following his current multiple engagements as head of policy and diplomatic affairs at the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), head of training and capacity development at the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations (ASDIR), distinguished fellow and certified global expert in political economy at the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA) and head of communication, marketing and branding at the African Academic Achievers’ Awards (A4), the international SMEs/SDGs’ expert is now responsible for mobilizing distinguished individuals for membership in UN-WCD, assembling participants’ training on leadership, diplomacy and team development through ASDIR.

He is also facilitating affiliations of ASDIR with other universities, promoting the IIEPEA institute and championing a think-tank on political economic dynamics for a development-oriented governance and global economic growth as well as mobilizing institutions for A4 award and initiating institutional ratings to promote academic excellence.

With these latest engagements of Ajiola, known for his great passion for SMEs’ growth, operators within the South-South and South-East regional economic corridor believe that the global frontier market would be made more accessible to the sector.

A statement signed by Tunji John Asaolu, a professor and secretary-general of United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) in Abuja and made available to BusinessDay, noted that part of Ajiola’s new task also includes organizing occasional socio-economic and international diplomacy-enhancment programmes.

‘His (Ajiola’s) appointment is a testament to our organization’s dedication to fostering global peace, understanding, and cooperation,’ the statement added.

In an interview with BusinessDay in Port Harcourt, Ajiola described the multiple engagements as a good omen for the business sector in the South-South and South-East region in particular and in the nation at large, expressing hope that the new tasks would positively rub off on the sector.

Ajiola, an international ambassador for peace and PHD holder, noted: ‘It’s a recognition of the little efforts we have made over the years to promote the business, peace, diplomacy and international relations eco-system and I’m happy about it. I know there will be challenges but we shall succeed with unity of purpose and the diplomatic, academic and socio-economic sectors will all be impacted at the end of the day.’

Ajiola, who also is the managing director of I-Conntact.Connect Ltd, has supported a lot of SMEs in Port Harcourt and other cities in the South-South and South East Region while promoting peace advocacy and UN SDGs.

In August, he partnered with the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) to mark the 2025 World Humanitarian Day at Enugu.

The Coalition of Youth and Women Supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has called on the party’s national and zonal leadership to dismantle the current leadership structure in the state and install an interim arrangement that reflects greater inclusivity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Yola, the coalition, led by its Chairman, Mohammad Adamu, described the existing structure as unrepresentative and exclusionary.

Adamu emphasized that the inclusion of youths and women in the party’s leadership should be considered a right, not a privilege.

‘This is not right. Equality and justice should be the guiding principles in party politics. Women and youths must be considered for all leadership positions,’ he said.

He urged the National and Zonal Working Committees of the ADC to ensure that at least 17 of the 27 state-level party offices in Adamawa are allocated to young people.

The coalition further demanded that women be given equitable opportunities across all party structures, stating that their involvement should not be limited to stereotypical roles such as Woman Leader or Assistant Woman Leader. According to Adamu, young people make up about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population, while women account for roughly 62 percent, making both demographics central to the country’s democratic future.

‘ADC, as a political party, should harness the raw potential of young people and women by reserving at least 50 percent of elective positions within its structures for them. This is key to fostering inclusion and democratic accountability,’ he added.

The group also condemned what it described as the imposition of older individuals in youth leadership roles, citing the appointment of a 50-year-old man as a youth leader in a political party.

Adamu insisted that the position of youth leader should be strictly reserved for individuals between the ages of 18 and 39, in alignment with Nigeria’s demographic realities.

On the issue of micro-zoning of party positions, the coalition urged stakeholders to respect existing arrangements when selecting leaders. It also recommended Mr. Abdurrasheed Suleiman for consideration as State Youth Leader, should the position be zoned to Adamawa Central.

Despite its grievances, the coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC at both national and zonal levels and pledged to work towards strengthening the party’s standing as a major opposition force in the country.

Sharafadeen Alli, an All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator that represents the Oyo South Senatorial District, has revealed plans for an agricultural partnership with foreign investors to empower youths and support farmers in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Alli, who disclosed this when Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola paid him a courtesy visit in his Ibadan residence. He said that agriculture remained a cornerstone of economic development, hence the need to engage youths in the sector.

The senator said the agricultural initiative would create jobs, enhance food security, and contribute to the region’s economic development.

The senator, who also reaffirmed his commitment to completing his one-per-ward borehole initiative, promised to deliver more projects, saying that the people supported him and deserved quality representation.

‘By God’s grace, we will do more. The 2024 budget is ongoing, and the 2025 budget will bring greater interventions,’ he assured.

In his address, Oba Rafiu Ariwoola hailed Senator Alli for transforming the community through impactful projects, declaring that ‘Igangan has never had it so good.’

The monarch, who led community leaders and parents to express their collective gratitude, stated: ‘I came to appreciate Senator Alli for all he has done for our people.

Since I became king, no leader has matched his efforts.’ He announced the senator’s facilitation of a high-capacity solar power project at the Federal Science and Technical College, Igangan, executed by Casbern Global Services Limited to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

‘The 64 solar panels, 32 batteries and inverters are a game-changer. Classrooms, laboratories and workshops now enjoy constant power for teaching, learning and innovation.’

Oba Ariwoola revealed that plans for a community health centre were also on course saying that land has already been earmarked for the critical project.

‘The senator has surpassed the community’s expectations; he has given us more than we demanded. If we had such representation earlier, things would have been much better.

‘We trusted many people who did nothing, before, parents withdrew their children from school. This project has changed everything for our students,’ he said. Isau Ayandele, Igangan Community Secretary described the project as historic, explaining that the community unanimously endorsed the visit.

‘The last time we witnessed such a development was during Senator Peter Adeyemo’s era. This is a joint appreciation for a senator who matches words with action,’ he stressed.

Meanwhile, Senator Alli has eulogised Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the occasion of her 65th birthday, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to youth development, education and humanitarian causes.

Alli, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described her as a woman of grace vision and uncommon patriotism.

The lawmaker lauded the first lady for her commitment to nation-building and well-being of Nigerian families.

He commended Senator Tinubu for her exemplary virtues as a distinguished legislator, devoted mother and pillar of support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Alli said that the first lady’s selfless service has continue to inspire women across the country.

He added that her Renewed Hope Initiative was touching lives and giving hope to vulnerable Nigerians in remarkable ways.

‘As you celebrate this milestone, I join millions of Nigerians in praying for your continued good health, strength and divine wisdom to sustain your impactful service to humanity,’ Alli said.

Senator Alli prayed that God grant her long, prosperous life filled with peace, happiness, and greater accomplishments.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to emulate her virtues of humility, compassion and dedication to the service of the nation.

Moreso, Alli has warned Nigerians to be wary of an unknown person who has fraudulently opened a Facebook account in his name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

‘My attention has been drawn to the activities of an unknown person who is duping people through Facebook in my name.

‘We strongly advise the public not to engage in any transaction or communication with anyone on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Messenger, or any other similar channels, claiming to represent Senator Alli.

In a statement released by his media team, he said: ‘The Senator does not solicit funds, personal details, or business dealings through social media. Anyone who has information about the impostor is kindly urged to report to the nearest police station for necessary action.’

A multi-million-dollar deal was recently sealed by Veritasi Homes and Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited (COOPLAG) who also turned the sod to develop 11-floor luxury residential tower in the highbrow Ikoyi neighbourhood.

The new development, known as Allied Towers, is a new addition to the numerous luxury residential developments stats in this neighbourhood. It will be bringing 26 premium apartments and penthouses to the market.

The 11-floor project, sitting on a 1,431-square metre prime plot on McGregor Street, is part of a multi-million dollar partnership deal between Veritasi Homes and COOPLAG.

It is backed by a consortium of major financial institutions and marks a multi-million-dollar partnership aimed at redefining urban living and cooperative investment in Nigeria.

The Towers is strategically nestled amidst high profile neighbours, including Ikoyi Golf Club, Microsoft Head Office and the new US Consulate General, blending cutting-edge architecture with premium amenities.

The developers assure that residents will enjoy premium amenities, including a gym, relaxation area, dedicated recreational floor, landscaped grounds and secure parking for residents.

The chief promoter, Veritasi Homes, is recognized by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing firms, and by this new development, it continues its innovation-driven expansion with over 1,000 homes delivered and 12 landmark projects launched in just seven years.

Nola Adetola, the chief executive officer of Veritasi Homes, says the project is a bold new chapter in Lagos’ skyline.

‘Today, as we break ground on Allied Towers, we are declaring possibility and our determination to do something meaningful with it. Together with COOPLAG, we begin a new chapter in Lagos’ skyline, in Nigeria’s housing story, and in Veritasi’s journey,’ he noted.

Adetola recalled, ‘Eight years ago, we looked at Nigeria’s real estate market and asked: Can we do better? That question gave birth to Veritasi Homes.

‘Guided by integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity, we began in 2017 with a small team and a big vision: to create developments that deliver value as reliably as they deliver shelter,’ he stated.

Projecting into the future, the chief executive said, ‘We envision a Veritasi that spans continents, a brand so trusted that wherever you see ‘Veritasi,’ you expect quality, innovation, and integrity. COOPLAG, we are honored to have you walk this journey with us. To our investors and future homeowners, this is your opportunity to own a share of Lagos.’

Francis Adeoye, President of COOPLAG, underscored the significance of the project and the vision behind it.

According to him, ‘Today, we are not just breaking ground, we are breaking barriers. We are laying the foundation for a future where cooperative strength meets architectural excellence, where innovation meets legacy, and where our members and stakeholders can aspire to live in spaces that reflect their values, ambitions, and achievements.’

‘This is the realisation of a shared dream, a dream to redefine urban living and empower our members. For over three decades, COOPLAG has stood as a beacon of cooperative strength, financial empowerment, and community development,’ he added.