The Lagos State Government has officially resumed its monthly environmental sanitation exercise, bringing an end to an almost decade-long suspension of the programme.

Residents across parts of the state participated in the exercise on Saturday, with visible cleaning activities recorded in several communities, including the Ikoyi-Obalende axis, where residents were seen clearing their surroundings and drainage channels.

The exercise, which now runs for two hours between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., replaces the earlier three-hour schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The programme had been suspended in 2016 following a court ruling that declared movement restrictions during sanitation hours illegal.

According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the exercise will now hold on the last Saturday of every month, with controlled movement in place to allow residents to clean their homes, surroundings, and drainage systems.

He explained that the resumption follows a symbolic flag-off along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor in March 2026, ahead of the full rollout of the programme.

Authorities have urged residents to comply with the new guidelines, noting that enforcement measures will be in place to ensure adherence while maintaining environmental cleanliness across the state.

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(A Review Of The Politics Of Biafra And The Future Of Nigeria)

Hon Chudi Offodile’s energy – filled book calls to mind two striking titles from past intellectual engagement with Nigeria. In chronological order, the first was a 1985 poem by Sonala Olumhense in The Guardian “Because I Love You.” The other was Emeka Ojukwu’s 1988 book, _Because I am Involved. Both works addressed Nigeria; in varying, heart – felt, critical terms and tones. A testament of belonging laced the lines, tempering occasional flow of anger as act of concern. And that is largely the spirit, the attitude that frames Offodile’s 297 page excursion.

Published ten years back in 2016, the book exudes scent of freshness. It’s a smell of currency as much derived from topicality of subject matter as mature handling. Predictive analysis is an indication of informed commentary. Offodile had written over a decade ago that the resurgence of separatist agenda in 1999 with formation of Ralph Uwazurike’s Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra was influenced by the conspiracy against Dr Alex Ekwueme’s presidential bid. It would be recalled that the setting was ripe for Ekwueme’s presidential nomination at PDP 1999 Jos convention until the deal by the military and PDP’s pseudo progressives aborted the mission. The bad faith demonstrated by the party’s blocs against it’s prime convener and first class candidate, rankled beyond partisan lines.

He wrote: ‘…collective injury or pain inflicted on a people is not easily assuaged because the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was formed by Ralph Uwazurike in 1999, possibly in response to outcome of the election.’ The author’s thoughtful observation leads to a better appreciation of the dynamics of Mr Peter Obi’s current presidential quest and reception of Nnamdi Kanu’s agitation.

In effect, the book is concerned with the lessons of Biafra for Nigeria. The Politics Of Biafra And The Future Of Nigeria_ is thus, a liberal, historical journey about statehood and nationhood. The book takes the reader on a calm but firm interrogation of historical narratives, power, ethnic identity, human ambition, political alliances, social justice, constitutionalism and development. Parts of the work are expository, analytical and exhortative. Account of the sometimes uneasy relationship between Azikiwe and the Ojukwus, from Sir Louis to his soldier son is gripping. Several assumptions about the civil war, for instance, are shattered not with rhetoric but by the illumination the work yields. Insights gained from authoritative account of some events leaves the reader exclaiming with surprise at certain junctures. It’s easy to follow the author all through the pages of the book not merely by the pull of lucid language and logic. To a large extent, the writer’s presentation achieves the demand of balance. He allows the actors speak for themselves or give their perspectives as reasonably practicable in the circumstance. Interestingly, the author’s father was Press Secretary to Ukpabi Asika, Administrator of East Central State.

One of the myths burst in the book is the popular view that Major Murtala Mohammed led the July 1996 counter coup. Drawing from the authorised biographies of Yakubu Gowon and Theophilus Danjuma, Offodile punctures the notion. Lt Col Gowon had called the Government House telephone number on July 29, 1966. When Danjuma picked the call, Gowon asked him if he had heard about the mutiny and killing of Igbo officers in Abeokuta early that morning. Danjuma responded yes, saying he was there in Ibadan to arrest the Head of State. ‘I would like to point out that the key players in the Ibadan coup, Majors Danjuma, Akahan, Walbe and even Captain Martin Adamu, who took command of the all important Ikeja barracks, despite the presence of Major Murtala Mohammed, were all Middle Belt, Christian officers – Gowon’s constituency. ‘ Major Walbe was appointed ADC to Gowon. Major Akahan was not only promoted to lieutenant colonel but also made chief of army staff in the new order. Offodile contends that in the face of worsening national crisis, Gowon appeased the north to hang on to power. Our experience of power consolidation supports this thesis. General Ibrahim Babangida on ascending the throne in 1985, could not have been oblivious of the challenges before him as an officer from the Middle Belt. It seems the case that Nigeria’s membership of the OIC few months after, was a deliberate step to win support of the core, muslim north.

Gowon’s love of power and the sudden catapult of the federal permanent secretaries as empire administrators found convergence in rejection of the January 1967 Aburi Accord. Their new world was threatened by the devolution of power enshrined in the Accord. It was a similar case of Obafemi Awolowo’s activism in the Gowon junta. The writer notes that

at a prime opportunity for dialogue at OAU Conference in Kinshasa, Zaire, Awolowo blocked the window with the pedant that the Organisation’s charter forbids interference in the internal affairs of member states. Emeka Ojukwu, Biafra’s leader had also caught the bug of power when, in 1968, against the wise counsel of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ojukwu declared at OAU summit in Ethiopia that Biafra’s sovereignty was not negotiable. In his broadcast to Biafrans three days after Ojukwu’s departure, acting Head of State, Philip Effing made reference to the “old regime who made negotiation and reconciliation impossible.”

But the writer dismisses as a non – starter, the criticism that the declaration of Biafra was a function of Ojukwu’s ambition. Biafra was an aggregation of the will of the intelligentsia and the masses at the time. Just as the author took care to portray the multi ethnic composition of the January 1966 coup plotters, he underscores the integral presence of non – Igbos in the Biafran project. There were the Philip Effiongs, N. U. Akpans and M.T. Mbus at every strata of Biafra. It should be remembered that the Ogoni leadership crisis of 1994 was in part a carryover of pro Biafra and pro Nigeria cleavage. Ken Saro Wiwa declared for Nigeria during the war but his kinsmen such as Edward Kobani, Ignatius Kogbara and Garrick Leton embraced Biafra. Leton was a prominent member of the engineering team who produced ogbunigwe and other projectiles for the army. Offodile’s book briefly ventilates the three positions on Biafra by easterners. There were the outright naysayers, albeit a tiny minority, led by Ukpabi Asika. There was the moderate school represented by the Azikiwes who conceived Biafra as means to an end. And there were the diehards represented by Ojukwu and Chinua Achebe who reasoned that negotiation died with the wilful, absolutist repudiation of Aburi Accord by Lagos. The big surprise from Offodile’s book is that Asika’s wife, Chinyere, was pro Biafra! The marriage came to near – breaking point over Biafra. Not even the super appointment of Administrator could automatically resolve the conflict. ‘It took more than a month of cajoling and begging by friends of the couple to convince his wife to join him in Nigeria. Finally, with great reluctance, she joined him in Lagos in November 1967.’ Such was the complexity of the Biafra situation.

It’s the writer’s impression that the ‘future of Biafra and Nigeria are inextricably linked.’ Aside marginalisation and the impediments of quasi unitarism imposed by a sectionally – dominated military, the author cites poor leadership in the southeast as causative factor for Ipob – ian illusions.

Acknowledging Ahmadu Bello as a federalist, Offodile states unequivocally: ‘I believe that

Nigeria is redeemable if we fight for it’s liberation from the clutches of agents of centralisation.’ The desired destination is return to ‘1963 federal Constitution negotiated and accepted by the Nigerian people.’

Afuba is of Politics & Governance Forge, Awka.

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“Adùn ló gbẹ̀hìn ewúro  “reminds us that sweetness always follows life’s bitter moments, just as “láálàá tó ro kẹ́, ilé ló ń padà bọ̀” teaches that no matter how far or tough the journey gets, you’ll find your way back to peace and fulfillment. Hard times may stretch you, test you, and even wear you down, but with patience and endurance, they don’t last forever. Keep going because in the end, what once felt heavy will turn into a story of strength, praise, and even laughter.

Asiwaju Cares

The post Bitterness Before Sweetness appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State, Maurice Vunobolki, has announced plans to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party along with his supporters.

Vunobolki made the disclosure during a press conference in Yola, shortly after confirming his resignation from the APC. He said he has instructed his loyalists to also align with the PDP as part of a broader political move.

The politician explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders across Adamawa State, noting that he was advised to return to the PDP to advance his gubernatorial ambition.

Despite the announcement, Vunobolki has yet to be formally received by the state chapter of the PDP.

His planned defection adds to ongoing political realignments in the state ahead of future electoral contests.

The post Adamawa Politician Maurice Vunobolki Set to Defect from APC to PDP appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

A tragic incident has been reported at a Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination centre in Ondo State, where a mother reportedly died while waiting for her daughter to complete her examination.

According to eyewitness accounts, the woman had accompanied her daughter to the centre as part of efforts to support her academic pursuit. While the candidate was inside the examination hall writing her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the mother remained outside, waiting patiently for her child.

However, tragedy struck during the course of the examination as the woman suddenly collapsed at the waiting area. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful, and she was later confirmed dead before her daughter completed the exam.

The heartbreaking development has left many at the centre in shock, particularly as the daughter was reportedly unaware of the situation until after finishing her paper. Witnesses described the scene as deeply emotional when the news was eventually broken to the young candidate.

The incident has sparked conversations about the pressures and burdens many parents carry in their determination to secure a better future for their children. Observers noted that while parental sacrifice is admirable, there is a growing need to prioritize health and well-being.

Community members have expressed sympathy for the bereaved child, especially amid concerns that the deceased may have been her primary caregiver. Calls have also been made for increased awareness about stress management and health monitoring among parents and guardians.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, but sympathizers continue to mourn the loss, describing it as a painful reminder of life’s fragility.

The post Pathetic! Mother Dies at JAMB Centre While Awaiting Daughter appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

By Jimmy Fatunbi

A new report from the International Labour Organisation has found that around 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to workplace risks, highlighting growing global concern over how modern work environments affect both physical and mental health.

The study, titled ‘The psychosocial working environment: Global developments and pathways for action,’ posted on its X account on Wednesday, shows that the way jobs are designed, organised, and managed plays a major role in workers’ wellbeing, stressing that it identifies long working hours, job insecurity, workplace harassment, and bullying as key contributing factors.

According to the report, these risks are not only affecting mental health but are also linked to serious physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease.

“In some cases, they are also associated with severe mental health outcomes, including suicide,” ILO said.

The analysis draws on global health data from the World Health Organisation and research from the Global Burden of Disease Study to estimate the scale of deaths associated with workplace conditions.

It breaks down workplace risks into three main areas: the nature of the job itself, how work is organised and managed, and wider workplace policies such as performance management systems and protections against harassment and bullying.

The ILO also warns that rapid changes in the world of work, including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, remote work, and shifting job structures, could intensify these risks if not properly managed.

The team Lead on OSH Policy and Systems at the ILO, Manal Azzi, speaking on the findings, said psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most serious challenges in occupational safety today.

She stressed that improving working conditions is essential not only for protecting health but also for maintaining productivity and long-term economic stability.

The report emphasises that many of these deaths are preventable if governments and employers take stronger action. It calls for workplace safety systems to include psychosocial risk management and for closer cooperation between employers, workers, and policymakers.

Overall, the ILO warns that addressing workplace risks is no longer just a matter of physical safety, but a broader public health and economic priority

The post Global workplace risks cause 840,000 deaths annually — ILO appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Lagos State Government has announced the full resumption of its monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with movement restrictions to be enforced during the exercise period.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed in a statement that the sanitation exercise will take place on the last Saturday of every month, beginning April 25, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

He explained that there would be controlled movement across the state during the exercise to enable residents carry out thorough cleaning of their homes, surroundings, and drainage systems.

The commissioner noted that the reintroduction follows an earlier symbolic launch of the programme along the Mushin–Agege Motor Road corridor in March, ahead of its full implementation. He added that the initiative is returning nearly a decade after it was suspended in November 2016 due to a court ruling restricting movement during sanitation hours.

Wahab warned that residents who fail to comply with the sanitation guidelines would face sanctions in line with existing environmental laws.

He stated that enforcement would be carried out by a joint team comprising officials from the ministry and relevant agencies, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Kick Against Indiscipline, Lagos Waste Management Authority, and local government sanitation officers.

According to him, the teams will conduct inspections during and after the exercise to ensure compliance, while LAWMA will support waste evacuation by deploying trucks to collect refuse generated during the cleanup.

To boost participation, the government also plans to introduce incentives, including rewards for the cleanest Local Government Area, Local Council Development Area, and streets.

Wahab urged residents to actively participate in the exercise, stressing the need for collective responsibility in maintaining a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment across the state.

The post Lagos Resumes Monthly Sanitation Exercise, Restricts Movement appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

The Federal Government is set to raise N700bn from the domestic bond market in April 2026, continuing a gradual scale-down in offer size amid persistently high borrowing costs.

According to the April 2026 Bond Offer Circular released by the Debt Management Office, the auction will take place on April 27, with settlement slated for April 29.

The issuance will involve the re-opening of existing bonds across three maturities, a strategy designed to deepen liquidity in benchmark securities and sustain market activity.

Breakdown of the bond shows N300bn for the 17.945 per cent FGN August 2030 bond, N100bn for the 17.95 per cent FGN June 2032 bond, and another N300bn for the 22.60 per cent FGN January 2035 bond.

The instruments will be sold in units of N1,000, with a minimum subscription of N50.001m, largely targeting institutional investors such as pension funds, banks, and asset managers.

The DMO noted that the bonds qualify as liquid assets for banks and enjoy tax exemptions under existing regulations, features that have continued to bolster investor demand.

An analysis of recent issuances indicates a steady reduction in the government’s monthly borrowing plan. From N900bn in January, the offer dropped to N800bn in February, N750bn in March, and now N700bn in April, reflecting a cautious adjustment rather than a departure from its broader funding strategy.

In March, the government raised N750bn through a mix of N250bn in five-year bonds, N200bn in seven-year bonds, and N300bn in 10-year instruments.

The April offer trims the total size by N50bn and also reshapes the maturity mix, with a notable reduction in the seven-year segment.

The pricing structure underscores the prevailing high-yield environment. While the five-year and seven-year bonds carry coupon rates of about 17.945 per cent and 17.95 per cent respectively, the 10-year bond is priced significantly higher at 22.60 per cent.

This marks a notable rise compared to similar long-term instruments offered in recent months, reflecting investor expectations for higher returns amid inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, and global economic uncertainty.

However, final yields will be determined at the auction, where successful bidders will pay based on their yield-to-maturity bids along with accrued interest.

The elevated yield environment mirrors the tight monetary stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has maintained high interest rates to rein in inflation. This policy direction continues to raise domestic borrowing costs and intensify pressure on the government’s debt servicing burden.

Earlier data showed that Nigeria’s total debt servicing rose to about N16tn in 2025, based on figures from the Debt Management Office. This represents an increase of N2.98tn, or 22.9 per cent, from N13.02tn recorded in 2024, underscoring mounting fiscal pressure as debt obligations consume a larger share of public resources.

The post FG Targets N700bn from April Bond Auction appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned from his position to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, marking the third ministerial exit from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet within 48 hours.

Adelabu, in a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, said his decision would take effect from April 30 to allow for a smooth transition. He noted that his governorship ambition predates his ministerial appointment and aligns with provisions of the amended Electoral Act, which bars political appointees from contesting elections while in office.

Reflecting on his tenure, Adelabu highlighted reforms in the power sector, including improvements in electricity generation, transmission infrastructure, and revenue collection. He said peak generation rose above 6,000 megawatts during his tenure, while sector revenues increased significantly. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and metering gaps.

He recommended further reforms, including cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, accelerated metering, and stronger coordination across energy-related ministries to address systemic issues in the sector.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and former Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, were sacked, insisting both officials resigned voluntarily.

According to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Edun stepped down on health grounds after turning 70 and held a valedictory meeting with the President before his exit. Dangiwa also submitted his resignation, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Sources within the Presidency, however, indicated that concerns over budgetary allocations and prioritisation of government spending may have influenced Edun’s departure, particularly complaints from ministries, departments, and agencies over delayed capital releases.

Following the exits, President Tinubu has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, tasking him with consolidating ongoing fiscal reforms.

The President has also nominated Muttaqha Rabe Darma as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, subject to Senate confirmation. In addition, he has requested Senate approval for the appointment of Lamido Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The recent developments have reportedly created anxiety within the Federal Executive Council, with some cabinet members expressing concern over the pace and scope of the changes as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches.

The post Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu Resigns, Presidency Clarifies Exit of Edun, Dangiwa appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Igi kan kò dá igbó ṣe…one tree cannot make a forest. Life is built on shared effort, not isolation. Whether in marriage, at home, in the church, within groups, or even in leadership and government, progress comes when we unite, support one another, and move with one purpose. No matter how strong or capable one person is, true success and lasting impact are born from teamwork and harmony because, in togetherness, we always achieve more.

Asiwaju Cares

The post Together We Thrive appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.