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Why Lagos deserves special status — Lagos Assembly
The Lagos State House of Assembly has renewed its call on the the National Assembly and executive to grant the state special economic status in the ongoing constitutional review.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
Ogundipe noted that over the years ,there had been agitations for special status for the state ,being the nation’s economic nerve centre.
The lawmaker noted that the state deserved special status being the former capital of Nigeria with much federal infrastructure and a huge population.
Ogundipe argued the resources of the state could not adequately cater for its population of over 22 million Nigerians from the different regions and the pressure on amenities .
He said: “Lagos is generally regarded as a special state in Nigeria for various reasons. First, it was the capital of the federation until Dec. 12, 1991 ,when Abuja was made Nigeria’s capital.
“Secondly, Lagos has been so critical to the economic development of the country that it is generally regarded as the economic or commercial capital of Nigeria or even West Africa.
“The state plays host to so many economic and strategic agencies, including critical revenue organs.
“The most viable international airport is located in the state as well as the two most viable seaports in the country, accounting for over 90 per cent of all maritime trade.
“It is the main gateway to the country and the centre of financial services being the most viable capital of the money and capital markets in the country.
“Also, the collectible tax profile of the state for federal and state is second to none in the country, with the state being the largest single contributor of the now contentious Value Added Tax in the country, relative to other states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
The lawmaker, who described the state as a national asset, said the benefits of Lagos transcend the South West region of the country as all Nigerians enjoy the state’s prosperity in one way or the other.
Ogundipe said the Lagos needs legislative backing ,through the National Assembly,to attain special status.
NAN recalls that the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the state had recently requested that the state given one per cent in the revenue allocation formula.
He argued that the economic status of the state and its prosperity directly or indirectly has multiplying effects on the South-West region and the entire country. (NAN)
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has placed fire service personnel on red alert to ensure swift response to emergencies during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Jaji also urged Nigerians to adopt fire safety measures, particularly while cooking, to prevent avoidable incidents during the festive period.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the fire service boss advised against leaving cooking unattended and emphasized the need to store gas cylinders outside kitchens and keep matches away from children.
“These safety measures are crucial in preventing fire outbreaks, especially during a period when many people travel, increasing the risks of fuel tanker accidents,” he said.
He added that all fire service commands and zones across the country have been placed on high alert to respond promptly to emergencies.
“I urge citizens to familiarize themselves with the contact details of their local fire service units for quick intervention in case of any fire incident,” Jaji stated.
The fire chief also stressed the need for fuel tankers and other articulated vehicles transporting flammable materials to be fitted with onboard cameras to enhance safety.
“Many tankers on Nigerian roads still fail to meet modern safety standards. These substandard vehicles contribute to rising accident figures, leading to loss of lives and property and leaving many families in distress,” he said.
Jaji noted that modern tankers come with features such as anti-rollover systems, anti-spill devices, and onboard cameras to monitor drivers’ behavior, which help in preventing road crashes.
“The continued use of substandard tankers without these safety features remains a major risk,” he warned.
While acknowledging the financial burden of replacing old fleets, Jaji suggested an alternative approach—installing onboard computers to monitor driving patterns, speed, and nighttime movements.
“Although the complete replacement or retrofitting of tankers with modern safety devices like anti-skid systems, speed limiters, and automatic emergency braking remains a priority, government agencies responsible for enforcing these measures are working to address the issue. Over time, we are confident that these improvements will be implemented,” he assured.
MultiChoice Nigeria has announced that the tenth edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show will begin soon.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, the organisers revealed that the audition process for this edition will differ from previous ones.
Unlike past seasons, where aspiring contestants auditioned virtually, those vying for a spot in the 10th edition will have to audition in person.
However, the premiere date for the new season and the audition locations has not been disclosed.
“This time, it’s all about showing up and being you. Ready to shine? Get ready your moment is closer than you think! Season 10 is coming,” the post reads.
The reality TV show first introduced online auditions in its fourth season in 2019.
At the time, the option was created for those who couldn’t attend the physical auditions held earlier.
Since then, the organisers have maintained virtual auditions, adding different twists with each edition.
In the last season, contestants were required to audition in pairs.
At the last edition, Kellyrae defeated other housemates to win the grand prize of N100 million.
The feat also sees him become the first married person to win the show.
As the winner, he went home with a cash prize of N60 million, a new car among others.
The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has described her husband, President Bola Tinubu, as a man of courage in a terse message to celebrate his birthday.
President Tinubu clocked 73rd on Saturday.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years.
I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today,” the First Lady wrote.
“May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President…My Knight in Shining Armor”.