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2023: Bola Ahmed Tinubu, For The Nigeria Of Our Dreams In Our Time – Teju Ajayi

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For many politicians, leadership is a choice. It is something they choose to do simply because the circumstances are right or the stars have aligned to put them in the path of leadership.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can in no way be lumped into that category with the many politicians that vie for office today. This is because based on his history, struggles, trajectory, and spirit of persevering service, it has become obvious that he was born to be a leader.

The Nigeria that we have today, whether many will admit it or not, was a Nigeria that many people had fought for. The Nigeria we live in today was won by sweat, blood, and patriotic spirits. Whatever her failings, Nigeria is still our country and the one place we call home.

Any historian worth his or her salt cannot in good faith write the history of Nigeria, especially the southwest, without a mention or two of the man we all know today as Asiwaju.

It bears recalling that Asiwaju returned the eyes of the world to Lagos State as the true pinnacle of Nigerian excellence. As a two-term governor from 1999 to 2007, he probably had the most difficult tenure, piloting the affairs of a special state like Lagos, fresh from the throes of military rule.

During his eight years in office, he made large investments in health, transportation, tourism, and education as the number of out-of-school children reduced tremendously.

The avalanche of roads he built, repaired and remodeled as the case may be helped in no small measure to open up Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial nerve center. Under his watchful eyes, new businesses sprang up and thrived in the newly conducive environment of Lagos.

He won the trust of the people so much that only candidates recommended by him were marketable in the state and the country at large.

His financial dexterity and gift of developing human capital are unparalleled. As of 1999 when he was elected into office, Lagos State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was N600million, but within the first four years, he raised it to N20billion monthly without inflicting additional hardship or a tax burden on the people. That was the bedrock of successive administrations’ achievements.

Beyond his ingenious handling of the affairs of Lagos State in those eight years, Asiwaju has also demonstrated an exceptional ability to spot talents and surround himself with an irrepressible army of intellects who are poised to bring new hope to Nigeria.

These intellectuals from different walks of life have impacted the southwest and Nigeria as a whole. Of a truth, these are the markings of a man of sound mind, one with a discerning spirit, a well-maintained and medically-fit body, an ability to unite the country through selfless decision-making, and provision of right leadership at all levels.

Based on his leading and leanings, Lagos, and the greater part of the southwest, has grown in leaps and bounds to become a metropolitan city that other states like Kano appoint commissioners and special advisers to study and emulate.

On a grander scale, if that method were applied to the greater Nigeria will that not take the country light years away from her current position?
Several detractors have complained that age-wise, Asiwaju Tinubu is not a fit leader. But a look at countries piloted by the older generation is a testimony of the stability and strength of mind that only age can bring.

The United States of America is no baby in the comity of nations, and their incumbent president, Joe Biden is 79 years old. Interestingly, he has declared to run for a second term, meaning that he would be well above 80 by the time he runs for office again. Former President Donald Trump, at 75, is equally older than Asiwaju. For the former and incumbent American presidents, their ages had no impact on their abilities to lead their country.

The wisdom of youths they say are like bright lights that flash across the sky like meteors; they eventually fizzle out. But the wisdom of age is like the fixed stars that shine so unchanged that it is available and dependable for all who need them. I believe that if we are to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams in our time, Asiwaju should be given a chance to replicate the tested and result-oriented strategies he had deployed for the growth of the southwest.

There is an old Biblical saying that the labor of a foolish man wearies all those around him because he does not know how to get to the city. Asiwaju knows the way to the city, knows the layouts, and even built the city, should he not then be given a chance to lead his people to that promised land?

The Nigeria of our dreams is not as far away as we think, but if it is to be achieved in our lifetime, it begins with Asiwaju, a trusted and tested leader and kingmaker who lives for the people.

With the recent confirmation of his intention to run for the office of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023, Nigeria is on the precipice of taking a leap into the future of our dreams; that is if we choose right and follow a man who knows just what he is doing.

As a member of the ruling party, APC, which is focused on the collective growth of Nigeria, this is my call on the first declaration.

Teju Ajayi is a Lagos-based Practicing Architect.

BIG STORY

Lil Smart Files Petition Against Naira Marley, Zinoleesky Over ‘Threat To Life’

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Lil Smart, the Nigerian dancer, has filed a petition against Naira Marley and Zinoleesky over an alleged threat to his life.

On December 9, Smart shared disturbing photos and videos on social media, claiming that his life was at risk.

He warned that Naira Marley and Zinoleesky should be held responsible if anything were to happen to him.

Zinoleesky, however, denied the allegations, accusing Smart of “chasing clout.” He also threatened legal action against the dancer.

In a recent (now deleted) Instagram post, Smart claimed that he had previously endured bullying from the singers but lacked the evidence necessary to take legal action.

He mentioned that he has now officially submitted his petition, with the required evidence, to the authorities and is hopeful that the legal system will provide him justice.

“This has not been the first or third time I have been experiencing this bullying. But I did not have enough evidence to face the law. Now, I thank God that I have very good evidence, and I will put everything I have in line to make sure this bullying and threat to life is stopped,” he said.

“With my evidence, I really hope that they are not too big to be apprehended and face the law. I have submitted my petition, and I have provided my evidence to the authorities. By God’s grace, the law that binds us as citizens of Nigeria will make sure I get the justice I deserve.”

Naira Marley has yet to comment on the allegations.

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BIG STORY

Fire Razes Nollywood Actress Mercy Aigbe’s House [VIDEO]

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The home of popular actress, Mercy Aigbe, was destroyed by fire, leaving it reduced to ashes.

In a video shared on her social media, she expressed her devastation over the incident.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, as no further details were provided.

However, according to her post, “no life was lost” in the fire.

Watch video below

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BIG STORY

Flamestar Empowerment Initiative: Breaking Cycles Of Poverty, Transforming Lives

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In a bold effort to combat poverty, hunger, and hopelessness among vulnerable children, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative (FEI) is emerging as a transformative force in Nigeria’s social development landscape.

This dynamic non-governmental organization (NGO) is dedicated to creating sustainable, community-led solutions that inspire hope and provide opportunities for children and families.

Founded on the principle that no child’s future should be left to chance, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative focuses on breaking cycles of hardship, steering children away from crime and exploitation, and opening doors to education, mentorship, and personal growth.

At the core of its mission is education, which Flamestar Empowerment Initiative views as the foundation of empowerment. Through scholarships, school supplies, and feeding programs for underprivileged families, the NGO ensures that children who might otherwise be left behind gain access to quality learning opportunities.

The organization also ensures the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) including Quality Education, No Poverty, Gender Equality and Zero Hunger for children and families.

A key focus of the organizations work is rescuing children from paths of exploitation. The NGO plans to save many young lives from child labor, trafficking, and abuse. These children will be provided with safe spaces to play, learn, and heal from trauma, as well as access to counseling and peer support groups to rebuild their confidence and envision brighter futures.

In addition to its grassroots efforts, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative will actively raise awareness about child exploitation and advocates for stronger child protection policies. By partnering with other NGOs and local authorities, the organization will be contributing to systemic changes that safeguard vulnerable populations.

However, it’s mission extends beyond individual children. The organization recognizes that breaking the cycle of poverty requires uplifting entire communities. By engaging parents, caregivers, and community leaders, it fosters sustainable, long-term development.

The NGO’s impact will be further amplified through strategic collaborations. By supporting smaller organizations with resources, training, and mentorship, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative creates a ripple effect, extending its reach to more communities and children in need.

Through this enablement initiative, dozens of smaller NGOs will be able to strengthen their capacity, ensuring that more children benefit from targeted interventions. As a result, countless children will now be able attend school, excel academically, and pursue their dreams while inspiring the next generation.

Looking ahead, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative plans to deepen its focus on sustainable development. Expanding educational initiatives and launching new empowerment programs in underserved communities are at the forefront of its vision.

As part of its initiative for 2024, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative is planning a charity drive tagged ‘December Charity Drive-“Feed Lagos1000”

Slatted for December 20, 2024, at Mende, Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria, the NGO plans to distribute food packages to 1,000 people, providing them with essentials for the month thus bringing a sense of relief and celebration during the festive season.

Emphasizing on the objective of Flamestar Empowerment Initiative, Ms. Tosin Lewis, Director of Communications, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative said: “A key focus of the NGO’s work is rescuing children from paths of exploitation. No doubt, Flamestar Empowerment Initiative has set itself to become a beacon of hope for countless children and families, breaking cycles of poverty, hunger, and crime while transforming lives and reshaping communities.

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