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Sanwo-Olu: Lagosians groan under the under-performing yoke of Tinubu’s overrated boy(Part 1) – Sola Adeyemo

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6 years ago

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“I am not happy. I believe that Lagos can achieve a bit more. I have been in office for 125 days, I do not have absolute control over the legislature for instance because the legislature is independent and has to remain so.”

The above lamentation from Babajide Sanwo Olu, the executive governor of Lagos State explains, in details, the developmental deficits that define the pathway of his administration even as he momentarily tries to fast track attention to the
deplorable and alarming neglects of critical areas in the State.
Voters, who earnestly still venerate and value Akinwumi Ambode’s administration had wished he continued until APC leaders decided otherwise. On the heels of comparison, those who monitor the developmental graph of the State submit that
Ambode’s first 100 days in office were blessings compared to Sanwo-Olus which has been described as “unimpressive”.

According to Farah Aideed, a social media commentator, “Sanwo Olu days in office so far have been lack lustre with nothing remarkable to write home about apart from returning VIO back to the streets. For Ambode, she stated that he matched words with action just three weeks in office by announcing his decision to realign the Ministry of Rural Development, Parastatals Monitoring Office as well as
Political and Legislative Powers Bureau. This, according to her, set the tone for effective and mass-oriented governance that led to unprecedented
achievements within four years. Continuing, Aideed stated that not many will forget Ambode’s milk of kindness to Mrs. Ruth Uche, the mother of three set of twins whose husband absconded from their home including Oluwajomiloju Ogundimu’s heart surgery on his second working day in office.
She emphasized the setting up of Overseas Affairs and Investment office which clearly spelt out where his administration headed.

In all of this, Aideed is particularly angry and regrets voting Sanwolu saying what seems to be his pre occupation is persecuting his predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
If Aideed has all this to say, the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State sees it differently, lambasting and accusing Sanwo-Olu for sleeping on duty as
Lagos governor. The party said the only people who can boast of benefiting from the government of Sanwo-Olu so far are members of the All Progressives Congress
and its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The party has since requested he resigns if he can live up to his campaign promises.

The party also advised the governor to spare time and address the traffic congest- ion across Lagos even as the city currently ranks the filthiest in West Africa.
PDPs statement seems a child’s play when compared with the harsh verdict from reputable Economist Intelligence Unit that ranked Lagos as the world’s most
dangerous city to live in.

Sadly, Lagosians are already having misgivings about the direction and effectiveness of Sanwolu. Earlier, there were concerns about Sanwo-Olu’s
experience and the turbulence he faced while trying to emerge as the gubernatorial candidate of his party as Ambode reported that Sanwo-Olu was neither fit nor
qualified to be the governor of Lagos state.
However, his Information Commissioner, Gbenga Omotosho, disagrees with these assertions, saying “Sanwo-Olu’s milestones have been remarkable.
Wherever the governor went he was met by Lagosians who appreciated what he has done. The Mother & Child Hospital was commissioned in Eti-Osa LGA, the
housing estate in Igando, Jakande Gardens was commissioned, there is a new re-orientation about waste management in the state,” he defended.

Gbenga stressed further that the traffic situation has been managed to a bearable situation. “Look at the Apapa axis long lines of trailers from Apapa as long as to
to Surulere, to the stadium, up to Fadeyi area, they are no longer there now. Not that there are no challenges. The challenges are there but they are being tackled
everyday and more creative ways are been used to deal with the traffic.”
But governor Sanwo-Olu had unveiled the
acronym, ‘THEME’’ for his policy initiatives,which he detailed as follows:
T- Traffic Management & Transportation.
H- Health & EnvironmentE- Education & Technology.
M- Making Lagos a 21st century economy
E- Entertainment & Tourism
Supporting the 5 main pillars, he also listed the following as areas of focus; Infrastructure, Housing, Ease of doing business, Land reform and Power.
The policy initiative notwithstanding, stakeholders have been of the view that tangible results would make meaning than theoretical jingoism.
They reckoned that it will be wise if Babajide Sanwo-Olu runs a people-centred government in order to avoid the repetition of what happened to his predecessor. In other words, for Sanwo-Olu to be a man of the people, he must reactivate his
traffic control mechanism. They are worried that on a very bad day, people can spend one or two hours on a journey that should not take them more than
20 minutes.
At the moment, some places in the Oshodi-Iyana Ipaja axis are usually dark when there is no light, making them choice locations for hoodlums and petty thieves to lurk around in order to attack unsuspecting people.

It will be fantastic if Sanwo-Olu orders that street light is fixed in this axis as this will complement the effort to end insecurity. Extortion is still one areas that worries voters who are daily extorted by the area boys in Lagos State.
They harass the drivers in a bid to collect money and by extension, irritate the passengers. A megacity like Lagos State should not be hijacked by area boys.
On bad and potholes filled roads, there are flashes of efforts even as it is not uncommon to find potholes in the Lagos State roads, which are partly
responsible for traffic and accident.
Technically, Sanwo-Olu had embarked on a crash programme at United States of America’s Kennedy Institute of Government where he got trained in government
administration and civil responsibility. His returns from the US programme was to herald freshness into the democratic governance of the 53 years old State. However, lots of party followers and other stakeholders in the state are currently
bewildered about the parochial and selectively guided execution of programmes in the state.
Specifically, road patching has unleashed hardship on motorists as they’re done during the rush hour as opposed to the wee hours when a lot of people have retired to their homes.

Sanwo-Olu who ran a rigorous campaign that’s full of promises for Lagosians,however he has literally gone to sleep since he was sworn-in as Governor of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve-centre —on May 29, 2019. Today, Lagos residents groan under the burden of Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s cluelessness and our people are faced with myriads of problems all over the state from deplorable road surfaces to dead street lamps. With acute and recurring flash floods, worsening traffic, clogged drainage channels and a spike in
crime, one would say these are enough reasons to believe that Sanwo-
Olu, who ran a viral, ubiquitous, in-your-face election campaign early in the year, has been a disaster in on the job.

Lagosians have also been complaining about pot-hole laden road surfaces, with one commentator on social media posting that there are now as many potholes as there are humans in Lagos.

But over the years in the corridors of power, he has diligently worked his ways into the heart of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the latter who reposed a lot of confidence in him and his ability to drive Lagos forward is also now at the cross-roads what with a barrage of criticisms from different groups of stakeholders in the state.
According to sources,the slow-coach called Sanwo-Olu is now giving his principal sleepless nights as Asiwaju himself has seen that his stooge is bereft of ideas that that take Lagos to the next level. And the politcal architecture and master-plan of the state of aquatic splendour which Tinubu drafted and implemented very well before passing the baton to Raji Fashola and which the latter gave to Akinwumi Ambode has now droped off Sanwo-Olu’s hand.

Watch out for part two of this article!

Sola Adeyemo is a media entrepreneur and publisher of City News.He’s also the President of Coalition of Online Publishers in West Africa(COPUWA).

Email: solaadeyemo10@gmail.com

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ZENITH BANK CROSSES N1 TRILLION MARK IN Q1 2026 GROSS EARNINGS

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9 hours ago

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May 5, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2026, with a 6% growth in Gross Earnings, from N950 billion reported in Q1 2025 to N1.01 trillion in Q1 2026. This is despite the challenging operating environment and tightening monetary policy stance.

 

From the unaudited statement of account submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday, 30th April 2026, this growth was driven by increase in interest income and non-interest income. The increase in interest income was primarily due to the expansion of the Bank’s risk asset portfolio, supported by disciplined, risk adjusted pricing. Interest expense moderated by 5% YoY in Q1 2026 underscored by a continued optimisation of the Bank’s deposit mix and funding structure. This resulted in a 7% growth in net interest income from N591 billion in Q1 2025 to N634 billion in Q1 2026. Non-interest income also improved 19% year on year, rising from N89 billion to N106 billion, highlighting an improvement in fees and commissions and higher contributions from other operating income streams. This performance reflects stronger customer activity and deeper transaction volumes across key business channels.

 

As a result, the Group recorded a 3% year on year increase in profit before tax, which rose to N361 billion compared with N351 billion in Q1 2025. Profit after tax also increased by 1% to N314 billion.

 

Profitability was further supported by a decline in cost of funds to 3.76% in Q1 2026 from 3.90% in Q1 2025; while cost of risk moderated to 2% in Q1 2026, reflecting a prudent and proactive risk management stance in an elevated yield environment.

 

Gross loans increased by 9% from N11.06 trillion as at full year 2025 to N12.04 trillion in Q1 2026, reflecting the continued commitment to carefully deploying credit into high growth sectors of the economy that enhance portfolio returns. Asset quality strengthened as Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio eased to 3.79%, from 3.82% reported in December 2025, underpinned by disciplined credit risk management. Customer deposits rose to N24.47 trillion in Q1 2026, while total assets increased by 2% to N32.01 trillion over the same period.

 

Return on Average Equity (ROAE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA) stood at 24.9% and 4% respectively, supported by strong top line earnings and enhanced balance sheet efficiency. Net interest margin (NIM) strengthened to 12.5%, up from 10.3% in Q1 2025, underscoring the Group’s ability to preserve its margins and deliver improved shareholder returns. Prudential ratios remained strong and comfortably above regulatory requirements.

 

The Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Liquidity Ratio stood at 23.5% and 71% respectively, while the coverage ratio remained strong at 169%, reinforcing the Bank’s resilient capital and liquidity position.

 

The Group’s Q1 2026 performance underscores its continued focus on sustaining high quality earnings growth, further strengthening asset quality, and deepening customer engagement through continued digital innovation. The Bank remains firmly committed to delivering sustainable growth anchored on sound corporate governance, prudent risk oversight, and disciplined capital allocation.

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Xenophobic Violence: 130 Nigerians Register For Immediate Repatriation

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2 days ago

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May 4, 2026

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced plans for the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions and anti-foreigner protests.

More than 130 Nigerians have registered to be evacuated back home following last week’s protest march in Johannesburg, according to the latest update by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The figure may rise, The Nation learnt.

A statement by the ministry, which confirmed the presidential directive, reads: “Another Demonstration is planned for 4-8 May 2026.

“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has expressed grave concern on this situation following a briefing, and has called for more effective control of the situation by relevant host security services.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed that the situation be monitored very closely. The Nigerian High Commission and the Consulate are in constant communication with relevant host authorities to ensure that the exposure of our nationals to the current tensions is minimized amidst ongoing Consultations with SA’s highest authorities.

“The president has reiterated that the priority at this time remains the safety of our citizens. Consequently, arrangements are currently underway to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home.

“So far, 130 applicants have duly registered for the exercise with our mission in S.A, but this figure is expected to rise. Nigerian associations in South Africa are also assisting our mission in this regard.”

“Nigeria is a frontline state which made great sacrifices towards the liberation struggles of South Africa, a fact which needs to be distilled down to the younger generation in South Africa.

“Nigerian lives and businesses in SA must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working with South Africa to explore ways to put an end to this xenophobic pattern. It has become a repetitive wave, most especially prior to elections in South Africa, and anti-foreigner opposition parties leverage this situation to garner votes. Nigeria recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa on early warning to protect citizens of both countries, especially in times such as these.”

The April protests spearheaded by a local anti-migration movement, in Pretoria and Johannesburg between 27 to 29, witnessed a largely peaceful procession, under the presence of heavily armed police who occasionally sprayed teargas to deter the protesters from engaging in violent activity.

“There is no recorded killing of any Nigerian or destruction of Nigerian- owned properties during this particular protest.

“However, two Nigerian Nationals have been reported killed in separate incidents involving security personnel- Amamiro Chidiebere Emmanuel died on 25th of April 2026 as a result of injuries sustained from brutal beatings by military personnel of the South African National Defence Force on 20th April 2026 in Port Elizabeth.

“Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew also died following an alleged interaction with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body discovered at the Pretoria Central mortuary on 20th April 2026.

“This is utterly condemnable and unacceptable. The Nigeria High Commission is closely following investigations into these unfortunate incidents and Nigeria demands justice be done in these cases.”

 

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Desmond Elliot’s Seat At Risk As Surulere APC Stakeholders Endorse Odunuga-Bakare

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2 days ago

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May 4, 2026

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Prominent leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere Constituency I have endorsed Barakat Odunuga-Bakare for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat.

Odunuga-Bakare is a former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and previously served as the Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Counci

The endorsement came during a week-long consultation tour by Odunuga-Bakare and her team across political wards in the constituency.

The tour covered Wards E, E1, F1, F2, F3, G, G1, G2 and G3, as well as meetings with other party stakeholders, ending on Saturday.

Odunuga-Bakare, who recently resigned as Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the constituency.

She is expected to contest the party’s primary against Nollywood actor and incumbent lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, who is seeking a fourth term in office.

Speaking during the meetings on Saturday, Mrs Khadijat Kareem, the Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, described Odunuga-Bakare as competent and experienced, saying she has the capacity to deliver effective representation.

According to Kareem, the aspirant distinguished herself as Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council and later as Special Adviser to the governor.

She urged party leaders, members, women and youths in the constituency to support her aspiration, expressing confidence that the constituency would benefit from her emergence.

Kareem added that the impact of President Tinubu’s administration was visible across Surulere and stressed the need for a representative who would attract more development to the area.

She said, “When we talk about experience and competence, Barakat has got both. She served well as Leader of the Legislative Council and Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu, and she will deliver as our representative.

“She is a go-getter, a hard-working person. She is a youth who understands the demands of governance, and she will do well for us.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf, commended incumbent lawmaker Desmond Elliot for his service but said it was time for another candidate to emerge.

He noted that Odunuga-Bakare had twice stepped down from her ambition in the past following appeals by party leaders and deserved support this time.

Yusuf described her as loyal, capable and performance-driven, adding that she has the qualities needed to represent the constituency effectively.

“Let us be sincere with ourselves, this young woman deserves to be supported for the seat this time around. The other time, she stepped down, but this is her time.

“Mr Desmond Elliot has done his best for the constituency, but there is time for everything. He has served for three terms and it is time to give another person the opportunity.

“Honourable Barakat is young and competent and she is somebody we can rely on for performance. I declare my support for her and I want everyone else to support her,” he said.

He further stated that Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, supported her aspiration and urged his supporters to align with the project.

Leader of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council, Mr Abdul Hakeem Abdul Rahman, also praised Odunuga-Bakare’s contributions to the constituency and called for support for her candidacy.

Other speakers, including ward chairmen, similarly endorsed her bid, citing her role in the development of Surulere.

Responding, Odunuga-Bakare thanked party leaders and members for their confidence in her.

She said she remains committed to the growth and development of Surulere and promised quality representation if elected.

The aspirant urged party members to remain united ahead of the APC primaries scheduled for March 20, saying the focus should be on strengthening the party and advancing the interests of Surulere.

She also pledged not to disappoint supporters if given the mandate.

“I thank you all for this show of overwhelming love for me and support for my bid. God bless you all.

“As you all know, I am passionate about the development of Surulere. I want to represent you at the Assembly to further bring home dividends of democracy. I value your support and love and I urge you to keep supporting me.

“We are having the Assembly primaries on March 20. I am counting on your support to emerge as our party’s flag bearer.

“Please, support my aspiration and I promise you that I will raise the bar and deliver.

“This is not the time to fight; this is a time to unite for the good of APC and Surulere. I am for Surulere and will not disappoint,” she said.

Odunuga-Bakare donated N1 million to party members in each of the wards visited during the consultation tour.

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