Former Nigeria captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has given his opinion in the debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, GOAT, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry has dominated football conversations for almost two decades.
The two players have shared 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them, with Messi taking home eight of that number.
In a recent interview with Pulse Fun Facts, Okocha picked the Argentina captain over Ronaldo.
Okocha said, “They are both GOATs but my personal GOAT is Messi because he looks more natural to me.”
Both Messi and Ronaldo have been left out of this year’s nominations for the Ballon d’Or, in what could spell the end of an era.
On September 15, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited Company commenced the lifting of petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery after prolonged negotiations on pricing mechanisms.
At the close of loading on the aforementioned date, the NNPC disclosed that it bought petrol from the refinery at N898 per litre — above the N855 the NNPC had sold the product across its retail outlets since September 3.
As expected, the development triggered a backlash as critics wondered how the price of the commodity secured locally could be higher than the imported product.
The Dangote refinery countered NNPC’s claim, describing it as “both misleading and mischievous”. The refinery did not state the petrol cost price.
In a counter-claim, the NNPC released details of the pump price of petrol based on prices set by the refinery. The price format quoted refiner’s price per metric tonne (MT) $736 and $0.55 per litre.
The national oil company said the refinery arrived at the price using the Platts 10ppm benchmark of September 13 ($0.52) and a premium of $0.03.
Platts is a price benchmark service for the oil industry. Typically, Platts pricing plus a premium or minus a discount is the preferred pricing mechanism.
At an official exchange rate of N1,637.59 per dollar, the NNPC said the cost of a litre of petrol at the refinery was N898.78.
With the addition of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee (N4.495), midstream and gas infrastructure fund (N4.495), distribution cost and logistics cost for Lagos (N15.00), the NNPC said the estimated pump price would be N950 in Lagos and N999 in Abuja.
THE SUBSIDY EFFECT
The idea of a local refinery had excited Nigerians, primarily due to the expectation that petrol prices would crash significantly. But recent developments seemed to have left citizens disappointed as the price disclosed by the NNPC was higher than the existing pump price.
The difference between the present pricing mechanism and the template released by NNPC is subsidy.
On August 20, the NNPC said it was selling petrol at half the landing cost. At the time, the official pump price was N600/litre and the landing cost was N1,200/litre. This will suggest that the NNPC was paying more than N500 per litre in subsidies or under-recovery.
When the NNPCL raised prices to N855 per litre, the landing cost was said to be over N1,100 per litre, showing that the NNPC was still subsidising petrol by as much as N245 per litre.
If the same amount of subsidy is applied to the Dangote refinery price of N898 per litre, then the market price should be less than N700 per litre. Hence, petrol, as supplied by the Dangote refinery is lower compared to the imported product.
IS DANGOTE PETROL CHEAPER?
Speaking on the issue, Oyeyemi Oke, a partner at AO2LAW, said the absence of a “subsidy” line item in the NNPC’s breakdown makes a big difference as to whether the Dangote refinery product is less expensive.
“The pricing as at today, even if the government wants to accept it or not, appears subsidised because NNPC has come out itself to say they are selling the product at half the landing cost,” Oke said.
“How we should look at it is that if they are selling it at half the price or government is funding the shortfall and the amount based on the pricing that was received still puts it at N950, without any type of shortfall funding, what it means maybe is that it is cheaper at the Dangote refinery as opposed to importation, which the government claims to be selling at half the price.”
In a interview on Channels Television earlier today, John Kekeocha, the national welfare officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the prices shared by the NNPC could be discounted if petrol subsidy continues.
DOES DOMESTIC REFINING MEAN CHEAPER PRICES?
Jide Pratt, an oil and gas expert, said domestic production does not translate to cheaper petroleum products due to several factors.
“It is a fallacy to believe that once a refinery is up and running, it means prices will be cheaper, because the feed for every refinery is still going to be crude oil, which is a commodity that is sold in greenback,” he said.
“What makes petroleum products cheaper is that freight is affordable and the refinery is efficient.”
The only advantage to local refinery, from a price point, is the removal of import cost, which was present in previous NNPC pricing templates as shared by PPPRA.
WHY DID DANGOTE REFINERY SELL IN DOLLARS TO NNPC?
The NNPC had said it paid dollars for petrol from the Dangote refinery — a development earlier confirmed by the refining company.
Explaining the rationale behind the transaction, the Dangote refinery said it sold the products to NNPC in dollars because “our current stock of crude was procured in dollars”.
It was reported in July that the refinery planned to import feedstock from Brazil. A similar plan for imports from the US also made the news in May.
WOULD NAIRA-BASED CRUDE SALE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The government had said from October 1, the refinery would supply petrol and diesel to the domestic market in naira.
Oke said although the transaction would be made in naira to prevent foreign exchange (FX) pressures, “it doesn’t mean that it would not be benchmarked against the dollar”.
“Crude is an international commodity priced in dollars. When government and Dangote say they entered into an agreement and the prices will be on the basis of naira, what they are saying is that the payment in itself would be naira but the commodity pricing still has to be benchmarked against the dollar,” he said.
In addition, Pratt said some refining processes are benchmarked against the dollar as the refinery secured loans in dollars.
The difference, however, will be that the refinery saves on the cost of transporting crude from Europe, the United States, or Brazil, as was the case in the recent past. That savings is not based on local currency sales, but on the location of the crude, which will now be from Nigeria.
Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, says his state has enough water to quench the fire that Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), threatened to put in the states of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors supporting Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara, governor of Rivers, and Wike have been at loggerheads for months now.
Speaking at a PDP congress in Rivers recently, the FCT minister warned governors in the party against interfering in the affairs of the opposition party in Rivers state.
Wike then said he would “put fire” in the states of the governors siding with Fubara.
While hosting some members of PDP’s national working committee (NWC) meeting in Bauchi on Tuesday, Mohammed said nobody could set Bauchi on fire.
“We are together; nobody can put fire in Bauchi,” the governor said.
“We have volumes of water that will quench the fire – even my friend (Wike) that said so, it is because he is annoyed. But it is not personal.
“My friend is my friend, and my job is my job, leadership is leadership.
“This unsolicited visit by the NWC shows that in Nigeria, we have hope,and we are connected by the value and the stability of PDP for peace and stability in our party and in our country.
“Yes, none of the parties is isolated in terms of crisis here and there. Crises are there, that is why leadership is also there. That is why we have to take the bull by the horn to discuss and look at the constitution of our party PDP.
“All the parties must do things by the rule of law. We must respect people, we must put our interest aside, we must respect our diversity, we must meet and close ranks especially when the issue has to do with our party, the PDP.
“Our party has pedigree and most of the development in this country was done by the PDP.
“When PDP left, nothing was done.”
Kamaldeen Adeyemi, national legal adviser of the party, said they visited the Bauchi governor to “identify with him”.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) says some powerful forces are bent on preserving fuel importation in Nigeria.
Muda Yusuf, chief executive officer (CEO) of CPPE, spoke on ‘Morning Brief’, an interview programme on Channels Television, on Tuesday.
Yusuf said some individuals who are heavily profiting from the importation of petroleum products are opposed to the transition to local production.
“There are powerful forces bent on preserving the status quo and by the status quo, I mean the continued importation of petroleum products,” Yusuf said.
“Apparently, a number of people are benefiting from that and such people are not really excited about this domestic production, which is the way to go.”
The CPPE CEO emphasised the need for political commitment to drive the transition from import dependency to local production, particularly focusing on petroleum products.
‘NNPC, DANGOTE REFINERY PRICING DRAMATISATION BAD FOR ECONOMY’
Yusuf also frowned on the public exchange between the Dangote refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Limited.
He urged both entities to resolve their differences internally, warning that public disagreements could harm investor confidence and the economy.
“I’m really worried about the dramatisation of the price, the cost that NNPC is buying from Dangote,” he said.
“When did NNPC start to tell us how much they bought petroleum products? They have been importing for ages.
“How many times have they told us, this is where we bought it from, this is how much we bought it. Why is it that it is when we are now buying from domestic sources, you are now giving us all sorts of statistics.
“So you are now giving the impression as if this current wave of pricing pieces is because you are buying from Dangote. That is the impression that has been created.”
Yusuf, however, said the real issue is the burden of petrol subsidy, which is overstretching the NNPC and the government.
“If you want to walk away from the subsidy, you make that announcement. You cannot tell us that what we are buying from Dangote is costlier than what we are importing in terms of landing costs. It is not possible,” he added.
On Sunday, the NNPC started lifting petrol from the Dangote refinery after a protracted period of price negotiations.
The national oil company said the refiner sold the product at N898 per litre.
However, Dangote refinery countered the claim, describing it as “misleading and mischievous”.
Following the dispute, NNPC, on Monday, released the estimated pump price of petrol based on prices set by the Dangote refinery.
The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, would sign the Peace Accord.
Governor Obaseki stated this in a statement on Tuesday. He explained that the decision was reached by the caucus of the party after a closed-door meeting.
Naija News reported the state’s PDP chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi and Obaseki withdrew their threat to boycott Saturday’s governorship election.
They added that they were convinced by the new commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
On his X handle, on Tuesday, Obaseki disclosed, “Arising from a closed-door meeting of the caucus of our great party, the PDP in Edo State, we wish to thank the Police IG and the Chairman of the INEC for their assurances of providing a level playing field for all players in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.
“As a party, we are ready for the election and confident that the people will make the right choice by voting for our candidates, who stand head and shoulders above the others.
“We are hopeful that with the courts resuming today, all our members who have been detained in Abuja will be released or granted bail to reunite with their families. On that ground, we will consider signing the Peace Accord.”
Hours after it was shut on Monday, the Lagos State Government has reopened the De-Angels Donald’s Fast Food, belonging to celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest.
The fast food restaurant was shut for violating the state environmental laws.
Donald’s Fast Food was unsealed by the team of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) officials in the early hours of Tuesday.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the decision to unseal the business place followed the signing of an undertaking by the proprietor of the restaurant to adhere to the State’s environmental regulations.
A part of the commitment for reopening the restaurant is ensuring that the facility will operate solely as a fast-food business as initially approved against using it for clubbing or partying, just as it is situated in a residential area of the state.
Recall LEADERSHIP reported that LASEPA had stated that there had been repeated warnings, as a result of complaints from the nearby residents and businesses regarding the high levels of noise emanating from the lounge, which has been disrupting the peace and tranquility of the area.
In a statement during the closure of the facility, Director-General of the Lagos State Environmental and Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Tunde Ajayi, disclosed that the Management of Donald’s Lounge had been advised to take necessary measures to mitigate its noise level and comply with other State’s environmental standards before the lounge would be reopened.
Ajayi restates that the Lagos State government is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all Lagosians.
American music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been indicted on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, following his arrest in Manhattan by federal agents on Monday night.
The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, marked the latest development in a series of legal challenges for Combs, whose career has recently been marred by multiple lawsuits accusing him of physical and sexual abuse.
According to the 14-page indictment, Combs, 54, allegedly transformed his business empire into a criminal enterprise involved in sex trafficking, forced labour, and other illicit activities.
The indictment outlined claims that Combs coerced and threatened women to “fulfill his sexual desires” and, in some instances dating back to 2009, physically assaulted them by “striking, punching, dragging, throwing objects at, and kicking” his victims.
Prosecutors accused Combs of supplying drugs and financial incentives to women in exchange for their participation in sexual activities with male sex workers.
These encounters were allegedly orchestrated as “highly choreographed performances.” One of the more serious incidents detailed in the indictment describes a 2016 altercation at a hotel, during which Combs allegedly threw a vase at a woman who was attempting to leave. When a security staff member intervened, Combs reportedly attempted to bribe him.
Combs was expected to appear in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday to address the charges. His attorney, Marc Agnifilo, expressed disappointment with the indictment, calling it an “unjust prosecution.”
In a statement, Agnifilo defended his client’s character, stating, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person, but he is not a criminal.”
Agnifilo also noted that Combs had voluntarily relocated to New York ahead of the charges, signaling his readiness to face the legal battle.
The indictment is the culmination of a year in which Combs has faced mounting legal pressures. In November 2023, his former girlfriend, R&B singer Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, sued him for physical abuse, sexual slavery, and rape during their decade-long relationship.
While Combs denied the allegations, the case was settled for an undisclosed amount just one day after the lawsuit was filed.
Combs’ legal troubles have only intensified, with additional civil lawsuits being filed by both women and men alleging sexual assault and other misconduct.
Singer Dawn Richard, formerly of Danity Kane, filed a lawsuit last week accusing Combs of sexual assault, battery, sex trafficking, and gender discrimination.
Additionally, earlier this month, a Michigan judge ordered Combs to pay $100 million to Derrick Lee Smith, who claimed Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him at a party nearly 30 years ago.
Combs did not appear in court to contest the allegations, and his legal team is reportedly seeking to overturn the judgment.
The indictment also followed a February 2024 lawsuit filed by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who worked on Combs’ 2023 album, ‘The Love Album: Off the Grid. Jones accused Combs of sex trafficking, a claim the mogul has strongly denied.
This is not Combs’ first encounter with legal troubles. In 2001, he was acquitted of bribery and weapons charges related to a nightclub shooting in New York, which left three people injured.
As Combs faced these latest accusations, his legal team remains steadfast in his defense. “We intend to vigorously fight these charges and expose the truth,” Agnifilo concluded.
Combs, who built his career as a dominant figure in the 1990s and 2000s hip-hop scene, founded Bad Boy Records and was instrumental in launching the careers of stars like Mary J. Blige, Notorious B.I.G., and Usher.
Despite his continued denial of these allegations, the growing number of legal battles poses a significant threat to his legacy.
No going back on increase in boarding fee – Lagos state govt says after parents stage protest
AFOLABI
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has that there is no going back on the proposed increase in the boarding fees in its model colleges.
Over the weekend, parents of boarding students in the different model colleges in the state staged a protest kicking against the proposed increase in school fees.
In a statement released today, September 17, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Ganiu Lawal, the state government (LASG) said the increase in boarding fees in its model colleges is inevitable as it will ensure that they are well catered for while in school.
Lawal noted that students in the boarding schools were over one percent of the entire basic and secondary school student population in public schools in the state.
According to Lawal, the N35,000 boarding fees being paid since 2021 is not realistic in 2024.
The Lagos State Government recently approved the upward review of boarding fees payable in all public boarding schools in Lagos State. The review of boarding fees in all public secondary schools in Lagos State is with effect from 2024/2025 session.
The newly approved fee is N100,000 only and starts from the ongoing session which commenced on September 15, 2024.
“The Ministry is aware of dissenting views by some parents to the inevitable increase in boarding fees in our model colleges.
This was not an easy decision, but the welfare of the children is a priority for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Government. Since enrolment of a child into a boarding school is an individual choice for every parent, they are expected to pay boarding fees.
The boarding fee is paid every term and it is used basically for feeding, janitorial and other miscellaneous cost related to keeping them in the hostels per term,” Lawal said.
The ministry official explained that the schools take care of energy cost on fuel and cooking gas, which are essential for preparing the students’ meals.
“The model college students enjoy all other privileges of free education vis a vis provision of education infrastructure, free tuition, technology support (free devices). Also provision of adequate security in schools and payment of terminal examination fees; the state government pays WAEC fees for all public school students. Ideally, none of our parents will testify to the reasonability of feeding a child of 12 to 18 years with N35,000 for 3 months. A comparative analysis of Federal and state public schools with boarding facilities across the country shows Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is still very considerate with the reviewed rate in spite of the incomparable cost of food and other expenses,” he said.
Lawal noted that nutritious food was not just for physical growth but also for mental alertness, adding that the Ministry would not want any boarding student to look gaunt or lack the skill of critical thinking. He stressed that government took responsibility of the health and well being of the students while in school, but added that government would require full cooperation of all stakeholders to do this.
The ministry official, therefore, enjoined parents to see reasons with the state government and show understanding for the sake of the children.
Super Falcons of Nigeria midfielder, Ngozi Okobi, announced the arrival of her first child earlier today, September 17.
Ngozi Okobi took to her Instagram page to announce the arrival of her baby, expressing her gratitude to God and embracing her new role as a mother with the hashtags #godbepraised #iamamother #newmom.
The 30-year-old footballer accompanied her heartfelt message with endearing photos of her baby bump, capturing the precious moments of her pregnancy journey.
Before her announcement, Ngozi had chosen to keep her pregnancy journey private, only occasionally sharing glimpses of her fitness routines and casual moments on social media.
Her husband, Ahmed Okeoghene, whom she married on December 9, 2017, in Delta State, stood by her as she continued to pursue her football career as a midfielder for almost seven years before the arrival of their bundle of joy.
Ngozi Okobi’s remarkable career includes representing Nigeria in several international tournaments.
She showcased her talent in the 2010 Under-17 Women’s World Cup, the 2010 WAFCON, the 2012 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, as well as the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 WAFCON tournaments. Additionally, she made appearances in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite her impressive track record, Ngozi was notably excluded from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad by former coach Randy Waldrum. Since then, she has not made a return to the national team.
A Nigerian man, Salisu Ahmed, has opened up on how he lived with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus for 31 years.
In a recent interview with reality star, Doyin David, Ahmed disclosed that he contracted the virus after his first extramarital affair.
The 66-year-old shared the challenges he faced, including the stigma of being denied access to shared facilities, losing his teaching job, and being abandoned by his wife and children.
“I am Salisu Ahmed, I have been living with this virus for 31 years. The first experiment of going outside my matrimonial home is how it happened. It has been proven that about 85 to 90 per cent of people living with HIV contracted this thing through sexual intercourse.
“I was denied the use of the bathroom of the compound, I was not allowed to access the toilet, I was formerly a teacher so I was asked honourably to stop coming to the school.
“She packed everything including the children at home, they left me,” he stated.
He was cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant.
According to a statement from the City of Hope Medical Center in the US, where the procedure was performed, the man entered remission after discontinuing antiretroviral therapy.
The centre noted that the patient became the fourth person in the world, and the oldest, to achieve long-term remission from HIV after receiving stem cells from a donor with a rare genetic mutation.
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The Lagos State Government has issued contravention notices to over 280 illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme in a bid to protect the state’s coastal areas and prevent the proliferation of slums.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Ekundayo Alebiosu, disclosed this in a statement posted on the Lagos X platform on Tuesday.
Alebiosu was quoted in the statement as saying, that the contravention notices, served on Saturday, require the occupants to provide necessary documentation and approvals justifying their occupation of the properties within seven days.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Lagos State Master Plan.
The statement read, “Failure to comply with this directive will result in the issuance of demolition notices.
“The over 280 properties, which include completed structures, ongoing construction projects, and undeveloped lands, were found to violate government regulations after a thorough technical assessment conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.
“The survey team, tasked with preserving Lagos State’s waterfront schemes, determined that these properties lacked the necessary government authorization for construction.
“We cannot allow illegal encroachments to jeopardize the safety and sustainability of our coastal areas. The issuance of these contravention notices is a clear signal that we will not tolerate such activities.”
Alebiosu urged the property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices or regularise their documents to avoid penalties.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate illegal activities along the waterfront schemes and corridors, emphasizing that encroachment on government properties, land, and setbacks would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner also revealed that through the Ministry, the State Government is currently addressing similar encroachment issues in the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Lagos State’s waterfront schemes and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of lives and properties along the coastal area.
“The issuance of contravention notices to the illegal occupants in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to restore order and prevent further deterioration of the state’s coastal environment. It is anticipated that this action will serve as a deterrent to future illegal activities and contribute to the overall development and sustainability of Lagos State”, Alebiosu added.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has hinted on a possible return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Musa urged his supporters to decide on his next club among the 20 teams in the NPFL.
The former NPFL hotshot made the announcement on the social media.
“Let’s go again, which of this team’s do you wish for me to sign,” Musa wrote on X with the logos of the 20 NPFL clubs..
Musa previously had two stints with Kano Pillars in the NPFL.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish Super Lig club, Sivasspor.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday explained why his administration linked its Eight-Point Agenda to Digital Identity Initiatives.
He said the measure would streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and allow Nigerians to benefit directly from government programmes and services.
The President said a robust and efficient digital identity system has proven vital for the success of government programmes, such as providing incentives for farmers, the student loan scheme, the National Youth Talent Export Programme, Renewed Hope City and Estate Housing initiative, and the Skill-Up Artisans Programme.
President Tinubu said this at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centren in Kado, Abuja, while declaring open this year’s National Identity Day organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, said this year’s event with the theme: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Enabling Access to Services, underscored the critical role that digital identity plays in the nation’s development.
“In today’s digital age, the ability to prove one’s identity is not just a matter of convenience; it is a cornerstone of our socio-economic progress.
“Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is the backbone that enables access to essential services, from healthcare and education to financial inclusion and social welfare.
“It is through a robust DPI that we can ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their background or location, has the opportunity to participate fully in our nation’s growth.
“Our administration’s eight-point agenda, which includes food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, enhancing the business environment, upholding the rule of law, and fighting corruption, is intrinsically linked to the success of our digital identity initiatives.
“By leveraging DPI, we can streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and ensure that government programs reach those who need them most,” the President said.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the day was worth celebrating as it was meant to open up new opportunities for Nigerians to actively participate in government programmes and enjoy the benefits thereof.
He said Digital identity system enables government to plan for its socio-economic programmes and other challenges, noting that it remains critical to social and financial development of the country.
NIMC’s Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote said: “I must say we are on the right path, and key strides have been made through collaboration and partnerships with government agencies and private sector players – linking of NINs and phone numbers with the telecommunication companies, NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) harmonisation with financial institutions to facilitate digital payments, digital money, digital identity and digital processes, amongst others.
“Furthermore, the Student Loan Initiative showcases how DPI can eliminate financial barriers to education.
“By collaborating with 257 institutions, 332,715 students have been registered for loans, and over 18,000 students have already received payments through the initiative,” she said.
[TheNation]
Former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, has revealed that during his tenure from 2007 to 2015, he required his aides and commissioners to join social clubs across the state.
This mandate, Fashola explained, was aimed at ensuring that government policies and activities were more accessible and better understood by the public.
“During our administration, I mandated my aides and commissioners to join social clubs in Lagos so they could gain insights and educate people about government policies wherever discussions were taking place,” Fashola said.
Fashola, who also served as a former minister and is a patron of the Eko Club, shared these insights during the club’s 50th-anniversary lecture last Wednesday.
The lecture was titled “The Role of Social Clubs in Social Engineering.”
The ex-governor emphasised the importance of common interest as a key pillar of social clubs and urged Eko Club to reinvigorate its focus on sporting activities. Fashola noted that sports is a significant yet underutilised source of employment, especially in an environment grappling with high youth unemployment.
“Eko Club must return to its sporting objectives and lead the revival of youth inter-club competitions. We cannot rely solely on government efforts for the success of our athletes at international sports events,” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also called for the club to be more engaged in matters of public interest.
He added that Eko Club should expand its role beyond hosting events and be more involved in societal issues.
“It is my humble view that we have been somewhat detached from issues that affect our common interests. Eko Club is too significant and prestigious to be known merely as a venue for parties, anniversaries, and weddings, important as these may be to social engineering,” Fashola remarked.
He encouraged the club to focus on its future rather than dwelling excessively on its past, advising them to prioritize the next 50 years of development.
[Punch]