🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Lagos' achievements under Governor Sanwo-Olu defended against critical narratives
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
An article addresses criticisms by Mobolaji Sanusi, a former head of the Lagos State Advertising Agency, regarding the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The author argues that Sanusi's attempt to diminish Sanwo-Olu's record while promoting his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, disregards visible developments in Lagos. The article highlights significant achievements over the past seven years, including the operationalization of the Blue and Red Rail Lines, expansion and rehabilitation of road networks, housing projects, improved healthcare infrastructure, and digital governance initiatives. The redevelopment of the Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle is cited as a major transformation in public education facilities. Lagos was also ranked as Nigeria’s highest-performing state with a five-star rating in the 2025 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, based on indicators like governance, infrastructure, healthcare, education, economic management, and service delivery. The author points out the contradiction in Sanusi's argument, as Hamzat has been a central participant in the administration's policy formulation and implementation, making it inconsistent to praise Hamzat while condemning the government he helped lead. The piece suggests that such rhetoric is politically reckless, especially given the current economic challenges and public discontent facing the All Progressives Congress APC nationally. It emphasizes that Sanwo-Olu's administration provides strong evidence
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC is under public scrutiny following the death of 16-year-old Sesugh Atser in Makurdi, Benue State, in May 2026. The EFCC stated that Sesugh, a suspect in a cyber fraud case, escaped from custody on May 4 with two others by breaking through a toilet roof. The commission claims that on May 21, during an attempt to re-arrest him in Kanshio, Sesugh and suspected cult members opened fire on EFCC operatives. The EFCC reported that operatives returned fire in self-defense, and Sesugh was later found lying in a pool of blood by the roadside, pronounced dead at the Police Cottage Hospital. The EFCC emphasized that Sesugh did not die in custody and was never granted bail. However, this account has been met with skepticism on social media, with users questioning the escape narrative and the circumstances of his death. Activist Rinu Oduala and other users on X raised concerns about the plausibility of a 16-year-old opening fire and the EFCC's changing description of Sesugh from a fraudster to a cult member. Sesugh's mother, Jennifer Atsar, told Saturday PUNCH that her son was a hardworking student and denied he was a fraudster. She alleged that EFCC operatives had previously arrested and released him, retaining his phone and demanding N100,000 for its return. She claims that on the day of his death, two plainclothes EFCC officers lured her son to a hotel, where he was shot while attempting to flee after seeing a gun. She stated that her so
Must ReadThe Tanzania High Commission in Abuja has called for a stronger trade and investment partnership between Tanzania and Nigeria, emphasizing that collaboration between businesses in both countries is crucial for unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The mission is intensifying efforts to strengthen economic diplomacy and deepen bilateral trade relations through increased engagement with private-sector stakeholders. Participation in international trade platforms is part of a broader strategy to expand market access for Tanzanian products and foster mutually beneficial commercial partnerships across Africa. These engagements aim to boost bilateral trade, encourage private-sector collaboration, and create new investment opportunities in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Tanzania's expanding export base offers significant opportunities for Nigerian businesses seeking high-quality agricultural and value-added products. The High Commission stressed that stronger commercial ties would contribute to the AfCFTA's objectives of increasing intra-African trade and economic integration. Businesses and investors are urged to utilize trade exhibitions and business forums to establish partnerships. As part of these efforts, Tanzania will participate in the Food & Beverage West Africa 2026 exhibition in Lagos from June 9 to June 11, showcasing products such as tea, coffee, wines, cashew nuts, and spices at the Tanzania Pavilion. The pavilion
Must ReadBenson Upah, spokesman for the Nigeria Labour Congress, argues that Nigerian workers deserve a minimum wage of N1m, citing the dramatic decline in purchasing power due to fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate liberalization, tariff hikes, increased taxation, and a growing debt burden. He highlights that fuel prices have risen over 600 percent and electricity tariffs by more than 260 percent in less than three years, while the naira has depreciated sharply. Upah contends that government revenues have substantially increased, demonstrating the capacity to pay higher wages. He states that the N1m figure reflects the amount needed for a basic standard of living, as workers now face prices comparable to advanced economies. Upah criticizes state governments that claim inability to pay, attributing it to poor governance choices and excessive reliance on federal allocations rather than developing internal economic capacity. He asserts that workers should not be victims of official inefficiency, especially since many states received higher allocations after recent reforms. Upah believes there is a deliberate failure to translate higher revenues into improved worker welfare, noting that Nigeria's reward system is skewed against workers. He rates President Bola Tinubu's administration at 40 percent on workers' welfare, cost of living, employment, and economic management, stating that while reforms may have been necessary, their rapid and simultaneous implementation caused unprecedented ha
Actor and filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi has urged authorities to reopen investigations into the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad. In an interview, Fabiyi emphasized the need for law enforcement and relevant organizations to treat the case with seriousness, describing it as a murder investigation. He shared screenshots of alleged chats where Omowunmi Aloba, Mohbad's wife, reportedly discussed pushing him. Fabiyi noted that Omowunmi was previously arrested in November 2025 by the FCID in Abuja and investigated for murder, theft, and criminal conspiracy. He stated that this new lead aligns with existing evidence, including a 30-second video and a statement from Adura, who claimed Mohbad was pushed and hit his head. Fabiyi is calling for authorities to invite Omowunmi, conduct a forensic analysis of her phone to verify conversations, and recover deleted messages to establish authenticity. He highlighted that a prosecution witness already has a video showing Mohbad being pushed. Fabiyi explained his continued commitment to seeking justice for Mohbad, citing humanity and the singer's talent as reasons. He also briefly commented on national security challenges and his recent acting role.