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Tinubu, First Lady, Davido Join Sanwo-Olu’s 60th Celebration
As Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu clocks 60 today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu have led tributes to the leader described as a pillar in the state’s continued transformation.
President Tinubu, in a message released through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, praised Sanwo-Olu for his “steadfast commitment” to the progress of Lagos, describing him as a key driver of the state’s infrastructural renaissance.
He noted that Sanwo-Olu has continued many important projects that began during his (Tinubu’s) time as governor.
The President mentioned key projects like the Blue and Red rail lines and encouraged the governor to keep pushing forward on others such as the Fourth Mainland Bridge and the Freedom Way-VGC road.
“Your execution of this vision is exemplified by landmark achievements, including completing the Blue and Red Rail lines and the ongoing preparations for the Purple Line, which will serve the vital Lekki corridor,” Tinubu said.
“I urge you to sustain this trajectory by prioritising impactful projects for Lagosians, notably the long-awaited Fourth Mainland Bridge and the Freedom Way to Victoria Garden City (VGC) Road,” President Tinubu said.
The President concluded, “I also wish you continued good health, longevity, and many more years of invaluable service to Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Also sending birthday wishes was the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his service and leadership.
“I join your family, associates, and well-wishers to celebrate you on your attainment of 60 years of a glorious life. Your dedication to service has set you apart as an exemplary leader,” the First Lady wrote.
“As you mark this special day, may you be blessed with more wisdom, strength, and divine health to fulfill your God-ordained purpose, and I wish you many more years of success on earth.”
The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Surah O. Animashaun, also wished him a happy birthday in an Instagram post where she praised his leadership and the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ programme, which she claimed has helped improve many parts of Lagos, such as traffic, health, education, entertainment, and security.
“Your Excellency, your courage in decision-making, compassion for the people, and unwavering dedication to progress are hallmarks of true statesmanship. Under your leadership, Lagos has remained a beacon of growth, innovation, and resilience, and we are proud to be part of the journey you are leading with such clarity and conviction,” she wrote.
Governor Sanwo-Olu shared his thoughts on reaching 60, tweeting, “Today, I turn 60. Sixty years of experiences, lessons, and blessings. I woke up this morning feeling grateful, not just for the years, but for the journey itself.
“Today is a moment to pause and reflect. I’ve learned that public service is one of the highest callings. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling. Every day, I wake up knowing there’s more to do, more to give, more to build.
“Public service teaches you a great deal. It teaches patience. It teaches you how to listen, and how to keep going even when the path is difficult. I’m still learning. I’m always learning.
“So today, I’m thankful, for life, for the trust of Lagosians, the people I serve, and for the opportunity to keep working toward something greater than myself.”
Also, popular singer Davido sent a video shout-out to Governor Sanwo-Olu. In the message, Davido greeted Lagosians and praised the governor for his work, saying, “Hello my people, what’s up? It is your boy Davido. I want to say a big happy 60th birthday to our governor, Governor Sanwo-Olu. We appreciate you. Everything you do for Lagos, we see it all the time. You know I love you, man. Have fun, enjoy your day, and live your life.”
Sanwo-Olu’s deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, also celebrated his principal on X, where he wrote, “Happy birthday to an exceptional leader, visionary, my brother and partner in duty, Governor @jidesanwoolu. Your drive for good governance and inclusive growth sets the bar high. I wish you continued wisdom and strength in service to our state. Happy birthday MG.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu started his political career in 2003 as a special adviser to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He later became Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget.
In 2007, he was appointed Commissioner for Commerce and Industry by Governor Bola Tinubu. After that, he served as Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
In 2016, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made him Managing Director and CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
He also helped start important projects like the Lagos Security Trust Fund, LAGBUS transportation system, and the Lagos Command and Control Centre in Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu was elected governor in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Guardian.ng
Tension and sorrow have gripped the Iluke Bunu community in Kogi State following a deadly bandit attack that reportedly claimed the life of the Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Iluke.
According to reports, the victim, identified as Mr. Gani Anifowose, was brutally killed on Wednesday morning during an attack carried out by armed bandits.
Residents said the community is currently facing heightened security concerns, with fear and panic spreading across the area.
In another disturbing development, reports indicate that students from three neighbouring communities, who were scheduled to sit for the English Language WAEC examination on the same day, were allegedly abducted amid the worsening insecurity in the region.
The incidents have raised fresh concerns over the safety of students, teachers, and residents in vulnerable communities across Kogi State.
A representative of the community association called on security agencies and relevant authorities to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace, secure the affected communities, and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.
“An hour is gone and no sign of rescue efforts from the security agencies despite placing several calls for help. We urge citizens to remain calm and continue praying for divine intervention, protection, and lasting peace in our communities.”
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly stepped up its investigation into former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to a report by Premium Times, the anti-graft agency has begun efforts to locate the former minister after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The publication reported that sources familiar with the matter said the ICPC had invited Nnaji for questioning through different channels, including telephone calls, emails and WhatsApp messages, but he did not appear before investigators.
One of the sources quoted by the newspaper claimed that the commission could declare the former minister wanted if attempts to secure his appearance are unsuccessful.
The latest development is said to be part of an investigation that followed a lengthy inquiry by Premium Times into Nnaji’s academic records and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents.
The newspaper had earlier alleged that the former minister submitted forged degree and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
According to the report, the ICPC has also sought information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as part of its investigation.
Another source cited by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji’s failure to respond to the invitations may be linked to his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
The newspaper recently reported that the former minister moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later emerged as its governorship candidate.
Neither Nnaji nor his media aide, Robert Ngwu, had publicly responded to the latest allegations as of the time of filing this report. Premium Times said calls and messages sent to his spokesperson were not answered.
The controversy surrounding the former minister began after investigations into his academic qualifications were published in 2023.
According to the newspaper, Nnaji had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in a bid to stop the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
However, Premium Times reported that university authorities later informed the newspaper that although Nnaji was admitted into the institution, he did not graduate or obtain the certificate attributed to him.
The publication also stated that the National Youth Service Corps disowned the discharge certificate allegedly presented by the former minister.
Nnaji eventually resigned from his position shortly after the allegations became public.
The matter has continued to attract public attention, with several lawyers and civil society groups calling for a thorough investigation and, where necessary, prosecution in line with the law.
In a related development, POLITICS NIGERIA also reported earlier this year that an investigative panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Education examined the matter as part of a broader review of the allegations surrounding the former minister’s credentials.
The ICPC has yet to release an official public statement detailing the current status of its investigation
Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior is set to declare a nationwide public holiday across all sectors to mark Democracy Day 2026, potentially granting a one-day break for both private and public sector employees.
The federal government’s announcement regarding Democracy Day will be the only national public holiday observed in Nigeria in June 2026.
Democracy Day commemorates the 1993 presidential election and the nation’s struggle for democratic freedom. June 12, 2026, falls on a Friday.
On June 6, 2018, the late former president Muhammadu Buhari, in a public statement, changed the Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, in honour of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and its winner, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who died in prison.
Abiola was born on August 14, 1937 and passed away under suspicious circumstances on July 7, 1998. A popular Ogun businessman, publisher, and politician of the Egba clan, he is often referred to as MKO Abiola.
He ran for the presidency in 1993 and was widely regarded as the presumed winner of the election, which was annulled by former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Some southwest states had been celebrating June 12 as a public holiday and are holding ceremonies in Abiola’s honour until Buhari officially declared the day as Nigeria’s real democracy day. The former president, on Monday, June 10, 2018, signed the Public Holiday Amendment Bill into law.
The law, according to the former president’s ex-senior special assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, allows a public holiday to be declared on June 12 every year, while May 29 is to be a handing-over date.
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