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Tell Buhari Nigerians are Hungry, Gani Adams Tasks Femi Adesina
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams, on Thursday took on the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on the claim that life had improved under Buhari’s watch.
This was as Prof Akin Onigbinde described the statistics on Buhari’s achievements as “the reality that we cannot see.”
The three men were among speakers at the 2nd annual lecture of Freedom Online, which held in Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.
At the event, which had the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, as guest speaker, both Adesina and Adams were guests of honour while Onigbinde was the keynote speaker.
Among other dignitaries on the occasion were former governors of Ogun and Abia states, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, respectively.
Adesina had reeled out statistics on the achievements of the Buhari’s administration since 2015, saying only those who chose to be wilfully blind would not acknowledge government’s achievements.
Adesina said under Buhari’s watch in 2017, Nigeria’s agricultural export grew by 180.7 per cent; while raw materials export in the same year rose by 150.2 per cent.
“Before we export, it means that, to a large extent, we have satisfied domestic demand,” he said.
He added that rice importation had reduced by 90 per cent, saving the country billions of dollars on a daily basis.
“How about the stock market in 2017? The Nigerian stock market ended as one of the best performing in the world.
“Five million new taxpayers were added since 2016,” Adesina said, adding that between 2016 and 2017 government spent N2.7tn on infrastructure, “unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.”
Adesina said it was only those playing politics that would claim not to have seen or felt the impact of government’s achievements.
“If you choose to be wilfully blind, even if they put something in your face you won’t be able to see it,” the presidential spokesman said.
But in his remarks, Adams said though Adesina’s analysis was beautiful, it meant little to the man on the street.
He said, “You made a very good analysis, but by the time we check it, I know you are a very honest person and you are telling us the truth, but with this analysis, I think the grass-roots people should feel the government; they should feel the impact of government by all means.
“I am a regular traveller; I’ve travelled to about 46 countries and I know what is happening in the developed world and when you see most of their economic analysts, they won’t tell you what they are doing theoretically but you will see what is happening.”
He, therefore, called on Adesina to go back to Abuja and tell the President that the people were hungry.
He said, “When my brother, Mr Femi Adesina was making the analysis, it got to a point, I was so shocked because I know the background of my brother, Femi Adesina, as a brilliant journalist. When he was at The Sun Newspaper, you’d love to read his articles and for trying to package their government, I was not surprised.”
Turning to Adesina, the Aare Ona Kakanfo said, “But I want you to pass this message to the President because I remember when President Goodluck Jonathan was in power, he said when they are in that Villa, it’s just like being in a prison or a cage; they don’t know what is happening at the grass roots. But coming to this event, we need to pass this information that you can tell Mr President that Nigerians are suffering. Ebi n pa awon ara ilu (the people are hungry).”
Earlier, Onigbinde had described Adesina’s analysis as “the reality that we cannot see.”
Onigbinde said, “I welcome my friend, Adesina, telling us the reality we cannot see; we are not wearing glasses, these are things I encounter on a daily basis. I have heard about the Metro Rice in Ogun State, I saw it only on television; it is not in Daleko Market and the rice is also not in Kuto.
“I live in Bodija, I can’t see this rice. But Femi is my brother, he has a duty to direct our gaze to what we cannot see and we begin to see things in our imagination.”
In his lecture, Fayemi, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Investment and Trade, Mr Akin Oyebode, said Nigeria must commit huge investment to health care and education.
He said, “No economy can develop without a healthy and competent workforce. Therefore, education and health care are critical social investments required to develop our nation. This is why we must continue to expand the health insurance and ensure that the poorest people get coverage.”
The Punch
Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.
Adron Homes and Properties Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community development through its sponsorship of the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, one of the most revered cultural celebrations of the Egba people.
Held under the distinguished leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the festival remains a symbolic institution that celebrates the unity, resilience, and historical legacy of Egbaland. It pays tribute to the legendary warrior Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, whose courage and leadership united the Egba people and secured their freedom.
Through this strategic sponsorship, Adron Homes and Properties Limited continues to position itself not only as a leading real estate developer but also as a custodian of culture and a partner in sustaining the traditions that shape communities across Nigeria.
Speaking on the importance of the festival, Oba Gbadebo emphasized that Lisabi serves as a vital platform for preserving the Egba people’s values, traditions, and identity, while inspiring younger generations to remain connected to their cultural roots.
For Adron Homes, the partnership reflects a deliberate alignment with the socio-cultural aspirations of Egbaland. By supporting the festival, the company is contributing meaningfully to the preservation of indigenous heritage, the promotion of unity, and the celebration of a people whose influence continues to shape the cultural landscape of Abeokuta and beyond.
Notably, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State is also home to key Adron Homes developments, including the prestigious Adron Homes Sunrise Park and Gardens located in Alabata, and Southgate Park and Gardens Estate in Alamala. These flagship estates further reinforce the company’s deep-rooted presence and long-term investment in the socio-economic growth of the region.
The 2026 edition of the Lisabi Festival, themed “Integrating Apprenticeship Training into Education: Opportunities and Challenges,” highlights the intersection between tradition and modern development, an area where Adron Homes continues to make an impact through its community-driven initiatives.
The festival will feature a vibrant lineup of cultural and social activities, including the iconic Woro procession, traditional rites, arts and crafts exhibitions, educational programmes, and community engagements, all reflecting the richness of Egba heritage.
By Oki O. Samson
In what is already generating significant grassroots political momentum across Surulere, immediate past Executive Chairman of Coker-Aguda LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ibrahim Olamilekan, popularly known as RIO, has officially declared his intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly seat representing Surulere Constituency II.
The declaration, made on Saturday, March 21, 2026, positions the youthful and widely regarded grassroots mobilizer and a party loyalist as a strong contender in the evolving political landscape of Lagos State.
At the official declaration on Saturday morning, supporters, community leaders, youth groups, and political stakeholders gathered in large numbers to witness what has been described as the formal transition of a tested local administrator into state-level legislative politics.
A Grassroots Politician with Development Credentials
Hon. Olamilekan’s entry into the race is backed by a track record that spans infrastructure renewal, social welfare interventions, education support, and community-driven security initiatives during his tenure as Council Executive Chairman.
Described by admirers as detribalized and accessible, RIO built a reputation for inclusive governance for all tribes, implementing policies and programs that cut across religious, ethnic, and political divides. His administration’s interventions ranged from road construction and drainage systems to healthcare upgrades and youth empowerment schemes.
In the area of healthcare, his government reconstructed the Orile-Iganmu Primary Healthcare Centre and facilitated multiple medical outreaches in collaboration with the Lagos State Health Management Agency, bringing free medical services closer to residents in underserved communities.
Security Advocacy, Peacebuilding and Policy Direction
A major highlight of his public service profile is his consistent advocacy for sustainable security funding and community peacebuilding. Speaking at an event marking his induction as Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Southwest Nigeria in 2024, Hon. RIO emphasized the need for a maintenance culture in security investments.
“Buying equipment is not enough,” he noted. “We must make deliberate provisions for maintenance to ensure long-term effectiveness of support to the Nigeria Police Force.”
During his tenure, he provided operational vehicles for Police formations and institutionalized monthly security meetings with Divisional Police Officers and other community stakeholders. These measures were noted to have improved safety coordination across the LCDA and were largely applauded by the community, the Media industry.
His collaboration with security leadership, including engagements with former Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, further reinforced his administration’s proactive approach to tackling crime and improving public safety infrastructure.
Beyond institutional support, Hon. Olamilekan also demonstrated a firm commitment to peace and conflict resolution at the community level. Following incidents of unrest in Orile Iganmu, a densely populated community and cultural hub hosting the National Theatre, he convened a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting involving community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and transport union representatives.
The engagement led to the inauguration of an Enquiry and Peace Taskforce Committee tasked with addressing recurring street clashes in areas such as Awe, Aloko, Alagba, and Memudu streets. The committee, working with the council’s security architecture, was mandated to develop recommendations and drive a comprehensive sensitization campaign across the LCDA.
Describing peace as a collective responsibility, the former Chairman stressed that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and mutual coexistence.
Social Intervention and Community Impact
Hon. RIO’s leadership gained widespread attention and commendation from political party leaders during the post-fuel subsidy removal period, when his administration rolled out sustained palliative distributions. Over a six-month period, thousands of residents comprising youths, widows, elderly citizens, and vulnerable groups benefited from food and financial support initiatives.
Unlike many local governments criticized for slow response, Coker-Aguda LCDA under Hon. RIO leadership executed multiple phases of relief distribution, reaching over 12,000 residents. The initiative was widely praised by party leaders, community stakeholders for its transparency, inclusiveness, and consistency.
Recognition and Rising Political Profile
His governance style and impact earned him several accolades, including his induction into the prestigious Trek Africa Hall of Fame as Youth Man of the Year. The recognition placed him alongside notable figures such as Secretary to State Government, Lagos State, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and Executive Secretary/CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, underscoring his growing influence within Lagos’ political and governance ecosystem.
His emergence as one of the youngest local government chairmen in Lagos helped position him as a symbol of youth inclusion in governance and a bridge between established political structures and the next generation of leaders.
Legislative Vision for Surulere II
In declaring his candidacy, Hon. Olamilekan RIO pledged to take his grassroots governance experience to the legislative arena, with a focus on people-oriented laws, improved infrastructure funding, education access, and community-based security frameworks.
He emphasized that his campaign would be driven by direct engagement with constituents, policy clarity, and a commitment to delivering measurable outcomes.
With a blend of administrative experience, party loyalist, grassroots appeal, and a demonstrable commitment to peace and development, political observers believe his candidacy could significantly shape the contest for Surulere Constituency II.
As the political season gathers pace, attention will be on how his entry reshapes alignments within the constituency and influences the broader dynamics of legislative elections in Lagos State.
