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To accelerate physical and socio-economic development in Lagos and Ogun states, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun have launched a Joint Development Commission

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In several places, the boundaries between Lagos and Ogun states have blurred so much that telling them apart is almost an exercise in futility. This reality has confronted residents of the boundary towns for a long time. Now, the governments of the two states have accepted this and are now going to develop the states together. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission is set to make residents of the boundary areas enjoy visible development, especially in infrastructure.

The launch of the Joint Development Commission marked a new beginning in the bilateral relationship between the neighbouring states, which also share socio-cultural backgrounds. The MoU was signed at the Presidential Lodge in Ibara, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The governors agreed to work on seven key areas of mutual interests, which are expected to boost security, commerce, urbanisation, infrastructure and also solve boundary disputes.

The ceremony was witnessed by Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, members of the State Executive Council of both states, royal fathers led by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), among other dignitaries.

The areas which the Joint Development Commission will focus on include infrastructural development (development of boundary town roads, waterworks, mass transportation); revenue and taxation (including PAYE remittances, and boundary town revenue management and collection); trade and investment and resolution of boundary disputes.

Other areas encapsulated in the MoU are security (including intelligence sharing and gathering); environmental and physical planning activities (including urban renewal, emergency and disaster management, inland waterways management and traffic management); and agriculture/food security.

Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration’s commitment in ensuring that Lagos becomes a 21st-century economy ‘makes it imperative for us to strategically collaborate with our closest neighbour, Ogun State, for the joint development of our states, the continued growth of our cities and the co-creation of value that encompasses good governance and urban regeneration.

According to him, signing the MoU was to further the relationship which began in 2005 during the tenure of former Governors Bola Tinubu (Lagos) and Segun Osoba (Ogun). He described it as “a game-changer that will transform the urban agglomeration that Lagos has become”.

He said: “We are driven by the desire to stimulate socio-economic growth, bridge development gaps and ensure that Lagos’ megacity status is complemented by pervasive infrastructural development even in boundary towns. This MoU precedes the Joint Development Commission that will be established to mutually tackle some of the issues prevalent in key economic sectors like transportation, environment, housing, health, infrastructure, and security.

“Regardless of the challenges, we are determined to build more livable and stable cities. Our goal is to build sustainable urban cities, where residents of both states have a sense of belonging, embrace participatory governance, and recognise their role in achieving solid urban economies in both states.

“In light of current global practices in managing megacities, it has become obvious that the best way to accelerate socio-economic development in Lagos and Ogun states is by embracing a more collaborative approach for growth, development, and urban sustainability.

“The Joint MoU is a sustainable development agenda under which Lagos and Ogun states will combine resources to meet our present socio-economic needs and prepare for the future. We have nothing to lose but a lot to gain by synergising efforts with Ogun State. I assure you that the stipulations of the Joint MoU will be meticulously implemented. The next step is to establish a joint committee that will implement the terms of the MoU until we are able to formally establish a Joint Development Commission with the approval of the Lagos and Ogun state Houses of Assembly.

“This is not political, but about our people. I, therefore, call for greater collaboration among the 36 states of the country. The common goal is to provide good governance and make life more meaningful for the electorate, and that should be our driving force. We must never forget that, as Nigerians, we are all interconnected, and the fastest way to accelerate socio-economic growth and create an equitable society is by uniting to combat our challenges.”

Sanwo-Olu said the next step after signing the MoU would be the establishment of a joint committee that would implement the terms of the agreement. He added that bills would also be sent to the Houses of Assembly of both states to generate statutory support for the establishment of the economic integration commission.

Abiodun described the commission as ‘a deliberate and methodical effort of two forward-thinking governors.

According to him, the bilateral agreement would have legal backing so the initiative can outlive the present and serve the people well into the future.

Abiodun was hopeful that with the agreement, it would be easier for them to rebuild the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and Ikorodu-Sagamu Roads since the letter asking President Muhammadu Buhari to allow them to work on the roads would now have a stronger backing.

He said: “It is undeniable that we share historical and cultural affinities and, before now, successive administrations have mouthed and attempted to have some omnibus or spatial arrangement to have Lagos and Ogun states work together. But, again, never had there been a time that this was concretised or encoded, nor was it a legally-backed structure.

“What we are signing today is a historic Memorandum of Understanding that takes cognisance of what had been envisioned, leading to the establishment of the Prof. Akin Mabogunje-committee on Redeployment of Lagos Megacity Region Plan in 2005/2006. It is a mission accomplished, and a dream come true, to put into action the thought about our states forging a common alliance to jointly tackle issues bordering on security, sanitation, traffic and transportation, waste management, water supply, land use planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, urban renewal and slum upgrading for the mutual benefit of our people and the generality of Nigerians.

“These development imperatives have to be streamlined for us to be serious and focused. This Joint Development Commission will function better to sustain these common goals, and there is no better time than now to deepen not only the relationship between our states but within any contiguous sin the country.

“This MoU is a culmination of various efforts by state and non-state actors who have seen beyond the geographical delineation of our states. We are cognizant of the fact that Ogun is the only neighbour that Lagos has, and that we are a natural overflow of Lagos. There is no way development in Lagos would not have a spiral effect or vice versa. This MoU is therefore a manifestation of the common dream that the country’s largest economy and its industrial capital are forging because both are deliberate, focused and methodical to governance.

“Before now, we had jointly written to President Muhammadu Buhari to release the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and Ikorodu-Sagamu Roads for us to rebuild. We believe this agreement would give that letter a stronger backing which might eventually lead to the reconstruction of these roads. Another manifestation of our working together is the Adiyan Water Works which is in Ogun State but supplies water to the people of Lagos State. It will also supply water to us soon.”

Abiodun thereafter presented Sanwo-Olu with a map of both states in plaque form, and adire, the traditional fabric of Ogun State.

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Update : Seyi Tinubu Responds to King Mitchy, VeryDarkMan Saga

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Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has issued a statement debunking allegations linking him to a feud between social media personalities Martins Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan, and Mitchell Mukoro, widely known as King Mitchy.

The controversy stems from claims suggesting an improper relationship or secret arrangements between Seyi Tinubu and King Mitchy, which VeryDarkMan has reportedly used to intensify his online narrative.

Our correspondence reports that philanthropist and content creator King Mitchy recently announced that she renovated a dilapidated school in six days, suggesting that the project was proof that meaningful change could happen swiftly when there was genuine intent.

However, she reportedly made comments widely interpreted as subtle jabs at VeryDarkMan, who, in turn, accused her of being used as a political pawn to launder the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Tagging the President’s son. VeryDarkMan was said to have alleged in another video that both Seyi Tinubu and King Mitchy were threatening his life.

Addressing the comments in a statement shared on Instagram on Saturday, Seyi Tinubu categorised the allegations and insinuations as false.

He clarified the nature of his interaction with King Mitchy, framing it strictly within the bounds of his long-standing philanthropic work.

Tinubu wrote, “I met Mitchy once, in a public setting, alongside others. On that occasion, I provided financial support toward her NGO activities, just as I have supported many young Nigerians and organisations working to empower our people.

“A follow-up meeting had been scheduled for me to receive an update on the impact of her NGO’s work following the donation. That meeting did not take place because I have been unwell.”

He categorically denied any private encounters, saying, “There has never been a private encounter, no secret arrangement, and no impropriety of any kind.”

Tinubu took direct aim at VeryDarkMan, accusing the activist of using a feud he had no part in to attack his reputation.

He wrote, “What is deeply concerning is that a feud I did not start, and in which I have played no part, has been used as a vehicle to insert my name into a narrative without basis in truth.

“For reasons best known to him, VDM appears to have been looking for a trigger, an opportunity to attack and attempt to harm my reputation and seized upon this situation to do so. I will not accept that.

“If my name generates attention, let us at least deal in facts. Supporting charitable causes is not a crime. Meeting someone publicly to support their NGO is not a scandal. Repeating falsehoods loudly does not transform them into truth.”

Tinubu asserted that he won’t be intimidated by “fictional” narratives, emphasising that he refuses to be bullied.

“I will not be bullied, and I will not dignify fiction with panic.

“I have experienced bullying before, and I understand the harm it can cause. That is why I take a firm stance against it,” he said.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving Nigerian youth through his foundation, insisting that “philanthropy and outreach must never be politicised or weaponised.”

“To those seeking to manufacture controversy: Nigeria needs builders, not bullies. We need responsible discourse, not sensationalism driven by speculation.

“I firmly reject the accusations made against me. I call for de-escalation, for restraint, and for a return to truth and responsibility,” he added.

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Security Reform: Tinubu Calls for Urgent Constitutional Backing for State Police

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…raises fresh alarm over terrorism, banditry at State House Iftar

…Akpabio pledges more support, vows no executive bill will die in Senate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday night formally urged the Senate to begin the process of amending the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, declaring that Nigeria must urgently restructure its security architecture to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency.

Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with the leadership and members of the Senate at the State House, Abuja, the President said the time had come for lawmakers to “start thinking” about embedding state policing in the Constitution to enable governments at subnational levels better secure their territories.

“Nigeria is extremely challenged, we are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency, but you never failed to make a right response to these calls. What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear”, Tinubu said.

The President’s latest appeal adds momentum to a campaign he has sustained since early in his administration.

In February 2024, during an emergency meeting with the 36 state governors at the State House, Tinubu approved the creation of a joint committee of federal and state representatives to explore modalities for establishing state police, insisting that the country must “move aggressively” to improve security of lives and property.

He renewed the call in November 2025, urging the National Assembly to begin reviewing relevant laws to allow states willing to establish their own policing structures to do so.

At the APC National Caucus meeting in December 2025, he again pressed governors and lawmakers to back constitutional reforms for state police and local government autonomy.

Only days ago, at an interfaith breaking of fast with governors at the Presidential Villa, the President declared that state police “can’t wait” and “will not be postponed,” urging preparations for what he described as a necessary shift in the nation’s security architecture.

At Wednesday’s gathering with senators, Tinubu framed the proposed reform as a constitutional obligation anchored on unity and shared responsibility.

“What you have faced in the challenging period of this country, the terrorism and banditry, is causing us havoc and we should pull together, unite in a way that our forefathers contemplated to bring about a constitutional democracy and pull us together. They didn’t say we should fight,” he said.

Beyond security, the President expressed deep appreciation to lawmakers for supporting what he described as bold and necessary economic reforms.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaborations, without your inspirations, those reforms are not possible. We are reformists together,” he said.

Tinubu defended the removal of petrol subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, describing them as steps taken to halt “monumental corruption.”

“What we gave up and what we stopped is a monumental corruption in subsidy. We gave it up. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption, in arbitrage, foreign exchange,” he stated.

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According to him, the reforms have laid the foundation for economic stability.

“You don’t have to chase me for dollars. In the past, you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud… What we are enjoying is stable economy, prosperity beckoning on us. We just need to work hard for it,” he added.

Responding to criticisms from political opponents, the President dismissed claims that he was stifling opposition voices.

“When they accused me of killing oppositions, I didn’t have a gun… I can’t blame anybody from jumping out of a sinking ship if they did,” he said, in apparent reference to recent defections.

He described the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent as symbolic of national unity and called for continued harmony between the executive and legislature.

“We are committed to Nigerian entity succeeding. We are committed to make law for the welfare, prosperity of the country. I think we are committed together to govern together,” he said.

In his response, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, assured the President of the chamber’s loyalty and continued cooperation.

“We have nothing to give to you than to assure you of our loyalty,” Akpabio said. “I’m sure you have noticed that nothing you have ever sent to us died in first reading, and it will never happen.”

He said the Senate painstakingly reviews executive proposals to ensure they serve national interest, even when they initially attract criticism.

“We sit down to painstakingly go through everything that comes before us, and then at the end, we see that it is in the interest of Nigerians, even when the social media is not seeing it,” he said.

Akpabio commended Tinubu’s tax reforms, foreign exchange unification, fuel subsidy removal and the recent electoral amendment, noting that the President promptly assented to the revised Electoral Act when convinced it served national interest.

He expressed optimism that by 2031, Nigeria would be more prosperous under Tinubu’s leadership and offered prayers for peace amid what he described as “troubles and sponsored insecurity” in parts of the country.

The Senate President also thanked Tinubu for appointing former Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as an ambassador, describing it as recognition of legislative talent.

The interfaith gathering ended with prayers for unity, wisdom and strength for the nation’s leaders as they navigate security and economic challenges.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Names Tunji Disu Acting Inspector General After Egbetokun’s Exit

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President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and approved the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

Our correspondent had earlier reported that Egbetokun tendered his resignation letter on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President received the letter earlier on Tuesday and expressed appreciation for his service to the nation.

He also commended Egbetokun’s “decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation,” acknowledging his “dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.”

“In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

“The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period,” the statement read.

It added that in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, the President will soon convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

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