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PICTURES : Obasa, Fashola, Foreign Diplomats Advocate for Nigeria’s Democracy Protection

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Despite its challenges, democracy in Nigeria must be protected by every citizen, speakers at an event to commemorate the country’s 25 years of unbroken democratic governance organized by the Lagos State House of Assembly have warned.

 

 

 

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, former governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, foreign diplomats, and business experts argued on Wednesday evening that democracy has benefitted the Nigeria since 1999 when the country began its fourth republic.

 

 

Others who spoke at the event include Prof. Eghosa Osaghae of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Muda Yusuf, former chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

 

 

In a statement made available to thecolmn.ng by Eromosele Ebhomele the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Obasa said Nigeria deserved to celebrate because in the last 25 years, the country has successfully transferred power from one administration to another, uphold the principles of representation, accountability, and the rule of law.

 

 

 

“Our democracy has endured despite challenges and setbacks. We have faced elections, protests, and debates, but our commitment to democracy has remained unwavering.

 

 

“We have demonstrated that democracy is not a destination but a journey, and we are proud to be on this path. We must continue to guard it jealously, for it is the foundation upon which the fabric of our nation’s progress is built.

 

 

“We must continue to promote democratic values, protect human rights, and ensure that our democracy remains perpetually unbroken,” the Speaker said while recalling the struggle and sacrifice made by well-meaning Nigerians during the struggle for democracy.

 

 

Obasa noted the roles so far played by the state legislature in the scheme of Nigeria’s progress to include promotion of good governance, accountability, and the rule of law as well as passage of bills that have transformed the lives of citizens.

 

 

“As a transformative and people-centric legislature, the House of Assembly has delivered impactful laws and representation, reforming justice, social welfare, and security systems, and driving tax reforms, infrastructural development, and transportation improvements.

 

 

“These have attracted significant attention from local and international admirers, leading to frequent visits from international representatives and private citizens seeking to learn from us, exchange ideas, conduct research, or participate in exchange programmes,” the Speaker said.

 

 

He urged Nigerians to continue to support state Houses of Assembly to further deepen democratic values and bring governance closer to the grassroots.

 

FASHOLA

The former governor of Lagos said 25 years of democracy has provided an opportunity for effective representation of the people as well as freedom to make laws.

 

 

Urging Nigerians to hold on to democracy very jealously, he argued that the federal system practised in Nigeria remains important to the country’s growth.

 

 

“For those who are understandably impatient with democracy, I hear them. It can be a tedious way to govern. There is no better way to order our affairs. I will not trade the liberties it offers for anything else.

 

 

“We are a federal state and let me tell you why. We have multi-level legislative houses from the local councils to the National Assembly. We have multi-level judicial system.

 

 

“We also find different levels of government exercising different forms of responsibilities and this you can find in the exclusive and concurrent lists and, of course, what you can’t find in those two lists, is the residual authority that resides in the states. For example, the Senate cannot make laws on landlords and tenants laws and rent control,” he said.

 

 

Speaking about some changes that have happened in Nigeria in the last 25 years, he recalled the ‘famous resource control case’ which originated from Lagos and was resolved through the constitution making some states earn better now. He also recalled the matter relating to local government creation during the administration of Asiwaju Tinubu as governor.

 

 

“As at 1999, if you wanted to build a house in Lagos, you would go and get permit in Abuja. It was the Lagos State government that went to court to stop it,” he said adding that the cases were fought and won because of the quest for a perfect union.

 

 

Urging support for President Tinubu’s administration, expressed optimism that wages and salaries and issues with the creation of state police would become reality.

 

 

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

The Consul General of the French embassy in Lagos, Laurent Favier, while congratulating Nigeria, said “democracy is not a state of perfection but something people have to fight for at all times. It is a political structure that must be deepened.”

 

 

He expressed satisfaction with how democracy in Nigeria has ensured freedom just as he urged the country not to relent in making citizens happy.

 

 

On the other hand, Weert Börner, Consul General of Germany, said his country with 16 states, practises same federal system as Nigeria adding that this results in healthy competitions.

 

He affirmed that Nigerians enjoy freedom of opinions, one of the characteristics of democracy.

 

 

He commended Nigeria over its Electricity Act which gives states power to generate electricity noting that Germany followed same part 25 years ago resulting in about two million electricity producers in the country.

 

 

Consul General of the Embassy of Italy, Ugo Boni assured that the government of his country will continue to be a trustworthy companion of Nigeria while the British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “In these challenging times, it is important that we support each other in our shared commitment to democracy.

 

 

“Nigeria’s democratic resilience and significance in West Africa serves as an example to other nations seeking to strengthen and protect their own democracies.”

 

 

“The UK looks forward to partnering with Lagos and Nigeria in the next 25 years and more.”

Michael Ervin, political and economic section chief at the US Consulate General, Lagos, said Nigeria is an example of how diverse people can unite and ensure freedom for all.

 

 

He congratulated Lagos Assembly and noted that Lagos opens the door to the development of Nigeria.

 

Business

BINATONE Announces Special One Month Black Friday Deals!

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Global Appliances Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Binatone products has, announced an exciting Black Friday deals.

 

The company’s Managing Director, Mr Prasun Banerjee, said the offer cut across Its Full Range of Smart Home Appliances.

“Binatone, one of Africa’s most trusted appliance brands for over 52 years, is delighted to announce its Black Friday Mega Sales offering amazing discounts across all key supermarkets and leading electronic stores nationwide” Mr Banerjee said in a statement.

The promotion will be from November 6th to december 6th, 2026.

During this period, Mr Banerjee said customers will have a full month to enjoy unbeatable prices on a wide range of Binatone products.

“From energy solutions to kitchen essentials, Binatone will bring exceptional value and innovation to every Nigerian home this festive season,” he added.

According to him, this year’s Black Friday promotions will feature exciting offers across multiple categories stressing that Shoppers can enjoy great discounts on stand fans equipped with mosquito-repellent and air-freshness features, including the newly introduced AD 1601 AC/DC Fan, which can be linked to a solar panel for clean, free air.

“The rechargeable fan range, available in three models with replaceable lithium-ion batteries, recharges in just four hours and provides up to ten hours of cooling—enough to last the whole night,” Mr Banerjee added.

For kitchen lovers, he said the KC6000 Yam Pounder/Fufu Maker promises quick, hygienic, and effortless meal preparation while the air-fryer series, available in three models, requires just a teaspoon of oil to make crispy, tasty, and healthy fries.

“Binatone’s cool-touch kettles, models CEJ 1799 and CEJ 1700T, come with elegant digital displays and are designed for safety and convenience, he added.

To protect valuable home appliances, he disclosed that Binatone’s power range offers stabilizers in 2 KVA and 5 KVA capacities and surge-voltage protectors in 13 A30 A ratings—ideal for air conditioners.

“The company’s newly launched Power Stations, available in 1.8 KVA and 2.4 KVA variants, provide portable, plug-and-play power with solar-charging capability, ensuring reliable backup power for homes, small offices, and outdoor use”

He disclosed that customers will also find irresistible discounts on Binatone’s dry and steam irons, garment steamers, and microwave ovens thar are perfect for everyday household needs.

“The breakfast-essentials range features pop-up toasters, sandwich makers, and juicers designed to make mornings easier,” he stated. He announced that the high-powered blender collection includes durable, unbreakable jugs capable of smoothly blending hard nuts and beans.

“Additionally, Binatone has introduced the Tefal Cookware Range, offering premium non-stick pots and pans for healthy cooking, along with Freeplay solar-powered lanterns and torches, ensuring every home remains bright and energy-efficient

“Binatone’s Black Friday celebration is our way of thanking loyal customers for their trust over the years,” Mr Banerjee added.

“We are bringing quality, affordability, and innovation together, thus making this season the perfect time to upgrade your home.

”All Binatone products comes with a two-year warranty, giving customers additional peace of mind and assurance of lasting quality.

“Don’t miss these amazing Black Friday offers, available for a limited time at all major supermarkets, electronic stores, and online platforms across,” he stated.

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Wema Bank’s Top 21 Hackaholics 7.0 Grand Finale Finalists Emerge

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, has unveiled the Top 21 finalists for Hackaholics 7.0, who will compete at the grand finale scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, in Lagos. Themed Festival of the Future, the grand finale will bring together innovators, technology leaders, startup founders, investors and key players in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem for an immersive celebration of ideas, technology and the possibilities shaping the future.

 

The Top 21 finalists are: Dynalimb, Harthiq, Acceede, Vhorde, URI, Trarrk, SocialSign, RaverPay, All-Arbitrates, CitizensGage, Craft-Planet, FOID, PayByPalm, Niteonn, Nexa-AI, Neural-Forge, MamaAlert, JolliFlow, Becca, CropiQ and Middleman.

Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth and start-up-focused initiative, designed to provide young innovators with a platform to transform creative, technology-driven ideas into practical solutions to real-world challenges and gain a competitive edge in the global technology and digital space. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has recorded over 21,000 applicants, engaged more than 50,000 participants, supported over 10,000 startups across three countries and developed more than 100 solutions from scratch.

The 7th edition, which commenced on July 1, 2026, attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions across seven pitch-centre locations: Uyo, Kano, YabaTech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos. Following the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the various centres, with the Top 21 selected through a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process.

The Hackaholics 7.0 grand finale week will feature a three-day programme of strategic engagement and innovation-focused activities. On Wednesday, November 4, the finalists will participate in the Pre-Pitch, where they will present refined versions of their solutions. This will be followed by the Ecosystem Tour on Thursday, November 5, powered by Wema Bank, offering participants the opportunity to visit leading institutions within the technology and innovation ecosystem, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the final competition. The programme will culminate in the grand finale on Friday, November 6, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and celebrated.

Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem by identifying emerging talent, creating opportunities for young innovators and supporting the development of solutions to real-world challenges. The initiative reinforces the Bank’s role in empowering the next generation of innovators and building an ecosystem where ideas can thrive and possibilities become reality.

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Sanusi Warns FG Against Spending Without Restraint

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Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has implied that the Federal government may not be able to achieve it’s economic reform dream if it maintains it’s present expenditure rate, declaring that Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

 

Speaking virtually to the audience at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, organised by the Oxford Global Think Tank, on Tuesday, the monarch said reform must go beyond removing fuel subsidies and liberalising the exchange rate, describing it as a comprehensive package that needed to address many other areas.

He said government needed to make clear spending priorities, choosing between roads, electricity, agriculture, and technology based on available resources.

The Emir also raised concerns about the size of government expenditure, saying Nigeria could not pursue fiscal consolidation while continuing to spend without restraint.

He said the World Bank had pointed out that in the first half of this year Nigeria’s debt service consumed 124 per cent of federal government revenue.

Sanusi warned that the country needed to urgently address the sustainability of its debt and pursue structural reforms that had not yet been made.

The former CBN boss said every $10 billion spent on roads was $10 billion taken away from electricity and agriculture, stressing the need for deliberate choices.

Sanusi acknowledged that Tinubu’s economic reforms had produced measurable progress, citing improvements in GDP growth, inflation, and foreign reserves.

He said GDP growth has risen from an average of 0.9 per cent under the previous administration to 4.5 per cent, describing the change as progress that deserved recognition.

“I think moving from an average growth rate of 0.9 per cent to 4.5 per cent is progress. Moving from inflation of over 30 per cent to 14.5 per cent is progress.”

“Moving from the point where in 2023 the central bank’s reserves were maybe negative to where we are now having reserves of $55 billion is progress.”

He, however, stressed that issues such as poverty, hunger, maternal mortality, malnutrition, education and healthcare remained serious concerns that the reforms has not yet addressed.

Sanusi said the government should have designed social safety net policies to soften the impact of reforms on vulnerable Nigerians from the beginning.

The former CBN boss also advised the government to tolerate constructive criticism,warning the Federal Government against treating every comment about it’s workings as an attack on President Bola Tinubu.

“It’s not every time people talk about poverty or talk about difficulty that they’re just enemies of the government or making an attack on the president. That is not how to respond to economic distress,” he said.

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