You can't appoint SLGs, Sanwo-Olu tells newly elected LG chairmen – Newstrends
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You can’t appoint SLGs, Sanwo-Olu tells newly elected LG chairmen

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

You can’t appoint SLGs, Sanwo-Olu tells newly elected LG chairmen

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sternly warned newly sworn-in local government chairmen against appointing Secretaries to Local Governments (SLGs) and supervisory councillors across the state.

He made the declaration shortly after he formally inaugurated the chairmen and vice chairmen for the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) on Monday, July 21, 2025.

The event took place at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja.

He urged them to use the next 30 to 60 days to settle down and familiarise themselves with the needs of their communities.

The state government, he said, would inform the chairmen when it’s time to make the appointments.

The governor, however, urged them to appoint Chief of Staff to aid the coordination of their daily activities.

He also told them to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise the welfare of residents.

Assuring them that the state had stayed true to the local government autonomy, he advised the council chiefs to use their power wisely and guard it with transparency.

According to him, there will be no excuse for underperformance.

He warned that those who betrayed people’s trust would be held accountable as Lagos deserved nothing less.

“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy—fiscal and administrative independence now, affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“Lagos has consistently taken the lead in this regard. As chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you.

“Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact,” he said.

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Describing their emergence as a call to service and selfless leadership, the governor called on them to be courageous, transparent and accountable to the people at the grassroots level.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the strength of Lagos lies in the vibrancy, capacity and effectiveness of its 57 local councils. He urged the newly sworn in chairmen to lead with compassion and clarity of purpose, noting that they must not be driven by ambition but by service.

He said, “The people have placed in your hands not just votes, but their dreams. Their expectations are clear: better roads, safer streets, functioning health centres, thriving schools, modern markets, environmental sanitation, youth engagement, and community security. These are not abstractions; they are daily necessities. And your performance will be measured not by the eloquence of your speeches, but by the visibility of your actions.”

“Lagos is counting on you to bring development to every street, every ward, every community. Let the THEMES+ agenda of our administration come alive in your domains.

“Translate our vision in Transportation, Health, Education, Environment, Security and Social Inclusion into projects that impact lives. Let rural communities feel the presence of the government. Let our riverine and underserved areas know that they, too, are not forgotten. Governance must be inclusive, equitable and people-centred.

“Your success is our success. The state government stands firmly with you. We will support you. We will work with you. But we will also hold you to the highest standards.”

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Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, said the successful emergence of the new chairmen at the polls was a testament to their acceptance by the people and an endorsement of their leadership.

The commissioner said the election and swearing-in of the council chairmen and their deputies is a call to deepen governance at the grassroots level and ensure service delivery to all.

He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to democracy at the grassroots, noting that necessary mechanisms were put in place through the leadership provided by the governor to ensure peaceful, transparent and credible local government elections.

Speaking on behalf of the new council chairmen, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Sesan Olowa, appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos for the opportunity and platform provided to them to serve.

Olowa, who was elected shortly after the event as the Chairman of Conference 57, said he and his colleagues across the 57 councils would remain committed to sustaining the legacy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and delivering impactful governance.

“We will uphold the values of the APC and ensure development touches every ward and community under our care,” he pledged.

In attendance were Sanwo-Olu’s wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat; members of the state exco; Speaker Mudasiru Obasa-led state assembly members; National Assembly members; Prince Tajudeen Olusi-led Governance Advisory Council (GAC); party leaders led by APC Lagos State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; traditional rulers; Kolade Alabi-led former council chairmen; leaders of market men and women; party faithful and supporters of the council chiefs.

 

You can’t appoint SLGs, Sanwo-Olu tells newly elected LG chairmen

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Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

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Army confirms death of 2 soldiers, 2 CJTF operatives in Borno ambush

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed when Boko Haram insurgents ambushed troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade on Friday night in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred around Wajiroko in Azir Multe as the troops were returning from what the Army described as a successful patrol around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, said the troops—led by the Commander of the 25 Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba—came under “sudden and heavy insurgent fire” during the routine patrol.

“Despite the surprise attack, the troops, supported by CJTF members, fought bravely with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray,” the statement said.

Anele confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives “paid the supreme price in active service to the nation.”

She added that the Army high command deeply commiserates with the families of the fallen personnel and praised the troops for their gallantry in one of the country’s most volatile theatres of conflict.

The Army also dismissed reports circulating online alleging that the Brigade Commander had been abducted in the ambush, describing the claim as “fake” and urging the public to disregard it.

Quoting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Anele said the military remained proud of the troops’ “uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice” despite the grave dangers they face daily.

Friday’s ambush came barely a month after Boko Haram fighters killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, and several soldiers during an attack in the Kashimri area of Bama LGA, also in Borno State.


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GWNF launches zero-cost pathway for Nigerian nurses to work in Germany

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GWNF launches zero-cost pathway for Nigerian nurses to work in Germany

 

The Global Women Network Foundation (GWNF) has unveiled a groundbreaking opportunity that will enable qualified Nigerian nurses to secure employment in Germany and other EU countries at zero cost.

This can be achieved under a new partnership with Manjoorans Global Recruitment and Training Pvt.

The international recruitment initiative was formalised on Friday, November 14, 2025 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations.

GWNF, a women-led nonprofit founded by business and professional women across diverse sectors, is committed to empowering African women through access to opportunities that enhance financial independence and professional growth.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Roni Akins, the organisation leverages its personal and professional networks to identify life-changing opportunities for women.

“We equip women with training, capacity-building, business setup support, and relief materials where needed. This partnership allows us to connect eligible Nigerian nurses to credible recruitment channels in Germany,” Akins said.

Under the new collaboration, GWNF and Manjoorans Global Recruitment and Training Pvt. will jointly source and refer qualified nursing candidates for placement in the German healthcare system.

Akins revealed that a virtual awareness seminar has been scheduled to help interested candidates understand the requirements, meet programme facilitators, and make informed decisions about relocating for work.

“We are hosting a Zoom seminar to provide clarity on the process and offer nurses a chance to engage directly with experts who will guide them toward possible recruitment,” she added.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

Virtual Awareness Seminar Details

Date: December 5, 2025

Platform: Zoom

How to Join: Send the word “INTERESTED” to [email protected]

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a registered nurse with GNM or BSc Nursing qualification

Minimum of two years of experience

Programme Benefits

Free German language training

Free air ticket

Zero placement cost

Monthly salary between €2,500 and €3,000

Eligibility for Permanent Residency (PR) after three years

The initiative is expected to open new global career pathways for Nigerian nurses while strengthening GWNF’s mission of empowering African women through sustainable professional opportunities.

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Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

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Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

A coalition of prominent political figures, labour leaders, and pro-democracy activists has launched a new nationwide campaign to reform Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, known as the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), was formally unveiled at the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability, held Tuesday in Abuja.

Organised by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in partnership with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), the summit brought together more than 600 participants, including former heads of state, serving governors, party leaders, academics and diaspora representatives. The theme was “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027.”

Notable contributors included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, NLC President Joe Ajaero, Prof. Pat Utomi, Oby Ezekwesili, Shehu Sani, IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle and legal expert Adewole Adebayo.

Speakers warned that worsening insecurity poses a direct threat to the 2027 polls, saying that banditry, terrorism and political violence could prevent millions from voting. Some participants also referenced international warnings about Nigeria’s stability, arguing that foreign interference may become easier if elections hold under chaotic conditions.

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Delegates condemned the entrenched culture of vote buying, ballot snatching, rigging, voter suppression and judicially decided election results, insisting that credible polls cannot occur unless systemic abuses are eliminated.

A key demand was the urgent restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Stakeholders proposed:

  • Direct funding for INEC from the Federation Account
  • Full public scrutiny of INEC’s budget
  • Legal powers for INEC to prosecute electoral offenders
  • Constitutional approval for electronic voting, diaspora voting, early voting and real-time electronic transmission of results

They further called for a new appointment process for INEC commissioners that excludes the Executive, warning that judicial resolution of election disputes has eroded public trust.

The summit also recommended constitutional provisions for special seats for women and marginalised groups, and a reversal of the electoral burden of proof — forcing INEC, not candidates, to defend declared results.

A major highlight was the inauguration of a 23-member Interim Steering Council to lead the MCE. Prof. Pat Utomi will serve as Chairman, with former NLC President Ayuba Wabba as Co-Chair. Other key members include Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Usman Bugaje, Nkoyo Toyo, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro and Ene Obi.

A signed communiqué named James Ezema as Media Coordinator and Olawale Okunniyi as Secretary, alongside directors for finance, mobilisation, youth outreach and communication.

The Movement for Credible Elections will operate as a nationwide citizen-driven platform to confront electoral manipulation and mobilise Nigerians to protect the integrity of the 2027 polls.

Political leaders, labour, civil society launch movement for credible elections ahead of 2027 polls

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