News
Breaking: Anti-Open grazing, VAT bills scale second reading at Lagos Assembly
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday committed the bill on open grazing to the committee on agriculture after it scaled second reading.
The House also read for the first and second time the state’s Value Added Tax bill and asked the committee on finance which is handling it to report back on Thursday.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, described the ‘Prohibition of Open Cattle Grazing Bill’ as timely and one that would ensure harmonious relationships between herders and farmers and protect the environment of the state and the southwest zone.
The Speaker also suggested that the bill should make provision for the registration of herders and prepare them for ranching.
“Allocating percel of land is not enough but there should be training of those who would go into ranching,” he said noting that ranching is expensive and required adequate preparation.
Concerning the bill on VAT, Speaker Obasa said it would lead to “increase in revenue and increase in infrastructural development. This is in line with fiscal federalism that we have been talking about.”
Obasa said the VAT law when passed, would help the state meet challenges in its various sectors. He also urged the Lagos State government to do everything legally possible to ensure the judgement of a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, is sustained even up to the Supreme Court.
He lamented a situation where about 500 billion is generated from Lagos State while 300 billion is generated from other southwest states and paltry amounts are disbursed to them in return.
“It is an opportunity for us to emphasise again on the need for the consideration of true federalism,” he said.
Speaking earlier on the bill on open grazing, Hon. Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho 1), lamented the havoc that herdsmen had caused in the southwestern zone.
According to him, farmers have continuously become afraid to visit their farms thus causing shortage of food. He also said many farmers had become indebted as they now find it difficult to pay back loans they secured.
He said it was lamentable that cattle roam the streets causing accidents and embarrassing people.
He advocated for stiffer penalties for herders caught carrying firearms.
His position was supported by Hon. Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) who said open grazing in the 21st century is an aberration.
Joseph said the bill would ensure peaceful coexistence, reduce crime and help to guide the activities of herders.
On his part, Hon. Olumoh Saad Lukeman (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), suggested that the high court should be made to handle cases from the enforcement of the bill when passed or that the state should establish special courts for such purpose.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, in his contribution, described Lagos as a cosmopolitan state and, as such, having to see cattle in the streets is worrisome.
He expressed support for the bill because, according to him, it would give a level of security to the state and help reduce economic losses. He added that Lagos has 250 hectares of land in Ikorodu and another 750 hectares on Epe for ranching.
Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) said it was common to see cattle going to school as if they want to learn while Hon. David Setonji (Badagry 2), recalled “a time we went on oversight function in a school here in Lagos. We were embarrassed by cattle. We had to wait for the herder to move the cattle before we embarked on our oversight function.”
Setonji suggested a collaboration between men of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the police in the implementation of the law when passed and assented to.
Other lawmakers who contributed during plenary include Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, Hon. Rasheed Makinde and Hon. Sanni Okanlawon.
News
Bukola Saraki Celebrates Son Seni’s Grammy Win
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has congratulated his son, Seni, on his victory at the 67th Grammy Awards.
Seni earned his first Grammy for his contribution to the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which won Best Reggae Album.
In a post on X, Saraki expressed his joy at seeing his son’s passion recognised on a global stage, adding that he is “super proud” of him.
“Congratulations, Seni, on winning your first Grammy last night for your work on the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, which took home the award for Best Reggae Album!” he wrote.
“Seeing you pour your heart into your passion and having it recognised on the global stage is an indescribable joy. Well done! We are super proud of you!
Reacting to the win, Seni expressed gratitude to all the artists and producers who contributed to the project’s success, including Nigeria’s Wizkid and Bloody Civilian.
appreciate all the amazing artistes, producers and engineers who were brave enough to take on this project because it is about Bob Marley’s legacy,” he said.
“I appreciate them for taking on the songs, reinterpreting them, and doing it their own way. Artists like Bloody Civilian, Wizkid, Daniel Caesar, and Jessie Reyez.”
Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical film depicting the life of the reggae icon, exploring how he overcame adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
This is not Seni’s first major industry recognition. In 2023, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, a project he worked on as a music consultant, earned four Grammy nominations.
A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Seni is the CEO of The Native, a Lagos-based music magazine he co-founded with Teni ‘Teezee’ Zaccheaus in 2016. The publication celebrates music, style, and art while championing African sounds and culture.
News
Controversy Erupts Over Sultan of Sokoto’s Comments on Yoruba Affairs
A recent statement regarding the Sultan of Sokoto’s support for Sharia Law in Yoruba land has sparked outrage, with critics questioning his authority over the Oodua race.
Some Yoruba commentators have pointed to historical tensions between the north and the south, referencing Mufti Iwo’s accounts of how the then Sultan sent evil mujahideen warriors to Yoruba land to kill Yorùbá warriors defending their land against the intruders and how Oluwo aided these mujahideen to kill and destroy his own people.
Dissenters argue that the Sultan should focus on addressing terrorism in northern Nigeria rather than expressing concerns about the South. Additionally, strong opposition has emerged against any potential introduction of Sharia law in Yoruba states, with critics insisting that such legal frameworks will not be tolerated.
Critics have also questioned the effectiveness of Sharia law in the North, stating that it has only brought “sorrow, tears, and blood” paraphrasing Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. They argue that despite harsh punishments such as amputations, crime rates have not decreased. Furthermore, they highlight the social consequences of early child marriages, which contribute to maternal health crises, high divorce rates, and even instances of domestic violence, including husband killings. The Almajiri system, which has left many children in the North without proper education or care, is also cited as a pressing issue.
News
Breaking: Former Minister of FCT, Lt General Jeremiah Useni is Dead.
Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang has announced the death of the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni.
The elder statesman died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, following a protracted illness.
In a statement in Jos, Governor Mutfwang described his death as a tremendous loss not only to his immediate family but also to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the entire nation.
The Governor highlighted General Useni’s exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to service, which left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.
He noted that General Useni’s tireless efforts to promote peace and security, especially in Northern Nigeria and Plateau State, will forever be remembered.
Governor Mutfwang recounted the illustrious career of the late General, who served Nigeria with distinction in various capacities, including as Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT.
-
News12 months ago
Hardship: We Plan To Establish A National Commodity Board To Crash Food Prices – VP Shettima
-
News7 years ago
Blog Reader; Samson Osagiede Celebrates Fiancè Benedicta Daniels’s Birthday With Sweet Words
-
Home8 years ago
News Channel claims Donald Trump is an orphan from Pakistan,share alleged childhood photo
-
Home8 years ago
Another $175m Found in Patience Jonathan’s wife’s firm’s Bank Account
-
Home8 years ago
Oil Spillage: House of Reps Member Shares Photos of the Water her Constituents Drink .
-
Home8 years ago
Zara Buhari & Ahmed Indimi’s Wedding Access Card
-
News7 years ago
The Best Video You’ve Seen Today?
-
Sport6 years ago
Modric, Marta Wins 2018 FIFA Best Player Of The Year Awards ⚽️