President Bola Tinubu on Friday congratulated the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Adebisi Yusuf, on his birthday.
The President conveyed his congratulations through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“I join your family, friends, and the people of Lagos State to celebrate you today and always. You have proven your mettle as a people’s leader, mobiliser of consciences, lawmaker, financial expert, humanitarian, and, more importantly, reliable political ally.
“As the leader, you have steadied the turf, rallying members and resources for our administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda aims to spread prosperity and transform the lives of Nigerians at the critical stratum of society—the grassroots.
“Owing to your pedigree of excellence and dedicated stewardship, you served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Alimosho Constituency 1, for 12 years—from 2011 to 2023. You also served as Chairman of Ipaja/Ayobo Local Council Development Area,” Tinubu said.
The statement also added that in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Yusuf chaired several committees, including public accounts (local) and commerce, where your impact was immensely felt.
“Through the Prince Hope Turns to Reality Foundation, a non-profit organisation you founded, you have made a difference in the lives of many, providing healthcare and empowerment to vulnerable individuals and communities in Alimosho, Lagos.
“On this special day, I wish you many years of good health, wisdom, and strength as you continue to provide leadership and guidance in your community and beyond,” the statement read.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency has cancelled its ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative, citing “misunderstandings and confusion” over the programme.
JICA announced the withdrawal in a statement on its website on Thursday, weeks after reports claimed Japan would create a special visa category for Nigerians who wished to relocate to Kisarazu, a city designated as “hometown” to Nigerians and other Africans under the scheme.
On August 26, the Japanese government denied the visa plan after the Director of Information at the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, issued a statement relaying that Japan would introduce a “special visa category” for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.
Clarifying its position, JICA said the use of the term “hometown” and the idea of “designating” Japanese municipalities as such led to “misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities.”
The statement read, “Originally, under this initiative, it was envisioned that exchange programs would be coordinated and implemented among the Japanese local governments, relevant African countries, and JICA. The specific details were to be determined later.
“However, JICA believes that the very nature of this initiative—namely, the term “hometown” and the fact that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local Governments as “hometowns”—led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities. JICA sincerely apologizes to the municipalities involved for causing such situation.
“JICA takes this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative.”
The initiative was launched in August during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development with the goal of promoting exchanges between four Japanese municipalities and four African countries through cultural and educational programmes.
JICA, however, stressed that it had never undertaken initiatives to promote immigration and has “no plans to do so in the future,” adding that it would continue supporting other forms of international exchange.
In August, confusion arose after the State House announced that Japan had designated Kisarazu city as the “hometown” for Nigerians and would introduce a special visa category for young, skilled Nigerians wishing to live and work there.
However, the Japanese government quickly dismissed the claim.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan clarified that while the JICA Africa Hometown initiative aimed to promote cultural and developmental exchanges between selected African countries and four Japanese cities, it did not involve immigration benefits or special visas.
The clarification came after Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Japan, Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu’s Mayor, Yoshikuni Watanabe, publicly received a certificate naming the city the “hometown” of Nigerians, further fuelling reports of migration opportunities.
A sighting of a suspected drone briefly shuttered a Danish airport on Friday for the second time in a few hours, after the country’s prime minister said the flights were part of “hybrid attacks” that may be linked to Russia.
Drones have been seen flying over several Danish airports since Wednesday, causing one of them to close for hours, after a sighting earlier this week prompted Copenhagen airport to shut down.
That followed a similar incident in Norway, drone incursions in Polish and Romanian territory and the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets, which raised tensions in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
“Over recent days, Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks,” Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a video message on social media on Thursday — referring to a form of unconventional warfare.
She warned that such drone flights “could multiply”.
Investigators said they had so far failed to identify those responsible, but Frederiksen stressed: “There is one main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security, and it is Russia.”
Moscow said Thursday it “firmly rejects” any suggestion that it was involved in the Danish incidents. Its embassy in Copenhagen called them “a staged provocation”, in a post on social media.
Denmark’s Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard earlier said the aim of the attack was “to spread fear, create division and frighten us”.
He added that Copenhagen would acquire new enhanced capabilities to “detect” and “neutralise drones”.
Denmark will on Friday join other EU countries, mostly along the eastern border with Russia, in the first talks on proposals to build a “wall” of anti-drone defences in the face of the tensions with Moscow.
– Russia sabotage warning –
Drones were spotted on Wednesday and early Thursday at airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg and at the Skrydstrup air base before leaving on their own, police said.
Aalborg airport, located in northern Denmark, was initially shut down for several hours, and closed again for about an hour from late Thursday into early Friday morning due to another suspected sighting.
“It was not possible to take down the drones, which flew over a very large area over a couple of hours,” North Jutland chief police inspector Jesper Bojgaard Madsen said about the initial Aalborg incident.
The head of Denmark’s military intelligence, Thomas Ahrenkiel, told a news conference the service had not been able to identify who was behind the drones.
But intelligence chief Finn Borch said: “The risk of Russian sabotage in Denmark is high.”
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told a news conference the flights appeared to be “the work of a professional actor… such a systematic operation in so many locations at virtually the same time”.
He said it had posed “no direct military threat” to Denmark.
Frederiksen said Thursday that she had spoken with NATO chief Mark Rutte about the incidents.
Lund Poulsen said the government had yet to decide whether to invoke NATO’s Article 4, under which any member state can call urgent talks when it feels its “territorial integrity, political independence or security” are at risk.
French President Emmanuel Macron said his country stood ready “to contribute to the security of Danish airspace”.
Copenhagen is set to host a summit of European Union leaders next week.
– ‘Feel rather insecure’ –
Police said investigations were under way with the Danish intelligence service and the armed forces.
The drone activity shook some in Denmark, including 85-year-old Birgit Larsen.
“I feel rather insecure. I live in a country where there has been peace since 1945. I am not really used to thinking about war,” she told AFP in central Copenhagen.
Others were less concerned.
“It’s probably Russia, you know, testing the borders of Europe. They fly close to the borders and stuff and try to provoke, but not threaten,” said 48-year-old Torsten Froling.
The drone flights came after Denmark announced it would acquire long-range precision weapons for the first time, as Russia would pose a threat “for years to come”.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has disclosed that Nigeria went over a decade without attracting any new investments in the oil sector until the advent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the minister, the stagnation crippled growth and weakened confidence in the industry, but recent reforms are beginning to restore investor interest.
The minister made this known in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, on Thursday, following his keynote address at the United States–Nigeria Council’s session on oil sector collaboration, held on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“At the heart of Nigeria’s renewed energy agenda is a clear and deliberate policy direction: to open our oil sector to deeper, smarter, and more strategic partnerships. The time to invest is not just now, it is ripe.
“Recall that for over ten years, prior to the coming of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria did not have any new investment in the oil sector, but with the reforms we have carried out, which have created an atmosphere that is globally competitive and attractive, we now have new investments running into billions of dollars”, the minister stated.
“All inactive blocks during the period of no investments are in the basket now and up for grabs. We have a longstanding relationship with the US and US companies; beyond these relationships, there are new opportunities for new investors, both in the upstream sector and other sectors.”
The minister noted that, under the leadership of Tinubu, Nigeria’s oil sector has witnessed significant progress over the past two years, including increased production output and a more attractive investment climate.
He urged global investors to seize emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly transforming oil industry, citing ongoing reforms, enhanced production capacity, and the country’s growing regional influence as key drivers of growth.
“Thanks to bold reforms and globally competitive fiscals, Nigeria has significantly ramped up production and repositioned itself as a dependable energy hub across West Africa and the continent,” he said.
]Lokpobiri attributed this transformation to the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which he described as a “robust, investor-friendly legal framework” that is driving growth and restoring investor confidence.
He also emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to energy transition efforts, affirming that the country would continue to leverage its fossil fuel reserves to finance its energy mix, while adhering to international climate agreements.
“We are fully aligned with the Paris Agreement, and remain committed to cleaner, more sustainable exploration,” he said.
“Our doors are open, our laws are clear, and our environment is conducive; now is the time for U.S. and global investors to become part of Nigeria’s energy success story.”
The current administration has repeatedly assured international partners that Nigeria remains committed to energy transition goals, but argues that oil and gas revenues will play a crucial role in financing renewable energy expansion.
Recent policy shifts, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, efforts to deregulate the downstream sector, and renewed emphasis on gas monetisation, have also been positioned as signs of Nigeria’s seriousness in reforming its energy industry.
These reforms are part of the government’s efforts to attract $30bn in sectoral investments by 2027 and at least $60bn by 2030.
Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Celebrates Olubadan Ladoja at 81
The Aare Apesinola of Ibadanland, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has joined the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, Yorubaland, and well-wishers across Nigeria in celebrating His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, FNSE, on the auspicious occasion of his 81st Birthday Anniversary.
In his glowing tribute, Aare EmmanuelKing described the monarch’s life as “a rare blend of divine grace, uncommon wisdom, and unflinching devotion to humanity.” He extolled the Olubadan as a leader whose humility, integrity, and fatherly compassion have defined his personal journey and endeared him to generations.
“Your 81st year is a crown of honor upon a life richly invested in service, truth, and compassion. It is the celebration of decades spent building bridges of peace, fostering unity, and safeguarding the heritage of Ibadanland. Truly, you stand as a towering symbol of Yoruba culture and an enduring inspiration to all who cherish noble values,” he said.
He further noted the divine significance of this milestone, stressing that celebrating the monarch’s 81st birthday within the period of his coronation is a historic convergence of grace and glory. “This rare alignment speaks to God’s favor upon your reign, a powerful confirmation that your life, age, and throne are woven together in destiny for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Ibadanland,” he said.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also emphasized that the monarch’s attainment of this octogenarian milestone is both a personal triumph and a collective blessing, reaffirming God’s abiding favor upon the throne and upon the land.
“As you mark this glorious 81st birthday, I pray that the Almighty continues to renew Your Imperial Majesty’s strength like the eagle, fill your reign with joy in abundance, and grant you the grace of long, peaceful years. May Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland continue to flourish under your wise counsel and royal guidance,” he prayed.
He extended warm felicitations to the monarch, reaffirming his loyalty and prayers for greater glory in the years ahead.
“Happy 81st Birthday, Kabiyesi! May your days be long, peaceful, and eternally blessed. Long live the Olubadan of Ibadanland!”
A Paris court on Thursday convicted former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on charges of criminal conspiracy but acquitted him of corruption and accepting illegal campaign financing in his trial into accusations late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi helped fund his victorious 2007 presidential run.
The trial is the latest in a string of legal troubles for the right-wing ex-leader, 70, who denies the charges.
Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, has already been convicted in two separate cases and stripped of France’s highest honour.
Judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy,as a serving minister and party leader at the time, had “allowed his close collaborators and political supporters over whom he had authority and who acted in his name”, to approach the Libyan authorities “in order to obtain or attempt to obtain financial support”.
The court’s ruling however did not follow the conclusion of prosecutors that Sarkozy was the alleged beneficiary of the illegal campaign financing. He was acquitted on a separate charges of embezzlement of Libyan public funds, passive corruption and illegal financing of an electoral campaign.
Sentencing is due to be announced later in the hearing, with prosecutors requesting a seven-year prison term for Sarkozy.
He was present in court for the verdict, accompanied by his model and musician wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.
Two former close aides were also convicted. His former right-hand man Claude Gueant was found guilty of passive corruption and falsification while former minister Brice Hortefeux was found guilty of criminal conspiracy.
Eric Woerth, Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign treasurer, was acquitted.
In a dramatic coincidence, the judgement was issued by the Paris court two days after the death on Tuesday in Beirut of Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, a key accuser of Sarkozy in the case.
Takieddine, 75, had claimed several times that he helped deliver up to five million euros ($6 million) in cash from Kadhafi to Sarkozy and the former president’s chief of staff in 2006 and 2007.
He then spectacularly retracted his claims before contradicting his own retraction, prompting the opening of another case against Sarkozy and also Bruni-Sarkozy, on suspicion of pressuring a witness.
Prosecutors argued that Sarkozy and his aides devised a pact with Kadhafi in 2005 to illegally fund Sarkozy’s victorious presidential election bid two years later.
Investigators believe that in return Kadhafi was promised help to restore his international image after Tripoli was blamed by the West for bombing a plane in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland and another over Niger in 1989, killing hundreds of passengers.
Kadhafi was ultimately overthrown and killed by opponents in 2011 during the Arab Spring as NATO military intervention — in which France under Sarkozy played a key role — enforced a no-fly zone.
The prosecution’s case is based on statements from seven former Libyan dignitaries, trips to Libya by Gueant and Hortefeux, financial transfers, and the notebooks of the former Libyan oil minister Shukri Ghanem, who was found drowned in the Danube river in Vienna in 2012.
Sarkozy has faced a litany of legal problems since his mandate and has been charged separately with corruption, bribery, influence-peddling and campaign finance infringements.
He was first convicted for graft and sentenced to a one-year jail term, which he served with an electronic tag for three months before being granted conditional release.
Separately, he received a one-year jail term — six months with another six months suspended — in the so-called “Bygmalion affair” for illegal campaign financing. Sarkozy has gone to France’s top appeals court to appeal that verdict.
He has faced repercussions beyond the courtroom, including losing his Legion of Honour — France’s highest distinction — following the graft conviction.
Legal woes aside, the man who styled himself as the “hyper-president” while in office still enjoys considerable influence and popularity on the right of French politics, and is known to regularly meet with President Emmanuel Macron.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the fight against poverty and the pursuit of national development cannot be left to the government alone, stressing the need for collective responsibility by faith-based organisations, the private sector and individuals.
Abiodun made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while chairing the 12th Annual Public Lecture of The Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” held at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island.
According to him, the complexity of governance makes it impossible for the government to carry the burden of development single-handedly.
“The burden of governance cannot be shouldered by government alone, and the church has effectively demonstrated this belief through its initiatives,” he said.
He commended Foursquare Gospel Church for going “beyond the pulpit” to provide social interventions through schools, hospitals, humanitarian outreaches and empowerment programmes that had impacted countless lives.
Abiodun added, “The problem of poverty requires economic stability which must be anchored on inclusive growth where opportunities are extended to all citizens, especially the vulnerable.
“Economic development and stability are two sides of the coin. Without stability, the economy is short-lived. Without development, poverty persists. As leaders, whether in the government, church or private sector, we must collaborate to break the cycle because poverty is not just an economic statistic, it is a human reality. We must care for the vulnerable.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, said no nation could achieve development and stability without deliberately tackling poverty.
“Poverty is one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigerians today, and it can only be removed or minimised through a collective battle by government, faith-based organisations, committed parastatals, and individuals,” he said.
Aboyeji noted that with 70 years of continuous presence in Nigeria, the church considered it a “sacred duty” to contribute to national progress, hence its commitment to the annual lecture as a platform for intellectual discourse and policy engagement.
Delivering the lecture, Senior Fellow and Associate Professor at Lagos Business School, Dr Doyin Salami, lamented the volatility of the Nigerian economy, warning that the current 3.2 per cent growth rate was inadequate for poverty reduction.
According to him, Nigeria needed sustained growth of at least 6.5 per cent annually for a decade to achieve meaningful results.
“Recent data shows that increases in investment in Nigeria are not strong enough to stimulate growth. We must avoid the mistakes of the past and ensure that our investments are the kind that stimulate, support and drive development,” Salami said.
He recalled that Nigeria was ahead of China in poverty indices as far back as 1992, but by 1996 China had reversed its fortunes while Nigeria lagged behind.
He also warned that Nigeria’s reliance on services over industry was deepening its de-industrialisation and undermining prospects for sustainable growth.
The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Seychelles boasts one of the highest standards of living in Africa, driven in part by high-end tourism and fishing, but the island nation is also plagued by drug use and trafficking.
It will hold presidential and legislative elections on September 25-27.
– 115 islands –
The 115 mostly uninhabited islands and islets that make up the Seychelles represent a total of 455 square kilometres (280 square miles), barely the size of the principality of Andorra.
But, spread across an area of more than 388,000 square kilometres, the islands and their surrounding waters make up a vast economic exclusive zone of more than one million square kilometres, twice the size of France.
The islands and their waters are a paradise of biodiversity, home to a rich variety of fauna and flora, and are an important nesting site for birds and turtles.
At the heart of the Indian Ocean, the archipelago occupies a strategic position between Madagascar, Africa, and India.
Three-quarters of its roughly 120,000 citizens live on the Mahe island, where the capital, Victoria, is located, according to 2024 World Bank data.
The archipelago is vulnerable to climate change, and is facing rising sea levels, the deterioration of the marine ecosystem — particularly its coral reefs — as well as landslides, flooding, and drought.
– Young democracy –
The islands were occupied in the 17th century by the French, and then in the 19th century by the British under their rule in nearby Mauritius.
The Seychelles became a colony in its own right in 1903 and achieved independence in 1976 under the presidency of James Mancham.
In 1977, a coup brought to power France-Albert Rene, who established a single-party state and survived multiple coup attempts.
The first multi-party elections took place in 1993 after a new constitution was adopted.
United Seychelles had provided every head of state until the 2020 election, which was won by opposition leader Wavel Ramkalawan.
Ramkalawan is seeking a second term against Patrick Herminie, of the United Seychelles party.
Herminie was charged in late 2023 with “witchcraft”, which he said was politically motivated, and the charges were later lifted.
– Tourism and fishing –
Known for its white beaches and high-end tourism, the Seychelles has Africa’s highest GDP per capita income, according to the World Bank.
However, its economy is vulnerable to price fluctuations for imported products, including food and petrol, which increase the cost of living.
The employment rate is low and while extreme poverty has been almost entirely eradicated, it faces issues such as drug use and trafficking, according to the World Bank.
– Heroin, the dark side of paradise –
Government figures show between 5,000 to 6,000 Seychellois consume heroin, data based on those on a methadone substitution programme.
Other estimates suggest up to 10,000 users, equivalent to roughly 10 percent of the population.
Critics say Ramkalawan has failed to fulfil campaign promises on fighting corruption and drug trafficking.
– ‘Coco bottom’ –
Synonymous with the Seychelles and commonly known as the sea coconut, or coco de mer, is the world’s largest seed — and is shaped like a woman’s bottom.
It became popular when tourism took off following independence.
Authorities limited trade in 1978, but the restrictions were ignored by nut poachers, and since 2011, it has been on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “red list”.
In line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organizers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between the 3rd and 5th of October 2025. Disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.
“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians. We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years and we recognize that sports drives us as a country, which is why through our First@Sportsinitiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people. We have been supporting legacy sport tournaments like the Georgian Polo Cup which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship for 64 years now,” Ijabiyi said.
With the event slated for the start of the fourth quarter, FirstBank is aligning its partnership with the annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative, a campaign that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Nigerians during the festive season by curating unforgettable experiences that blend culture, entertainment and lifestyle. “FirstBank is deeply woven into the fabric of society and the lives of our customers. As presenting partner, we are creating meaningful touchpoints with customers and prospects, offering them a world-class experience of relaxation and celebration that captures the true essence of Lagos during the festive season,” he added.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who was also at the event, described the initiative as an event that will grow not just the sports but also showcase Lagos’s vibrant culture, dynamic people, and global relevance, while commending FirstBank for their support.
The teams owned by notable stars like Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, Rafael Nadal will compete in the Lagos leg before the 2025 season of the competition terminates in Miami in the United States.
The historic Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island was steeped in history and reflection on Sunday, September 21, 2025, as scholars, cultural custodians, political leaders, and members of the Lagos royal family converged for the King Kosoko Memorial Lecture 2025. This year’s theme, “The Lagos Kingship: Its Territory, Culture, Traditions, and Its Districts Before 1852,” offered a panoramic exploration of Lagos’ precolonial society and the enduring legacies of its monarchs.
Delivering the welcome address, Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko, Chief Curator of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum, described the lecture as more than a scholarly gathering, but rather a moment to honor the resilience and vision of King Kosoko.
“Our story as Lagosians did not begin with colonial maps or modern skyscrapers it began with the wisdom, courage, and vision of our forebears, among whom King Kosoko stands tall,” he said.
Prince Olojo-Kosoko emphasized that King Kosoko embodied the spirit of a cosmopolitan Lagos whose influence extended beyond the island to Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, and even into the debates of Britain’s parliament. He thanked the planning committee, sponsors, Lagos State Government, and the Royal Family of Lagos, urging participants to recommit themselves to preserving Lagos’ cultural heritage in an age of globalization.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts & Culture. He described the Lagos Kingship as both sacred and political, structured around the Oba, a council of chiefs, and customary institutions that ensured governance, justice, and ritual authority.
Aregbe highlighted the district system that organized Lagos’ social and economic life before 1852:
District A: Maritime hub with shrines tied to tides and markets.
District B: Agricultural hinterland trading crops with port towns.
District C: Artisan and craft quarter where guilds set norms.
District D: Fortified district with plazas for assemblies and conflict resolution.
District E: Spiritual center housing shrines and ritual specialists.
These districts, he explained, were united by alliances, intermarriages, shared markets, and customary law, creating a governance model that combined independence with unity under the Oba.
He also celebrated Lagos’ cultural richness oriki (praise poetry), drumming ensembles, masquerades, sacred shrines, and festivals like Adamu-Orisa (Eyo), Egungun, and Gelede as the fabric of precolonial identity.
Adding historical depth, Prof. Habeeb Abiodun Sanni of Lagos State University traced the monarchy’s origins to Ashipa, a representative of the Oba of Benin, who laid the foundations of the Lagos throne.
His research underscored Lagos’ hybrid monarchy: a blend of Awori traditions and Benin imperial structures, producing a kingship that was both spiritual and political. Prof. Sanni recounted how rulers such as Akinsemoyin transformed Lagos into a major slave-trading hub, while Erelu Kuti played a decisive role in preserving dynastic continuity and embedding women into the political fabric of Lagos.
He noted that Lagos’ territory expanded beyond the island to Ikorodu, Ijede, Epe, and Badagry through diplomacy, exile settlements, and commercial networks making Lagos a regional power by the early 19th century.
In her captivating contribution, Aduke Gomez offered a wide-angle view of Lagos as a pepper farm turned warrior camp (Oko to Eko), which grew into a trading powerhouse.
She highlighted the strategic location of Lagos, with its lagoon and waterways linking the West African “Slave Coast” from Ghana to Bayelsa. Large war canoes, some carrying 100 people and mounted with guns, symbolized Lagos’ strength in trade and conflict.
Gomez revisited the succession disputes that defined Lagos politics whether primogeniture from father to son, lateral succession among brothers, or outright seizure by rivals. She noted how the rivalry between Kosoko and Akitoye led to the 1851 British bombardment and paved the way for annexation.
Importantly, she spotlighted the role of women in shaping kingship and trade:
Erelu Kuti, who safeguarded dynastic succession.
Madam Tinubu, whose entrepreneurial and political influence supported kings.
Opo Olu and other royal women, who defended Kosoko’s interests.
Gomez argued that the kings’ economic vision such as Akinsemoyin’s invitation to European traders and Kosoko’s engagement with Afro-Brazilian returnees laid the foundations for Lagos’ cosmopolitan identity as a global hub of trade, creativity, and migration.
The lectures collectively stressed that studying the Lagos kingship before 1852 is not merely an academic exercise but a strategic investment in heritage-led development.
Aregbe called for:
Curated heritage routes across former districts.
Community-led festivals that revive traditional ceremonies.
Expanded museums and digital archives to capture oral histories.
Training local artisans and guides to sustain cultural industries.
Prince Olojo-Kosoko and other speakers emphasized the need to balance cultural preservation with ethical tourism, ensuring that sacred spaces and community rights are respected while Lagos shares its authentic stories with the world.
The 2025 King Kosoko Memorial Lecture succeeded in weaving together history, culture, and policy, offering Lagosians a chance to reconnect with their roots while imagining a future shaped by heritage, creativity, and resilience.
From the Awori migrations and Benin influence, to the trade networks, succession disputes, and festivals that defined precolonial Lagos, the event underscored that Lagos was already a cosmopolitan kingdom before 1852.
As Aduke Gomez concluded, it was the “entrepreneurial interventions of the Lagos kings that transformed Lagos from a pepper farm to a megacity first the capital, now the economic and creative heartbeat of Nigeria.”
The resounding call was clear to honor the past, preserve the present, and shape a future where Lagos’ cultural heritage continues to inspire generations.
