Feature/OPED
Fact and Fiction of Lekki Massacre: Politics and Economy Reset

By Oremade Oyedeji
In one of my think pieces titled The Nigerian Context of the New World Order & The pandemics (Part I & II) published during the lockdown, I explained the term New World Order as any new period of history evidencing a dramatic change in world political thought and the balance of power.
Also, in another piece, Pandemic of the Prodigal Generation – 4IR Economy or Politics, I wrote about the Nigerian economy realigning to coming post-pandemic changes. I did emphasise in that piece that politics will reset, thereby having an unimaginable impact on people, communities, companies and economies.
If I may get another chance to digress further and have another introductory perspective, in 1983, at the First National Convention of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) held at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, a visiting delegate from New Mexico, USA. Pastor S. G. Elton spoke about Nigeria.
He said the Lord told him Nigeria was a nation he planned to use for the world revival. Pastor S. G. Elton spoke prophetically about two African nations; He then concluded; Africa is like a gun pointed down: its turret and muzzle are South Africa and its trigger is Nigeria.
The pertinent question surrounding this piece and for the gods perhaps is Why Lagos? And Why Lekki? What triggered the carnage against the youth? Forces beyond our direct control you say? Well, an African adage says it is the rat in the house that tells the one outside how to circumvent the traps set by the occupants.
The fact to the aforementioned question headlined by many foreign and local media is that a group of the Nigerian Armed Forces opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos. The real numbers of casualties are still unknown, several complaints of missing persons and many confirmed to be hospitalised.
After visiting victims of the incident a day after (October 21, 2020), the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who initially denied any loss of life by gunfire, later admitted that two persons were killed.
Amnesty International stated that at least 12 protesters were killed in what the organisation described as “extrajudicial executions,” while many media reports say it’s a massacre.
In a series of tweets, Mr Sanwo-Olu described the tragic incident as “dark notes in our history,” adding that, “This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger.”
Even a former military president, Mr Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, tweeted about it. Once again, I will like to quote General Sanni Abacha who stated that any insurgency that lasts more than 24 hours a government official has a hand in it.
It was, however, very surprising that President Buhari during his address to the country in the aftermath of the massacre strangely didn’t mention a word of the Lekki event and this left most Nigerians speechless.
Meanwhile, former president Obasanjo, former American Vice President Joe Biden and ex-US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, amongst many other world leaders condemned the killing of protesters.
This reminds me of a tale about a big man who died and went to the other side. On that day, God had decree that whoever passes over will choose where to go, Jannah al Firdous (heaven in Christendom) or Jahannam (hell in Christendom).
This man was a trained accountant with a commanding sagacity while on earth. So, he decided he was going to visit the hell first and Lucifer asked him to enter a lift and went straight down to Jahannam (hell). When he got there, contrary to his beliefs, things were glorious in hell. They treated him like theirs and in fact, he had a thoughtful brag; the Devil has no tail and no horns away from popular beliefs.
He even met lots of old friends (from his young days in the struggle), they were all looking very healthy, eating well, dining well and making merry. Then again, he also demanded to be taken to Jannah al Firdous (Heaven).
In Jannah, the picture he saw was also nice. He saw archangels floating around, singing hymns and enjoying good music and God presiding and reigning supreme.
Finally, he was asked what his choice was. No judgement today, the voice said. Then he remembered his wife, who is a Christian and is now a pastor and his children (both of Christians and Muslims) and his late mother a devout Alhaja, and of himself a moderately devoted Muslim.
He whispered to himself, it seems all the clergies may have been telling lies. Maybe they deliberately spoil the name of the devil, it doesn’t seem the devil was devilish after all. In fact, it looks like he looks pretty much after his people (thinking more aloud) and I think heaven is overrated, he said. I wish my wife will stop wasting her time interceding for me on that altar, I think I am in a better place to tell her the fact. Now, heaven is boring, he concluded.
At this time, God was running out of patience with his indecision and told him to pick where he would like to go to. Now, with much confidence, he responded and said hell will be fine.
“I will like to join my old friend from my Young days in the struggle in hell,” he re-affirmed.
Straight into the lift, God Instructed and he went down to hell. When the doors opened this time, the whole place has changed, the place now looking all like a ghetto, politically un-kept, everywhere looking deserted, and his old friends from the struggling days were all looking wretched and were eating from the garbage pit. He was so amazed.
Now, the Devil was now in his complete regalia, with a long tail and longhorns, exactly as his wife would say she saw whenever she prayed in intercession for him.
Now looking so confused, and praying at heart in his mother tongue, suddenly, he summoned up courage and walked up to Lucifer to ask him what happened. Things looked allo nice here the other day, what changed? And why was the Lucifer now looking without any act of meekness, humaneness or sincerity? Looking so betrayed and deceived, he summed up words and told Lucifer, I am going back home, lesson learnt.
From this tale, one could draw a parallel with the political landscape and all that has happened.
Let me conclude this piece in the most satirical way possible and with the things that have served as political comedic skits after that carnage:
Governor Sanwo-Olu said no life was lost but later recanted to say lives were lost. #2020BedOfliesAward #CousinJide
GovernorSanwo-Olu said nobody removed security cameras at Lekki Toll. #NoFatalityRecordedSelf #NoLekkiMassacreSelf
A few days later, Minister Babatunde Fashola discovered a lost camera at the Lekki Toll Gate during an on the spot assessment. #NigeriaBestCIAAgent #Camcoder #FasholaHiddenCameraFindingLimited
Fashola subsequently handed over the camera to Babajide Sanwo-Olu for forensic analysis and further investigation. #AgentFasholaSkit #NaijaSherlockHolmes #FosholaHolmes
“I didn’t go nowhere; I’m a Lagosian and I still hold the title of Asiwaju of Lagos and I am still a Jagaban #LetfindthestaffofOba #JagabanOfBorguKingdominNigerState #PoliticsReset.
Feature/OPED
Strategies for Launching Your Real Estate Tech Startup Successfully

By Dalip Jaggi
Launching a real estate tech startup requires a lot of focus. But at its core, the primary goal is to eliminate pain points commonly seen in the industry.
Unfortunately, the process of buying, selling, and managing a property is rarely straightforward in real estate deals. For one, there tends to be endless paperwork to complete, regular back and forth between agents and clients, and long drawn-out closing periods.
If you can create a real estate company that actively eliminates these challenges, it can be transformative for both agents and clients alike. However, getting to this stage takes a lot of work in terms of strategy and vision.
This guide will outline key strategies you can implement to help you launch your real estate tech startup.
Address a Specific Industry Need
The foundation of a successful real estate company rests on its ability to solve a specific, ongoing problem. Overly general solutions usually don’t resonate in the market, but a focused approach can build a loyal customer base over time.
To begin, you need to carefully analyze the market, looking for consistent challenges. This is more than just a surface-level skimming of the market. It means finding overlooked areas or specific pain points that significantly impact a particular group of users.
Try to focus on problems that might be solvable with new technology or unique market approaches. This ensures that your startup’s efforts are directed toward creating solutions that people genuinely want and are willing to use.
Clearly Articulate Your Brand Value
After finding a relevant market need, you need to clearly define what makes your new company different from existing competitors. This is your unique value proposition.
A strong value proposition requires more than just listing your product or service’s features. It should also explain the real, tangible benefits users can expect to experience. Articulate precisely how your offering solves the problems in your target market, and highlight the specific ways it stands out from other options available.
Create a Proof of Concept
Most startup companies that develop software will start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). An MVP has the fundamental features that software will have, but won’t include more sophisticated components that the customer may expect in a complete product. This keeps costs down while trying to develop a full-functioning platform or service.
The main goal of an MVP is user testing. They help capture a user’s first impressions of how the software performs in real-life scenarios. To gather meaningful feedback from your MVP users, you’ll want to ensure that only the most essential functions are present. Over time, feedback from MVP users helps you to prioritize relevant product additions.
In the iterative process leading to a fully launched marketable product, ensure that you try to incorporate any mission-critical improvements before launch. This will help to avoid major setbacks post-launch that might impact brand perception.
Gain Enough Financial Support
To move from a simple prototype to running an actual real estate technology company, you will need the right level of funding. There are different ways to obtain this capital, each having its own benefits.
At the outset, self-funding can help you continue to maintain control of the venture, although you may be a bit more limited in terms of initial growth opportunities. Working with a private investor, on the other hand, can lead to a sizeable cash injection in the business along with experienced mentorship to help you through the initial growth stages of your business. Unfortunately, though, this will likely come at the expense of giving away equity in the company.
Build a High-Performing Team
A successful real estate company needs a strong team. It’s important to try to source new individuals with a wide range of professional experiences. Among other skills, you should be looking for employees with strong real estate knowledge, a technical background, and a good understanding of sales and marketing principles.
Aim to source candidates who not only master these skills but are also passionate about the company’s goals. This helps build a sense of ownership and responsibility with all your team members, keeping everyone focused on ensuring the startup’s success.
Consider Integrating Helpful Renovation Tools
Homeowners and property managers are always looking for ways to increase a property’s value by completing various types of home renovation projects. By integrating helpful renovation tools into your software, you can help your new real estate technology quickly stand out in a crowded market.
Adding helpful features that let users estimate the costs of their renovation, plan different elements of a bathroom remodel, or track the statuses of their home projects can add significantly more value to your solution.
Put Together a Digital Marketing Strategy
Having a solid digital marketing presence is critical for new businesses to attract clients and expand their user base. This includes the use of SEO, paid advertising, and content marketing to increase brand visibility and create more touchpoints between businesses and potential clients.
Social media is equally important for helping to raise brand awareness. This helps you connect with clients directly and network with other industry professionals. By partnering with other real estate organizations, agencies, and commercial businesses, you’ll further help your brand’s visibility and credibility as you start launching new services.
Focus on Customer Engagement
Building lasting relationships with customers all rests on being able to provide excellent support. Earning their trust requires consistent dedication. This means responding quickly to questions and concerns that come up and keeping your focus on ensuring their satisfaction.
Actively soliciting user feedback, through surveys and reviews, allows you to take the necessary steps to improve their experience. It’s also important to keep users informed with regular updates and offer additional support to show them that they are a top priority. All of these initiatives add a personal touch to your brand, helping you stand out from others.
Give Your Startup the Best Chance for Success
Starting a successful business in real estate comes with its own set of challenges that need to be tackled. However, by following the strategies discussed, you’ll be sure to stand out in the industry better while introducing high-value solutions to your user base.
Dalip Jaggi is an entrepreneur, technologist, and passionate business leader sum up the core of Dalip Jaggi, co-founder of Revive Real Estate, a PropTech company to democratize house flipping. Since its 2020 inception, Revive has become the smartest solution for homeowners to maximize their home’s sales value across the nation.
Feature/OPED
Sunusi Bature: Time to Take the Podium

By Ahmad Dambazau
The National Assembly is a constitutional locomotive for any purposeful democratic government, it provides checks to the government of the day and a legal basis for the system in general .This basically accounts for the high respect usually accorded and, of course, the attendant high expectation placed on it. The legislative arm of government like any other is saddled with the responsibility enshrined in the constitution and among such major functions includes representation, oversight and law making in addition to many other numerous functions.
Be that as it may, it has been a genuine cause for worry for Nigerians that, despite our series of experimentation with democracy, our legislators have performed below expectation. Their handling of national issues has especially remained without constitutional decorum and political experience required of people of their exalted status. Part 2, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests the legislative powers of the federation on the National Assembly which comprises the Senate and House of Representatives.
Dawakin Tofa ,Tofa and Rimin Gado Federal constituency is one of the few constituencies in Nigeria represented by the same legislator for 18 years(2007-2005) despite poor representation .
As the federal constituency searches for the best man to represent them for this serious legislative task. One name keeping ringing bell is Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa ,Media and Communication Expert and Director General of Media and Publicity to Kano State Governor.Sunusi has earlier served as the Chief Press Seceretary to the Governor in the early days of the administration .
Mallam Sunusi is a seasoned PR guru, development communication and stakeholder engagement expert with 21 years working experience in both international development, private sector and the Media in Nigeria.
He is a winner of the Cambridge education award on investigative journalism in 2008, Bature has worked at different capacities in various national, International and Bilateral organizations such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the United State Agency for Internal Development (USAID), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children International, Discovery Learning Alliance and the Rockefeller Foundation.
He held several positions which include General Manager Corporate Services at Dantata Foods and Allied Products Limited (DFAP), Director Stakeholder Engagement at YieldWise Project, Country Program Manager at Girl Rising (ENGAGE) Project funded by the US Government, State Project Coordinator for MNCH Campaign Project of the BMGF, Deputy Director Operations at Discovery Learning Alliance, State Program Officer, Policy Advocacy and Media Development, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist among other positions.
Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.A. Hons.) in Mass Communication from University of Maiduguri, Sanusi holds a National Diploma in Mass communication from Kaduna Polytechnic, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Education and Promotion.He also bagged MSc. in Social Work with specialization in Community Development from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo State and another master’s degree in Public Relations (MPR) from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. He participated in the MSc program on Project Management at Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.Until his appointment, Sunusi Bature served as the Vice President, Nigeria operations for a UK based firm, Kingston Organic PLC.
Hon Dawakin Tofa has opened yet another vista of debate among electorates on the value of quality representation with vigour,expertise and experience of having a wider constituency responsibility and coverage .He has vindicated his mettle among his constituents that even as an appointee of the Governor his eloquent consistent and fearless voice always seeking the improvement of lives of his constituents accountability among representatives of the people.
He is truly a representative of the people though unelected going by the amount of work he was able to do for the overall benefit of his people. In fact, it is worth elucidating that this PR guru was able to touch the lives of the people in his stewardship in the private and public sectors. So far he has proved to be one of the few politicians that attracts government presence to his community. No matter what anyone would say, the amount of dividends of democracy that this community leader was able to bring to the door step of the people is unmatched.
Sunusi Bature’s development credentials and landmarks speaks volumes. The highlights of which were stellar achievements of re-positioning the educational sector in the more definitive ,radically ,progressive and futuristic manner , not to mention the capacity building, empowerment and educational scholarship for his people ,all shone brightly for both his admirers and detractors to access.
The Director General of Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kano State, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, has been honoured with the prestigious Most Outstanding Spokesperson Award by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information. Dawakin Tofa was selected for this esteemed award in recognition of his instrumental role in promoting not only the positive image of the Kano State Governor and his giant strides also for effectively showcasing the only NNPP ruling state in Nigeria.
In the award citation, Mallam Sunusi was hailed as an unwavering proponent of non-violent communication, renowned for his extensive network and adept delivery of practices with clarity in objectives, and strategic framing of engagements with his audience.His profound impact and effectiveness in perception and reputation management are highly commendable.
In whatever one indulges in there are always people to observe and give their verdict .It is a well- known fact that there is nothing stronger than the people’s verdict.it shows a collective desire which inevitably is the voice of reason. The momentum of Hon Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa legislative bid is gathering amongst all strata of the constituency is enough testimony that experienced count in the race for the parliamentary seat.
Dambazau wrote in from Kano
Feature/OPED
Nigeria’s Mining Reforms: Unlocking Investment and Growth

Over the past two years, Nigeria has implemented key policies and reforms to revitalize its mining industry, attract investment and strengthen the sector’s contribution to GDP.
Recent government-led initiatives have streamlined licensing processes, removed bottlenecks and simplified market entry for international investors, enhancing production across the country’s 44 solid mineral types.
As Africa’s premier mining investment event, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will convene Nigerian and African stakeholders with global investors and industry leaders to drive deal-making and accelerate sector growth.
Launch of Mineral Resources Decision Support System
In May 2024, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency unveiled the Mineral Resources Decision Support System to provide global investors with easy access to geological and policy data.
The platform markets Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and critical infrastructure, assisting investors in making informed decisions about the country’s mining sector. By enhancing data transparency and accessibility, the system aims to streamline investment processes and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Restructuring of Ministry
To improve efficiency, Nigeria restructured the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in August 2023, creating two separate entities. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development focuses on upstream activities and investment facilitation, while the Ministry of Steel Development oversees the development of steel and metallic resources to drive industrial growth. This restructuring aims to enhance sector-specific governance, attract targeted investments and accelerate the country’s mineral and steel value chain development.
Approval of Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill
Approved in April 2023 and currently under public review, the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Bill aims to introduce incentives for foreign investors while strengthening local content requirements. Once enacted, it will become the sector’s primary legal framework, enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
The bill is also expected to modernize regulatory oversight, ensuring sustainable resource management and aligning Nigeria’s mining sector with global best practices.
Implementation of Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations
Implemented in July 2021, the Nigeria Mineral Value Chain Regulations mandates local processing of raw minerals such as gold and lithium, encouraging downstream investment.
Following this policy, China’s Avatar Energy Materials Company launched a 4,000-ton-per-annum lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State in May 2024, while Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is developing a lithium processing plant in Kaduna State to support EV e battery production.
These investments mark a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain. Against this backdrop, AMW 2025 will provide a platform for industry leaders to explore Nigeria’s evolving mining landscape and engage with global investors.
-
Feature/OPED5 years ago
Davos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years ago
Estranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years ago
Sort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years ago
Subsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years ago
First Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years ago
Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years ago
How To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN