Nigeria 2027 Elections – Can ADC Challenge APC in Lagos State?

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Nigeria 2027 Elections – Can ADC Challenge APC in Lagos State?

Nigeria 2027 Elections – Can ADC Challenge APC in Lagos State?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), led in Lagos by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, is positioning itself as a serious challenger to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, but APC’s entrenched political machinery and incumbency advantage make the task formidable. The contest is shaping up as one of continuity versus disruption in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

APC’s Stronghold in Lagos

Since 1999, Lagos has been under the control of the political tendency founded by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, evolving from AD to ACN and now APC. The party has built a sophisticated grassroots network, backed by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), which ensures cohesion and discipline across the state’s 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. For 2027, APC has fielded Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the current Deputy Governor, with Damilola Sonayon-James as running mate. Their campaign emphasizes continuity in infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital development.

ADC’s Rising Profile

The ADC’s candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), is one of the most recognizable opposition figures in Lagos. Having contested in 2023 under the Labour Party, where he gained significant traction due to the Obidient movement, GRV now seeks to build an independent coalition under ADC. His challenge lies in detaching from Peter Obi’s influence and proving that his appeal extends beyond the 2023 momentum. GRV has spent the intervening years building grassroots structures across Lagos communities, signaling a more organized opposition effort than in past cycles.

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The Electoral Battlefield

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed ADC’s presence across Lagos senatorial districts, fielding candidates against APC in Lagos Central, East, and West. This demonstrates ADC’s commitment to contesting statewide, not just at the governorship level. However, Lagos remains a high-stakes battleground, with PDP and the newer Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also in the fray, potentially splitting opposition votes.

Tears, Triumph, and Thunderous Applause: Fans Celebrate Céline Dion’s Paris Return

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Tears, Triumph, and Thunderous Applause: Fans Celebrate Céline Dion’s Paris Return

Tears, Triumph, and Thunderous Applause: Fans Celebrate Céline Dion’s Paris Return

Fans in Paris responded to Céline Dion’s comeback with overwhelming emotion, describing the concert as “magical, grandiose, and moving.” While some critics noted slight vocal strain, the majority of fans defended her passionately, praising her resilience, couture fashion, and ability to deliver powerhouse performances despite her health challenges.

Emotional Atmosphere

At the Plénitude Arena in Nanterre, nearly 33,000 fans witnessed Dion’s first full concert in six years. Many were moved to tears as she opened with “On ne change pas”, visibly emotional herself. Audience members described the night as “a dream come true” and “phenomenal,” with one fan telling RFI that her rendition of “All By Myself” was “the best spectacle of Céline ever”.

Online Reactions

Clips of the concert quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, sparking debates. Some viewers claimed her voice had changed, while others insisted she remained a “legend” who owed no explanations. Fans rallied to defend her, emphasizing that her tone was intact and only the musical keys had been adjusted to accommodate her condition.

Céline Dion Returns To Stage In Paris After Six-Year Hiatus

Céline Dion Returns To Stage In Paris After Six-Year Hiatus

Céline Dion Returns To Stage In Paris After Six-Year Hiatus

Céline Dion has triumphantly returned to the stage in Paris after six years, opening her highly anticipated residency at Plénitude Arena on September 12, 2026, before a sold-out crowd of 35,000 fans. Her comeback marks a powerful victory over stiff-person syndrome, the rare neurological condition that had cast doubt on her future as a live performer.

A Historic Comeback

After announcing her diagnosis in 2022, Dion faced years of uncertainty, canceling tours and stepping away from the spotlight. Her return in Paris is not just another concert series, it is a testament to resilience. Fans who once feared they might never see her perform again were treated to an emotional evening that blended her French and English repertoires. Dion opened with “On ne change pas”, visibly moved, before delivering classics like “My Heart Will Go On,” “Because You Loved Me,” and “Pour que tu m’aimes encore.”

The Venue and Audience

The residency is staged at Plénitude Arena, formerly Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest indoor venue. Originally planned for 10 shows, overwhelming demand expanded the run to 16 performances through October 2026, with additional dates scheduled for May 2027. The opening night drew not only devoted fans but also high-profile attendees, including former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and French dignitaries.

Preparation and Determination

Dion’s comeback was the result of months of rigorous preparation. She underwent Pilates, ballet, physiotherapy, and voice therapy to rebuild her strength and vocal stamina. Despite the incurable nature of stiff-person syndrome, she demonstrated remarkable control and artistry, proving she could still command the stage with her legendary voice.

Solar Power and the Future of Nigerian Universities

File Photo: Dr Tunji Alausa, Nigeria's Minister of Education

The Federal Government of Nigeria has underscored the transformative role of solar energy in reducing the crippling energy costs faced by universities. According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the deployment of off-grid solar solutions under the Energising Education Programme is not only cutting expenses but also reshaping the academic environment by ensuring reliable electricity supply.

For decades, Nigerian universities have struggled with unsustainable utility bills and frequent national grid failures, which disrupted research, teaching, and even basic campus life. Laboratories losing power mid-experiment and hospitals relying on noisy diesel generators were emblematic of a broken system.

Alausa emphasized that taking campuses off the national grid entirely, through dedicated solar mini-grids, is essential to building a modern university system where students can study at night and research can proceed uninterrupted.

The financial relief is equally significant. Universities previously spent hundreds of millions of naira monthly on electricity tariffs, diverting funds that could have expanded faculties or purchased equipment. 

By adopting clean, captive solar energy, institutions are now able to redirect resources toward academic growth and innovation.

7 Things You Should Check Before Buying Land in Lagos

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It captures the essence of land purchase in Lagos, showing a prospective buyer with key documents, a “Land for Sale” sign, professionals verifying details, and the urban Lagos backdrop.

7 Things You Should Check Before Buying Land in Lagos

Ownership and Title Documents

The first and most important step is to confirm that the seller legally owns the land. Essential documents include:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – issued by the Lagos State Government, proving ownership.
• Governor’s Consent – required if the land has changed hands since the C of O was issued.
• Deed of Assignment – transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer.
• Survey Plan – defines the land’s boundaries and size.
• Excision and Gazette – confirm that government-owned land has been released for private purchase. Always demand original or certified copies and have a lawyer verify them at the Lands Registry.

Search at the Lands Registry

Conduct an official search to uncover encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, or court judgments. This ensures the land is not tied up in disputes or multiple ownership claims. In Lagos, searches can be done online or at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

Zoning and Land Use

Lagos zoning laws dictate whether land can be used for residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial purposes. Confirm that the land’s zoning aligns with your intended use to avoid future conflicts with planning authorities.

Government Acquisition Status

Many lands in Lagos are under government acquisition for future projects like roads or bridges. Even if the land looks perfect, it may be unbuildable. A charting search at the Surveyor-General’s office will confirm whether the plot is free from acquisition.

Seller’s Identity and Authority

Demand valid government-issued identification from the seller. For family or customary land, ensure written consent from all principal family members. Avoid transactions where the seller cannot produce original documents or insists on using their own lawyer.

Emerging Property Hotspots in Lagos: Lekki, Ajah, and Eko Atlantic

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Representing Emerging Property Hotspots in Lagos: Lekki, Ajah, and Eko Atlantic

Emerging Property Hotspots in Lagos: Lekki, Ajah, and Eko Atlantic

Lagos continues to evolve as Nigeria’s most dynamic real estate frontier, and within its sprawling urban landscape, three districts, Lekki, Ajah, and Eko Atlantic have emerged as the epicenters of property investment and development.

Each of these areas tells a story of transformation, ambition, and opportunity, reflecting the city’s relentless march toward modernity.

Lekki stands today as the crown jewel of Lagos real estate. Once a quiet coastal stretch, it has transformed into a bustling urban corridor that attracts investors, developers, and residents seeking a blend of luxury and convenience.

The district’s appeal lies in its dual identity, a residential haven and a commercial powerhouse. From gated estates and waterfront apartments to shopping malls and tech hubs, Lekki offers a lifestyle that merges comfort with connectivity. 

The ongoing expansion of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the presence of the Dangote Refinery have further elevated its profile, turning it into a magnet for both local and foreign investors.

Land appreciation in Lekki remains among the highest in Lagos, making it a prime choice for those seeking long-term returns.

Why Lagos Remains an Important Property Investment Destination

Symbolic Photo, captures Lagos' modern skyline along the waterfront, with high-rise towers, yachts, and the iconic cable-stayed bridge - all glowing under golden-hour light.

Why Lagos Remains an Important Property Investment Destination

Lagos stands as Nigeria’s beating economic heart, a city that never sleeps, never stops expanding, and never ceases to attract investors from every corner of the world. Its property market is not just a reflection of urban growth; it is a mirror of ambition, resilience, and opportunity.

The reasons Lagos continues to dominate the real estate conversation are deeply rooted in its geography, economy, and evolving lifestyle trends.

At the foundation lies strategic location. Lagos is Nigeria’s gateway to the world, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and serving as the country’s principal port city. This coastal advantage has made it a magnet for commerce, logistics, and international trade.

Investors see land in Lagos not merely as property but as proximity to power, influence, and connectivity. From Victoria Island to Lekki and Ajah, every square meter carries the promise of accessibility and prestige.

The economic dynamism of Lagos is unmatched. It contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and hosts the headquarters of major corporations, banks, and tech startups. This economic concentration fuels demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Professionals migrating to Lagos for work create a constant need for housing, while businesses seek office spaces that match their global aspirations.

Marketers Wanted - Sunrise Africa Properties (SAP), Abuja

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Vacancy Announcement

Marketers Wanted - Sunrise Africa Properties (SAP), Abuja

SEB MEDIA, the Strategic Engagement Bureau for Social Entertainment and Broadcasting, in partnership with Sunrise Africa Properties (SAP), a leading real estate and investment firm, invites dynamic and result-driven individuals to join its marketing team in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

🌟 Position: Real Estate Marketer (Male & Female)

Location: Abuja, FCT Age Bracket: 18–55 years Employment Type: Full-time / Commission-based

Job Description

Successful candidates will represent SAP in promoting its estate lands and investment packages across Abuja and beyond. You will engage clients, close property deals, and contribute to SAP’s vision of making real estate investment accessible and profitable for all.

SEB MEDIA Proudly Associates With SAP

A logo combo of SEB MEDIA and SAP

Press Release

SEB MEDIA Proudly Associates With SAP

Lagos, Nigeria - September 3, 2026 |||SEB MEDIA, the Strategic Engagement Bureau for Social Entertainment and Broadcasting, is proud to announce its official association with Sunrise Africa Properties (SAP), a leading real estate firm renowned for its prime estate land offerings and investment opportunities across Nigeria.

In its capacity as Lead Consultant and SAP Agency Manager (Abuja Zone), SEB MEDIA will leverage its flagship platform, SEB MEDIA BLOG, to unveil SAP’s premium real estate and investment services over the next 90 days and beyond.

This strategic rollout is designed to reach SEB MEDIA’s global audience while placing particular emphasis on residents of the Lekki–Ajah axis of Lagos State, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing property corridors.

FCTA BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO AIRPORT ROAD, LOKOGOMA FLOODING INCIDENT

FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike addressing journalists during a Media Chat with journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, September 2, 2026

FCTA PRESS RELEASE 

FCTA BEGINS INVESTIGATION INTO AIRPORT ROAD, LOKOGOMA FLOODING INCIDENT

…AS MINISTER VOWS STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF ABUJA MASTERPLAN

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially launched an investigation into the recent severe flooding along the Airport Road axis and Lokogoma District to determine the root causes and implement lasting solutions.

Speaking during a media chat on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed that a high-level task force led by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Director of Development Control was immediately dispatched to conduct on-the-ground assessments across affected communities, including Lugbe and Lokogoma.

"When I heard of the incident, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA and the Director, Development Control had to go to the place, not only at the airport road but also in Lokogoma," the Minister stated. "The one that is man-made, we can solve the problem; the one that is natural, there is nothing we can do—it becomes a natural disaster. So, it’s something that we have to investigate”.

While acknowledging that recent torrential downpour in the nation’s capital has reached unprecedented levels, the Minister stressed that preliminary findings point to long-standing violations of the FCT masterplan, where structures have been erected across natural waterways and designated road corridors without valid approvals.

He vowed that the administration will take all necessary steps to correct abuse of the Abuja masterplan along the airport road axis and will not hesitate to bring down any structure found found along waterways.

According to him, "From our studies, Lugbe has always been violating the Abuja masterplan... All over the years, you see people building without approval and blocking where is supposed to be a roadway. As an administration, we are not taking it lightly”.

Beyond structural enforcement, the Minister disclosed that the FCTA is also taking stern administrative action against officials within the administration who facilitate illegal encroachments into green areas and water ways. 

He revealed that a government Director was recently suspended under civil service rules for issuing unauthorized "temporary approvals" to commercial operators on designated green zones, while another official faced disciplinary sanctions for illegally reallocating park lands under the guise of

security clearing. 

On allegations that some of the structures marked for demolition held prior government approvals, the Minister reiterated that illegal approvals obtained through undue influence would not serve as a shield against enforcement.

Breaking Nigeria’s Poverty Trap

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A visual representation of Nigeria’s job creation story

The fastest way to lift Nigeria and Nigerians out of extreme poverty is through a coordinated, rights-based social protection system that integrates economic empowerment, job creation, and transparent governance, rather than fragmented relief efforts. Current government initiatives like the One Humanitarian-One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) and the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Project (HOPE-SP) aim to unify interventions and move millions from survival to self-reliance by 2030.

Breaking Nigeria’s Poverty Trap

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With 133 million citizens - 63% of the population - classified as multidimensionally poor, the urgency of escaping extreme poverty cannot be overstated. The challenge is not the absence of interventions but the lack of coherence, accountability, and scale in their implementation. To break free from this cycle, Nigeria must embrace a paradigm shift: from managing poverty to architecting prosperity.

The Current Landscape

Government-led programmes have proliferated in recent years. The National Social Investment Programme and the National Social Safety Nets Project created a technical backbone, including a National Social Register covering over 70 million individuals. Yet, corruption scandals, underfunding, and institutional overlap have undermined their impact. The suspension of the National Social Investment Programme Agency in 2024 over financial misappropriation exemplifies these governance failures.

The New Blueprint

In response, the Federal Government has launched OHOPRS, a unified national architecture designed to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030. Its principles, one system, one register, one pathway, seek to eliminate duplication, enforce digital accountability, and align ministries, states, and development partners. Complementing this is the HOPE-SP initiative, which shifts focus from temporary palliatives to long-term empowerment, ensuring households are not just stabilized but placed on a path to economic independence.

The Fastest Path Forward

The fastest way to end extreme poverty in Nigeria lies in four interconnected strategies:

1.   Social Protection Reform: Move from discretionary, donor-driven projects to a rights-based system with guaranteed entitlements.

Wealth Accumulation in the Passage of Human Life

A symbolic photo to represent the story of life as a passage and the tension between wealth and simplicity

Wealth Accumulation in the Passage of Human Life

If human life is seen as a mere passage - fleeting, transient, and ultimately finite, then the pursuit of excessive wealth becomes questionable. 

Wealth itself isn’t inherently wrong; it can provide comfort, security, and opportunities to help others.

But when accumulation becomes excessive, it risks turning into obsession, detachment from deeper meaning, and neglect of relationships or inner growth.

Philosophers and spiritual traditions often argue that since life is temporary, true fulfillment lies not in material hoarding but in cultivating virtues like wisdom, compassion, and purpose. Excessive wealth can even become a burden, you spend your short passage guarding it, rather than living freely.

On the other hand, some argue that wealth, if used wisely, can amplify one’s ability to leave a positive mark during this passage, funding education, alleviating poverty, or supporting innovation. In that sense, it’s not the accumulation itself that matters, but the use of wealth.

So perhaps the real question isn’t whether man should accumulate wealth, but whether he can do so without losing sight of the fact that life is a passage, and that the value of the journey lies in how it’s lived, not in what’s stored.

But then, let's look at it deeper at this point:

Introduction

If human life is understood as a passage - a transient journey from birth to death - then the pursuit of excessive wealth must be critically examined. The metaphor of life as a passage emphasizes impermanence, reminding us that material possessions cannot accompany us beyond the threshold of mortality.

The Nature of Wealth

Wealth, in itself, is neither inherently virtuous nor corrupt. It provides comfort, security, and the means to support others. Yet, when accumulation becomes excessive, it risks transforming into obsession. The pursuit of riches can overshadow the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and purpose - qualities that endure beyond material possessions.

Ecuador’s Reckoning with Corruption

Ecuador’s Reckoning with Corruption

The sentencing of former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno to five years in prison marks a watershed moment in the nation’s struggle against entrenched corruption.

At 73, Moreno now faces not only incarceration but also a permanent ban from holding public office, a dramatic fall from grace for a leader who once promised transparency and reform.

The case centers on the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, Ecuador’s largest energy project, which began operating in 2016 but was plagued by technical failures. Investigations revealed that Chinese state-owned firm Sinohydro funneled approximately $76.1 million in bribes between 2009 and 2018 through fraudulent consulting contracts.

These funds allegedly traveled through offshore accounts and shell companies before reaching Moreno’s family and associates.

The court’s ruling did not stop at Moreno. His wife, daughter, two brothers, and their spouses were also convicted, each receiving two-and-a-half-year sentences. Cai Runguo, China’s former ambassador to Quito, was handed a five-year sentence, underscoring the international dimensions of the scandal.

Atiku’s Border and Port Promises - A Pledge of Economic Rebalancing

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s Former Vice President, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Atiku’s Border and Port Promises - A Pledge of Economic Rebalancing

Nigeria’s Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has once again placed economic revitalization at the heart of his campaign.

In a recent address shared online, Atiku pledged to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and develop southern ports if elected president, framing these moves as essential to restoring trade, employment, and national security.

Atiku’s critique of the border closures is rooted in their impact on transborder trade. He argued that shutting Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin Republic devastated legitimate businesses, particularly those run by young entrepreneurs who relied on cross-border commerce.

Many of these traders, he noted, had invested millions of naira and employed others, only to be driven into bankruptcy and unemployment when the borders were sealed. 

For Atiku, reopening the borders is not just about trade; it is about restoring livelihoods and reducing insecurity by tackling the economic despair that fuels instability. “All the upcoming young men and women who used to have a capital of 10 million, 20 million, and they were employing two, three other people, and then all of them went bankrupt and unemployed. How can there be security?” he asked. “So I said I am going to reopen the borders and I will,” he added..

Equally significant is his promise to develop ports in the South and South-East. Atiku revealed that he had previously engaged European shipping companies to explore partnerships for port expansion. His vision is to balance the flow of goods across Nigeria, reducing the reliance on Lagos ports and easing the logistical bottlenecks that currently plague the system. 

He illustrated the inefficiency by citing his own experience: transporting containers from Lagos to Yola in Adamawa State can take up to two months, whereas using ports in Calabar, Uyo, or Port Harcourt could cut the journey to just 24 hours.

“So when, if I drop my container in Calabar or in Uyo or in Port Harcourt, it will just take me 24 hours to take the container to Yola.

“But right now, it takes me not less than two months to take my container from Lagos because you have to cross over from South-West, you go to North-East, and then there is even no road,” Atiku said.