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Nigerians React to Reps 31 New States’ Proposal▪︎It’s Ridiculous- Afenifere, ACF
Turning every local government into a state is not the solution to Nigeria’s governance challenges.
The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee’s proposed creation of 31 additional states besides the country’s 36 existing states has sparked widespread reactions from prominent Nigerians and groups across the country.
The proposal was contained in a letter to the House of Representatives read during Thursday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
However, the proposal was rejected by the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, and its northern counterpart, the Arewa Consultative Forum, which described it as ridiculous.
Reacting, the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, said: “Instead of addressing the core structural issues plaguing Nigeria, this initiative appears to be a mere political exercise that will further weaken governance and deepen economic inefficiencies.’’
Omololu noted, “The creation of more states without a viable economic foundation will only compound the financial burden on the nation, as many existing states are already struggling to generate sufficient Internally Generated Revenue and rely heavily on federal allocations to survive.
‘’Turning every local government into a state is not the solution to Nigeria’s governance challenges.
The real issue is not the number of states but the dysfunctional federal structure that has concentrated power at the centre, stifling regional development.’
’ Instead of proliferating states that may later be unviable, Afenifere urged the National Assembly to focus on constitutional reforms that would devolve power, return resource control to the regions, and grant states the autonomy to develop at their own pace.
On its part, the Arewa Consultative Forum similarly expressed strong opposition to the proposed creation of 31 new states, describing the idea as unnecessary.
The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, stated that the forum was not in support of the proposed creation of new states, citing the country’s complexity and the potential for creating more problems.
According to him, the more states created, the more demands that will emerge, leading to more acrimonies.
He questioned the economic viability of the existing 36 states, highlighting the administrative burdens and overhead costs associated with governorship and civil service.
The ACF spokesperson, emphasised that creating new states would be too expensive and unnecessary, and would only provide opportunities for the elite to assume leadership positions without necessarily improving the economic viability of the states.
He said, “We have not seen the details of the proposed states, but it’s ridiculous. How long are we going to be creating states and creating problems in this country?
“How many of the 36 states are viable economically? How many of the states can carry the administrative burdens of governorship and all it takes – the civil service and the amount of expenditure on overhead?
News
LASEMA rescues 12, 3 dead bodies at Ajuwon building collapse
Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, disclosed this while giving an update at the scene of the incident…
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said Tuesday twelve persons have been rescued alive, while three bodies have been recovered while search and rescue operations are ongoing at the collapsed building in Ajuwon, a border community between Ogun and Lagos State.
Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, disclosed this while giving an update at the scene of the incident, said that following the approval of Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, LASEMA deployed its specialised rescue team and heavy equipment to support the Ogun State Government and other responding agencies.
” Working alongside officials of the Ogun State Government, NEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and other stakeholders, 12 persons were rescued from the rubble and three bodies have been recovered,” he said.
According to him, the operation is now at ground zero, with responders excavating below the foundation level to ensure no victim remains trapped before the operation is concluded.
An adjoining bungalow, compromised by the collapse, will also be carefully demolished to eliminate the risk of a secondary collapse.
LASEMA commends the collaboration among all responding agencies and extends its condolences to the families of the deceased while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The Agency also urges property owners and developers to comply with building regulations and carry out periodic structural integrity assessments to prevent similar incidents.
News
Billionaire Dangote to donate one-third of wealth to philanthropy,says daughter
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote’s net worth is estimated at $35.1 billion, meaning one-third of his current fortune would amount to about $11.7 billion if maintained at that level.
[File photo): Aliko Dangote and his daughters
Halima Dangote, the daughter of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed plans by her father to donate one-third of his wealth to charity.
Halima, a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disclosed the arrangement in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday.
According to her, the billionaire had secured his family’s support to dedicate 33 percent of his estate to philanthropy.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote’s net worth is estimated at $35.1 billion, meaning one-third of his current fortune would amount to about $11.7 billion if maintained at that level.
Explaining the decision, Halima said her father considers philanthropy central to his legacy and has embedded it into the family’s long-term succession plans.
News
BREAKING: Two-Storey Building Collapses in Ajuwon, Residents Feared Trapped
A two-storey residential building has collapsed along Baale Road (also referred to as Baale Street) near Ajuwon Bus Stop in Ajuwon/Akute, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Monday, 27 July 2026, leaving several occupants feared trapped under the rubble.
The incident, which occurred in the Lagos-Ogun border community, triggered panic among residents and passers-by as the structure gave way unexpectedly. Crowds quickly gathered at the scene while waiting for emergency responders. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes of people attempting to dig through the debris by hand.
According to one eyewitness identified as Anthony, only a single male occupant managed to escape before the building became completely inaccessible. The survivor reportedly told those at the scene that his wife and children remained trapped inside.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least three people — including a grandmother, her toddler grandchild, and another man — have been rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital. Several others are still feared trapped. The exact number of people affected, including any injuries or fatalities, has not been officially confirmed by authorities at the time of reporting.
The Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo, has arrived at the scene and is coordinating with residents and responders. Rescue operations involving locals and emergency personnel are ongoing.
Urgent Appeal
An urgent call has gone out to the Ogun State Government, Ogun State Emergency Management Agency, relevant state fire and rescue services, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and all other emergency responders to immediately mobilise fully equipped teams to the location to rescue those still trapped beneath the debris.
Further updates will follow as official information becomes available. Residents in the area are advised to stay clear of the site to allow unhindered access for rescue teams.
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