OCTOBER 1, 2016, Nigeria’s 56th Independence Day, came without much fanfare even if many had looked forward to the one-day holiday it afforded. The question on the lips of many was; what was there to celebrate about this day. Many would often wonder if Nigeria’s Independence Day is worth rolling out the drums for.

AS an “Africa booster” myself, or someone who passionately believes in Africa, even when faced with the most ridiculous decisions taken by our leaders or some of the most depressing news, I am one of those who see the current recession as a blessing in disguise, an opportunity to fix the socio-economic issues which have been plaguing us for years.

The global consensus surrounding liveable cities and overall quality of life brought about the “Smart City” concept. From New Delhi to Copenhagen, New York to Cape Town, cities all around the world are focused on local development and place based strategies as a way to kick-off national well-being and economic development.

ON behalf of all users of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, I am calling on the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to immediately get German Construction company Julius Berger to stop the wickedness in high places that has been going on for months now on that major road.

WE travelled from Lagos to Onitsha by road. We thought we would get a better feel of Nigeria. Living in Lagos, we had seen the tremendous progress Lagos had made: Ogudu, Ogba, Egbe, Ikorodu, Festac, testify to the vibrancy of Lagos. On the way to Badagry nearly every acre is built up. On the way to Ikorodu the experience is the same, travelling to Ibadan from Lagos there is hardly any piece of unbuilt land between Lagos and Sagamu; the same is true on the Otta axis. But it is in Banana Island, Park View, Lekki that the development is even more outstanding.