Reactionary statements in the past few weeks on the possible harm of taking Fanta and Sprite due to levels of benzoic acid, a preservative found in many food, beverage and pharmaceutical products, may just be more of a case of an outpouring of emotions rather than a critical interrogation of the facts of the matter.

The first of more than 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls to be rescued from Boko Haram after two years in captivity in northeast Nigeria said on Tuesday that she just wants to go home.

During their time in captivity the girls were encouraged to convert to Islam and to marry their kidnappers, with some whipped for not doing so, but Goni said otherwise they were treated well and fed well until supplies ran short.

Although there is no way we the parents can blame the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the inability to rescue our missing daughters, because the incident took place when this government was not in place, the fact remains that government is a continuous process

The preparation you referred to is actually for the last 50 days of the year-long celebration. Don’t forget that the celebration started on May 27, 2016, three months after the 10-man Planning Committee to drive it was inaugurated by the Governor. Since that time, we have had a measured, consistent and effective anniversary programme. Several colloquiums have been held under the direction of the Planning Committee Chairman, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as an intellectual voyage into different areas of life, culture, history, governance and business that make Lagos an exceptional state.