https://www.notesbylawal.com/blog/

Notes By Lawal, Dartford (2025)

16/11/2025

Kiki Mordi:
Nkiru “Kiki” Mordi (born 12 August 1991) is a Nigerian investigative journalist, radio presenter, filmmaker, and activist whose work has resonated across the African continent. Growing up in Port Harcourt, she dropped out of university after being sexually harassed by a lecturer — an experience that profoundly shaped her career.

Kiki’s most celebrated work is the BBC Africa Eye documentary S*x for Grades, released in 2019. Over nine months, she went undercover to expose sexual harassment by lecturers at Nigerian and Ghanaian universities. The impact was monumental: implicated lecturers were suspended, and her documentary sparked widespread public debate and demands for systemic reform.

In addition to her journalism, Mordi is a powerful advocate for gender equality. She founded the movement, which works to preserve and share the stories of African women. Her documentary Life at the Bay, which spotlights the lives of women in Tarkwa Bay, Lagos, also reflects her commitment to feminist storytelling.

Her courage and investigative skill have earned her multiple awards, including the People Journalism Prize for Africa in 2019. In 2020 she won the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling for her “S*x for Grades” investigation. Through her work, Kiki Mordi continues to challenge entrenched power structures, amplifying the voices of survivors and pushing for real social change.

16/11/2025

Adeola Yayi
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as Yayi, is a distinguished Nigerian politician and accountant born on 10 August 1969. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Accounting from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Yayi’s professional journey began in the private sector, spending twelve years at The Guardian newspaper before becoming a senior auditor at Olatunji Omoyeni & Co. He later founded his own tax consultancy firm, SOOTEM Nigeria Ltd.

He entered politics in 2003 as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, where he contributed to landmark reforms — notably helping to strengthen the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, leading to a dramatic rise in monthly state revenue. In 2011, he moved to the national stage as a member of the House of Representatives, serving as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

In 2015, Adeola was elected as Senator for Lagos West, a position he held until 2023. He then became Senator for Ogun West, and was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Throughout his legislative career, Yayi has been praised for his financial expertise, integrity, and commitment to his constituents. He has overseen a wide range of developmental projects, including infrastructure, education, and empowerment programs. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

15/11/2025

Bisi Ilaka:
Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka, widely known as Bisi Ilaka, is a Nigerian lawyer, taxation expert, politician, and prominent figure from Oyo State. Born on 21 December 1961, he has built a reputation as a technocrat and influential public servant. His academic background includes studies at Obafemi Awolowo University before earning an LLB (Hons) from the University of London. He also attended the College of Law in London and is affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of England and Wales, in addition to being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurance.

Ilaka is recognized for his work as a legal and taxation consultant and his service as a board member of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) between 2008 and 2015, where he reportedly chaired key committees on audit and debt recovery. He has also invested in community development through initiatives such as ANFANI 4 ALL, aimed at poverty alleviation.

A member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ilaka served as Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde beginning in May 2019. He has contested for the Oyo Central Senatorial District seat, securing the PDP primary ticket in 2022.

Despite facing legal challenges, including a 2018 murder charge, he was discharged and acquitted in 2019. His traditional influence is also notable, holding the title Ladilu of Oyo Kingdom.

Respected for his loyalty to the PDP, Ilaka has publicly refuted rumors of defection, reinforcing his commitment to party ideals. Throughout his career, he has remained a key voice in Oyo politics, celebrated for his service and community contributions.

15/11/2025

Bala Mohammed:
Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed was born on 5 October 1958 in Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. He attended Duguri Primary School (1965–1971) and Government Secondary School, Bauchi (1972–1976). He later studied at the North-East College of Art and Science (1977–1979) before earning a B.A. in English Language from the University of Maiduguri in 1982.

He began his working life as a journalist, working as News Editor at Mirage newspaper and as a reporter for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Later, he joined the civil service where he held several roles: administrative officer in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Principal Administration Officer at the Presidency, Chief Supplies Officer at the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Assistant Director at Power and Steel, and other senior roles in Transport, Aviation, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

In politics, he was elected Senator for Bauchi South in 2007. He served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015. In 2019, he became Governor of Bauchi State, and he was re-elected in 2023. He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Under his governorship, he has emphasised education and infrastructure: for instance, in his first year he reportedly built 270 new classrooms and renovated another 405 across Bauchi State. He is also credited with removing ghost workers from the Bauchi civil service by conducting investigations to validate employment.

15/11/2025

A rare sighting of the blue moon. The Spirit of Africa hasn’t only been spotted, the man is in a sharp suit. The bag must be big in the billion$!

Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector got a massive boost all the way from Paris as CONOIL and TOTAL ENERGIES signed a historic production contract.

At TOTAL ENERGIES’ La Defense headquarters in Paris, the Chairman of CONOIL Producing, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. (CSG) and the Chairman/CEO Total Energies, Mr Patrick Pouyanné signed the dotted lines. (Pictured)

Exciting days ahead for Africa’s largest oil producer. h/t Chief

14/11/2025

A Mobile-Fitted Therapist:

I searched for a basic definition of what a therapist does and I really love the definition I got and it is quoted below:

"A therapist is a trained professional who helps people improve their mental, emotional, and sometimes behavioral well-being. Their main job is to provide a safe, confidential space where individuals can talk about their thoughts, feelings, and challenges."

I went on this search because I have been involved with someone who's mental health is not a good place and we have been in the process of reviewing the option the fellow has. Also in this process I have tried to persuade this fellow to consider committing thing into God's hand. By this I mean accepting Jesus, getting filled with the holyspirit. After that a recovery process can begin with gentle and consistent walk with the Lord but it has been a slow process.

I cared about this fellow and in the process I began to think of what this friend has to gain by coming to Jesus. The pressing need is to have the mental health moved from where it is to where it is supposed to be.

Then I said if one has Jesus and by extension the Holyspirit and these two entities are greatly maximiszed through mentoring or discipleship , my friend can finally have the peace being sort after.

Jesus Christ was referred to as a wonderful counselor, a good shepherd, a redeemer among other things and the Holyspirit is also known for his comforting ability. The holyspirit does this by constantly giving assurance of God's faithfulness by helping us remember things that are helpful for our minds. Does a therapist do more than these?

Then it dawned on me that a believer has a mobile-fitted therapist that is available on the go. What a great advantage. This made made believe that church leaders have great work to do in helping the world heal from diverse meanaces that we have given fancy names to.

Like I said to my friend, I'm also saying to anyone that cares. I requested that Jesus should be given a chance after all several options that money can buy have been tried with no notable progress.

Considering the help Christ isn't meant to be the last hope, it's meant to be the only hope. It's worthy to note that the user of Christ's help must also work at it. First on the to-do list will be to believe. You will be amazed at how many things Jesus and the Holyspirit knows and can help with.

Do you believe?

14/11/2025

Adebayo Faleti:
Adebayo Faleti (1921–2017) was a celebrated Nigerian poet, writer, broadcaster, actor, historian, and cultural icon, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the preservation and promotion of Yoruba language and culture. Born in Oyo Town, Faleti grew up immersed in traditional Yoruba storytelling, poetry, and performance, influences that shaped his life’s work.

Faleti was among the pioneer staff of the first television station in Africa, the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), established in 1959. He played a key role in developing Yoruba-language programming, writing, producing, translating, and performing in numerous radio and television productions. His deep mastery of Yoruba made him a sought-after translator; he notably translated Nigeria’s National Anthem, the National Pledge, and several government documents into Yoruba.

He was also a prolific author and playwright. His works—including Awo Ara, Basọrun Gaa, and Sango—are considered classics in Yoruba literature and have been adapted into films and stage productions. Faleti’s commanding performances in Yoruba historical films such as “Saworoide” and “Thunderbolt: Magun”, both directed by Tunde Kelani, brought him renewed fame in the modern Nigerian film industry.

Faleti pursued education throughout his life, attending the University of Dakar (Senegal) and the University of Ibadan, where he studied French and Yoruba respectively. He received numerous awards for cultural contributions, literature, and broadcasting.

Until his death in 2017, Adebayo Faleti remained a towering figure whose work continues to shape contemporary Yoruba arts, language preservation, and Nigerian cultural identity..

14/11/2025

Dein of Agbor (Keagborekuzi I):

His Royal Majesty Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I is the Dein (traditional king) of the Agbor Kingdom, located in Delta State, Nigeria. He was born on 29 June 1977 in Agbor, and remarkably, he was crowned king in 1979, when he was just about two years old. His early coronation followed the sudden death of his father, Obi Ikenchukwu. In 1980, his reign as the youngest crowned monarch in the world was acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Because he was so young, a regent governed Agbor Kingdom while he lived abroad for about two decades. He returned home in 2001 to take up his duties formally. He attended school in the UK and later earned prestigious appointments — for example, he served as Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.

Beyond his royal role, the Dein is known for modern, development-oriented leadership: he has championed youth empowerment in Agbor, established a learning and development centre, and attempted to raise the global profile of his kingdom. He’s also earned national honors — he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

His regnal name, Keagborekuzi, roughly translates from the local dialect as “What is Agbor saying now?”, reflecting perhaps both his youthful accession and destiny.

14/11/2025

Betta Chimaobim Edu

1. Education & credentials

She earned her first degree in Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) from University of Calabar in 2009.

She holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries and a Master of Science in Public Health (Developing Countries) from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

She also obtained a Doctor of Public Health from Texila American University.

She has several fellowships and certificates in health leadership, management and humanitarian crises from institutions such as the Royal Society for Public Health (UK) and from universities in the US.

2. Early career & public-health roles

She served as Medical Officer and in other health-service roles in Cross River State after her degree.

In 2015, she was appointed as the youngest Special Adviser to the then-Governor of Cross River State, Benedict Ayade, on Community & Primary Healthcare.

In 2020, she became Chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce, and also in August 2020 she was appointed National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.

3. Political leadership & milestones

In March 2022, she became the National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), making her one of the youngest in that role.

In July 2023, she was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a ministerial role and in August 2023 she was sworn in as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Her appointment in August 2023 made her the first female minister from Cross River State and the youngest minister in the Federal Executive Council in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (at the time).

4. Advocacy & focus areas

Throughout her career she has emphasised gender inclusion, women’s empowerment, and healthcare access—especially in underserved communities.

As part of her humanitarian/health-policy work, she has been involved in designing and implementing outreach health programmes, advocating for increased service delivery in rural areas in Cross River State.

5. Controversy and suspension

On 8 January 2024, Betta Edu was suspended from her ministerial role by President Tinubu amid allegations that more than ₦585 million (Nigerian naira) of ministry funds were diverted into a personal bank account.

The matter has been under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Prior to that, while serving as Health Commissioner of Cross River State during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced a vote of no confidence from the Cross River chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over alleged professional misconduct.

14/11/2025

Key Facts About Alimosho, Lagos State

1. Location & Size

Alimosho is a Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos State, on the northwestern side of Lagos.

It includes several communities/neighborhoods such as Alakuko, Alagbado, Ayobo, Egbe, Egbeda, Idimu, Ikotun, Ijegun, Ipaja, and Shasha.

2. Population

According to the 2006 census, the official population was about 1,288,714, though Lagos State government claimed it was over 2 million at that time.

More recent projections suggest Alimosho’s population could be around 4 million (or more), making it one of the most densely populated LGAs.

In terms of households, Alimosho reportedly has over 1.1 million households, the highest among Lagos LGAs.

3. History

Alimosho was established in 1945, back when it was part of the then Western Region of Nigeria.

Over time, due to its large size and population growth, the former single Alimosho LGA was subdivided into six Local Community Development Areas (LCDAs): Agbado/Oke-Odo, Ayobo/Ipaja, Egbe/Idimu, Ikotun/Igando, Mosan Okunola, and the remaining Alimosho.

4. Demographics & Culture

The area’s population is predominantly Yoruba, especially from the Egba and Egbado subgroups.

Religiously, Islam and Christianity are widespread, but traditional Yoruba religion is also present.

Alimosho hosts several cultural festivals, including the Oro, Igunnu, and Egungun festivals, which reflect its strong Yoruba heritage.

5. Economy & Markets

Commercial activity is a big part of Alimosho’s economy. There are major markets like the Ikotun Market, the Igando multi-purpose market, and Akesan Market, which attract a lot of trade.

Many private and public businesses operate in Alimosho — including banks, hotels, and other enterprises.

6. Infrastructure & Transportation

Alimosho has experienced significant urbanization, with many residential estates developing rapidly.

Key roads connect Alimosho to other parts of Lagos, including the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.

Public transport is widely used: danfo buses (yellow minibuses), keke tricycles, taxis, etc., are common.

7. Quality of Life & Challenges

Despite its growth, Alimosho faces some infrastructure challenges: traffic congestion, waste management issues, and uneven development in different parts.

It has been labeled the noisiest LGA in Lagos (in terms of noise pollution), according to Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

8. Culture & Tourism Development

The Lagos State Government has initiated the construction of a cultural village at Ijan, within Alimosho LGA.

The cultural village is planned to include a traditional Oba’s palace, shrines to traditional Yoruba deities (like Ogun, Sango), a museum, research centre, and places for traditional crafts (e.g., adire cloth making).

This initiative aims to preserve Yoruba heritage and also draw tourism.

9. Noise Pollution

As mentioned, Alimosho was reported in 2017-2018 to have the highest noise pollution in Lagos, largely due to a proliferation of event centers, bars, clubs, and lounges.

13/11/2025

Musiliu Obanikoro

Here are some true and interesting facts about Musiliu Obanikoro, a notable figure in Lagos politics:

1. Born in Lagos State, Obanikoro hails from the Ajayi-Bembe line of the Obanikoro family at Idiluwo-Ile in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos.

2. His political career spans grassroots and national roles: he served as Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, as Commissioner for Home Affairs & Culture in Lagos, was elected Senator representing Lagos Central in 2003 (under the Alliance for Democracy party) and later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

3. Obanikoro was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana and later served as Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

4. He has been a key figure in his current party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos: his appointment to the party’s top advisory body, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, was announced in September 2022.

5. Obanikoro has spoken publicly about his family’s origins: he clarified that while he has Bini (Benin) heritage through his paternal greatgrandmother, the Obanikoro family itself are Awori people of Lagos, not from Benin Kingdom as sometimes claimed.

6. In June 2016, his Lagos residences at Ikoyi and near Banana Island were raided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which removed cars, wristwatches and other valuables — a move the former minister described as harassment of his family; the EFCC confirmed it was part of an ongoing investigation.

7. On 28 July 2025 he turned 65, and received congratulations from President Bola Tinubu in recognition of his long service to Lagos State and national development.

Musiliu Obanikoro thus presents a blend of grassroots experience, legislative and diplomatic service, party politics and family-heritage identity – making him one of the longstanding actors in Lagos politics.

13/11/2025

Leicester City’s Remarkable Road to Premier League Glory (2016)

Leicester City’s 2015–2016 Premier League triumph remains one of the greatest sporting fairy tales in history. At the start of the season, bookmakers placed their odds of winning at 5000–1. The club had narrowly avoided relegation the previous year and few expected them to survive another season, let alone conquer English football’s elite.

Under the calm leadership of Italian manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester transformed into a disciplined, counterattacking powerhouse. The team’s success was built on unity, resilience, and belief rather than big spending. Jamie Vardy, once a non-league striker, became the league’s breakout star, scoring in a record 11 consecutive matches. Riyad Mahrez dazzled with creativity and flair, earning the PFA Player of the Year award, while N’Golo Kanté dominated midfield with tireless energy.

Leicester’s defensive partnership of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth, backed by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, provided stability at the back. The team’s fast-paced, direct style exploited opponents’ weaknesses, allowing them to consistently win despite lower possession.

By early 2016, the dream began to feel real as Leicester held their place atop the table week after week. When Tottenham Hotspur drew 2–2 against Chelsea on May 2, 2016, Leicester were confirmed champions with two games to spare.

Their triumph symbolized the power of teamwork, belief, and perseverance over money and reputation. Leicester City’s victory wasn’t just a sporting miracle—it was proof that in football, dreams can truly come true.

Notes By Lawal

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