Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that democracy must transcend periodic elections to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

Sanwo-Olu stated this on Thursday at the Centenary Lecture and Seminar Series III commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Yoruba Tennis Club, held at Onikan, Lagos.

The lecture had the theme: “Democracy and the Imperative of Good Governance: Renewing Hope in Challenging Times.

According to the governor, the true test of good governance lies in the ability of governments to translate public trust into measurable progress and renewed hope.

He called on leaders in the country and institutions to prioritise service, strengthen democratic structures and ensure that the dividends of governance were felt in the everyday lives of the people.

“Citizens do not wake up each morning asking whether democracy exists; they ask whether democracy is working for them.

“Every completed road, functioning school, job created and improved public service should strengthen citizens’ confidence in government and reinforce their faith in the democratic process,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration had continued to pursue this philosophy through its THEMES+ Development Agenda.

The agenda, he said, focused on transportation and urban mobility, healthcare, education, security, digital innovation and creating an investment-friendly environment.

According to him, hope cannot be sustained by speeches alone but must be reinforced by visible progress and governments keeping its promises.

Highlighting global challenges such as economic uncertainty, technological disruption, climate pressures and security concerns, the governor called for stronger collaboration among governments, private institutions and civil society.

Sanwo-Olu stated that no government or institution could build a prosperous and stable nation alone.

While congratulating the Yoruba Tennis Club on its centenary, the governor urged members to continue to nurture enlightened leadership, promote constructive dialogue and inspire future generations.

“Nigeria needs more institutions that build bridges rather than barriers, more conversations that unite rather than divide, and more leadership that inspires confidence rather than fear.

“Ultimately, the future of our democracy will be shaped not only by those who occupy public office, but by the quality of our institutions, the strength of our values and the willingness of every citizen to play a positive role in nation-building,” he said.

In his lecture, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said the true measure of democracy lies not in the conduct of elections but in the quality of governance they produce.

Eno noted that democracies globally face mounting challenges, including economic pressures, insecurity, climate change, youth unemployment and declining public trust, but said such periods also present opportunities for renewal.

“Democracy must deliver tangible benefits to citizens through quality healthcare, education, and infrastructure and improved living standards; elections confer legitimacy, governance justifies it,” he said.

The Akwa-Ibom governor identified accountability, transparency, citizen participation, rule of law and equity as key pillars of good governance, stressing that governments must remain answerable to the people.

According to him, inclusive governance, fair resource distribution and adherence to the rule of law are essential to rebuilding public trust and ensuring meaningful development.

The Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawumi Gasper, described the club as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous social club with a legacy of fostering friendships, civic values and intellectual engagement.

Gasper urged participants to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, celebrate past leaders and renew their commitment to good governance, institutional excellence and sustainable development.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun state, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji popularly called AMBO, has described the recent public outcry of Governor Ademola Adeleke as sign of imminent defeat in the upcoming polls.

Oyebamiji admonished the Governor to refrain from any inflammatory comment and action capable of desecrating constituted authorities particularly the number one citizen of Nigeria – His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He condemned in its entirety, unguarded utterances, directed at the eminent personalities in the APC, saying on no account would the party tolerate any form of irreverent and denigrating comment against the party leaders and its members.

AMBO made the statements while fielding questions from journalists during a campaign.

Oyebamiji who described the Governor’s comment as reckless and unbecoming, noting that his action was a clear indication of palpable failure.

“Well, I feel sorry for the Governor because he knows that he is losing already and I want to advise him to start packing his luggage as soon as possible and it is obvious that he is jittery.

“Let me tell you, we have visited 27 Local Government Areas and people came out en masse to support us and tell us that they are yearning for a new Governor and a party that rules the nation – the APC and its candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

“I am not surprised by the outburst because he knows he is losing already and there is no way for him, and you can see how he was talking.

“So, automatically, come August 15th, 2026, APC is winning the election and I, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji AMBO will become the governor-elect.

“I appreciate our people. You can see that our going around has been very wonderful and I want to advise them to go to polling units peacefully because we want this election to be free, fair and credible. We have the people and they are for us. We are confident of victory “, he added.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and key stakeholders as part of efforts to address the country’s security, economic and governance challenges.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said sustained dialogue with religious groups, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens remained critical to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.

In a statement personally signed by him following recent engagements between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Akume said the administration would continue broad consultations on issues affecting the country, while maintaining an open-door policy anchored on accountability and evidence-based governance.

He also dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration was pursuing a one-party state, insisting that the government remained committed to constitutional democracy, political pluralism and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akume said discussions between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops were candid and constructive, covering concerns about security, economic hardship, education, healthcare, electoral credibility, public services, political pluralism and religious freedom. He noted that both parties also acknowledged achievements of the administration, including the student loan scheme and the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers by security agencies.

While acknowledging the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, the SGF described the hardship as temporary, saying ongoing reforms were aimed at correcting structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability and attracting investment. He cited infrastructure projects, food security initiatives, improvements in electricity supply, healthcare upgrades and regional development commissions as evidence of the government’s commitment to long-term growth.

According to Akume, official economic indicators showed improving foreign exchange stability, moderating inflation and increasing investor confidence, adding that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on lowering the cost of living, creating jobs and expanding access to quality public services.

He highlighted programmes such as the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), support for business start-ups and Conditional Cash Transfers as measures designed to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reached ordinary Nigerians.

On security, Akume acknowledged that protecting lives remained the government’s foremost responsibility, noting that new Army divisions had been established in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states to strengthen operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He also pointed to reforms in intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare, as well as the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, as part of efforts to improve national security.

The SGF reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to democracy, saying Nigeria’s political system guaranteed genuine multi-party competition, lawful opposition and credible elections. He cited the registration of 21 political parties by INEC as evidence of political pluralism and reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to respect the commission’s legal independence.

Akume also praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and peacebuilding, describing it as a vital development partner. He stressed that while the government and the Church might differ on some policy issues, both shared the common objective of ensuring peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to welcome constructive advice from respected national institutions, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations would contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous nation.